Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Step into a world where architectural ambition meets accessible elegance. In this episode of Open House Chicago, Cortney Hall guides us through three uniquely luxurious, yet remarkably attainable, residences—each under $1 million—that prove Chicago’s real estate market delivers value without compromise.
Our first destination: the storied Ritz‑Carlton Residences at 118 E Erie Apt 21 D, where Cortney and Carrie McCormack step into a 21st‑floor one‑bedroom sanctuary. With sweeping corner views of Michigan Avenue, a custom De Giulio kitchen, and service that includes stocked groceries and evening cocktails, this is 1423 square feet of elevated living that still respects the budget (yes, under $900 K).
Next, in the creative heart of West Loop, Cortney joins Ben Cohen to explore a reimagined industrial loft at 14 N Peoria 3E that spans 1800 square feet. Exposed beams, original brick, glass‑and‑steel partitions, lofty ceilings, and generous natural light come together in a striking contrast of raw and refined in this 2-bedroom urban retreat that's on the rise for around $895 K. Meanwhile, as we explore this West Loop gem, designer Anne Shrader of City Haus Chicago brings thoughtful intention to every surface...including the coffee table. Her suggestion to use art books, sculptural objects, and organic textures to layer your arrangement, feels both polished yet sensible. “We always aim for balance,” Anne notes, blending high-gloss ceramics with matte finishes, and pairing clean lines with natural elements like wood and stone. The result is a living space that invites conversation, without ever feeling over-styled.
Finally, the tour leads to Lakeview East, where Cortney enters the timeless elegance of the 1920s Edestone at 421 Melrose, 21AD. With four bedrooms and over 3,000 sq ft of vintage charm (including rich millwork, formal dining, chevron floors, and lake views from nearly every room), residence proves that pre‑war grandeur and affordability can coexist under the threshold of a $1 million budget. Chicago may fly under the radar next to metropolitan areas such as New York City and San Francisco, but as this episode of Open House demonstrates, its real estate market may well offer some of the most compelling blend of accessibility and design in the world.
Now tell us: Is Chicago a city you would be interested in moving to? Where are you currently apartment/house hunting?
Subscribe to Open House TV on YOUTUBE: bit.ly/openhouseyoutubesub
Open House TV INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2T0aorL
Open House TV TWITTER: bit.ly/2szkqEX
Open House TV FACEBOOK: bit.ly/2TXSztC
Step into a world where architectural ambition meets accessible elegance. In this episode of Open House Chicago, Cortney Hall guides us through three uniquely luxurious, yet remarkably attainable, residences—each under $1 million—that prove Chicago’s real estate market delivers value without compromise.
Our first destination: the storied Ritz‑Carlton Residences at 118 E Erie Apt 21 D, where Cortney and Carrie McCormack step into a 21st‑floor one‑bedroom sanctuary. With sweeping corner views of Michigan Avenue, a custom De Giulio kitchen, and service that includes stocked groceries and evening cocktails, this is 1423 square feet of elevated living that still respects the budget (yes, under $900 K).
Next, in the creative heart of West Loop, Cortney joins Ben Cohen to explore a reimagined industrial loft at 14 N Peoria 3E that spans 1800 square feet. Exposed beams, original brick, glass‑and‑steel partitions, lofty ceilings, and generous natural light come together in a striking contrast of raw and refined in this 2-bedroom urban retreat that's on the rise for around $895 K. Meanwhile, as we explore this West Loop gem, designer Anne Shrader of City Haus Chicago brings thoughtful intention to every surface...including the coffee table. Her suggestion to use art books, sculptural objects, and organic textures to layer your arrangement, feels both polished yet sensible. “We always aim for balance,” Anne notes, blending high-gloss ceramics with matte finishes, and pairing clean lines with natural elements like wood and stone. The result is a living space that invites conversation, without ever feeling over-styled.
Finally, the tour leads to Lakeview East, where Cortney enters the timeless elegance of the 1920s Edestone at 421 Melrose, 21AD. With four bedrooms and over 3,000 sq ft of vintage charm (including rich millwork, formal dining, chevron floors, and lake views from nearly every room), residence proves that pre‑war grandeur and affordability can coexist under the threshold of a $1 million budget. Chicago may fly under the radar next to metropolitan areas such as New York City and San Francisco, but as this episode of Open House demonstrates, its real estate market may well offer some of the most compelling blend of accessibility and design in the world.
Now tell us: Is Chicago a city you would be interested in moving to? Where are you currently apartment/house hunting?
Subscribe to Open House TV on YOUTUBE: bit.ly/openhouseyoutubesub
Open House TV INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2T0aorL
Open House TV TWITTER: bit.ly/2szkqEX
Open House TV FACEBOOK: bit.ly/2TXSztC
