Yes, You CAN Live on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago

Did you think you’d have to pay $1,000,000 to live on Chicago’s famed Lake Shore Drive? Try this out and tell me what you think. I have a listing for the luxury buyer who knows the value of location and quality design. The building is magnificently located on the corner of the ultrachic Oak Street and beautiful Lake Shore Drive. Just across the street from the tip of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile where everything fine is at your fingertips. 1000 N Lake Shore Plaza is the address. The building, built in 1964 was once the tallest residential building in the city. Now, some of the units are dated and in need of renovation. The building itself is in fabulous condition. That is way this unit is such a tremendous value! The sellers completely redesigned their home from its original 1964 condition. It is understated and elegant. From the cherry hardwood floors in the living/dining/den area to the top-of-the-line appliances in the gourmet kitchen, every detail is a delight! No, this unit does not face the lake. You get a peak of the lake from the kitchen and dining room. However, to get a unit in this location facing the lake that has all new windows, interior doors, flooring, appliances, luxury baths, custom closets, surround sound system, brand new washer/dryer, balcony, and so much more, you would absolutely have to pay at least $1Mil! This unit is listed for sale at $875,000. A great price! AND you are still right on Lake Shore Drive!

Situated on the 31st floor the home has 2100 sq. ft. of perfect space. There are two large bedrooms, 2 ½ baths plus a lovely library/den with built-ins that are perfect for your entertainment center and books. From the window of the kitchen you can enjoy your morning coffee and the view right down Michigan Avenue. From your master bedroom suite you can be in awe of the sunset every night. My sellers love to take photographs of them because they are just so gorgeous.

The amenities in the building are unbelievable. A recently redesigned exercise room offers all of the latest equipment. And that is not all! There is an indoor swimming pool, sundeck, party room and dry cleaners in the building. The parking is valet and each resident is allowed 2 cars. The highly professional staff in this building makes life so easy. The front door staff will help you with anything from getting a cab to bringing your groceries up to your unit. I can’t rave enough about this building!
Get more information about this Gold Coast/Lake Shore Drive condo by contacting me at 312-264-5878 or www.rubloff.com/randee_simborg. Or shoot me an email at rsimborg@rubloff.com. I love showing this listing!

Post Holiday Smiles in Chicago

When I woke up this morning the first thing I said to my husband was, I can't believe the holidays area already over! Wow! That went by so fast! We had our quieter than usual New Year celebrations that were the best ever. We gathered with close friends and toasted the end of 2008 with relish! Not a year we were sad to see go! We are putting on our best optimistic faces for this new year. Our world is more aware than ever of global stresses, so this will be a year where we will see hands stretch out to work together. Our new president will take office and will bring with him much needed changes. The auto industry will be forced to become more in tune with out current ecological and economic needs. Retool! America must get it's act together, hold our heads up and rebuild. It's time to look into our own lives and see what we can do to improve our lives and those around us.

The city of Chicago encourages green living by requiring residential buildings to participate in recycling programs. We have a green roof initiative here. We have a smoking ban in all restaurants, pubs and public buildings. Like many other eco-friendly cities, Chicago also has a recycling program for Christmas trees. You may be over the holidays, but that tree still needs to come down. You don't want to be one of those people that still have the tree up on Valentine's Day!

Alderman Reilly of the 42nd Ward, which covers the Gold Coast, Streeterville, River North, Old Town and some of the Loop and South Loop neighborhoods has this information to share with us.

Christmas Tree Recycling Program

Please do not throw your Christmas trees into landfills--- recycle them instead! The Department of Streets and Sanitation will be recycling trees at many locations throughout Chicago, including the following near the 42nd Ward:
Grant Park, 900 South Columbus Drive
Lincoln Park, Cannon Drive at Fullerton (parking lot east of Cannon Drive)

These drop-off tree recycling centers will be open from Saturday, January 3 through Friday, January 16. Trees will be chipped and turned into mulch to be used in City and residential landscaping projects-- free bagged mulch will be available to residents to pick up beginning Friday, January 9th.

Please also remember to recycle your used gift wrap and boxes! For more information about recycling in Chicago, please visit www.chicagorecycles.org, the Chicago Department of Environment website.

We may have a below zero degree day or three, but we love our city! As we all know, it takes an entire village to raise a child. It takes this grand city and all of our citizens to keep Chicago as beautiful and progressive as it is. Just don't google "Blogojevich!"

Happy new year everyone!