A TOUCH OF GREEN ALL WINTER LONG November 3, 2009

November 3, 2009 by lincolnpark2520

Friends and future homeowners at 2520 North Lakeview know that even beyond the elegance of the building and its impeccable style in architecture and interiors, Lincoln Park 2520 sits on what is inarguably the most beautiful site in the city of Chicago. And it’s difficult to beat the convenience and sheer volume of shopping and restaurant offerings just moments outside your door. Spring and summer in Lincoln Park bring not only joggers and dog-walkers (although most Chicagoans are used to maintaining their stride even in the most torrential of winter weather), but also rare shopping opportunities for the gourmet at heart.
All summer long we have been happily spoiled by Chicago’s famous Green City Market, perfectly located just steps away from Lincoln Park 2520 on the south end of Lincoln Park  between Clark and Stockton. The only year-round farmer’s market in Chicago, the Green City Market promotes local, sustainable farmers, producers of food, and chefs through both an open air market and a series of educational events. The market has now moved inside for the remainder of 2009 until the Spring, so there is no need to go without a regular shopping visit for organic and locally grown food. The Green City Market can still be found at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, also our close neighbor at 2430 North Cannon Drive.

Meanwhile, have a taste for gourmet organic food but don’t want to make a mess in your kitchen? Lincoln Park has the answer for you in Sprout, a new-for-2009 restaurant, located at 1417 West Fullerton.  Sprout is a French-inspired organic restaurant, with high-end offerings of everything from freshly baked organic bread to meats, cheese and vegetables, and a fully organic wine and bar list. A truly decadent evening can be had with all the confidence that you’ve eaten the very best you can. With classic European fare, Sprout is just one of a plethora of restaurants surrounding Lincoln Park 2520, but definitely one you probably shouldn’t miss!!!
Reservations at Sprout can be made at  773-348-0706.

Earth Day – Part One April 22, 2008

Tomorrow is Earth Day.  

Ways to observe Earth Day in and around Chicago:

1. Become active in, donate to and become aware of Chicago Wilderness.  Chicago Wilderness is a regional nature reserve that includes more than 225,000 acres of protected natural lands. This network of wild spaces contains globally significant natural communities. 
2. Celebrate Earth Day with the City of Chicago on Tuesday, April 22 from 10am-3pm on Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington) and learn how you can make little changes in your daily activities that help the environment. Enjoy demonstrations and exhibits that are earth friendly! Free Visit the City of Chicago Earth Day 2008 Webpage for more information.
3. Walk.  Ditch the cars keys and take an afternoon and explore your own wonderful Chicago neighborhood! 
4. When asked: “Paper or Plastic?’ reply “Neither!” and provide your own tote!  You can get them everywhere these days.  For motivation, read this great article found on the Sierra Club web site.
5. If you are at the market and your tote is at home be informed about your answer.  Click here to read an eye opening National Geographic Magazine article about plastic grocery bags the the effect on our environment! 

Tomorrow: Green buildings.  What are they and how do they work?

Today’s fun thing in Chicago:

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum!  If you can’t visit the Museum, visit the web site!  There is a great page on making your roof “green!”

The Cubs are in town this weekend! April 17, 2008

Surviving my first week blogging has been much more than survival…it has been fun.  I have had great feedback and comments regarding content, information and format. Thanks to all whom have contributed such wonderful suggestions!

No real estate today (well, not much….) Today:

The Cubbies!

Anyone living or visiting Lakeview on the north side of Chicago during the spring and summer, MUST keep an eye out for the baseball schedule.  The Cubs are in town playing Pittsburgh.  Watch for a 12:05 game on Saturday and a 1:20 game on Sunday.  Some eschew the Wrigley Field area during Cubs games.  Not me.  I get such a rush from the excitement of the crowd, the teeming energy on the street, the vendors hawking their goods.  There is no other place like it!  Raised as a Braves fan and still able to recit the line up when I went to my first MLB game, I now find myself addicted to the Cubs and joyfully join the chorus singing the oft heard refrain “Next year is here!”  

Real estate must enter somehow, so as a note:

I have a gorgeous listing in Wrigleyville.  Truly a special condo, it is on a quiet block just a few blocks from the Lakefront, the El and great restaurants.  Have a peek, make an appointment! 3714 N. Fremont, #2

Happy Passover to everyone – especially Charlotte and her wonderful family!

An Appraiser Viewpoint and….Gardening!? April 16, 2008

One of the best websites I have seen for a “differing” approach to gauging the market conditions is WagnerAppraisal .  This site is maintained by one of the leading appraisal companies in the Chicago area.  In business for more than 3 generations, it is a well spring of information and worth navagating.  The article that peeked my interest this month deals with the housing statistics for Chicago and the number months it would take to go through the inventory in differing price points. (Page 28 has the statistics regarding Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast.)  The accompanying newsletter also provides a wealth of information. 

When thinking of selling or purchasing in Chicago, it is important to know the market from differing viewpoints and a good Realtor and seasoned veteran of the Chicago market can serve as your source. I always want my clients to have more and more information. This approach of educating my buyers and sellers has proven to gives my clients the confidence to rely on my expertise at the end of the day.

Not all of life revolves around real estate and to that end, I will try to include sites for fun and entertainment in my daily blogs.  For those longing to get started with your garden and feel the cool silk of a great planting mix,  a wonderful site to inspire you is the Chicago Botanic Garden website.