5050 East End Avenue, Kenwood, Chicago, Illinois 60615

Description

The story is that Mies van der Rohe designed the Chippewa Co-op building which is perched beside Harold Washington Park and overlooking Lake Michigan. The developer of the building (who paid all of the bills) decided that he didn't really need the huge wide open space of a lobby that Mies designed, since he could squeeze another two units into opposite ends of the first floor to maximize his profit. Mies was furious that his beautiful design was being decimated by the builder, and he walked off the job and insisted that his name be removed from all of the marketing materials and from history. But not before all of his distinctive design touches were already built into the building. Spectacular views to the east look out to the Lake and South. On a clear day you'll see all the way to Michigan. Directly east, you have a wonderful view of the elegant elevated gardens of Regent Park. Gleaming hardwood floors flow through the entire apartment. The rooms have a terrific modernist feel. The current owner had built floor to ceiling bookshelves/cabinets in the living room and primary bedroom which are negotiable in the sale. The kitchen and bath have almost entirely the original mid-century modern finishes (almost impossible to find intact these days). The kitchen has the original curved edged metal cabinets and stainless steel trimmed gold speckled Formica counter-tops. The original pass through to the dining room has the sliding door to create privacy in the kitchen. It has an electric range, a dishwasher, refrigerator and counter-top microwave oven. The bathroom has the original tub, sink and toilet with the clever flushing wheel built into the tank. There is a linen closet hidden behind the bathroom door when it is open. There is an additional linen closet in the hall just outside the bath. Both bedrooms have large closets with the original sliding doors (an innovative modern update when it was built). The primary bedroom has the large east facing windows and one window facing north for a cross breeze. The second bedroom has two large windows facing north. You can see the blue of the lake from every window. The express bus to the city stops next to the building & the Metra is right behind it. The 172 bus to the U of C also stops right outside the door. It's an easy walk or roll to the to the Whole Foods/Marshalls/Michael's retail complex just west of the tracks. The great shopping, restaurant, and hotel center on 53rd is just a couple of blocks south. Walk score calls it very walkable, good transit and a biker's paradise with a 96/100 score. The lakefront bike path is right over the pedestrian bridge just a block east of the building. Assessment includes everything but your phone. There is a bright laundry room in the basement as well as storage lockers. Rental parking nearby. There is a small parking lot behind the building, but the waiting list is years long. It's a terrific, inexpensive opportunity to live by the lake in a distinctive space.

Property Specifics

Property History