5438 N Lakewood Ave

Anne Rossley, CRB, CRS, SRES Baird & Warner [email protected]

5438 N Lakewood – an important home in Lakewood Balmoral Historic District - is situated on the neighborhood’s most popular block. Situated on almost a double lot -- 42 x 122’ -- the 1901 home offers a large and inviting floor plan. The layout is flexible- currently there are 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and a full Family Room (LL), media room (3rd), and office (2nd). This home was purchased in 1995 and underwent significant renovations to transform it from a 3-flat into a luxury single family home. Since then, a new kitchen, baths, basement, and other decorative and mechanical finishes have been recently added. Only the finest materials were used, with particular attention to every detail. The home is open and inviting, yet it’s also comfortable and warm. It is certainly full of good vibes, and it’s waiting to welcome the new owners to a vibrant and joyful chapter in their lives.

Neighborhood

Lakewood Balmoral received its Historic Designation from the National Registry of Historic Places in 1998. The homes were originally built between 1886 and 1918, and most all homes are found on wide lots. This historic designation provides owners a chance to renovate their homes and freeze their property tax assessments, getting tax savings for 12 years. Many residents have taken advantage of this program, and the historic facades rarely give away the upscale finishes hidden within. Read more from the Edgewater Historical Society by selecting this link.

Lakewood Balmoral Residents Council (LBRC) has been a vibrant neighborhood

group in the 48th ward for many years, and in addition to the multiple block parties, several neighborhood events are held throughout the year, including

Harvest Moon Festival and the Spring Ice Cream Social.


The neighbors on the 5400 block of Lakewood have made the most of their community. The annual block party includes preview call cocktail party, all day activities, potluck brunch, gathering, AND potluck dinner - usually based on a particular theme. Kids enjoy face painting, visits from the local Fire Station, a morning parade (led by a blaring police car), and more. Past block party themes have included:

• Mini-golf course theme, where each household created their own imaginative putting green, • Studio 5400 - 70’s event with disco balls and dancing in the street, • American Carnival, with dunk tank, pony rides, and old-fashioned sing-along, • Campout – where parents and kids slept out in tents overnight

As part of the Andersonville neighborhood, Lakewood Balmoral enjoys terrific dining and shopping on Clark Street, just 3 blocks west. The Bryn Mawr Historic District also has some great dining options, and is adding great retail options all the time. These areas are well known for

• Lovely historic buildings – (it’s also an historic district!) • Locally owned businesses, and • Green initiatives

Learn more about these shopping areas here:

• Andersonville Chamber of Commerce • Bryn Mawr Shopping District –Edgewater Chamber of

Commerce The Lakewood Balmoral location is a bit of a surprise to those who live in Lincoln Park and Lakeview. At first blush, it seems to be VERY far north. In reality, the proximity to Lake Shore Drive, Sheridan Road, and Peterson Avenue make commuting a breeze. We’re just 5 blocks to Lake Michigan and Foster Beach, the dog beach, bike paths, and the AYSO soccer fields. The Red Line is accessed either at Berwyn or Bryn Mawr – just far away enough to not be heard, yet close enough (4 blocks) for quick access.

Click on the photo above to see online map with amenities. Foster Avenue Beach and Dog Beach are among Chicago’s favorites!


Residents send their children to many schools in Chicago- below are just a few….

• Peirce Elementary • Senn /Rickover (with IB and Arts programs) • Sacred Heart/Hardy Prep • The Latin School • Francis Parker • Lab School • Lycee Francis • Waldorf • Rogers Park Montessori • Decatur Classical • GCE Lab School • Walter Payton College Prep • Jones College Prep • Lane Tech High School • Lincoln Park High School

5438 N Lakewood

As you approach the home, you’ll notice a lovely blend of traditional details and contemporary finishes. A veranda stretches the width of the home, decorated with fluted columns and Corinthian cornices. The balusters’ clean lines are a terrific counterpoint to the pillars’ delicate details. This is the porch of your dreams- picture evenings on the porch, relaxing and enjoying the solitude or a break before dinner! Before entering, notice the wide dust porch on the 2nd floor. Most passersby don’t look up to see it, so you can enjoy great privacy from this balcony! The Juliette Balcony with sunburst detail make you realize just how imposing and gracious this home truly stands.


First Floor

Larry Zgoda, a significant Chicago artist, designed the front entry door. It beautifully welcomes light inside, yet maintains privacy for the residents. The front rooms are surprisingly open and expansive, yet warm and cozy at the same time. The wood burning fireplace is decorated with mosaic tile and a quartz mantle, and it is flanked by matching Zgoda windows which were designed to incorporate the scallop motif from the original windows. One of these original windows now lights the staircase to the home’s lower level. You’ll notice the Hunter Douglas Silhouette Shades- these are found throughout the house. These luxury window treatments are the perfect answer for balancing light and privacy.

Dining Room

The Dining Room fixture and matching sconces are Hammerton – specifically chosen for this fabulous space. The room’s width of 32’ enables you to host 20 guests at your Thanksgiving Table, and the quartz window sill makes a fantastic buffet serving area. The rich hardwood floors extend from the Living Room and Dining Room to the music nook and study.


