Wicker Park Before & After: Laine
It is nearly impossible to time the real estate market, but if there was a time to get a great price in the last three years, it was in March 2020.
Laine's lease was up at the end of May 2020, so she started looking in February, when none of us had any clue what was to come. She was interested in Wicker Park and her biggest criteria was a second bedroom that would be comfortable for her roommate to live in for a few years -- a surprisingly hard thing to find.
When her mom came into town one weekend in early March, the three of us set out to look at 5-6 places. This unit quickly became the frontrunner because it was in an amazing Wicker Park location and, although it was in original mid-2000s condition, it had a great layout and was the perfect contender for a glow-up.
Laine went under contract on March 16, 2020 -- just as the world was shutting down.
After she closed in April, the real work began. Over the course of about six weeks, her contractor re-finished the floors and cabinets, painted everything, replaced the counters, and completely gutted the primary bathroom.
Once the project was finished, it was the perfect space for Laine and her roommate to spread out during the remainder of the pandemic.
Here are the BEFORE photos - scroll down for Laine’s story and photos of her gorgeous renovated space!
What made you want to buy a place for yourself?
To me, buying a place meant being able to make it my own. I've lived in some fantastic apartments in my five years of renting in Chicago, but they've always felt temporary. I waited until I was at a secure point in my career and with my savings to start looking for a 2 bed, 2 bath. Having a roommate who could help pay rent towards my mortgage made it even better.
Why did you choose this neighborhood?
I've always loved the character of Wicker Park - close to downtown, plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, still with the "neighborhood" feel.
What are you most excited about in your new home?
My renovation was an investment for resale value, but also one that let me make the place exactly what I wanted. I love that I was able to design it myself and make it perfectly 'me'.
What is your new favorite neighborhood spot?
My condo is right by Small Cheval - a dangerously delicious spot to live next to in Chicago. My burger intake has already gone up by quite a bit!
How would you describe your style?
I work at Pinterest and found it incredibly helpful to find inspiration for my renovation and decor. Countless hours of scrolling Pinterest helped me craft the modern, yet eclectic style of my place.
What was your *A-Ha!* moment when buying this place?
The apartment has a private elevator with direct access to the rooftop, where I have . It really set the condo apart from units. If you live in Chicago, you know how valuable easily accessible outdoor space is to enjoy the few months of perfect weather!
What was a must-have in your home?
I prioritized location. I wanted my place to be near public transit, a grocery store, and all the things that make Wicker Park the neighborhood it is - the restaurants, shops, and the 606.
