If you’re looking at Chicago real estate from another part of the U.S. or even another country, private clubs are a great way to network quickly when purchasing a Chicago home or Chicago condo.

Between accommodations and amenities, the luxury offered here measures well up to Paris, London or Tokyo, but at a fraction of the cost. Plus, Chicago is a hub for travelers. If you’re a frequent flier in a new Chicago home, business-or-pleasure jet-setting to Asia, the east and west coasts and most parts of the world is made simple with direct flights.

When you move into your new Chicago home or Chicago condo, consider that the city offers clubs for everyone from CEOs and executives to adventure buffs to high-end jocks and the art-appreciative. Here are the many options Chicago has to offer:

Business Clubs
Commercial Club of Chicago
21 S. Clark St. | (312) 853-1200
Best for: Senior business, professional, educational and cultural leaders who want to promote the social and economic vitality of Chicago.

Economic Club of Chicago
177 N. State St., Suite 303 | (312) 726-1628
Best for: Those interested in influencing public opinion on economic and social issues.

Chicago Farmers Club
27 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 626 | (312) 726-4030
Best for: Those passionate and invested in agribusiness.

City Club of Chicago
360 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 903 | (312) 565-6500
Best for: Prominient leaders with a drive to debate public issues in a nonpartisan forum.

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
1 IBM Plaza | 330 N. Wabash, Suite 2800 | (312) 494-6700
Best for: Business-minded leaders engaged in creating a commerce-friendly Chicago.

Rotary Club of Chicago
12 S. Michigan Ave. | (312) 372-3900
Best for: The over-30 crowd ready to give back through volunteer service.

Executives’ Club of Chicago
8 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 250 | (312) 263-3500
Best for: Those part of Chicago’s business community driven to share experiences, discuss issues and promote Chicago business.

Dining Clubs
Chicago Club
81 E. Van Buren St. | (312) 427-1825
Best for: Chicago elite looking to take advantage of Chicago’s most exclusive club with high-end amenities.

Cliff Dwellers
12 S. Michigan Ave. | (312) 922-8080
Best for: Those who participate in or support fine and performing arts.

Standard Club
320 S. Plymouth Court | (312) 427-9100
Best for: Prestigious Chicago leaders looking for top dining and athletic amenities and accommodations.

Mid-America Club
200 E. Randolph Drive, 80th floor | (312) 861-1100
Best for: Chicago residents looking for gourmet cuisine, spectacular city views and stunning rooms.

Union League Club of Chicago
65 W. Jackson Blvd. | (312) 427-7800
Best for: Civic and charitable leaders who want access to athletic facilities, exclusive dining and the club’s 750-piece art collection.

Adventurers Club
555 N. Franklin St. | (312) 822-0991
Best for: Those looking for exclusivity in an adventurous lifestyle, including (but certainly not limited to) racing, mountaineering, base jumping, space exploration and sailboating.

Tavern Club
333 N. Michigan Ave. | (312) 263-1166
Best for: Anyone from business people to artists to government workers, as The Tavern Club values its eclectic clientele and offers spirited fine dining.

Metropolitan Club
Sears Tower, 67th floor | 233 S. Wacker Drive | (312) 876-3200
Best for: Distinguished business leaders looking for elegant dining and personal service.

University Club of Chicago
76 E. Monroe St. | (312) 696-2236
Best for: Accredited university graduates interested in exclusive dining, gym and guest accommodations and special-interest societies.

Health Clubs
Buckingham Athletic Club
1 Financial Place | 440 S. LaSalle St. | (312) 663-8900
Best for: Those in search all all-around well-being, as the club offers extensive workout equipment, a driving range, pool and hotel.

East Bank Club
500 N. Kingsbury St. | (312) 527-5800
Best for: Body-and-spirit enthusiasts wanting everything from sports and fitness to physical therapy to salon and spa services.

To learn more about all the things the Chicago real estate market has to offer, please contact agent Sheldon Salnick at (312) 264-5853 or ssalnick@rubloff.com.

Visit Sheldon’s Web site to search online Chicago Real Estate Listings.

Model of 2520 Lakeview Ave.

