Realty Round Up: Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL

This past weekend I was in Chicago visiting my sister and like most 20-30 year old professionals she lives on the north side of the city specifically the neighborhood of Lincoln Park.​ Lincoln Park is named for the large park that borders Lake Michigan and is adjacent to Lakeview, North Center, Logan Square, West Town and Near North. It is known for being home to DePaul University while also being one of the most expensive communities to live in. The streets are lined with beautiful historic homes many converted to multiple apartments and condos. I only had time for one meal in Lincoln Park this time around which was brunch at Toast (delicious!) but the "LP" as my sister calls it has many great restaurants to choose from. Some of her favorites are:

- Perennial Virant - I have eaten here and it is amazing! Plus its right on the park and has outdoor dining so that is a huge plus for me.
- Taco Joint - I wish we had one of these in St. Louis
- Boka - I get hungry just looking at their website
- Sweet Mandy B's - a super cute looking bakery

House #1: ​$0 - $250,000

​images and information via Zillow

This place seems like it is in a great location  - near a park, a popular shopping area and the L. And while being relatively small it seems to make a good use of space. ​

House #2: $250,000 - $500,000

​images and information via Zillow

I think this apartment is so charming. ​I like all the white especially because of how much natural light the place seems to get and the 18' ceilings! It also has a private balcony and a sizable private roof deck which would be great to enjoy during the summer months. 

House #3: ​$500,000 - $750,000

​images and information via Zillow

This unit is just a half block off the park and includes tons of vintage character. While the exact square footage is not provided it does appear to be rather comfortable in size and includes a great gourmet kitchen. ​

​images and information via Zillow

The biggest draw for me on this property is the great room. Double height spaces are hard come by and this one has lots of light and a nice flow into the kitchen area. I also really like that it has two private decks.

Favorite kitchens

I have been working on a kitchen design for a client this week so I thought I would share some of my favorite kitchen interiors  (thanks Pinterest!). 

​via Habitually Chic Blog image by Patrick Cline in Trad Home

​via Remodelista image of a model eco-friendly house at the Ideal Home show in London

​via Canadian House and Home designed by Sasha Seymour - image by Michael Graydon

​via UNDECORATE 

​image via Southern Living design by Amie Corley Interiors - image by Laurey W. Glenn

​via Coco + Kelley blog emmer persson by petra bendel

​by Irina Graewe

Firm Feature: Jarmund Vigsnaes Architects

​A couple of years, as part of a class on Scandinavian architecture, I had the opportunity to go to Oslo, Norway. It was November so it never got much warmer than 25 degrees fahrenheit and it was dark at 4pm in the afternoon yet it was one of the most significant trips I have ever taken. Scandinavia, as a region, has an amazingly rich tradition of valuing design and to experience that culture first hand was truly transformative for me as a designer.  

One of the best things about the trip was getting to visit with the principles of Jarmund Vigsnaes Architects. They are a small firm of roughly 20 people and while they primarily do residential work they have also branched into doing larger and larger public projects. For me, their work is characterized by its innovative use of traditional materials, attention to craft and detail and its consideration of the natural environment. While it was hard for me to select out just a few projects, I have featured three of their residential projects below. 

​images by JVA

​images by JVA

​images by JVA