August 14, 2008 by Jason Hartong
The importance of landscape garden design has become accepted in America, as property owners look to expand usable living space. The term “outdoor room” has been floating around for years but as the public becomes more aware about creating useful green space, the implementation of sophisticated gardens has expanded. No longer is a homeowner limited to the traditional deck and lawn in their garden. Adding additional terraces and three season rooms have become a logical way to extend square footage to a home.
Sherry Thomas of North Shore Magazine recently wrote, an excellent article about the European outdoor room philosophy, which is becoming rediscovered on the North Shore.
From European-style swimming pools to sultry outdoor living rooms, North Shore residents are finding more ways than ever to turn their homes inside out.
When Susan Forney first saw her sprawling estate home in Northfield, she fell in love with its Old World elegance and history.
“I’m the third owner,” she says of her 1923 property. “It was built by a gentleman who, around the turn of the century, designed a seal that was used for Ford motor cars.” As the man made his fortune, he and his wife (a transplanted Southern belle) moved into a mansion in Chicago and built the Georgian in the country, on a 22-acre spread with ample room for horses and entertaining, as a place to escape the oppressive city heat.
Click here to read the full article.
To learn more about landscape design, visit Hartong International.
Posted in Garden Design, Landscape Design, North Shore Real Estate, Home & Garden | Tagged chicago, design, Garden, Hartong International, jason hartong, landscape, london, north shore, oxford, real estate | No Comments »
August 7, 2008 by Jason Hartong
Please join us for a brief overview of current real estate market conditions in Evanston, Illinois. Corinne Guerra of Rubloff Wells Fargo Mortgage, will be speaking about available financing and renovation lending. Jason Hartong of Rubloff, will talk about about ideal homes for renovation and what type of projects a homeowner should focus on.
Please call Rubloff North Shore for details, 1 847 512 2700. The free seminar will be held at Rubloff North Shore, 1620 Sherman Ave., Evanston, Illinois. August 9th 2008, from 11-12pm. No RSVP required.
Posted in North Shore Real Estate, Home & Garden | Tagged evanston real estate, north shore, jason hartong, RWF Mortgage, Corinne Guerra, Seminar, home improvement | 1 Comment »
August 5, 2008 by Jason Hartong
Regardless of all the lending and foreclosure panic we hear in the news, real estate is still changing hands. Buying a home has become more about location and appearance than ever. A home must be a completely finished property with the perfect combination of amenities and finishes or either a real bargain fixer upper to sell. With high fuel prices, being close to an urban center or a university, will make a property more desirable. In the burbs, it’s important to be close to a rail network, with a short commute time. Look for suburbs with a sense of community and a traditional town center. Sprawl and unincorporated areas have become far less attractive in a shrinking economy.
I find most of my real estate clients are looking for, a vintage home that has been completely rebuilt or a unique contemporary house. Character properties are much more desirable than cookie-cutter properties. As a buyer, it’s important to look for a property with a good balance of detail and modern function. Look for a property with rooms that properly serve their intended use. Vintage properties that have been modernized properly will appear to be seamless in combining the old and new. A home with details like, real wood flooring, high-end appliances, copper gutters and cedar shake roofing will make a property show well, last longer and appeal to a larger number of buyers in the future.
A huge but often overlooked area is, landscaping. I see it all the time, a house that has been completely refurbished and the contractor skimps on the trees and shrubs. There’s nothing worse than seeing a home with lawn going right up to the foundation or fast food restaurant styled plantings. Landscape can make or break the total appearance of a property. Proper landscaping isn’t cheap and should be taken seriously. Make sure to hire a landscape designer with a formal education to plan and supervise the project. The results will be far more successful than letting a landscape contractor just wing it. A landscape constructed properly will include a balance of hardscaping that fits the architectural style, along with perennial plants, shrubs and trees to finish the space. The idea is to create outdoor rooms, which add more living space to a home. Expect to pay close to 10% of the real estate’s market value on the landscape. By doing it right, you will be adding a great deal of value to the property.