1) The Heritage (130 Garland Court) – The 9th floor of The Heritage offers its residents a sundeck and terrace that is open all year. Enjoy sweeping views of the city on the 28th floor sky deck that faces Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. For dog owners, The Heritage provides a “dog run” on the 8th floor to accommodate walks with your pup (open 24 hours).

2) Lake Point Tower (505 Lake Shore Drive) – Enjoy 2 1/2 acres of private park of the 3rd floor of the luxurious Chicago condo, which is the only residence in the city that is located on the east side of Lake Shore Drive. This park boasts a swimming pool, barbecues and 80 planted trees, all within steps of your home. Skyline Park is also available for private parties.

3) The Park Monroe (65 East Monroe) – Residents of The Park Monroe can delight in the building’s exclusive Park Monroe Club, which offers a private swimming pool, spa, sundeck and elegant rooftop garden that overlooks Lake Michigan.

4) The Residences (900 Michigan Ave.) – Designed by the award-winning firm Douglas Hoerr Landscape Architecture, Inc., the rooftop at The Residences features nearly 14,000 square feet of gardens and areas for lounging 100 feet above the city.

5) Lincoln Park 2520 (2520 N. Lakeview Ave.) – Scheduled for completion in 2011, with occupancy anticipated for floors one to sixteen in December 2011, and the remaining floors anticipated in Spring of 2012, Lincoln Park 2520 will offer 1.25 acres of a private park (model above), designed by landscape architect Thomas Balsley.

For more information on these wonderful Chicago condos, please contact Chicago real estate agent Sheldon Salnick at (312) 264-5853 or email him at ssalnick@rubloff.com.

In this month’s edition of CS, the magazine takes a look at the historical importance and future of Chicago’s Gold Coast. “When compared with the Upper East Side, New York City’s bastion of old money and privilege, the Gold Coast stands up to the competition and, from a personality perspective, does it one better.” This Chicago hot spot has always been a place to see and be seen. Within walking distance to the lake, the Magnificent Mile, and fantastic architecture and parks, it’s no wonder the Gold Coast has continued to grow all these years.

As CS writer Amalie Drury points out,

“Like any neighborhood, the Gold Coast is always evolving, but a walking tour of its grid—particularly the area south of Division Street, north of Chicago Avenue and west of Clark Street—reveals a remarkable amount of growth over the past two or three years.”

Some of the changes Drury speaks of include the development of two luxury condos at 30 W. Oak St. and 11 E. Walton St. While these developments veer from the neighborhood’s smaller, street-level buildings, they are still in line with the community’s dedication to luxury. The space at 30 W. Oak St. boasts 10-foot ceilings, Poggenpohl wood cabinetry, Miele appliances, custom millwork, built-ins and a private terrace.

30 W. Oak St.

30 W. Oak St.

The high-rise at 11 E. Walton St., designed by Lucien LaGrange, will rest just above the Elysian Hotel. Each residence will have 180-degree views, two terraces, 10-foot ceilings, gourmet kitchens and spa baths. Residents will also enjoy access to the hotel’s indoor pool, concierge services and valet parking.

11 E. Walton St.

11 E. Walton St.

Other additions to the neighborhood include the restaurant Fred’s just above Barney’s and The Cedar Hotel bar on 1112 N. State St. Rumors are also flying that hotelier Ian Schrager may purchase “State Street’s Ambassador East hotel and its famed Pump Room restaurant, once the stomping grounds of stars like Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra.” But amid all the rumors, one thing’s for sure, the Gold Coast will continue to be a classic Chicago neighborhood in the years to come.

If you’re interested in purchasing a Gold Coast Chicago condo, please contact Chicago real estate agent Sheldon Salnick at (312) 264-5853 or email him at ssalnick@rubloff.com.

Chicago skyline by Jolyn Hecht

Chicago’s industrial elements, like this unused bridge, are part of what makes our city so unique. These elements transform into elegant architectural elements at night. This portion of the Chicago River, near the Merchandise Mart and Chicago Sun-Times building, is the start of the river’s North Branch. Enjoy close proximity to the river from these available Chicago homes: 333 N. Canal St., 345 N. Canal St. and Kinzie Park.

