Evanston IL Real Estate & Homes for Sale

Welcome home to your private oasis in the ideal central Evanston location. The reimagined open floor plan of this capacious farmhouse with a park-like serene private garden, tiered deck, and creative touches was designed to create a summertime retreat to relax and entertain in. The importance of natural light in every room is highlighted in the design of this home. The 1st-floor features a living room and dining room combo with french doors leading to the private yard, a kitchen with peninsula seating, custom cement countertops, stainless appliances, a breakfast nook, and a walk-in pantry. The powder room and office or fifth bedroom complete the first floor. The 2nd floor features 3 bedrooms, an open family room, and a full bathroom. The tranquil third-floor primary "treetop" suite features an expansive bedroom, a primary bath with a walk-in shower, a walk-in closet, and a private balcony accessed through French doors. The finished basement features a recreation room, laundry room, storage, and utilities. The custom brick patio that stretches the width of the house leads to the 4-car garage. Fantastic location across from Penny Park, and blocks away from Dewey Elementary School, ETHS, Downtown Evanston, Starbucks, grocery, retail, and more.

ENJOY LAKE BREEZES AND SEASONAL LAKE VIEWS FROM THIS ELEGANT & PRISTINE SUN-FILLED TOP FLOOR 4BR/3BA CO-OP IN PREMIER LANDMARK "ELEVATOR" BLDG. BRIGHT NEW GRANITE/SS KITCHEN W/BRKFST BAR. GRAND SIZED ROOMS WITH EXCEPTIONAL MILLWORK & PLASTER CORNICES, ARCHED DOORWAYS & BOOKCASES, CORNER CHINA CABINETS, MARBLE GAS FIREPLACE, BARREL VAULTED FOYER, CENTRAL AIR AND IN-UNIT LAUNDRY. HEATED GARAGE. STEPS TO LAKE, TRAIN & SHOPS. TAXES ($14,840.03/YEAR), GARAGE & HEAT INCLUDED IN ASSESSMENT, WHICH IS $3,011.77/MONTH. 2,200 SQUARE FEET. NO DOGS, BUT 2 CATS ALLOWED. GREAT RESERVES.

Charming 4-bedroom 2-bathroom Chicago style brick bungalow in the Orrington/Haven/ETHS Evanston schools district. Step into this beautifully crafted home with skylights, surround sound, hardwood floors, unique built-ins and custom millwork throughout. Generously sized family room/living room exudes warmth with a beautiful fireplace, wood trim, and floor to ceiling curtains. A designated dining room leads to the kitchen in back with custom cabinetry and granite counters. An enclosed sunroom off the kitchen provides additional living space. Exit the sunroom into an enclosed oasis with beautifully landscaped places to relax and entertain. Enjoy the ease of a first floor primary bedroom accompanied by a full bathroom. Upstairs you'll find three additional bedrooms and a full bathroom, offering ample space for a variety of living arrangements. The full unfinished walkout basement provides the potential to create additional living space to suit your needs. The 1 car garage in the back is as/is and not accessible from the street. No alley behind. It can be used as a large shed or converted to something else. There is a driveway in front to park a car along with easy street parking. Don't miss this opportunity to make this your home and neighborhood. Move in ready! First showings at OH Sun 230-4

The largest one bedroom units (986 SF) with a master bath and separate powder room are rarely available. Hardwood floors in the living areas, room for a table and built-in corner unit. Enjoy summer relaxation on the courtyard facing balcony. Unit has owner controlled heating/air and in-unit laundry. Unit comes with one heated parking space and storage locker. The driveway is heated for easy winter driving. The complex has an indoor pool, exercise & party rooms, whirlpool & sundeck. Pet friendly building has a dog run. Basic extended TV and internet are included in assessment. Dempster/Chicago Avenue location offers easy access to transportation with Purple Line around the corner & Metra 3 blocks away. Shop for food at Jewel & Trader Joe's. Great restaurants, coffee shops, and gelato are nearby, also a bike shop, jewelry stores & pottery shop. Lake Michigan is 4 blocks away. With these great resources nearby, this unit caters to your housing needs.

