Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/67043
real estate news A historic 1928 English Tudor in Glencoe has a price tag of $3.795 million. Tom Gorman's listings include a duplex at 1242 North Lake Shore Drive. The dining room at 939 Cleveland Road in Hinsdale continued from page 142 For buyers, two stars on the market that are worlds apart in site and sensibility remind us of the power of good plantings. In Hinsdale, 939 Cleveland Road ($4.9 million) is an eight-year-old, 16-room, 9,000-square-foot mansion with nine bathrooms, five fireplaces, and a home theater, but the real star is the beautifully manicured half-acre that "mimics the rolling hills of the English country- side," says marketing broker Ginny Stewart of Adams & Myers (630-738-0077). It also gives the gigantic home, owned by professional golfer Jeff Sluman, character and charm. In Glencoe, a historic 1928 English Tudor designed by noted architect Homer Sailor ($3.795 million) has similar dimensions (nine bathrooms and 15 rooms), right down to the half-acre grounds. But its stunning English garden is less manicured, yet far more lush. Ironically, both happen to be done by the same star landscaper— Mariani in Lake Bluff. For sellers, the lesson is clear. "You often hear that landscaping is merely the icing on the cake. Not true," maintains Stewart. "It's a significant selling point that really enhances a home, especially when it works with the period," says the Tudor's marketing broker, Gloria Matlin of Coldwell Banker (847-951-4040). MA 144 michiganavemag.com confessions of a power broker BIG-TICKET BROKER TOM GORMAN CREATES SUCCESS THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY. T hey say "when opportunity knocks, take the plunge." Baird & Warner broker Tom Gorman (312-543-8614) is legendary for brilliantly calculating the right moment to " Don't forget about the curb appeal of your house. " strike. Right now he's marketing famed auctioneer Leslie Hindman's posh Gold Coast duplex at 1242 N. Lake Shore Drive—and he has sage advice for buyers and sellers. What advice would do you give buyers? I'm seeing a lot of smart buyers take vintage apartments and add contemporary lighting, wall finishes, and furniture—making what you'd think is a dowager of a building into a stunning, hip apartment with great detail and bones. What's the first step once you buy into a vintage building? Hire a good architect and interior designer; Alex Jordan at Gregga, Jordan, Smieszney has classical training with an eye for contemporary interiors. He's a great art collector and just knows what is appropriate for a space. When you hire a designer or an architect from the get-go, you end up not wasting money at the [Merchandise] Mart on sofas that don't work. And for sellers? Don't forget about the curb appeal of your house. People respond to well- landscaped facades and architecture. First impressions mean a lot—be it the front garden or the entry hall, make sure it's spectacular. Where's the best place to buy right now? Everyone's been so focused on the amazing new places in Lakeshore East and Millennium Park that they've forgotten about all the equally fabulous and really spacious real estate in Lakeview and South Loop. Both have pent-up inventory, so now's the time to buy. photography by mcLaren soriano for factor photo (gorman)