If you've searched for The Pattington Chicago condos, you've probably already seen the building in person: a U-shaped brick courtyard complex set back behind trees and gardens on the north side of Irving Park Road, a few blocks from the lake. It's one of the best-known vintage buildings in Buena Park, Chicago. Here's what I tell buyers and sellers about its history, its architecture, its location and what to check before you write an offer.
In this guide:
- The Pattington at a glance
- A short history of The Pattington
- Architecture: the open-court design
- Location: Irving Park Road in Chicago's Buena Park
- Buying at The Pattington: what to check first
- Selling a Pattington condo
- FAQ
The Pattington at a Glance
- Address: 660 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
- Neighborhood: Buena Park, Chicago (within the Uptown community area). The campus runs from Irving Park Road north to Bittersweet Place, and Lakeview is directly across Irving Park Road.
- Architect: David E. Postle
- Builders: Telford and McWade
- Built: 1902 to 1904, with a second building added along Bittersweet Place in 1906
- Converted to condominiums: 1978
- Historic recognition: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980; Richard H. Driehaus Preservation Award in 1995
A Short History of The Pattington
The building's own history page is the best source on its story, and I recommend reading it before a showing. Here's the short version.
David E. Postle designed The Pattington, and Telford and McWade built it between 1902 and 1904. According to the association, it was the first open-court luxury apartment building constructed north of the Loop. Postle was little known when he took on the project, but the history page notes that architects today count his design among the finest of Chicago's historic courtyard buildings.
In 1906, a second building went up at the north edge of the property, along Bittersweet Place. The history page credits that addition to Andrew Sandegren, who later became one of Chicago's better-known apartment designers.
The Pattington operated as an apartment building until 1978, when it was converted to condominiums and 23 renters bought their units. Two years later, in 1980, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1995, it received the Richard H. Driehaus Preservation Award from the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois, and in 2024 the building marked its 120th anniversary.
Architecture: The Open-Court Design
What sets The Pattington apart from the street is the open court. Instead of a solid wall of brick along the sidewalk, the wings step back around a deep, landscaped courtyard, so the walk to the entries feels more like a garden path than a city lobby.
Look closely and you'll see the details that make the building worth a second look:
- Brick and stone: Warm brick walls sit on a pale stone base, with light stone trim above the windows.
- Columned porches: Classical columns frame the entry porches along the courtyard wings.
- Bay windows: Projecting bays along the wings bring in light from more than one direction.
- The name in stone: "PATTINGTON" is lettered across the top of the building at the back of the courtyard, above a round window over the center entrance.
The history page describes the style as drawing on classical antiquity and the Renaissance, and credits the owners with keeping the building's historic look intact for decades. For buyers, that preservation work is part of the appeal, and part of what you're paying into through the association.
Location: Irving Park Road in Chicago's Buena Park
Buena Park, Chicago is a compact neighborhood that runs from Irving Park Road north to Montrose Avenue, between Graceland Cemetery and the lakefront. The Pattington sits at its southern edge. My Buena Park neighborhood guide covers the neighborhood's history and housing in depth, and my Buena Park area page has a quick overview.
Day to day, here's what's close by:
- Broadway: A short walk west, where Broadway and Irving Park Road are lined with storefront shops and services.
- The lakefront: Irving Park Road continues a few blocks east to Lake Shore Drive and the Lincoln Park lakefront.
- Red Line: The CTA's Sheridan station at 3940 N Sheridan Rd is roughly half a mile west. It's an elevated station, and CTA lists bus connections that include the #80 and #151.
- Buses: The #80 Irving Park runs crosstown on Irving Park Road, the #36 Broadway stops at Broadway and Irving Park, and the #151 Sheridan stops at Sheridan and Irving Park.
Routes and stops can change, so check transitchicago.com before you plan a commute around a specific stop.
Buying at The Pattington: What to Check First
In a vintage condo building, the association matters as much as the unit. These are the same steps I take with any condo purchase on the North Side, and they apply here too:
- Read the budget and reserve study. Older masonry, roofs, porches and mechanical systems need ongoing care. I want to see how well the reserves are funded for the work ahead.
- Ask about special assessments. Find out whether any are planned or under discussion, and what recent projects cost.
- Review the rules. Read the declaration and rules for leasing, pets and parking before you get attached to a unit, so there are no surprises after closing.
- Confirm lendability. If you're financing, make sure the building meets your lender's requirements. My guide to what makes a Chicago condo lendable explains what lenders look for.
- Plan a thorough inspection. In a building more than 120 years old, I pay close attention to windows, plumbing, electrical and any past renovations inside the unit.
- Ask about exterior changes. Find out how the association handles window replacements and other exterior work, given the building's historic status.
For more on buying in this part of the city, see my post on Uptown Chicago condo living, or read how my buyer representation works.
Curious what units at The Pattington have sold for? Call or text me at 312-219-5921 and I'll pull current MLS sales activity for the building, along with any active listings.
Selling a Pattington Condo
In a building like this, the best price evidence usually comes from sales in the same building: similar floor plans, the same courtyard exposure and comparable updates. A building with this much history also deserves a listing that tells its story well. Before you list, have your association documents ready, too. My guide to selling a condo in Chicago walks through what to prepare.
FAQ
Where is The Pattington in Chicago?
The Pattington is at 660 W Irving Park Rd, on the north side of Irving Park Road in Buena Park, Chicago, a neighborhood within the Uptown community area. The property extends north to Bittersweet Place, and Lakeview is directly across Irving Park Road. The lakefront is a few blocks east, and the Red Line's Sheridan station is roughly half a mile west.
When was The Pattington built, and who designed it?
Architect David E. Postle designed The Pattington, and Telford and McWade built it between 1902 and 1904. According to the building's history page, it was the first open-court luxury apartment building constructed north of the Loop. A second building was added along Bittersweet Place in 1906.
Is The Pattington a condo building?
Yes. The Pattington was converted from apartments to condominiums in 1978, so buyers purchase individual condo units and become members of the association. Before you make an offer, review the association's budget, reserve study, rules and any special assessments.
Is The Pattington on the National Register of Historic Places?
Yes. The Pattington was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, and it received the Richard H. Driehaus Preservation Award in 1995. If you're planning changes to a unit or exterior features, ask the association how it handles preservation standards.
How can I find recent sales at The Pattington?
Sales activity changes throughout the year, so I'd rather give you current numbers than an old snapshot. Call or text me at 312-219-5921, and I'll pull recent MLS sales and any active listings at The Pattington so you can see what units are selling for now.
Thinking about buying or selling at The Pattington or elsewhere in Buena Park, Chicago? Call or text Daniel at 312-219-5921 or book a consult.
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About Daniel Ledo: Daniel Ledo is a Chicago real estate agent with The ZIP Group team at RE/MAX Premier. He helps buyers and sellers across Chicago's North Side, including Buena Park, Uptown, Edgewater, Andersonville, Lakeview and Lincoln Square. He works with homes from $500K to $3M, from vintage condos and lakefront high-rises to 2-flats and multi-unit buildings, plus select commercial properties. Call or text 312-219-5921, visit ledorealestate.com, or stop by 1207 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610.
Equal Housing Opportunity. Brokerage: RE/MAX Premier.
Daniel Ledo Real Estate | The ZIP Group Chicago · 1207 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610 · (312) 219-5921