Welcome home! Built in 1949 by renowned builder Home by Hemphill, this well-maintained three-bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home is truly move-in ready. The home features hardwood floors throughout, Pella windows, and an updated full bath. At 62 X 123 you will love the extra large yard. The enclosed breezeway is a hard-to-find feature that gives the home expanded capabilities and functionality. The living room has a wood-burning fireplace. Large bedrooms and a finished basement give this home a lot of possibilities. AC and furnace were new in 2017. Priced to sell, so move fast and make this home yours.

Welcome to 1809 Brummel St., a beautiful home located in the charming city of Evanston. As you step inside, you are greeted by a spacious and bright living room with large windows that flood the space with natural light. The living area flows into the kitchen, featuring granite countertops and ample cabinet space. The home boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a fully finished basement with a bonus space. Outside you will find a private backyard which is great for entertaining, as well as a private 2-car garage. Located on a quiet, tree-lined street in Evanston, this home is just a short distance from Dawes Elementary School, James Park, Target and Aldi. Schedule your showing today!

Move-in ready! This handsome brick colonial in desirable NW has been wonderfully updated and expanded. The home features solid masonry construction, freshly painted plaster walls, expertly refinished hardwood floors, and an open circular floor plan. The front entry is flanked by garden walls with a graceful arch of limestone above the beautiful front door, which opens to a cheerful foyer and central oak staircase. The casually elegant living room with a wood burning fireplace is airy and filled with light. A perfectly sized family room shows off two walls of windows, along with functional and stylish built-ins ready to house a complete entertainment system. The luxury chef's kitchen has been combined with the dining room for active family living and easy entertaining. The kitchen features white cabinetry, top of the line appliances, brass hardware, black soapstone counters, an island with counter seating for four, and an extra wide window above the sink overlooking the rear yard. The first floor is completed with a stylish powder room, tucked away off the kitchen and living room with a pocket door. On the second floor, a charming window alcove seat rests at the top of the stairs pouring light throughout. Three comfortably sized bedrooms are nicely situated along the upstairs hall, as are two additional closets .The bedrooms are bright and cheerful with custom closets and plantation shutters.The full bath, which was recently renovated, is tasteful and open. A convenient pull-downstair provides easy access to the attic with plenty of storage. The basement is open and filled with light from several windows above grade. A large playroom features an expansive wall of closets, built-in bookshelves, comfortable but tasteful carpeting and a walk-out entrance to the rear yard. A fully separate office with a built-in desk and shelving is totally private. A pocket door closes off the office from the utility storage room with laundry. The professionally designed landscape makes the house shine. Carefully selected plantings frame the the front of the house and a comfortable stone paver patio in the rear sits out of the afternoon sun, where the fenced yard and lush border can be most enjoyed. The one and a half car garage has been furnished with a new roof, downspouts and windows, as well as a fresh coat of paint. The home is within the award winning Willard school district, conveniently located between Bent and Cartwright Parks, just two blocks from Central Street. There is a perfect balance of comfort and accessibility. Move in and savor the delightful features of the home that is ready for today's active lifestyle.

Sunny and spacious top floor penthouse level condo in well-maintained self-managed oversized 3 flat with treetop views. Step into the welcoming foyer to the charming vintage details including original moldings and built-ins, hardwood floors throughout, wood burning fireplace in living room, formal dining room with built-ins, and large eat-in kitchen with built-in pantry. Eight rooms in all, 3 large bedrooms, 2 full baths including primary bath, heated sunrooms in front and back (either can be a home office); all in all, 1500 square feet with windows in every direction. Plenty of closets for storage and in unit full-size laundry in the kitchen. Additional 12 x 10 storage room plus bike storage in basement. Radiator heat included in the assessments, window AC units included in the sale. There is a shared rear garden with a grill, dining table and outdoor fireplace. Best location, walking distance to downtown Evanston, Dewey Elementary, Larimer Park, library, parks and playgrounds, grocery stores and coffee shops, restaurants and shopping, purple line and Metra, Lake Michigan and Northwestern. Short drive to Dempster Street shopping and 94. This unit has roof rights; guidelines in additional information. One off alley parking space included. Pet friendly & rentals allowed!

