Worlds greatest front yard

CRAINS LUXURY HOME OF THE WEEK

Since 2012, the terrace has been a prime spot for Reynolds and his wife, Margaret. Its the place for checking out whos performing in the Pritzker Pavilion, observing peregrine falcons fly from their perches on taller buildings and, when the snow is deep enough, skiing in circles (yes, its that big).

Reynolds says he only skis on the roof once in a while, but it gives the people in other buildings something to talk about, John Reynolds said.

They bought the space—two levels and a deck—unfinished four years ago, fitted it out and enjoyed living right in the middle of everything at 6 N. Michigan Ave., said Reynolds, who runs a contracting firm. Looking for another project, he and his wife put the three-bedroom condo on the market, but it wont be publicly seen on the multiple-listing service until January.

The asking price is $2.75 million. The property is represented by Patrick Ryan and Juany Honeycutt of Related Realty.

Chicago Weekender: Wicker Park

Chicago’s eclectic neighborhoods offer some of the world’s best dining, architectural landmarks, and art museums—and since its establishment, Wicker Park’s diverse cultural roots have made this neighborhood one of Chicago’s most vibrant. Named after brothers Charles and Joel Wicker, who donated a plot of land in 1870 for use as a public park, this charming area has been home to Ukrainian, Polish, and Puerto Rican communities—and, since the 1980s, to artists and creative entrepreneurs. Today, Wicker Park still exudes an atmosphere of “downtown cool” and what The New York Times describes as “an invigorating blend of reflection and reinvention.” From fine dining to locally owned boutiques, a weekend in Wicker Park offers a perfect staycation just off the Kennedy Expressway.

Dine

Filter Cafe | 1373-75 North Milwaukee Avenue Chicagoans have always been coffee connoisseurs, and in Wicker Park there’s no cathedral to caffeine more revered than Filter. This usually bustling spot is tranquil in the mornings, when you might find yourself simply gazing at the mesmerizing “alley” mural on the ceiling; meanwhile, its ample seating and reliable Wi-Fi also make it ideal for sending off the last work email of the week. Pair a perfectly frothed latte with a mixed berry-topped parfait or the signature lox platter, before setting off for a day in the neighborhood.

Americano 2211 | 2211 West North Avenue For a weekend brunch, lunch, or pastry and macchiato on the go, renowned pastry chef Nancy Silver’s recently opened restaurant is quickly becoming a neighborhood must-visit. Pastries like the cinnamon-hickory nut brioche and chocolatey cocoa-crème fraiche coffee cake are available all day to take out, but you can linger longer over dishes from their full Mediterranean-inspired menu, like the shakshuka or burrata with eggplant jam.

Schwa | 1466 North Ashland Avenue Chef Michael Carlson helms this tasting menu-only establishment, which describes itself as a “kitchen where every ingredient is respected and every choice is intentional.” The minimalist-yet-cozy decor at Schwa, with bare pendant lightbulbs hanging above, allows the meticulously structured nine-course meal to take center stage. Menus are updated regularly to showcase seasonal foods and the versatility of the ingredients; recent highlights include unagi and watermelon, and a dish of snail, fresh pine, and earthy moss. Bring your favorite vintage to this BYOB establishment, but be sure to call ahead to secure a reservation.

Shop

Mildblend Supply Co. | 1342 North Milwaukee Avenue This Wicker Park boutique keeps the fashion-forward denizens of Wicker Park on trend with a well-curated list of quality heritage brands and local and up-and-coming labels. Mildblend stocks men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, with an extensive selection of raw denim brands, including 3sixteen, Eat Dust, and Nudie Jeans, and fine leather goods. The well-organized store has been a longtime supporter of the Made in USA movement, dedicated to retailing only high-quality and fairly sourced goods.

Urban Remains | 1850 West Grand Avenue Unlike the typical eclectic flea market or antique store wares, the inventory at Urban Remains specializes in architectural remnants and artifacts recovered from historic Chicago buildings, some dating back to the 1800s. Get lost inside on a Sunday afternoon as you ponder whether to take home the streetcar swing stool from the line that ran down Milwaukee Street or the terra-cotta facade of a now-demolished Chicago garage.

Eskell | 1509 North Milwaukee Avenue No shopping experience would be complete without a visit to this Wicker Park mainstay. Started by two friends, Kelly Whitesell and Elizabeth Del Castillo, Eskell is known for its house brand of clothing that channels the season’s trends through classic designs and wearable pieces. You can pick up a geometric gold pendant for yourself or a housewarming gift from its selection of housewares and bath and body products—or channel your inner James Dean with a new leather motorcycle jacket designed by Chicago-based label Straight to Hell.

4 Great Rooftop Bars to Frequent This Summer

Nice weather has a small window in Chicago so we need to be prepared to take advantage of it. So why go to an indoor bar for your weekend plans? There are gems all across the city where you can sip a cocktail, indulge in an exquisite meal and enjoy the great outdoors with friends. When planning your night out, make sure these rooftop bars are on the top of your list.