There are many ways to improve the overall appearance of a home to suit different budgets. Always remember quality over quantity. External factors can’t always be controlled but the temptation to buy a newer or larger home further away from civilization, isn’t the smartest choice in a tough real estate market. Make sure to buy for location and then go for quality and uniqueness.
Posted in North Shore Real Estate, Home & Garden | Tagged real estate, evanston, jason hartong, Rubloff, Chicago North Shore, Homes, Landscaping, Landscape Design, Smart Property | No Comments »
July 31, 2008 by Jason Hartong
The Chicago North Shore has a fairly transient population, which has helped to keep the real estate market moving forward. If it were not for the number of large corporations and universities located in the area, property sales would have been badly pinched, like other parts of the country.
Barron’s seems to think the market woes might be short-lived. There are signs, the real estate market might have already reached a bottom.
This real-estate rout has been more painful than prior ones, but it may be shorter-lived. Indeed, there are early signs of recovery.
A FEW YEARS AGO, AN ACQUAINTANCE SENT Wellesley College economist Karl “Chip” Case a T-shirt depicting a cartoon of a smiley-face house surrounded by soap bubbles, called “Mr. Housing Bubble.” But it was the words captured in a comic-book cloud on the shirt that gave this otherwise goofy image its bite: “If I pop, you’re screwed!”
The dark humor hardly was lost on Case, co-creator along with Yale economist Robert Shiller of the now-canonical S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. In pairing recent sale prices of U.S. homes with the prices those same homes fetched previously, the index is substantiating what every sentient American knows: The U.S. housing market is in a deep funk, probably the worst in 50 years, according to Harvard’s respected Joint Center for Housing Studies.
Click to read the full article
Posted in evanston real estate | Tagged real estate, chicago, evanston, property, north shore, jason hartong, realtor, Rubloff, Market | No Comments »
July 25, 2008 by Jason Hartong
| One of the advantages of living on the North Shore is the exceptional quality of the lakefront. In case you are new to the area or have just ignored the lake until now, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park and Lake Forest all have very well maintained beaches. None of that course rocky sand around here! The sand rivals anything you will find in Florida.
I can’t think of anything better than heading to the lake with my weekend newspaper and beach towel. It’s the most relaxing way to enjoy a Summer day in the sun. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Below, I have included links to several of the local community websites. Some beaches are offered for a charge and others are offered for free. Check on the cost and local lakefront rules before setting out. Don’t plan on driving your car along these beaches or sunbathing nude, it’s a little old fashion around here.
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Posted in Living in Evanston, North Shore Real Estate, Home & Garden | Tagged bbc, Chicago Tribune, evanston real estate, Examiner.com, jason hartong, Lakefront, London Times, New York Times, North Shore beaches, Rubloff | No Comments »
July 24, 2008 by Jason Hartong
I also write editorial for the Examiner, which is a national news agency. I cover most of the same topics as you find on this blog. Click the link: Chicago North Shore Examiner.
Posted in North Shore Real Estate, Home & Garden | Tagged bbc, Chicago Examiner.com, Chicago Tribune, evanston, jason hartong, Journalist, London Times, New York Times, north shore, real estate, Restaurant review, Travel | No Comments »
July 21, 2008 by Jason Hartong
In case you were bewildered by the road closures in and around Evanston yesterday, you where not alone. There always seems to be something going on in Evanston but the closure of most major road access points leading into downtown Evanston, was not expected. Apparently, Evanston hosted cyclist from all over the globe, including Olympians. I was impressed with the scale but also a little annoyed by it’s road closures. Regardless, it was entertaining to watch.
For recreational cyclist, Evanston has a great network of bike paths along the lake front and along city streets. refer to the City of Evanston website for information about biking trails and city bike lanes. It’s fantastic to see people using the designated cycling lanes in and around town. Just another feature that makes living in Evanston, truly cosmopolitan.
Posted in Living in Evanston, Uncategorized | Tagged cycling, evanston, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, festivals, jason hartong, real estate, Rubloff | 1 Comment »
July 21, 2008 by Jason Hartong
Booze, jazz, flappers, gangsters and Prohibition, were very much part of 1920s-30s Chicago and the North Shore. The nationwide prohibition of alcohol was started in Evanston. Fortunately, Evanston has changed. Al Capone ruled the flow of illegal bubbly and the Chicagoland establishments that served it. It was a time of exceptionally well clad men and women enjoying the pleasures of life, behind rotating bookcases and trapdoor basements. The speakeasy was a place of amusement, illegal booze, wild morals and truly revolutionary music.