Kitchen

The kitchen is a chef’s delight! The custom cabinets are from Genesis Innovations – quartered walnut with a horizontal grain. The Euro box design includes Blum undermount guides and hinges. The appliances are also top of the line:

• Five Star gas stove with griddle and broiler • Five Star commercial grade exhaust hood • 48” Subzero Refrigerator/Freezer • Built-in Dishwasher (brand?)

The peninsula easily seats 4, and you’ll notice that the backsplash is the same material as the counter, bringing efficiency and beauty to the workspace. The butler’s pantry offers matching cabinetry and a 16’ counter - extensive storage that connects the kitchen to the Mud Room and Back Pantry.

Pantry and Mud Room

This is probably the most beautiful pantry/mud room you’ll ever see- the full-length Genesis utility cabinets

are customized to hold coats and other storage needs. There’s even room for utility carts for serving guests on

the rear deck!


Study From the Dining Area, one may access the lower level or proceed west through French Doors to the Study. This can be a cozy escape to watch TV or read – separate from the fray yet in touch with the home’s activity centers.

First Floor Bedroom The bedroom on this level is currently used as a home office. With its separate entrance via French Doors, and adjoining luxury powder room, it’s an ideal spot for a home-based business, a conference room to meet with clients, or a studio for the artist-in-residence.


Second Floor

The master bedroom is your dream come true- you’ll feel like you’re living in a 5-star resort! Designed to easily accommodate a king size bed, there are 2 amply sized walk-in closets, both customized and flexible. The sitting area hosts the home’s second wood burning fireplace, and French Doors on each

side of the bay window lead to the fabulous front balcony.

Master Bath

The Master Bath includes a Bain Ultra Bath jet tub, separate steam shower, and oversized double vanity. Extra Genesis built-in cabinets and shelves hold linens and beauty products, maintaining the Zen feel of this spa oasis.


Bedroom 2 Bedroom 2, on the north side of the home, is huge! It includes a wall of customized closets for storage.

The 2nd bath on this level doesn’t

disappoint- it’s finished with the same materials as the master bath, making family members or guests

feel important and pampered. Again, extra details like full wall tile

behind the vanity and built-in storage cabinets are examples of the

well considered. design.

Bedroom 3 and Office The third bedroom and office is a terrific suite – teens will love the privacy, and they’ll have no excuse for incomplete assignments- the work area is divine! This is sure to be the home base for your student’s group projects- there’s room for 3 to work side-by-side, with office and art supply storage easily at hand. Need a break? Zip down the 2nd staircase to the kitchen for a quick drink or snack!


Third Floor

The third floor currently operates as a suite- with bedroom, media room, and full bath. It’s great as it is – open and flexible, but you could easily add walls to divide it into more private spaces. Gables have been added to the north and south hip roof to allow for more floor space, and a skylight bathes the

room in light (it also has room-darkening shades so you can

sleep in!). Both north and south walls have closets and the

Juliette balcony makes a lovely focal point for the room.

This floor’s bath is also lovely! The sea-colored glass mosaic tile is both serene and cheerful. There’s a separate shower and bathtub with extra storage and cabinets – it’s a very spacious and luxurious bath!


Lower Level The lower level was recently redecorated – a large Family Room (31 x 23’) may easily be divided into a Rec Room and fitness area. An in-law guest suite, with dressing room and full bath are found here, as well.

Laundry The laundry room, on the west side of the home, contains a long cabinet wall, and washer/dryer and work sink. The HVAC and alarm system are found here as well. The rear staircase connects this room to the kitchen/pantry.

Storage

In addition to the huge Lower Level living areas, a large storage room can hide out of season items.

Located under the First floor bedroom, it measures 15’ x 12’.

Back Yard The 2-car garage is a charming vintage cottage- and the peak roof could be utilized as a loft-play room or storage. The wide rear deck overlooks the Infinity Garden and ornamental decorations that create a contemplative and peaceful ambiance.

This is a rare and wonderful home in Lakewood Balmoral. It’s been loved and cherished, and the next family to live here will certainly experience the best in Chicago city living. This is an expansive luxury home in a neighborly community with historic homes- close to the lake, park, and fabulous local restaurants and shopping. Living here will change your life!


Links:

• 20 Best Towns and Neighborhoods in Chicago (Chicago Magazine) • 48th Ward – Harry Osterman • Edgewater Community Council • Activism and Historic Preservation in Lakewood Balmoral (Roundtable) • Lakewood Balmoral Residents’ Council (Facebook) • Andersonville Farmers Market • Andersonville Special Eventsbryn maw • Edgewater Community Council • Edgewater Chamber of Commerce • Heather Steans- Illinois State Senator, 7th Legislative District • Government Offices • Weekly Update from Ald. Osterman’s office • Red Line Renovations (Chicago CTA) • Foster Ave. Beach • Bike and Roll Rentals at Foster Ave Beach • Foster Ave Dog Beach • Neighborhood History and House Tour (2005) • Neighborhood History and House Tour (1998) • Neighborhood History and House Tour (2011) • AYSO Soccer – Region 418 • Midsommarfest - Andersonville • Loyola University • Neo-Futurists • pH Comedy • Edgewater Singers • Puppet Guy

To see this remarkable home, contact the exclusive listing agent,

Anne Rossley

CRB, CRS, SRES

737 N Michigan Ave Suite 1800 Chicago, IL 60611

773.620.5333 phone

[email protected] email

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5438 N Lakewood Ave

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