GreenRiver | 256 E Erie St.

Sitting atop an unlikely building, GreenRiver is on the 18th floor of the Northwestern Memorial Hospital office complex in Streeterville. Don’t let the location fool you, however. GreenRiver’s cocktail list boasts 32 modern libations. Each drink comes with a paragraph backstory about its old-world Irish name. On top of the history lesson, Chef Aaron Lirette has designed a menu filled with Midwestern fare sure to satisfy.

Streeterville Social | 455 N Park Dr.

Streeterville Social rests on the 3rd floor rooftop of the Loews Hotel. One of the more spacious options on the list, this rooftop oasis boasts 9000 square feet of green space populated with plenty outdoor couches and lawn games like cornhole and giant jenga offering a relaxed summer vibe. As for their drinks, many have a sweet-fruity vibe and they pair them with a small plates menu; an excellent recipe for a summer night.

Tanta Chicago | 118 W Grand Ave.

Tanta is a Peruvian influenced hot spot that lies in the heart of the River North neighborhood. Their rooftop terrace is an urban paradise and one of two bars on the property. Known for their Pisco Sour, all of their signature drinks offer a Peruvian flare for a unique combination. Don’t just come for a drink though. Chef Gaston Acurio, world renowned restaurateur, serves top notch authentic Peruvian dishes which will have you more cultured by the time you leave. If you are in River North you must start off the night with a Pisco Sour while taking in the rooftop views.

The J. Parker | 1816 N Clark St.

The J. Parker is one of the hottest spots in Lincoln Park, and with good reason. This rooftop bar offers one of the best views of Lincoln Park and the lake; that being said, the food and drinks might outdo the scenery. The cocktail list is full of destination based drinks from all over the globe and Chef Paul Virant has designed the perfect small plates menu to compliment the worldly drinks. Be sure to check it out!

Green Envy: City Trends in Outdoor Living

Just because youre in the city doesnt mean you cant enjoy the world outdoors and get your fingers green at innovative city parks and community farms. In fact, many of the current fashions in outdoor living are happening in the heart of urban dynamos like Chicago.

Rooftop Gardens

One of the Windy Citys crowning glories is City Halls Rooftop Garden, a green space of more than 20,000 plants that was completed in 2001 and envisioned by Mayor Richard M. Daley and a team of architects, engineers, and ecologists. The lofty garden is filled with herbaceous beds and wildflower meadows; although the beautiful arrangement is extremely well thought-out, it almost looks like a design done by nature. And as a special and significant bonus, it also improves the areas air quality. On the other hand, if you prefer your Chicago rooftop gardens with a touch of alcohol, we recommend the inventive cocktails, courtesy of Craig Schoettler, at the tree-fringed Drumbar.

City Parks

Grant Park must be one of the liveliest public parks in the country. The Petrillo Music Shell hosts everything from the Chicago Jazz Festival to Lollapalooza; add to that the “Bark Park” for dogs, the lively marinas, and the resplendent Buckingham Fountain—you could come here and do something different every day of the year.

Meanwhile, Jackson Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux—the two urban park geniuses behind New Yorks Central Park—is a sprawling green space of diversity and ingenuity. The newly rejuvenated Garden of the Phoenix paints an idyllic picture with its koi pond spanned by a traditional Japanese bridge, while elsewhere, among the 1,055 acres of trees and flower beds, you can go boating on one of the lakes or admire the resplendent Statue of the Republic.

And if you’re wondering what Chicago did with 2.7 miles of disused railroad lines set high above the city’s streets? In true 21st-century urban fashion, the city transformed this space into a sprawling garden. Running from Logan Square and Humboldt Park, through Bucktown and Wicker Park, theres never a dull moment along the Bloomingdale Trail, the elevated section that connects all of the parks in “The 606.” One moment youre strolling through wildflower meadows; the next youre at a lively dog park; and the next youre gazing at amazing public art displays.

Urban Farms

Chicagos City Farm is a different kind of haven in the midst of the skyscrapers: a green scene that grows tomatoes, kale, beets, herbs, garlic, and more. To taste the fruits (and vegetables) of the farmers labor, head to participating farmers markets throughout Chicago.

Another innovative place that grows organic produce in Chicago is The Edible Gardens at Lincoln Park Zoo. Schools and community organizations take tours of the gardens, learning tricks of the trade such as planting, watering, pollination, and turning compost. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding, and you can taste The Edible Gardens produce at Green City Market, while chatting with one of the farmers from the project.

Those friends of yours who live out in the country can’t be anything but envious of you and all of these green options!

