apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I thought maybe Chicagoans would be interested in a cool new shopping directory on Chicago and burbs. It actually finds things that people are looking for. All the home stores and knickknack stores are listed in this directory + everything else. And they sell this nifty map that has all the locations mapped out with the address and phone number listed so it pretty convenient.
http://seemoreshopping.com/home/

I am happy to report that my wife and I will be in town this weekend signing the lease paperwork for our apartment. We are moving into the west loop area (from Cincinnati) and got a 26th floor apt on the corner with a south and east view. We should be moving in sometime Jan or Feb next year. Thanks to everyone who has provided good info and tips. I can't wait to apply all the Chicago AT knowledge to an actual place! I have way too many links to "chicago things"! Thanks again!

Welcome to Chicago, Dave H!

I am continually shocked and amazed by how much I love it here.

Does anyone know if there is a prefab/modular housing buzz going on in Chicago? If so, how/where can I join the conversation?? I realize there are companies like Rocco Rocio (MO) and Flatpak (MN) who will build and deliver to IL but I get the feeling that Chicago's restrictive zoning laws might make a modular housing project more difficult than it's worth.

It just seems that prefab is a really hot topic right now but only on the coasts and/or rural areas. It's a shame, especially considering some of the cookie-cutter, 3-flat housing eye sores that are being constructed in the city right now.

Thanks...Matt

My wife and I have recently purchased a 2-flat in Chicago that needs some significant rehab work to convert it to a single family house. We are trying to decide whether to use an architecht or a design/build contractor for the project. Does anyone have any advice on how to choose between the two?

Our budget is pretty tight, so an architect's fees would likely cut into the amount left for the remodel, and a design/build contractor would be able to better make plans that can really get built within our budget. But maybe an architect would be more creative than a design/build contractor and make the dollars stretch father?

All thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

RD-

In 30 years you'll thank yourself for hiring a good architect.

My folks converted a 2-flat over about 4 years and though it was stressfull at times they were not willing to comprimise on quality. They figured so what if the foyer isn't completes just yet...it'll be better with the marble and late than without and on time...

I'm surprised that pics of my empty condo were posted. I just put the "before" pics up for my family and friends back in NYC. I tagged them for AT Chicago but seeing it posted too soon, I feel a little like I left the house with no clothes on!

We moved in on Monday finally, and discovered an overabundance of IKEA storage coming off the moving truck, which seemed so useful and acceptable in Brooklyn and now looks crappy here. I'm going to have to explore the estate sales that Andersonville Dave refers to. Anyone have tips?

I scrambled to post a few "in progress" pics but they suck so I can't wait to take some really nice ones with a good camera and get feedback from you guys. We have a put a lot of money into the place already, getting a fresh canvas with new baseboards, crown molding, paint, and floor refinishing.

My husband and I celebrate our one year anniversary tomorrow and I'm afraid I have to tear myself away from catalogs, stores, blogs, and the drill for a whole 24 hours...