Chicago River by Jolyn Hecht

The Wrigley Building, one of the world’s most famous buildings, is always bustling during the day. Designed after the Seville Cathedral’s Giralda Tower in Spain, its triangular shape cups the river perfectly. At night, its white terra-cotta cladding is illuminated by the city’s lights, highlighting its architectural features. This building sits on the southern half of the Magnificent Mile, home to some of the best up-scale shopping. Available Chicago real estate near the Wrigley Building and all that the Magnificent Mile has to offer are Regatta Condominiums and Chandler.

Wrigley Building by Jolyn Hecht

Just a few blocks west of Wrigley stands one of Chicago’s newest architectural elements, Trump Tower, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merril. The building’s sleek and modern design seems to glow in the night’s sky. Around the river’s bend rests Marina City, two corncob-shaped residential buildings by Bertrand Goldberg. Condominiums are available at Marina City for you to take in the night from one of this residences many balconies.

Trump Tower and Marina City by Jolyn Hecht

Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain, designed by Edward H. Bennett, has been a part of Chicago since 1927. It’s a glorious structure even in the day time, but it’s spectacular at night with the city lights serving as a backdrop. This fountain is within Chicago’s Grant Park, which is full of attractions and events year round. If you prefer lake views to river ones, this segment of Chicago is perfect for you. Available Chicago real estate includes: 130 N. Garland Ct., 65 E. Monroe St., 310 S. Michigan Ave., and The Legacy at Millennium Park.

Buckingham Fountain by Jolyn Hecht

Chicago is known for its wonderful entertainment, and the nighttime entertainment at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park is no exception. This structure, designed by Frank Gehry, offers up some of the best architectural elements Chicago has to offer. Its state-of-the-art sound system can go toe-to-toe with any indoor theater while its modern look glistens in both the day and night. Chicago condos within walking distance of this wonderful space include: 340 E. Randolph St., 360 E. Randolph St., and The Heritage at Millennium Park.

Millennium Park by Jolyn Hecht

If you have any questions regarding the luxury Chicago real estate listed above, please contact Chicago real estate agent Sheldon Salnick at (312) 264-5853 or email him at ssalnick@rubloff.com.

1) Plants – It’s not outdoors without a little bit of nature, is it? Before you decide to fill your entire patio with shrubs from Hawaii, be sure you know the direction your patio/deck faces. This is crucial to the plant-picking process. Once you’ve figured this out discuss them with a local florist or greenhouse. A great local resource is Jayson Home & Garden off North Clybourn Avenue. It’s always best to have a good balance between annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees. To maintain your plants, take a hint from this Old Town couple in Chicago Home + Garden magazine and install a automatic irrigation system. This keeps your plants watered without the hassle of a bucket or hose.

Chicago Home + Garden magazine deck; Photography by Alan Shortall

3) Lighting – Lighting is the best (and most overlooked) way to enhance the mood on your balcony or deck. Installing programmable outdoor lights or lights with dimmers can instantly switch your deck from relax mode to party mode. Even try changing it up a bit and utilize lights that mix colors (blue, pink, purple).  If you decide to go with programmable lights, coordinating colors to various songs is a big hit at fiestas. A great local resource for lighting is Lightology off West Chicago Avenue.

4) Furnishings - What’s a deck without a place to rest? Unusual loungers are the way to go if you want an outstanding deck. When picking these out, however, remember our Chicago winters. Is the furniture easy to store? If not, is it heavy enough to withstand the wind? These are just a few things to keep in mind. If you’re looking for really unique outdoor furniture, be sure to check out Hospitality Design Source online. This shop’s furnishing are straight from a Mediterranean vacation. Be sure not to get something too big for the allotted space though. Scale is everything. Sectionals and sofas are great for large decks, but they don’t work in smaller areas. If you’re low on space opt for the occasional chair or lounge chair.

Eclips Chair & Ottoman by Hospitality Design Source

5) Dining/Kitchen - If space allows, consider a built-in brick oven and small kitchen for your deck. This makes summer entertaining a breeze and is a real delight for guests. Chicago Brick Oven and Harmony Outdoor Living are great resources.