This charming brick Cape Cod sits on a large lot with a gorgeous backyard, a two-car garage, mature trees, and a deep-set front yard. The home features an inviting front door entry porch, a large living room with exposed brick wood-burning fireplace, a bright dining room, a cute kitchen, a three-season sunroom, pristine hardwood floors throughout the first and second floors, plaster ceilings, and walls, recessed lighting throughout, two bedrooms on the main level with full bath, two bedrooms on the second level with an additional large tandem room, a full bath, and a finished basement with a family room, a second woodburning fireplace and another bedroom. The backyard has a multi-level deck that accommodates a large dining table and umbrella, lounge chairs, a grill, and silver tub flower pots. The adjacent spacious brick paver patio is perfect for evening entertaining with casual leisure chairs around a chiminea.

This large light flood corner unit studio, with the ability to create a one bedroom, in the historic Rookwood Gardens, features a recently updated kitchen with a dining area, a large walk-in closet/dressing room that leads to an adjacent bath, hardwood floors, crown molding, and large English casement windows. The building includes an expansive walled "secret" garden, free laundry in-building, a large room-size storage unit, and an expansive bike garage. Excellent location near Noyes St. El Purple Line, D&D Finer Foods (excellent produce, meats, wines, microbrews etc.), restaurants such as Stacked and Folded, Dave's Italian Kitchen, etc. All are only a block away on Noyes. 1 1/2 block to the east are Northwestern University Technology Institute, Frances Searles, Kellogg, SPAC athletic facilities, and the lake. Simplify your life with one monthly assessment fee that includes: Comcast cable TV, high-speed broadband internet, heat, water, gas, property taxes, snow removal, property maintenance, and scavenger services. If using financing, a minimum of 20% down is required. Cats and Dogs are allowed with board approval. NO RENTALS ALLOWED. Sold "AS IS". Showing notice is required to schedule an appointment.

Wonderful gem of a home nestled in private secluded section behind a fence of bushes in the Ridge Historic District. On the market for the first time in 35 years. Home has over 8,000 square feet and sits on over 1/3 acre of land. Owners did a total gut rehab renovation and restoration when they bought it which took 1.5 years to complete and they have continued to take care and improve as needed. Their desire was to save the elegance of the past but update to current standards so home would have the modern amenities needed for today's living. Entry hall and foyer with wonderful leaded windows welcomes you to spacious living room with beautiful crown molding, leaded windows, hardwood floors, wood burning/gas fireplace and a music room with space for a grand piano and a harp. The large footprint provides considerable room sizes as seen in the formal dining with wood burning/gas fireplace that has room for large seated dinner parties. Great traffic pattern allows for flexible use of space and works well for entertaining. Lovely architectural details are abundant throughout the home. Large kitchen designed by Carlson has center island, granite and Corian countertops and many cabinets. Butler's pantry has a working dumb waiter, glass-doored cabinets, butcher block counter tops. New hardwood floor in family room has entertainment center with bookcases on two walls and one door opening to brick paver patio overlooking professionally landscaped yard and garden as well as large side yard and 2-car garage. Another door opens to screened porch which also opens to the patio. Second floor has 4 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and 2 offices. Third floor has 2 bedrooms and a large office with a tandem room and a hall bath. The full basement is unfinished. The house has a fascinating history starting with the smaller house it was in 1872 set on a huge piece of land and enlarged over the years including the addition of a school house in 1914. House was totally redone in 1918 by well-known North Shore residential architects Mayo and Mayo when the Ashcrafts bought the house. They added a 3-car garage in the 1920s and later an apartment above the garage making it into a coach house. The Ashcraft's son was a jazz musician and he invited musicians to come and stay and jam together. In the 1930s the house became known as the Jazz House due to the many musicians staying at the house when in town for performances and the jamming on Mondays for the neighborhood. In 1988 the then owner sold the majority of the land to a developer but kept the school house and coach house for himself. Raymond Chou, the developer, subdivided the land he purchased in order to build 4 new homes on the grounds. Since the home now had no garage, a new one was built. This is a fabulous home ready to make it what you want and room enough for several people to work from home without interfering with each other. It is in an ideal location, close to both Main Street and Dempster Street shopping and eating areas as well as short walk to schools, parks, transportation - both the "EL" and Metra at Main Street, and then on to the lake.

