Condos in Lake Shore East can be broken down into two categories: The new and the old. The new buildings are easy to spot in person; they are The Lancaster (201 N. Westshore), The Regatta (420 E. Waterside), The Chandler (450 E. Waterside), 340 On the Park (340 E Randolph) and of course The Aqua (225 N Columbus). The first building and the only condo building actually located directly on Lake Shore East Park is the Lancaster. It also, however, the only building NOT to have an indoor pool.

The other buildings of Lake Shore East are the older buildings such as: Harbor Point (155 N. Harbor), Park Shore (195 N. Harbor), 400 E. Randolph and The Buckingham (360 E. Randolph). My favorite of the older buildings is The Buckingham due to its views, updated yet intimate lobby and updated common area space.

So if you are looking in Lake Shore East what should you know when you first start looking?

Special Tax: For starters you should know that the newer buildings have an additional tax similar to an SSA. This is a special tax which came about to pay for the initial improvement of the land. This tax is minimal and will vary depending on the unit but it is something to keep in mind when shopping in the newer buildings.

Understand your view: Understanding your view is very important, but most important for those looking at East Facing units in the Lancaster. If you are in an East Facing unit in the Lancaster and you look down you will see a vacant piece of land. Originally this was going to house roughly 4 buildings. Since the real estate crash however these plans have been scrapped and no new plans have come to fruition. It is highly doubtful that any development will start on this land for at least 5 years, but you should know that it eventually will.

Also note that there are two very prized views in Lake Shore East. The MOST expensive is the view of Millennium Park which can be had from 340 E. Randolph, 360 E. Randolph, 400 E. Randolph, and 155 N. Harbor. The views of the park are not only of the park but also capture the lake as well as the city view along Michigan avenue.

The next award winning view are the views of the River which, while they can be had from The Aqua are most popular in The Chandler and The Regatta.

Possible Rental Restrictions: Due to the timing of the new buildings in Lake Shore East some buildings have rental restrictions in place such as The Regatta and 340 On the Park. The Chandler is also in the process of implementing limitations on rentals which will require you to live in your unit for a couple of years before renting out. These are not necessarily negatives but are simply things to keep in mind when looking at the units.

WHAT ABOUT PRICING?

Newer Buildings: In your newer buildings One Bedrooms will typically start in the low $300’s with the exception of The Aqua and 340 On the Park which will be higher. Two Bedrooms will typically start in the high $400’s and Three Bedrooms from the mid to high $600’s. Of course prices will always vary depending on availability, building, view and square footage as well as upgrades.

Older Buildings: One Bedrooms can start as low $200k with Two Bedrooms in the high $300’s to low $400’s and Three Bedrooms, while much more rare in the older buildings, can be found in the 700 to 800 price range.

Paul Blackburn is an Illinois Licensed Realtor and Broker with @ Properties. He can always be reached via e-mail at Paul@PKBlackburn.com For more information about buying condos in Chicago and what you should know about the Chicago market visit www.BuyingInChicago.com