Chicago Home + Garden magazine deck; Photography by Alan Shortall

6) Entertainment - If you plan to throw parties on your deck, you can go the route of installing a billiards table like the aforementioned Old Town couple from Chicago Home + Garden magazine, or you can simply install a high-quality sound system to play your favorite tunes. It isn’t a party without music. And on days when you only want to relax, some soft music do the trick, too. Local source: Digital Senseworks off North Milwaukee Avenue.

If you’re still looking for that perfect Chicago home and were fantasizing about your very own deck throughout this post, be sure to check out 3711 N. Bosworth St., Unit #3. This 1,900-square-foot Chicago penthouse condo, has the perfect deck just waiting to be enhanced (plus many other amenities). Most Chicago home’s do not have wide deck spaces, yet this beauty’s outdoor space measures 37×18 feet, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Another unique feature about this rooftop deck is its direct access to the condo without having to climb any stairs. You can simply walk out to enjoy nature or entertain your guests.

3711 N. Bosworth St. Rooftop Deck

3711 N. Bosworth St. Rooftop Deck

Other amenities at this property include a double-wide lot, hardwood floors, crown molding, 9-foot ceilings, 42″ kitchen cabinets, granite kitchen counters, jacuzzi in the master bathroom, wood-burning fireplace and a two-car private garage with storage area.

3711 N. Bosworth St.

To find out more about this property or other Chicago homes or condos with great deck spaces, please contact Chicago real estate agent Sheldon Salnick at (312) 264-5853 or email him at ssalnick@rubloff.com.

1. Big city lifestyle, less expensive compared to New York and California.
2. More square footage for your money.
3. Depending on your style Chicago has many unique neighborhoods such as Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and Wicker Pack that can accommodate your every need.
4. Chicago is one of the top cities in the country to have LEED Certified buildings; we are doing our best to be green.
5. Chicago is also one of the cleanest cities in the world and we pride ourselves in staying so beautiful.
6. Variety of options when it comes to real estate from restored Victorians in the Gold Coast to spacious lofts in Wicker Park.
7. Beautiful architecture by world class architects.
8. Luxury high-rises with every amenity you could ever want; pools, rooftops, fitness centers, car service, and more.
9. Wherever you live in the city you are close to all the fun that Chicago has to offer including the lakefront and beach, restaurants and bars, great shopping, and our fabulous sports teams the Chicago Cubs, Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks, Bulls.
10. Pet friendly building, dog parks, and plenty of places to walk your beloved pets.

If you are thinking about making the Chicago relocation move, contact real estate agent Sheldon Salnick by emailing ssalnick@rubloff.com or calling (312) 264-5853.

While this faulty porch ended in tragedy, there are plenty of precautions you can take to ensure your Chicago home is up to standards and safe. This is also something to keep in mind as out when checking out Chicago homes for sale. You should always get a trusted inspector to look at your porch for wear and damage. A porch may seem sturdy, put as pointed out above, its dimensions may be off. This is particularly important if the property has been vacant for some time. If you prefer to do a general inspection prior to hiring a profession, which is recommended, look for split or rotting wood, water damage, missing or rusting hardware, shaky beams and railings.

Chicago homeowners should note that you are required by law to maintain your porch or deck. So if you notice any of the criteria above, contact a professional immediately. If you’re interested in getting a porch built for your Chicago home, pre-approved designs are available on the City of Chicago’s Web site. Or, if you are working with a designer, make sure he/she comes with references and can give you past examples of work.

One thing homeowners and potential homeowners should remember is this: porches should not be used as gathering places. The Lincoln Park porch that collapsed was holding 100 people at the time, and it was only made to hold 25. So find out the maximum capacity for your porch and stick to it. Your safety is more important than any party.

If you are interested in having a porch inspected, please contact real estate agent Sheldon Salnick at (312) 264-5853 or ssalnick@rubloff.com for inspector/contractor recommendations. And remember, never purchase a piece of Chicago real estate without having it looked at by a trusted professional.

One classic Chicago summer activity is to visit Navy Pier with family or friends – and you should definitely stay for the fireworks happening every Saturday night until the end of the summer. If you want to stay away from the crowds and you happen to live in Streeterville, you can likely take advantage of your Chicago condos’ rooftop to see Navy Pier’s fireworks. Starting on July, you can enjoy Movies in the Park – a series of classic movies will be projected on to the big screen in Millennium Park. Don’t forget to bring your chairs, blankets, and a picnic basket filled with goodies!