Welcome to your GORGEOUS & METICULOUSLY RENOVATED HOME! This stunning 4 bedroom / 2 Bath Home, located in the Heart of Evanston, offers a perfect blend of comfort, style and functionality. The Exterior boasts a NEW ROOF & Gutters, NEW WINDOWS, New HVAC unit & a Newly repaved Patio! Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a tastefully designed Living Room & Dining Room lined with Wood flooring and Custom Designed Chair Rail Moulding. Enjoy making dinner in your Immaculately designed kitchen boasting STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES lined with SHAKER CABINETS, QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS & a beautiful backsplash! Your home also boasts a FULLY FINISHED BASEMENT lined with Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring that's tastefully painted, a 4th bedroom and a Full Bath. Situated in the charming Evanston neighborhood, this home benefits from its convenient location. Enjoy easy access to local amenities, parks, schools, and shopping centers. Commuting is a breeze, with major highways and transportation options just a short distance away. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to make 1805 Hovland Ct. YOUR FOREVER HOME! Contact us to schedule a showing and experience the lifestyle this property has to offer!

Location, location, location! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to move in and enjoy the upcoming summer in this pristine, move in ready soft loft in a doorman building in downtown Evanston. Features of this northeast corner unit include tall ceilings, tons of sunlight and exposure, open living area and kitchen, gas fireplace, office nook, in-unit laundry and oversized king size bedroom with custom walk-in closet. This beautiful, serene condo is perfect for entertaining or just taking in the sights of the tree top views and cityscape. Additional storage and garage parking space #141 included in the asking price, both located on the same level as the condo= talk about convenience! The location cannot be beat, close schools, parks, shopping, restaurants, transportation and more. Make this condo your home today.

Rarely available large corner unit completely renovated 2 bed 2 bath condo in the heart of Evanston! This elegant corner unit boasts over 1300 square feet of living space. Totally updated with new flooring, baseboards, and a new white eat-in kitchen featuring top-of-the-line appliances, marble countertops, and solid wood cabinetry. The bathrooms have been beautifully updated with new floor and wall tiles, vanities, faucets, and toilets. Every detail has been meticulously attended to, with new light fixtures throughout, all equipped with smart voice control and dimming functionalities. This mid-rise condo offers a formal dining room, air conditioning, and a shared backyard with a patio, outdoor furniture, and grills. The building also features a gym, elevator, bike room, common storage, and voice intercom for added convenience. Parking is a breeze with one outdoor parking space included. Situated close to shopping, coffee shops, dining, the lake, Metra/CTA, and Northwestern University, this condo presents an incredible opportunity for sophisticated urban living. Don't miss out on this rare offering! 2023 tax is $3,990.29 with homeowners exemption and HOA is $408. Showings start now. Ideal closing time early/mid September.

Wonderful 5-bedroom 2 bath 4-Square Farmhouse in sought after Southeast Evanston. Owner has lived here over 40 years and has carefully maintained this warm loving home from top to bottom. Ample natural light throughout the house. Charming front enclosed porch. Hardwood floors. Bedroom & bath on main floor. 4 bedrooms up. Spacious living room with wood burning fireplace with newer liner. Formal dining room. Eat in kitchen. Washer/Dryer on main level. Hot Water Heater 2 years old. A wonderful large deck just power washed & sealed on the second floor of one of the bedrooms. 1-car detached garage off alley. Close to red line, Metra, Main Street commercial district, and Lake Michigan. Enjoy the best of everything that Evanston has to offer on a beautiful tree-lined street.

Move right into this recently renovated, super cute, 1 bedroom condo in a classic and quiet Southeast Evanston courtyard building. Gorgeous vintage details include bay windows offering great natural light, 9' ceilings, hardwood floors, wainscoting, wide molding/trim, wall sconces and built-ins. Kitchen offers brand new white, soft close cabinetry and newer appliances. Large walk-in closet. Updated white subway tile bath. Condo has been recently painted and new hardwood flooring installed. Bonus 9' x 5' floor to ceiling private storage room. Building offers mobile app operated laundry and a huge bike room in basement. Parking available for lease across the street (with wait list.) Amazing SE Evanston location close to a bevy of amazing shops and restaurants-Lucky Platter, Cross-Rhodes, Sketchbook, Campagnola, Oceanique, La Principal, Trattoria D.O.C. and Brothers K Coffeehouse to name a few. Just one block to Metra and purple line EL. Close to Lake Michigan paths/beaches and easy access to Lake Shore Dr. Furniture negotiable. INVESTOR FRIENDLY

