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Commodore

Commodore

Commodore
Condominium Building
The Costar Building Rating

A rating for the building relative to other buildings of the same type throughout the country. Learn more

550 W Surf St
Chicago, IL 60657
103 Units
5 Stories
1890 Year Built
$156K - $728K Value Range

Available Units

For Sale
For Rent
No Units Available

Highlights

  • Doorman
  • Nettelhorst Elementary School Rated A-
  • Elevator
  • Bike Room
  • Resident Manager or Management On Site
  • Laundry Room

Historic charm meets modern living in East Lakeview

The Commodore, a landmark building constructed in 1890, stands as a testament to Chicago's rich architectural heritage. This five-story structure, located in the vibrant East Lakeview neighborhood, houses 103 condominium units. The building's historic facade, featuring symmetrical design and rounded bays, sets the stage for a unique living experience that blends vintage appeal with contemporary comforts. Situated just steps from the bustling intersection of Broadway, Clark, and Diversey, the Commodore offers residents a prime location to enjoy the best of urban living while maintaining a sense of community in a storied setting.

Versatile layouts with vintage touches and modern updates

The Commodore offers a range of living spaces to suit various needs, from cozy studios to spacious two-bedroom units. Studios span from 280 to 800 square feet, providing efficient living spaces with the potential for creative layouts. One-bedroom units, ranging from 360 to 1,200 square feet, are available from $250,000 to $330,000, offering a perfect balance of space and affordability. For those seeking more room, two-bedroom units range from 853 to an impressive 3,000 square feet, with prices between $310,000 and $376,000. Many units feature charming vintage details such as hardwood floors, crown molding, and bay windows that flood the spaces with natural light. Kitchens in updated units boast modern amenities including stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and custom cabinetry. Some residences offer in-unit washers and dryers, a rarity in vintage buildings. Bathrooms have been thoughtfully renovated in many units, featuring marble finishes and updated fixtures. The building's unique architecture allows for some units to have skylights and distinctive porthole windows, adding character to the living spaces. Many condos offer ample closet space, with some featuring walk-in closets or custom Elfa organization systems. Central air conditioning has been added to numerous units, marrying modern comfort with historic charm. Monthly HOA fees range from $600 to $800, covering essentials such as water, insurance, security, lawn care, scavenger services, snow removal, and internet. This comprehensive fee structure allows residents to enjoy the building's amenities and services without the worry of additional costs for basic utilities and maintenance.

Preserved elegance with modern conveniences

The Commodore offers a blend of historic charm and contemporary amenities. The building's grand courtyard, adorned with lush landscaping, provides a welcoming entrance and a serene outdoor space for residents. The lobby and hallways showcase the building's vintage character with mosaic tile floors and wood paneling. For convenience, the Commodore is equipped with both passenger and freight elevators, making move-ins and daily life easier for residents. A bicycle room and additional storage units are available, addressing the needs of urban dwellers who may require extra space. The building also features a dedicated package room, ensuring secure delivery of residents' parcels. Security is a priority at the Commodore, with secure entrances utilizing FOB and intercom access. The building has been updated with a new sprinkler system, enhancing safety measures for all residents. On-site management and professional maintenance staff ensure that the building runs smoothly and any issues are promptly addressed. One unique feature that sets the Commodore apart is its historical connection – the building is rumored to have once housed an Al Capone speakeasy, adding an intriguing layer to its rich history. For those with vehicles, garage parking is available, though options may be limited. The building's professionally managed association oversees the day-to-day operations, maintaining the balance between preserving the Commodore's historic integrity and providing modern living standards.

Vibrant urban living with lakefront access

The Commodore is situated in the heart of East Lakeview, a neighborhood known for its dynamic blend of residential charm and urban excitement. This area offers a perfect balance of tranquil tree-lined streets and bustling commercial corridors, catering to a diverse community of young professionals, families, and long-time residents. Just steps from the building, residents can explore an array of dining options along Broadway and Clark Street. From cozy cafes like Cubaneo to popular eateries such as Bluebird, offering American comfort food, the neighborhood satisfies various culinary cravings. For those who enjoy cooking at home, grocery shopping is convenient with Trader Joe's and Mariano's both within a five-minute walk. Retail therapy is easily indulged with a variety of shopping options nearby. T.J. Maxx and Target are within walking distance, offering everything from fashion finds to household essentials. The neighborhood also boasts a mix of boutique shops and national retailers, ensuring residents have access to a diverse shopping experience. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Lake Michigan and its accompanying recreational opportunities. The Lakefront Trail, perfect for jogging, cycling, or leisurely strolls, is just a short distance away. Diversey Harbor and the Diversey Driving Range provide additional outdoor activities, from boating to practicing your golf swing. For entertainment, residents can enjoy performances at nearby theaters or catch the latest blockbusters at Landmark Cinemas. Sports fans will appreciate being within walking distance of the iconic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. The neighborhood also offers ample green spaces. The AIDS Garden Chicago, a poignant memorial park featuring a sculpture by Keith Haring, is within walking distance. Nearby Weisman Park provides a playground for families with children. East Lakeview's vibrant nightlife scene includes an eclectic mix of bars and clubs, particularly in the nearby Northalsted area, also known as Boystown, which hosts some of Chicago's largest LGBTQ+ events, including the annual Pride Parade. With its mix of historic charm, modern conveniences, and diverse attractions, the neighborhood surrounding the Commodore offers a rich, engaging urban lifestyle that caters to a wide range of interests and needs.

