"dream of converting a classic Chicago greystone into a single family" 🤢🤢he's probably right, and THAT'S one of the biggest problems with Chicago realtors these days, destroying so much housing stock and history. We NEED more two/three/four flat units, not less.
Similar to what was mentioned about the worker's cottage, the average person/family just wants/needs more space these days. A 2 unit (3 with a garden) greystone works best for college kids/couples or 1 kid families. They are most deserving of being turned into single family homes. At the same time, new multiunit flats (3-6 units) have been popping up (whether these are condos or rentals) which has managed to fill these holes. I would be curious about the rate or multiunit conversion vs new multifamily builds though.
This was REALLY helpful and informative. I've been looking at all these cheap Chicago places, and have had no idea what would make one better than another (from an investment perspective). I look forward to watching more of your videos!
Sorta wish there was a part 1, explaining all the layouts and designs and then the rating of your opinion about each as part 2 or the ending of the video. But did find it informative and appreciate your video.
I always loved the 50s 60s pickish brick bungalow with light decorative brick fronts are as classic as the traditional bungalow IMO. Pretty unique to Chicago also. This name raised ranch or just ranch I never got for these mostly square homes...as it is the same footprint of a Chicago 20s 30s traditional bungalow and most are not this overly raised kind given a [D]. The thumbnail of one you used is NOT RAISED any more then the traditional bungalow? They all were well built and generally have a steel beam across them. Most are not this kind overly raised kind unless my memory is terrible....They are timeless in exterior look of mid-century modern many originally built with platinum woodwork. IMO they rate tiers higher than a [D] for sure. I have also seen some gorgeous full basement finished homes... even on older bungalows as a good basement waterproofing seems to work. ALSO MISSING IS THE TUTOR style (especially more Gingerbread kind) adding it to the Cap Cod makes little sense to me. Tudors are not Cap Cod's. Maybe just me? I do love a more peaked ornate brick Gingerbread ...despite the sloping upper floors and their value proves it even vs the bungalow that is also rarer and therefore prized.
I enjoyed this. Tiered lists can be hard to do and I suppose a lot depends on one's individual needs and priorities. A big need (and priority) for me is easy, affordable upkeep - so I invariably have chosen homes that were more practical than beautiful. Having grown up in the Chicago area, I have a great appreciation for the variety and beauty of Chicago's architecture. However, I have spent most of my life staring at almost-identical dirt-colored stucco cubes on small gravel lots in Arizona. Fortunately, I now live in an older neighborhood in the Phoenix area that actually has grass, large trees, and BRICK homes... but, for several hundred square miles in the metro area, the architecture is cheap garbage. So sad. All Chicagoans should savor the history and variety of the residential architecture in Chicagoland! It all is truly fantastic!
I hate Chicago architecture. You didn't stop using windows (on the sides), with the vertical bricks and arches, until after WWII. I don't like the "common brick" either. It took until the 1970s to end its use. I live in a 1956 ranch house that had it. At least it was a lighter color (and not black or dark brown). It started crumbling a few years ago. Don't get me started on what was built before that. The Cape Cods, Tudors, and Georgians are creep me out too (especially the ones built between the late 20s and late 40s).
The raised ranch is the real hero here, half the damn city lives in those little shoeboxes, I love them
Stop adding second floors without keeping in character of the original house - "Stop the pop!"
What about the Georgian? Plenty of them in Chicago.
"dream of converting a classic Chicago greystone into a single family" 🤢🤢he's probably right, and THAT'S one of the biggest problems with Chicago realtors these days, destroying so much housing stock and history. We NEED more two/three/four flat units, not less.
Similar to what was mentioned about the worker's cottage, the average person/family just wants/needs more space these days. A 2 unit (3 with a garden) greystone works best for college kids/couples or 1 kid families. They are most deserving of being turned into single family homes. At the same time, new multiunit flats (3-6 units) have been popping up (whether these are condos or rentals) which has managed to fill these holes. I would be curious about the rate or multiunit conversion vs new multifamily builds though.
This was REALLY helpful and informative. I've been looking at all these cheap Chicago places, and have had no idea what would make one better than another (from an investment perspective). I look forward to watching more of your videos!
You didn't mention the Georgian styled home.
Greystone is great cuz you convert bottom to a rental and pay off your mortgage.
Sorta wish there was a part 1, explaining all the layouts and designs and then the rating of your opinion about each as part 2 or the ending of the video. But did find it informative and appreciate your video.
What about the 2-Flat and 3-Flat??????????????
My number 1 style is prairie home of oak park. With original stain glass.
great video. would like to see more. may want to check chapter timestamps
You’re on the money.
Like the vid but disagree with your rankings. Prairie style is top tier for me.
I always loved the 50s 60s pickish brick bungalow with light decorative brick fronts are as classic as the traditional bungalow IMO. Pretty unique to Chicago also. This name raised ranch or just ranch I never got for these mostly square homes...as it is the same footprint of a Chicago 20s 30s traditional bungalow and most are not this overly raised kind given a [D]. The thumbnail of one you used is NOT RAISED any more then the traditional bungalow? They all were well built and generally have a steel beam across them. Most are not this kind overly raised kind unless my memory is terrible....They are timeless in exterior look of mid-century modern many originally built with platinum woodwork. IMO they rate tiers higher than a [D] for sure. I have also seen some gorgeous full basement finished homes... even on older bungalows as a good basement waterproofing seems to work. ALSO MISSING IS THE TUTOR style (especially more Gingerbread kind) adding it to the Cap Cod makes little sense to me. Tudors are not Cap Cod's. Maybe just me? I do love a more peaked ornate brick Gingerbread ...despite the sloping upper floors and their value proves it even vs the bungalow that is also rarer and therefore prized.
The Chicago Graystone does always go on top. Period. Lol
Queen Anne is the dream, worker's cottage or chicago bungalow is the goal
I enjoyed this. Tiered lists can be hard to do and I suppose a lot depends on one's individual needs and priorities. A big need (and priority) for me is easy, affordable upkeep - so I invariably have chosen homes that were more practical than beautiful. Having grown up in the Chicago area, I have a great appreciation for the variety and beauty of Chicago's architecture.
However, I have spent most of my life staring at almost-identical dirt-colored stucco cubes on small gravel lots in Arizona. Fortunately, I now live in an older neighborhood in the Phoenix area that actually has grass, large trees, and BRICK homes... but, for several hundred square miles in the metro area, the architecture is cheap garbage. So sad. All Chicagoans should savor the history and variety of the residential architecture in Chicagoland! It all is truly fantastic!
Grew up in the1950, s in a Greystone and never thought of it as being cool.
I hate Chicago architecture. You didn't stop using windows (on the sides), with the vertical bricks and arches, until after WWII. I don't like the "common brick" either. It took until the 1970s to end its use. I live in a 1956 ranch house that had it. At least it was a lighter color (and not black or dark brown). It started crumbling a few years ago. Don't get me started on what was built before that. The Cape Cods, Tudors, and Georgians are creep me out too (especially the ones built between the late 20s and late 40s).
The greystones unfortunately in shitty neighborhoods. I can see how if they are restored they are beautiful