BUCKTOWN — Built as a garage for trolley cars at the turn of the century and later converted into a single-family home, an "ultimate bachelor pad" is up for sale, according to its owner.
Ken Liss, a Chicago-based insurance agent, said that his home at 1648 N. Winchester Ave. in Bucktown/Wicker Park served as his "bachelor pad" 20 years ago. He's is asking $825,000 for the unique Bucktown residence.
"It's for a couple or [a single person]. I'm ready to let it go," Liss said.
A growing family, including his wife, their children and a Great Dane dog, eventually caused the Lisses to outgrow the house and rent it out to tenants since 2010, Liss said during a tour over the weekend.
"I've had interested parties calling me. One wanted to keep it and another wanted to tear it down." Liss said of 3,100-square-foot home on an oversized lot near the southwest corner of Winchester and Wabansia avenues and about one block south of the elevated Bloomingdale Trail.
Liss said he "has no opinion either way" on whether a buyer wants to keep the home as-is or If they want to tear it down.
Built in the late 1880s, the home is "partial brick" and covered in cedar siding painted light green.
Liss said the house was rehabbed in the mid-1990s, when a previous owner took down part of the former garage for trolleys and rebuilt around it. When Liss bought the property in 1998, he tore down an interior wall to open up the first floor and turn it into a loft.
"It's currently 1 bedroom with 2 bathrooms but can be converted back to two bedrooms," he said.
The home includes a back yard and a detached garage that fits three cars.
Full of natural light from numerous skylights, the property also features radiant heat and a Ben Franklin wrought iron gas stove that heats up the entire loft.
"It's minimal gas heat and very energy efficient," Liss said.
The home recently became available for-sale-by-owner. Call Liss at 773-406-3000 for more info.
The kitchen. [Photos by DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
Stained glass windows.
1648 N. Winchester Ave.
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