Well-connected urban living with multiple transit options

The Commodore's location in East Lakeview provides residents with excellent transportation options, making it easy to navigate the city whether commuting for work or exploring Chicago's many attractions. Public transit is readily accessible, with several bus stops within a short walk from the building. The Broadway & Surf bus stop is less than a minute away, offering service along the Broadway route. For those needing to travel north-south, the Clark & Surf stop, about a five-minute walk, serves the Clark Street route. The intersection of Clark & Diversey, also a five-minute walk, is a transit hub where residents can catch buses on the Broadway, Clark, and Diversey routes, providing connections to various parts of the city. For rapid transit, the Chicago Transit Authority's "L" train system is within reach. The Wellington Station, serving the Brown and Purple Lines, is about a 10-minute walk from the Commodore. This provides quick access to the Loop and other north side neighborhoods. For those willing to walk a bit further, the Belmont Station, approximately 15 minutes away, offers additional service on the Red Line, expanding transit options even further. Cyclists will find the area conducive to two-wheeled transportation, with bike-friendly streets and proximity to lakefront bike paths. The building's bike storage room makes it convenient for residents to keep and access their bicycles. For those who prefer to walk, the neighborhood's high walkability means that many daily errands and activities can be accomplished on foot. The dense urban environment puts a wide array of amenities within easy walking distance. While the excellent public transit options often negate the need for a car, residents who do own vehicles will find street parking in the area, though it can be challenging at times. The building offers some garage parking options, which can be a valuable asset in this bustling urban setting. For longer trips, both Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport are about a 25-minute drive away, providing convenient access for air travel. The Commodore's location, coupled with Chicago's comprehensive transportation network, ensures that residents can easily navigate the city and beyond, whether for work, leisure, or daily errands.

Available Condos

No units matching this criteria are available right now.

Building Details

Recreation

  • Trails
  • Bike Trail

Outdoor Features

  • Common Area

Amenities

  • Doorman
  • Laundry Facilities
  • Package Room
  • Bike Room
  • Community Storage Space
  • Resident Manager or Management On Site

Parking

  • 1 Garage Space Per Unit
  • 1 Car Garage
  • Uncovered Parking
  • On-Site Parking

Pet Policy

  • Limit on the number of pets
  • Dogs and Cats Allowed

Condo Association

  • $1,301 Monthly HOA Fees
  • Monthly HOA Fees Range from $569 - $1,301
  • Association fees include water, parking, insurance, security, tv/cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, internet
  • Jay Markicic Association, Phone Number (773) 525-9401
  • Commodore Subdivision
  • Property managed by Property Hill
  • On-Site Maintenance

Building Design

  • Elevator
  • Fire Sprinkler System

Unit Features

  • Laundry Room
  • Washer and Dryer Hookup

Unit Information

Unit
524
Beds
2 Beds
Baths
1.5 Baths
Sq Ft
2,013
Price
$439,900
Price / Sq Ft
$219 / Sq Ft
List Date
04/24/2025

Unit Size and Value Ranges

Studio Units
Sq Ft Range
800
Est. Values
$155,770 - $389,627
1 Bedroom Units
Sq Ft Range
743 - 1,200
Est. Values
$246,314 - $343,017
2 Bedroom Units
Sq Ft Range
853 - 2,013
Est. Values
$208,000 - $728,454
All Units
Sq Ft Range
743 - 2,013
Est. Values
$155,770 - $728,454

Map

Area Factors

Low Crime

Crime Score®

4 / 10

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

91 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

96 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

81 / 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score

WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Environmental Factors

Active

Sound Score®

69 / 100

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Air Pollution®

N/A / 10

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Flood Factor®

N/A / 10

--

Fire Factor®

N/A / 10

--

Heat Factor®

N/A / 10

--

Wind Factor®

N/A / 10
Source: First Street, How Loud
Sources: First Street, How Loud

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.

Parks in this Area

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.

Agents Active in this Building

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Property Taxes

Range in Assessed Values
$2.9K - $75K
Range of Taxes in Building
$411 - $14,398
Range of Taxes per Sq Ft
$0.20 - $8.08

Property Tax History

Source: Public Records
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.