The Home Front

By Don DeBat Renters hunting for an affordable apartment in a nice North Side Chicago neighborhood this spring may be in for some sticker shock. Between February of 2025 and February of 2026, Chicago’s median rental prices rose more than many other major cities, according to a national survey by Axios Media, Inc. The survey is based on new leases signed each month in 54 metro areas with at least one million residents. Chicago’s median apartment rent rose 4% to $1,670 a month

(Above) A coach house (left in photo) in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. Click on image to view larger version. ADU photos by Don DeBat. A new Chicago ordinance now allows Additional Dwelling Units, or ‘Granny Flats,’ to be built citywide, signaling a significant step toward addressing Chicago’s affordable housing shortage. By Don DeBat “Granny Flats” finally are rising out of their rocking chairs in Chicago, a world-class city that is desperate for construction of new affor

(Above) Google Street View of 200 West Monroe Street in the Loop. Valued at $100 million when purchased in 2014, the 23-story building...