Open House: Frank and Nicki’s North Park Pad

30. Sep, 2008 4 Comments

Frank and Nicki moved to Chicago from Phoenix in 2005, excited to sell their car and take advantage of Chicago’s public transportation, relatively low cost of living and famed restaurant scene. Nicki quickly secured a job, and because Frank was in the Museum industry, he was confident that he’d likely have similar luck finding a job in his field (he was right, Frank now works for the Chicago History Museum).

The duo initially settled in Berwyn, but quickly realized that suburb life just wasn’t cutting the mustard. After a brief stint in Albany Park, Frank and Nicki settled in North Park, a neighborhood they enjoy thanks to its proximity to Andersonville and Lincoln Square.

Unlike many who jumped into the housing market, this couple is carefully saving for their first home purchase. In fact, the housing downturn has been a bit of a boon – they were able to rent a new construction unit originally intended as a condo. The two bedroom, two bathroom garden unit boasts high ceilings, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, central air and very high ceilings.

Attracted to Asian decor, Frank and Nicki were wowed by Bucktown importer Wow and Zen, and they bought several items that helped them to create a Zen sanctuary. The large outdoor area allows them to more than double their living room area during the spring and summer (which seems mild to the former Phoenix residents). They’re also avid art collectors, and their home has a gallery-like feel. Floor to ceiling shelving units purchased at Ikea helped convert their second bedroom into a functional and striking office.

The couple does have one request for Chicagoans – lay off the car horns! (Amen). For more Open House home tours, click here.

Art Index:

Living Room
Untitled Oil on Canvas
Michael Stevenson

Dining Room and red painting in bedroom
Karen Jilly

Raven in Hallway
Therman Statom

Untitled glass cube sculpture
Anna Skibska

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4 Responses to “Open House: Frank and Nicki’s North Park Pad”

  1. RP30 30. Sep, 2008 at 3:01 pm

    Probably the best “of the rack” condo I have seen so far and I been in many.

    Good job.

  2. Seth 30. Sep, 2008 at 4:18 pm

    LOVE THAT OFFICE!!!!! Welcome to Chicago.

  3. Anonymous 01. Oct, 2008 at 6:50 am

    I really like that apartment. It seems comfortable and spacious.

  4. Crystal 01. Oct, 2008 at 9:04 am

    That patio looks amazing!