UsedCardboardBoxes.com takes an innovative approach to providing low-cost, earth-friendly moving boxes. We “rescue” truckloads of quality used boxes from large companies that might otherwise recycle them or simply throw them away. We bring the boxes back to one of our regional distribution centers where they are inspected and sorted by size and shape. Boxes that meet our strict requirements for quality, shape and strength are pre-packed (along with convenient accessories) into our low-cost, earth-friendly “stacks” and “kits”. We then “resell” those boxes to customers all across the USA, via our website. We offer free shipping on any residential order and guarantee delivery in 1-2 business days. As we like to say, “you don’t have cut down a tree to make a used cardboard box!”  more

Mortgage Market Memo

Monday, July 26, 2010

· Fannie Mae Mortgage backed securities are down 10 basis points on the day, leading towards stable interest rates for today and tomorrow.

· 15 year fixed interest rates are now as low as 4.000% with -0- points, while 20 and 30 year fixed interest rates are as low as 4.375% and 4.625% respectively.

· 5/1 and 7/1 ARM rates are still very attractive and are now as low as 3.625% with -0- points and 3.875% with -0- points respectively.

· Interest rates for Jumbo loan programs remain very attractive at 3.75% for a 5/1 ARM, 4.000% for a 7/1 ARM, and 5.125% for a 10/1 ARM, all with -0- points.

The Fisher House recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in the military and the hardships of families by meeting a humanitarian need beyond what is normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Many times the financial burden on the families to be with their loved ones during an unexpected injury or illness is just to great and they would not able to be with them, if it were not for The Fisher Houses. Sometimes these soldiers can be in the hospital 2-3 months and if the family had to rely on staying in hotels and eating all their meals in restaurants it would be impossible. So the need they provide is a great one!

Because military personal and their families must travel far distances for specialized medical care, The Fisher House builds “Comfort Homes” on the grounds and within walking distance of the VA Medical Centers. Because these homes are offered free of charge it allows family members to be with their loved ones during this very stressful time. having their loved ones around them has been proven to help in their recovery…Each year The Fisher House provides housing to over 10,000 families.

Last March Illinois opened it’s 1st Fisher House on the grounds of th VA hospital in Hines, Il. Since March this home has housed over 250 families.

These homes are built entirely on donations and rely on donations to operate every month. One of the Star Sponsors of The Fisher House is Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band. Each year at Catigny Park in Wheaton he holds a “Rockin for the Troops” Benefit Concert to help support The Fisher House. This year the concert is on July 17, 2010 at:

Cantigny Park, Wheaton, IL – 1S151 Winfield Road – Wheaton, IL
If you would like to purchase tickets for this concert please go to this website: Rockin For The Troops or click on the logo above.

Operation Support our Troops Illinois will also be there collecting much needed items for our soldiers:

1.Slim Jims/Beef Jerky
2.Foil packets of tuna or chicken
3.Travel size packages of wipes/Lens wipes for glasses , etc.
4.Foot powder
5.Hand sanitizer (16 oz or less)

Fisher House Facts

In 1893 one of the most unique residential landmark buildings opened in Lincoln Park, The Brewster, formerly known as The Lincoln Park Palace. The architect was Enoch Hill & he used the principles of skeleton-frame construction. It is located at 2800 N. Pine Grove at the corner of Pine Grove & Diversey. The main entrance on Pine Grove was originally the ladies entrance, the men entered on Diversey. When you walk through the front door you really are taken back in time. While the facade retains its turn of the century beauty with rusticated stone & terra cotta, the open atrium inside is the real work of art. The building is nine stories of open space, interlaced with steel and glass block transparent catwalks, and capped off with a skylight. The building also has the original cage elevator that must be operated by the doorman. The beautiful stairways are all cast iron.
Charlie Chaplin lived in the penthouse suite during the heyday of Chicago filmaking at the Essanay Studios between 1915 and 1916. Several movies were filmed at The Brewster including Child’s Play and Running Scared.

Here is a great video showing the unique features of “The Brewster”

The Brewster from Chicago magazine on Vimeo.

If you are looking for a condo in Lincoln Park be sure to check out the Brewster, pets are allowed but they must be under 30 pds. Check out all available condos for sale or rent here.

Chess Records

The South Loop in Chicago offers a really unique opportunity to own a part of history in the form of concrete lofts in the Old Chess Records Company building. Not to long ago it seemed that this neighborhood was a forgotten area in the south loop, marked by empty warehouses & urban blight. Now transformed into a vibrant trendy neighborhood, one that you will be proud to call home.

Located in the Historical Prairie District at South Prairie Avenue and 21st Street Chess Lofts is an innovative redevelopment of a former warehouse owned by the Chess Record Company.

Chess Records Building 1911

The units have been rehabbed with beautiful finished such as new hardwood floors, Stainless steel appliances & granite counters. The ceiling heights vary from 12 ft. to 16 ft. There are 1 & 2 bedroom floor plans to choose from. The 1 bedrooms start at 793 Sq. ft. and the 2 bedrooms start at 1168 Sq. Ft. and all units have balcony’s with gorgeous lake or city views and huge windows.

The building also offers extra storage, indoor parking, and an exercise room.

There are several restaurants within a few blocks of Chess Lofts. Triad Sushi Lounge and Café Society are popular options within a block of the building. The Cotton Club and Grace O’Malley’s are a popular choice for nightlife in the neighborhood.

Also located within minutes of chess lofts is Soldier Field for football, The Field Museum and The Adler Planetarium.

Chess Lofts is a great building to consider with the new pricing that just came out and now that they are FHA approved, you can own one of these lofts with only 3.5% down.
One Bedrooms start at $169,900
Two Bedrooms start at $229,900
Garage parking is an additional $30,000.
If you are looking to live close to downtown without paying the high prices common in the Gold Coast or Near north side then Chess Lofts is an excellent option to consider.

Click here to view all the available homes at Chess Lofts




Photo credits Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. & the City of Chicago

Lilou Mace

Meet Lilou Mace, on track to be our next new Talk Show Host on OWN TV

Please vote for her here: http://bit.ly/9dFRzF

1503 S. State 306 Chicago, Il 60605

Once in a while a very unique property comes along.  If you miss the backyard you had growing up, but want the energy of the city then this south loop loft/condo is the perfect home for you. It has a 2000 sq. ft. Terrace complete with Koi pond & fire pit. It also has a 200 sq. ft. year round sunroom. This South Loop Chicago Condo features a high end chef’s kitchen with Viking appliances, granite counters with full height backsplash, designer bathrooms and 13′ ceilings.

The south loop is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Chicago as it sets a new standard for city living. It is located just south of the Chicago Loop making it a convenient area to live for those who also work downtown. Within walking distance of this condo building are many restaurants, boutiques, grocery shopping, and several medical offices. And when you are not enjoying your chicago “backyard” you can walk just 3 blocks to Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan offers a beautiful lakefront with miles of walking /riding paths as well as beautiful beaches. This home truly combines suburban creature comforts with the vibrant energy of city living!

[View with PicLens]

Daniel Burnham, visionary behind the World’s Columbian Exposition and The Plan of Chicago, said, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably will not themselves be realized.”  And so I begin my exploration into Chicago’s Architecture with a big undertaking indeed: discussing the 1909 Plan of Chicago…..

http://blueprintchicago.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/plan-of-chicago-paris-on-the-prairie/

Source – http://blueprintchicago.wordpress.com/