Nearby in Grant Park is the 26^th Annual Chicago Blues Fest in June, when celebrated musicians from around the country come together to play some amazing concerts every year.  Of course, July is the biggest month for Chicago festival.  The popular Taste of Chicago takes place in Grant Park starting June 26^th through July 5^th – The Taste is in its twenty-fifth year and features over seventy of Chicago’s best restaurants. At the end of July the spectacular 52nd annual Venetian Night along the lakefront features hundred of boats adorned with dazzling decorations. If you live in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, you will also have great access to the oldest running and longest free Chicago air and water show at North Avenue Beach (or simply watch the show from the rooftop of your Chicago condo). Also, don’t forget about the hundreds of smaller festivals throughout the summer including Wicker Park Fest and Lincoln Fest.

Of course, you can’t forget the simpler joys of summers in Chicago – grilling on your patio, exploring the city’s beautiful parks, and the way that the city’s beautiful architecture sparkles in the sunshine.  There’s really nothing like it.

If you’re considering relocating to Chicago, contact Chicago real estate agent Sheldon Salnick.

*Click on a blue dot to find out about that festival: dates, location and Web site information



View Chicago Festivals – June 2009 in a larger map

Chicago Luxury Neighborhood Festivals:

Lincoln Park Festivals

• Chalk Festival, June 6, 2009
• St. Michael’s Celebration, June 13-15, 2009
• St. Josaphat Summerfest, June 19-21, 2009
• Chicago Summerfest in Lincoln Park, June 20-21, 2009

Lake View Festivals

• Halsted Tastes Better, June 13, 2009
• Belmont Arts & Music Festival, June 20-21, 2009
• Chicago Pride Fest, June 26-27, 2009
• Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade, June 28, 2009
• Girl Blast, June 28, 2009

Loop Festivals

• Taste of Chicago, June 26-July 5, 2009
• Close 2 Smooth Jazz, June 19-21, 2009
• Chicago Blues Festival, June 12-14, 2009
• Grant Park Music Festival, June-August, 2009

Old Town Festivals

• Wells Street Art Festival, June 13-14, 2009
• Old Town Art Fair, June 13-14, 2009

South Loop Festivals

• Printers Row Lit Fest, June 6-7, 2009
• Chicago SummerDance, June 11-August 23, 2009

West Loop Festivals

• Taste of Randolph St., June 19-21, 2009

Other Neighborhood Festivals:

Back of the Yards Festivals

• Fiesta Back of the Yards, June 12-14, 2009

Heart of Chicago Festivals

• Festa Past Vino, June 19-21, 2009

Hyde Park Festivals

• Community Art Fair, June 6-7, 2009
• 57th Street Art Fair, June 6-7, 2009

Humboldt Park Festivals

• Fiesta Puertorriquenas, June 15-21, 2009

North Side Festivals

• Andersonville Midsommar Fest, June 13-14, 2009
• Artist of the Wall Festival, June 20, 2009
• Back Lot Bash, June 27-28, 2009

Finding a location you love is probably the hardest decision when purchasing a luxury home. Where do you want to be during the harsh winter months in Chicago?  If you don’t mind the cold and enjoy skiiing, then you might want somewhere such as Colorado or the Poconos in Pennsylvania.  Other good places to buy right now if you’d prefer a warmer climate would be Florida, where you can find luxury ocean front properties, Las Vegas with all the entertainment of the strip, or Arizona for desert heat and amazing golf courses.  Also, consider your needs in regard to space – if the kids are out of the nest, maybe a two bedroom condo on the beach would be perfect.  On the other hand, if you have a large family coming along on your vacations, try a luxury lodge in Colorado or four bedroom home in Arizona.

Last but not least, consider the long term investment you’re making – even though the market might currently be down, is your new property in a area where real estate typically holds its value?  Working with a local real estate agent to understand your new city and its neighborhoods (and getting a second opinion from your trusted Chicago real estate agent) is essential.  Since house prices are relatively low all over the country, the question to ask really is where do you see youself vacationing or escaping during Chicago’s winter months?