T
he four-bedroom condo in Hyde Park's East View Park is back on the market for the first time in nearly two decades, with sellers Kurt and Jennifer Elling listing it for $550,000. This is almost double the $278,000 the property was purchased for in July 1993 by former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama. The property is being marketed by @properties Christie’s International Real Estate’s Maureen Murnane and India Whiteside.

    The condo is located in a gated row of six-flats made of brick and limestone that stretches south from 53rd Street and faces Lake Shore Drive and a nearby lakefront park. It is one of the few four-bedroom units in East View Park, making it highly sought after due to its proximity to local shops, dining options, and the lakefront. In 2022, a four-bedroom unit across the hall sold for $578,000, while three-bedroom units in the area have sold for prices ranging from $410,000 to $469,000.

    The property's history adds to its appeal, as it was previously owned by the Obamas for a decade before they moved into a Kenwood mansion purchased for $1.65 million. Kurt Elling, a Grammy-winning jazz vocalist, discovered the unit's notable history when he and his wife attended an open house. They noticed a family photo and learned that Obama, who had just been elected to the U.S. Senate, had lived there. After purchasing the condo, Barack Obama personally stopped by to share a few tips about the home’s quirks, such as a tricky doorknob and a drawer that needed a little extra care.

    The Ellings lived in the unit for a few years before relocating to New York and renting it out. Now back in Hyde Park, they've decided it's time to sell.