The “Jazz Age” was born in the speakeasy of 1920s Chicago. The music mirrored a generation of individuals with forward thinking values, in a society that struggled to break loose from a backlash of Victorian values. Jazz musicians such as King Oliver, Bessie Smith, Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong all made Chicago the cultural center of this new sound. These acts played until the wee hours, crowded into back room clubs filled with smoke and generous servings of cocktails. The club owners and gangsters made a fortune.
What is now known as Plaza Del Lago, was a hedonistic playground for 1920s-30s North Shore. The Spanish Court complex was designed by William Keck and financed by the local firm, Bills Realty Corporation. Having conceived the project before the 1929 Stock Market Crash, Bills Realty went ahead with the construction. It housed a cinema, shops and the infamous Miralago Ballroom. A very stylish destination for youths motoring along leafy Sheridan Road.
The Miralago was a Deco styled building with a ship-like exterior and a lavish interior. The shimmering ceiling, marble columns and dazzling lighting hosted illegal booze, gambling and wild parties in contempt of prohibition. Jazz musicians from Chicago speakeasy clubs would perform in it. Rumor has it, Cab Calloway performed a show in the ballroom along with other famous guests.
Miralago’s unincorporated “no man’s land status meant, it was free from being policed by neither Wilmette or Kenilworth. No one could enforce law and order there, making it a haven for all the illegal pleasures of the downtown speakeasy. This status also lead to it’s downfall.
In the Spring of 1932, a fire broke out from within Miralago’s interior, which leveled the building. Neither the Wilmette or Winnetka fire departments came to rescue the ballroom. Evanston’s fire department answered the call but Wilmette had turned off the water. It’s infamous reputation must have hindered it from making friends with it’s neighbours. Unfortunately, the club was never rebuilt, leaving it to the pages of history.
Another club known for it’s excellent drinks and infamous company was, the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge in Chicago. I’m sure the “Cocktail” bit was not openly advertised in the 1920s-1930s. The club was frequented by Al Capone. “Machinegun” Jack McGurn, was one of the clubs mobster owners. He held a 25% of it’s ownership and persauded singer/comedian Joe E. Lewis to perform there. The Green Mill was well known to many out of town acts, including Frank Sinatra. It was even a hangout for Charlie Chaplin. Many actors and society members of the day, mingled with the local crowd. Whenever Capone entered the club, the band would play his favourite, “Rhapsody in Blue”.
To this day, the Green Mill plays live Jazz, in it’s vintage speakeasy decor and ambience. It’s a fantastic piece of Chicago musical history. The Green Mill holds the legacy of the worlds greatest Jazz night spot, if not the oldest. Little if anything has changed in the club. Live Jazz and other contemporary forms of music can still be heard there. I’d suggest a visit for a couple Martini’s and a night of memorable entertainment. It’s rumored, Al Capone’s ghost still comes to the club for an evening of lounging with a fat cigar and a cocktail. I’d recommend not sitting in his favourite booth.
Click for a video tour of the underground passageways leading to escape routes for the prohibition era bootleggers of the Green Mill.
Click here for the Green Mill Jazz Club website, for a current lineup.
Posted in North Shore Living | Tagged chicago, evanston, Green Mill, jason hartong, Miralago, north shore, Plaza Del Lago, real estate, realtor, Rubloff, Speakeasy, wilmette, winnetka | No Comments »
July 14, 2008 by Jason Hartong
When the weekend arrives, it’s a must to start with a leisurely meal . Chicago is known for it’s world class list restaurants with atmosphere and food to satisfy many tastes. These credentials extend well into the North Shore. I’ve always been fond of casual French bistros. It’s a comfortable choice, where conversation can take place without rushing.
