Showings of the Week: West Town's unique gems

The average price of a home in West Town over the last six months is about $395,000, according to Katrina Villadolid's figures, but the homes she showed me in yesterday's tour were like an archive of the city's coolest rehabs, ranging from the mid-$400s to $2.5 million

If you like an open unit with a lot of light, check out the two-story, two-bedroom, two-bath at 1658 W. Superior.  The former church still has the original stained glass and molding, which makes for a great sunset in the lofted master bedroom, according to the listing agent.

The 1,600 square foot unit has an enclosed second bedroom, and despite the vaulted ceilings, relatively low gas bills at $67. The current owner has finished the property with a built in bookcase with a ladder, as well as matte finish granite countertops and stainless steel applicances. Listed at $479,900, it's perfect for anyone looking for a unique open space. Check out even more photos at http://tours5.vht.com/Viewer/PhotoGallery.aspx?ListingID=1200001&Style=API

But if you're looking for something even more posh, take a tour of the penthouse at 1715 W. Ohio. The unit was rehabbed by its developer and current owner Romeo Kapudija. The building used to be an embroidery factory for girl scout and boy scout badges.

 Now, it's got three bedrooms, a living room and family room, a media room, kitchen designed for two chefs, foyer and sitting room. In addition, an office and workout room in the first floor area come with the apartment. The rooftop deck, complete with firepit, overlooks the skyline.

Mario designed this master bath to look like a spa. The tub includes a wall-mounted TV and a skyline view. The master suite itself is 25' by 30'. At 6,000 square feet, the $1.875 million unit is larger than many single family homes. Rehabbed just a few years ago, the place is meticulously kept. It has its own private elevator and was designed with safety in mind- the elevator is encased in shatterproof glass and the floors have metal underneath to prevent fire from spreading from the lower floors.

Have you ever noticed the metal designs on the walls and bars at Salud or Pint? Some of those finished came into play in the unit at 1456 N. Milwaukee. The four level, $2.5 million home is owned by the designer who created them.

The dramatic two story living room compliments seven bedrooms, an office, a theater room, two decks, family room and kitchen (whew!). Plus, the home comes with a tatoo shop, whose tenant would pay rent to the new owner. The current owner is willing to negotiate leaving some of the unique finishes and furnishings.

That's the closet, in case you need some extra shoe space. The home has unique paintings right on the walls in some rooms, along with a tiny metal staircase to the fourth floor bedroom and deck. The 330 square foot master bathroom includes a landscape mural and circular jacuzzi. Multiple story windows let in plenty of light in the darkly finished rooms.

So if you're looking for an out of the ordinary investment, head to West Town, you might get more than you bargained for.