The Pros and Cons of an Open Floor Plan

Open layouts seem to be trending in real estate right now. Generally on the top of buyers’ lists, an open floor plan takes the kitchen, living room and the dining room, removes the dividing walls, and creates one large airy space. To help you decide if this floor plan fits your lifestyle, below is the breakdown of the pros and cons.

PROS OF AN OPEN FLOOR PLAN

Easy Entertaining 

The kitchen, living room, and the dining room are the focal points for entertaining guests. While you are putting the finishing touches on the meal, you may need to excuse yourself while your guests are enjoying themselves in the living room. An open layout allows everyone to be in a large, single room making sure you are still part of the party.

Creates a More Airy Space

600-900 square feet homes in the city are relatively common. Smaller residences can feel even smaller when they are separated into several rooms. Omitting separate rooms for a large, open space can help create a brighter and more airy feel.

CONS OF AN OPEN FLOOR PLAN

Lack of Privacy

Fewer walls mean less privacy. You may enjoy escaping into the kitchen while guests relax in the living for some brief moments of peace. Privacy is something to consider when deciding whether an open floor plan is right for you.

Less Storage Space

Sometimes, additional rooms and walls in a home allow for closet space and cabinets. An open floor plan may eliminate opportunity to build out additional storage solutions in some cases so if ample storage is important to you make sure the open layout you’re considering can accommodate your needs.

Interested in learning more? Contact an expert Related Realty broker today to discuss if an open layout is the right choice for you.

Best Viewing Locations for 4th of July Weekend Fireworks

Next Monday is the Fourth of July! A day where most sit back, relax and enjoy the holiday with friends and family. No matter what your Fourth of July plans include, don’t forget to carve out some time for fireworks. Here are some of the best spots to see fireworks this holiday weekend:

Navy Pier

If you want to keep it simple, just go where the fireworks are being held, right? Navy Pier offers prime real estate to witness what is hands down the best fireworks performance in Chicago. As one of the most popular locations for Independence Day, it will be crowded. While the show starts at 9 p.m. consider arriving at your earliest convenience to secure a spot. A more concrete and less crowded alternative is to book a Navy Pier dinner cruise to enjoy front row seats to the show from Lake Michigan.

360 Chicago

What could be better than viewing fireworks 1,000 feet up in the sky? The 360 Chicago observatory in the John Hancock Building allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of the city presenting firework shows blasting off from several locations. Surely this Birdseye view will be an experience you’ll never forget. For more information on logistics, check out their website here.

Rooftop Bars in Streeterville, find a place

For a more adult-friendly option, watching the fireworks with a cocktail in your hand is the perfect way to wrap up the Independence Day weekend. Throughout Streeterville, choose from plenty of rooftop bars that will give you an elevated angle on the light show. Call your bar of choice in advance to secure a spot and don’t forget to ask about 4th of July specials.

The Lakefront

Being a lakefront city has plenty of advantages. One of them being it is a prime location to watch the 4th of July festivities. Grab you beach towel and sand bucket and head on down to one of the many beaches for lakefront firework show viewing.

Here at Related Realty, we want to wish everyone an excellent 4th of July. We hope these tips help to make your weekend memorable.

Your Guide to Chicago Summer Fun

As nice as some of the amenities are in the properties that Related Realty sells, summer is here! It’s time to get outside and experiencing the great outdoors.

As you Chicagoan’s know our great city are constantly chocked full of exciting events. With the dizzying array of things to keep track of across Chicago, it can be hard to navigate through the times, dates, and locations. This guide below is your tool to conquer all the summer fun to be had.

Related Realty Launch Leasing Efforts for Sienna Flats.

Sienna Flats offers a fresh new take on city living and offers a limited number of boutique rental apartments. Here, 50 private flats combine higher ceilings with spacious floor plans to create an environment that balances an upmarket but free-flowing vibe.

Sienna Flats exhibits first class amenities including a state-of-the-art fitness center and pet grooming station; to escape some of the city’s chaos, the rooftop holds a breathtaking view of the city while having grilling stations and lounge furniture to unwind after a long day.

Residence Details

One bedroom residences start at $2,480, and two-bedroom residences, start at $3,445.These residences feature Oak plank flooring throughout, European-style frameless kitchen cabinets, in-apartment washer and dryer, floor to ceiling porcelain tile, and walk-in closets.

For more information on the finishes, amenities and floorplans please contact Related Realty agents Will Goldberg and Leticia Andrade at [email protected] or call 312.644.4230.

You may also apply directly for the residences of your choice here.

Related Midwest Signs Deal for 62-acre Site

There are big changes coming to the Chicago landscape courtesy of Related Midwest! We are thrilled to announce a signed deal for the 62-acre site of former railroad land southwest of Clark Street and Roosevelt Road. We look forward to beginning work on Chicagos next great neighborhood that will link the South Loop and Chinatown.

Read more about our joint venture and role as lead developer of the 62-acre site at Clark & Roosevelt in this Chicago Tribune article.Related Midwest buys 62 acre plot