List Price: Unit C-3 — $999,000
List Price: Unit D-1 — $999,000
The Property: These two condos in the building known as the Shakespeare Co-Op have approximately the same floor plan and exactly the same price. But both places have different finishes, most notably in their kitchens.

Let’s start with what they have in common: homey sunrooms looking east into Lincoln Park; four bedrooms, formal living and dining rooms, and a library; and lots of outdoor space in the building’s three large courtyards (one open space out front, and two private, fenced spaces in the rear). The building, its brick exterior and lobbies detailed in the Arts and Crafts style, is at 2236-2256 North Lincoln Park West, across the street from the Shakespeare statue; the Francis Parker School, the zoo, and shopping are all close at hand.

But there are differences. Unit C-3, on the top floor, has several vintage elements intact, including stained glass in the transom windows of the dining room and a barrel-vaulted ceiling and natural wood trim in the library. Its kitchen was last updated at least 15 years ago, and while serviceable, it is hardly in keeping with the caliber of the rest of the home.

Unit D-1, on the raised first floor, has far fewer vintage appointments, but there is a tiny balcony off the sunroom. More important, the kitchen was recently updated (as was the master bath), so a new owner would be less pressed to spend more money on any modernization.

On an unrelated note, newly discovered evidence suggests that the architect of this building was actually Dwight Perkins, who also designed the nearby Café Brauer (a name I mispronounce on the video—mea culpa) rather than Simeon B. Eisendrath, as previously thought.

Price Points: Unit C-3 started out with an asking price of $1.195 million, but in mid-August it was cut to match the price of Unit D-1.
Listing Agent: Jenny Ames of Coldwell Banker, 312-440-7525; jenny@jenniferames.com. Her blog, about issues relating to city life, is here.