Jackie’s Bistro in Evanston is a fine choice for the relaxed atmosphere and culinary creations of a world class chef. The menu is full of classic and contemporary French dishes and a healthy range of wine choice. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and creativity. I like the Seared Duck Breast with Wild Rice, Dried Fruits, Red Swiss Chard and Sweet-Sour Sauce. I’ve had it several times and find the results to be consistent on any given night. Jackie’s also offer a Chef’s Tasting Menu with four or five courses. It’s a recommended choice for a larger dinner party or to explore something new.
Parking can be an issue on Central Street but Jackie’s is well worth circling around the corner a few times. Make sure to call in a reservation, they tend to get busy rather quickly.
Miramar is another of my favourites. It’s located in Highwood, which is home to an increasing number of night spots. The decor is impressive with large french doors, that open to curbside seating. The interior is reminiscent of 1930s Cuba with a French bistro menu. Decked out with a grand oak bar and plenty of white tile, oak wall paneling and vintage mirrors. The waitstaff greet you formally, wearing black ties and white coats. Table service is excellent and the wine selection compliments a huge menu.
I always start the culinary experience at Miramar with Escargots in Pernod Butter. It’s a treat that washes down nicely with a bottle of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio. I tend to savour the moment before moving onto a main course. The Dover Sole with French Green Beans and Almondine Sauce is highly recommended. For a hearty steak, try the Ribeye with the Bearnaise sauce, it’s a great combination with a Chappellet Merlot. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the offered options. I usually skip dessert, but the Bread Pudding would be my choice. Bon Appétit!
Both restaurants have a combination of ambience, decor and entrees to keep you interested in returning again. A full list of menu and wine selection can be found online. Below are links to both websites.
For more information: Jackie’s bistro of Evanston and Miramar of Highwood
Posted in North Shore Restaurants | Tagged evanston real estate, north shore, jason hartong, Rubloff, Living in Evanston, Living on The North Shore, French bistro, wine | No Comments »
July 10, 2008 by Jason Hartong
Having just returned from England, I think it’s appropriate to mention one of my passions. Antiques are a visual and symbolic link to a bygone era. They tell a story of how life was experienced in decades and centuries past. I find it euphoric to come across an 18th century book from the Enlightenment or a bakelite encased 1950s radio. It’s the history behind the object that intrigues me most.
My favourite area to treasure hunt, happens to be the Cotswolds. The area is loaded with charming antique arcades, stuffed with Edwardian top hats, 400 year old farm tools, 18th century literature and vintage radios. The Cirencester Antique Arcade, Antiques at The George in Burford and The Old Ironmongers Antiques in Lechlade are impressive examples of what to expect from such a shopping experience. Although, many of the antique shops are run by savvy dealers, I find the prices to be much more reasonable than posh large city shops.
There are less expensive ways to find antiques, but time is an issue when traveling. When I lived in the CotswoIds, I used to frequent auctions and charity shops throughout Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Many auction items can go dirt cheap. I have a pretty good idea of what to pay, from having researched similar collectables. Even with the exchange rates being unfavourable for North Americans, dollars still go pretty far in vintage goods. Many items are also much rarer in the USA, meaning they are also more valuable when you bring them home.
You don’t have to plan on traveling overseas for that set of 18th century, 1st edition novels, there are many exceptional Chicagoland shops to explore. Logically, you find an abundance of antiques from the late 19th and 20th century in America. 1940s-1950s furniture and other utilitarian household objects seem to be more available in North America. You can still find plenty of gold speckled formica covered, steel framed kitchen tables.
My favourite Evanston antique shop is, Secret Treasures, located on Dempster Street and Chicago Avenue. Most of the items you will find here date from the 1920s to 1950s. You might even find a 1950s Radio Flyer Wagon or an original 1940s military issued Hamilton watch. It’s always an uncertainty to see what might appear, which is half the fun.
Here’s a mention of the Dempster Street shopping area in Time Out Chicago.
Posted in North Shore Real Estate, Home & Garden | Tagged antiques, bakelite radios, bbc, chicago, Chicago Tribune, cirencester, cotswolds, evanston, Examiner.com, london, London Times, New York Times, Travel, vintage | No Comments »
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