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

"Location, location....best location." Once-in-a-Lifetime Ultra-Luxury Living on the North Shore. DUPLEX PENTHOUSE WITH AN IN-UNIT ELEVATOR DESIGNED BY AWARD-WINNING ARCHITECT- DAVID HOVEY. Elegant 3 beds- 3.5 baths- 3 parking in this Huge top floor unique Duplex Property with approximate 3,608 sq. ft. plus 227 sq. ft. in Balconies giving this amazing unit plenty of natural light from every room and endless panoramic breathtaking views of Downtown Chicago/Evanston and the Lake (Helicopter views), floor-to-ceiling windows, and extra high ceilings. The one-of-a-kind kitchen features top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, new backsplash, an island, and white cabinets. The living room, dining room, kitchen, half bath, and balcony are located on the main floor, and the bedrooms, bathrooms, and storage rooms are on the second floor. The primary suite offers a huge walk-in closet, a primary bath with double vanity, a bathtub, and a standing shower with double shower heads. The unit is also appointed with two private balconies with amazing outdoor space, a laundry room, a private elevator, 3 indoor heated parking spaces, and a storage locker. This luxury property looks like a movie set! All of this is in a Well-Managed building with amenities that include a beautiful lobby with 24-hour door staff, an indoor pool, a jacuzzi, a 3,000 sq. ft. fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, a large bike room, a recycling area, and a 4th-floor deck with Room & Board patio furniture & business center. Parking Spaces 149, 151, 152, and Storage Locker 87 are Limited Common Elements. Basic cable/Internet and gas are included in the assessment. The Optima Views building received the Distinguished Building Award from the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 2005. Home to world-class Northwestern University, Evanston residents have plenty to cheer about - from watching Big Ten sports and enjoying cultural events to exploring academic pursuits to vibrant lakefront wellness and romantic evenings at Amy Morton restaurants. Walker's Paradise score 95, you do not require a car to run daily errands, with easy access to the Lakefront, beaches, Music venues, wellness spas, Northwestern hospital & North shore Medical Care, highly-sought after restaurants, shopping, a new 12-screen AMC movie theatre, and we are proud Northlight Theatre is coming home. Feels like a traditional home soaring in the sky! Seller's Market in this building

This is a the quintessential vintage Evanston condo that you've been searching for. The largest floorplan in the buildiing. A charming home with formal living room, decorative fireplace and built-in bookshelf surround, 2 full bedrooms, spacious dining room, an updated eat-in kitchen with an enormous pantry makes food preparation fun and enjoyable, and a comfortable bathroom has a warm atmosphere. Gleaming hardwood floors throughout add a touch of elegance in each and every room. The entire apartment is bathed in natural light. Conveniently located to transportation, only steps to lakefront and shopping, this is truly the one. Pets are allowed. Easy parking on South Blvd.

Welcome to this spacious and bright 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo in an elevator building! Enjoy the open layout with neutral decor, abundant closets, and central air conditioning. The master bedroom suite features a private bath and walk-in closet. Exterior parking is included. Recent building upgrades enhance its appeal, and the common outdoor space is perfect for grilling and entertaining. Conveniently located near Main Street trains and shops, with a bus stop right outside. Assessments cover heat and A/C. Features include a new laundry room on the first floor and a large storage room. Freshly painted and move-in ready!

