Should I buy this condo next to a motel? (Chicago: real estate, condos)

[sugarrgurrl]

Im moving from the burbs to the city-river north. I know that its a safe area but the building ive been looking at is next to a motel, does anyone know this area? Is this a safe street?

150 W. Superior

Thanks!

[jessiegirl_98]

Very safe area. Within walking distance to Michigan avenue, shopping, restaurants, etc.

[myrc60]

Downtown I wouldn't expect that you would have trouble with a low-grade motel and the problems they bring to the area. Check the motel's rates online...if they are inline with other downtown motels I would think you'd be okay. If not, use your own judgement.

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by myrc60

Downtown I wouldn't expect that you would have trouble with a low-grade motel and the problems they bring to the area. Check the motel's rates online...if they are inline with other downtown motels I would think you'd be okay. If not, use your own judgement.

What motel is it? There are some interesting ones..... I lived at 1 W Superior (so a few blocks from where you'd be) and loved it

[myrc60]

I have no idea but the one I was thinking about was long-ago called the Tremont I think. Not sure if it was on Superior; as I said it was long-ago. It wasn't a large motel either which might be a plus if it is the same place. I don't think low-rent motel's could survive in that area.

[Lookout Kid]

The Tokyo Hotel has survived as a sort of flop house kind of place. But the Hotel Wacker is finally being converted into a fancy boutique hotel, and the Hotel Cass was upgraded years ago. I'd say the clock is ticking for the Tokyo... Same for the Ohio House.

[chet everett]

If I am thinking of the same place as the OP it is NOT a Hotel, but a real "old style" Howard Johnson Inn at 720 N LaSalle. This is about as "motel" as it gets in all the bad ways -- outside walkways, big unattended car park, dinky little front desk.

There are mixed views of the staying at that HoJo, but basically all reviews say "they did it for the price" and it terms of BUYING REAL ESTATE this is NOT what you want to hear.

It is not just the safety factor, it is what is going to happen down the road -- even best case someone buys the HoJo and puts a luxury condo tower on the site I do not think that helps improve your place.

I generally do not recommend that people buy condos unless they are darn sure that it is right for them, and the situation of having a HoJo right up the street is not real good...

[Lookout Kid]

I know that crappy Motel you're talking about! I give that place less than five years before someone tears it down and redevelops the lot. Here's the Google streetview of it:

[mod cut]

[vandre]

Since Lookout Kid's image was censored, here is the direct link to it

150 W Superior St, Chicago, Cook, Illinois 60610, United States - Google Maps

[Johnny Northside]

I am on the next block west of wells on superior every weekday. this motel doesn't really attract too much of a crowd, good or bad. There are groups and long lines that gather regularly across LaSalle at the Salvation Army, but those folks are more down on their luck than dangerous, and there will be the occasional "ask for change" people between there and the Brown Line station at Franklin and Superior. As the projects north of Chicago and west of Orleans come down, the numbers of these people will continue to diminish.