For Fans & Residents of the Clinton Street Lofts in the West Loop

I’m sharing some stats I just put together for a client who is considering his first home purchase at the Clinton Street Lofts, 226 N. Clinton. It’s a very unique loft building with a very pretty courtyard just inside the main entrance.

I’m impressed by how quickly most of the units went under contract, as well as the healthy sale prices. Hmmmm. WHAT housing recession?
# 303 / Days on Market: 42 / Sale Price: $235,000 parking included which reflects 95% of asking price / Closing Date: Feb. 2009
# 524 / Days on Market: 45 / Sale Price: $332,000 which reflects 98% of asking price / Closing Date: June 2009
# 618 / Days on Market: 24 / Sale Price: $405,000 parking included which reflects 95% of asking price / Closing Date: May 2009
# 722 / Days on Market: 176 / Sale Price: $428,000 parking included which reflects 95% of asking price / Closing Date June 2009
# 704 / Days on Market: 95 / Sale Price: $650,000 which reflects 97% of asking price / Closing Date: Jan. 2009

Would you like to find out what’s happening in your building? Drop me a line and I’ll pull the numbers for you!

Children’s Memorial Heliport: Speak Up!

I haven’t seen anything spark this much controversy and sniping since I witnessed a debate on whether guests’ shoes should be removed before entering a host’s home!

It’s been a hot topic in the neighborhood for months. It’s brought out the worst in Streeterville citizens who feel passionately about protecting their neighborhood’s best interests. The Children’s Memorial Hospital heliport proposal is still pending approval. But beginning Wednesday, July 22, a series of four meetings is planned, in which all “sides” will be offered time to speak.

WHERE

Hughes Auditorium, Robert W. Lurie Medical Research Center, 303 E. Superior St., Streeterville

WHEN

Wednesday, July 22 – 6-10 p.m., Presentation by Children’s Memorial Hospital

Thursday, July 23 – 6-10 p.m., Presentation by Streeterville Organization of Active Residents and its experts

Friday, July 24 – 6-10 p.m., Public statements

Saturday, July 25 – 1-5 p.m., Public statements

The announcement says anyone wishing to submit materials or make a public statement should contact Gary Stevens to schedule his/her testimony: Gary D. Stevens, Illinois Department of Transportation, (217) 785-5746. Or e-mail him at gary.d.stevens@illinois.gov

You are asked to send a copy of your materials to issues@soarchicago.org

If you have something to say but you’re not comfortable sharing it in public, IDOT will accommodate you! Just mention your preference to Mr. Stevens when you contact him.

And from Alderman Reilly’s office: “The Administrative Law Judge has determined that cross examination of witnesses, whether citizens, attorneys, public officials, or experts, will NOT be allowed. As this is an informational process, the Judge will not be making any rulings on the core issues, cross examination is not warranted. However, if questions are submitted to the Judge either before or during the hearing, he will ask those questions which in his discretion advance the information to be gathered during the hearing.”

Kriser’s: Feeding Your Pet for Life. Go. Stay. Very good!

I admit it: I love this store! The management is knowledgable, helpful and engaging.

The company’s website indicates that Kriser’s “sells only the highest-quality, all-natural, pet-safe foods and products… all made by industry top standards, free of chemicals, additives and preservatives.”

You’ll find food brands including Eagle Pack, California Natural, Canidae, Wellness and Innova. My own little furry one gobbled up the canned version of Fromm’s Senior Blend — chunks o’ chicken mixed with carrots and peas in a savory gravy. Yum!

I love that they offer small sample paks of food. It’s a great, low-hassle way to see if the food is right for your pet. The store does ask that you limit your sampling to two paks per visit.

Kriser’s also has a colorful assortment of fun toys in all price ranges for cats as well as dogs. Beds, carriers, cleaning supplies, bags and fashionable harness/leash sets round out the inventory.

Kriser’s offers grooming services for cats and dogs using only hypoallergenic shampoos. Grooming hours are 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. If you need a Friday or Saturday appointment, they ask that you book one week in advance.

My local Kriser’s is in the South Loop. Bonus: there’s short-term parking available right outside the front entrance!

Here’s a listing of all Chicago-area Kriser’s:

South Loop; 1103 S. State St.; Chicago, IL 312-765-8883
Hours: 10:00-8:00 Monday-Friday; 10:00-6:00 Saturday-Sunday

Lincoln Park; 2037 N. Clybourn; Chicago,IL 773-871-3663
Hours: 10:00-8:00 Monday-Friday; 10:00-6:00 Saturday-Sunday

Lakeview; 1033 W Belmont; Chicago, IL 773-244-1600
Hours: 10:00-8:00 Monday-Friday; 10:00-6:00 Saturday-Sunday

Park Ridge; 168 N Northwest Highway; Park Ridge, IL 847-685-0210
Hours: 9:00-7:00 Monday-Friday; 10:00-6:00 Saturday-Sunday

Chicago North; 3232 Lake Ave.; Wilmette, IL 847-251-7744
Hours: 9:00-7:00 Monday – Friday; 10:00-6:00 Saturday-Sunday

Barrington; 100 W Higgins Rd STE L-20; Barrington, IL 847-844-1921
Hours: 10:00-8:00 Monday-Saturday; 12:00-5:00 Sunday