Stately Colonial on picturesque Orrington Avenue in a perfect NE Evanston location. Steps to Lake Michigan and Downtown Evanston. This stunning property is the perfect combination of original architectural detail and tasteful updates for modern living. From the grand front porch to the lush landscaped gardens and numerous outdoor living spaces, this home is truly impressive. With four levels of living space, this home offers plenty of flexibility to have home offices, cozy dens, guest rooms, a recreation room, and tons of storage spaces throughout. Overlooking the backyard, the custom designed kitchen is timeless with marble countertops, custom cabinetry, Wolf and Bosch appliances, and a center island with breakfast bar. Additional cabinetry, counter space, and a wet bar in the adjacent breakfast room. Enjoy indoor/outdoor living with a sunny family room addition that leads to the patio; family room has radiant heated flooring. The second floor features a gracious primary bedroom with a beautiful en suite bath; a custom built-out office; 2 additional bedrooms, one of which includes a large tandem sunroom; plus a full hall bathroom. The third floor includes 3 additional bedrooms; a hall bath; a massive cedar closet; and plenty of storage closets. The basement features a great family/rec room, large laundry room, a powder room, and a large unfinished storage area. So many updates and features: 2 brand new space pac systems in 2024; Newer electrical service and gutters; tuckpointing and chimney liners in 2017; drain tile system and sump pump; sprinkler system; 2 car garage; radiant heat in the addition and kitchen; Generac generator. This is a very well taken care of and special property that is on the market for the first time in 28 years. Check out our virtual tour and property video!

Welcome to this spacious top-floor condo in Evanston! With beautiful hardwood floors throughout, this inviting unit features a large eat-in kitchen perfect for casual dining and entertaining, spacious living room and 2 sizable bedrooms. Natural light from south facing windows floods the large living area. This unit is complete with in-unit laundry, personal parking space and storage unit. With easy access to local amenities, walk to CTA and Metra, Northwestern shuttle, and Lake Michigan this condo offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Don't miss the opportunity to own in Evanston for under $200K!

Great location at Downtown Evanston. Sunny exposure 2 Bed/2 Bath corner unit condo with open floor plan. Central HVAC. floor to ceiling windows, hardwood floors in the main living areas, cozy fireplace. Breakfast bar, cherry wood cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. Double vanities in the master bath, tub and shower separately. Large walk-in closet. Side-by-side in-unit laundry. Open-view balcony. Heated garage parking space included, Additional storage on the same floor. Bike storage, exercise room. Metra Davis Street/Evanston, CTA Purple Line Davis Station, lot bus lines near by. Restaurants and shops around. Heat and water are included in the assessments. Pets friendly. Rentals allowed after first year of owner occupied.

For the first time in 40 years, this historic mansion is ready to change hands. Originally constructed in 1874 for a former member of Congress and the first president of the Evanston Board of Trustees, the Charles J. Gilbert House is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. A Second Empire Victorian with Italianate features and mansard roof that were de rigueur for prominent estates of the time, the subsequent addition of a portico with Corinthian columns was inspired by the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, further punctuating the incredible curb appeal and prominence of one of Evanston's most important historical homes. Approaching the entrance, you are greeted by a gracious brick patio spanning the full width of the home with beautifully carved double entry doors. Once inside, the stunning original woodwork of the central hallway and staircase balustrades will take your breath away. Two double parlors are accessed on either side, leading the visitor to stately living and entertaining rooms; each with 9 foot tall windows welcoming the light and soaring ceilings with hand-carved plaster medallions crowning the chandeliers. There are three imported Italian marble fireplaces on the first level, with a total of eight throughout the home; of which two are fired by gas; one by wood with the remaining five decorative. A separate formal dining room is bathed in light and grace and the all-stainless kitchen spills out onto a breakfast area overlooking an expansive and beautifully landscaped yard with mature trees. Moving up, the second floor hosts four large bedrooms with generous closets, including a primary suite with large adjoining reception area, a second full bath, laundry room, home office, and a grand 40x12 covered porch providing a secluded outdoor oasis overlooking the well manicured foregrounds along Asbury Ave. The third floor contains a large one bedroom in-law apartment with its own living, dining and kitchen; a large recreation room that in bygone times served as a ballroom; and a game room that has hosted many a billiards match. A second two bedroom in-law apartment with kitchen, full bath, laundry and living quarters along with the mechanicals and storage for the house can be found belowdecks in the partially above grade basement. In all, there's approximately 7,500 square feet of mostly finished living space on a 28,000 square foot (115x244) lot within walking distance to downtown Evanston's abundant shopping, dining and entertainment options; commuter Metra and Chicago "el" train lines; Northwestern University and Lake Michigan.