In Our LivingRoom With Marsha McVicker

This In Our LivingRoom series visits LRR client and friend Marsha McVicker in her gorgeous redesigned condo in Hyde Park. Annie and Melissa first met Marsha in helping her sell her single-family home in West Town in 2020 and then with the life pivot in motion Marsha relocated to a large condo in a pre-war building in Hyde Park.

Tell Us About Yourself:

I am a CEO of a tech company as well as a mom of a 13 year old boy and 2 year old shepherd.  

Tell us a bit about your experience in selling and buying your previous and current property:

During the pandemic, I was sheltering at my cabin in the woods and decided to simplify my city life.  LivingRoom Realty was able to get my rambling, eclectic Ukrainian Village house in shape for the perfect buyer – that just also happened to be a female entrepreneur.  The property sold within weeks of Annie and Melissa taking over the listing.

I had been with another realtor who not only failed to generate any interest but also lost what I thought was my dream next step.

What were some of the deciding factors that helped you in your process?

I was so frustrated, I had decided to take a breather but my longtime designer and friend suggested I chat with Annie and team.  And it was a match made in heaven. Not only did she and her talented team quickly sell my home but she just as quickly found me a gorgeous pre-war three bedroom three bath condo in an impeccably run doorman building with views of the lake in Hyde Park.

Living Room Realty understood that this move was much more about a change of scenery but truly a change of lifestyle.  They understood that I wanted a fresh start in a neighborhood that offered the lake, parks, shopping, restaurants and art within steps of my front door.  This move was all about ease and bringing in more lightness – not only from the gorgeous windows of my corner unit but also in terms of effort.  A doorman building gives you a sense of security as well as additional assistance that I never had imagined prior but now can’t imagine living without.

What's your favorite thing(s) about your property? 

The favorite things about my space include the beautiful moldings and architectural details that the previous owner had preserved as well as my Wolf range.  I am a terrible cook but I am obsessed with that stove and haven’t even bought a microwave because “take out” tastes better warmed up over gas.  Plus the space just flows.  It makes sense.  My son and I have our own ensuites which is HUGE - every mom of a teenage boy will understand that.  Plus the endless closets.  There is so much glorious storage.  And it's so quiet.  You do not hear your neighbors and they don’t hear us.  And we are very loud people, with our heels, gaming, barking and music.  Original well maintained plaster and brick make all the difference.

What was the buying process like for you? 

The crazy thing about this process is that Annie and Melissa were able to narrow down potential options for me and then take my best friend on a whirlwind day of showings while I was still up north.  As soon as they walked into my current condo – they knew it would work for my family.  They facetimed me from the bathroom and I drove down the next day.  I walked in and had to say YES on the spot because there was another offer.  I made an offer and wrote a very personal letter to the current owner and closed within a month. INSANE but it was so right.

The entire process came full circle when I re-engaged with Angela Finney, the designer/friend, who introduced me to LivingRoom.  She has helped me craft a bright, fun, art-filled, kid and dog proof yet elevated space for us to move into and it’s been a blast.

It is obvious art is important for you to have in your space, and there are so many beautiful pieces. Any shoutouts you would like to include?

Thanks to Linda Warren who let me buy my first piece of art on a payment plan, I have been collecting for two decades and my art represents the most intimate parts of my life.  It includes very cherished pieces from Haiti, where my son is from, as well as art he has selected from Derrick Adams and from artists that have become dear friends like Emmet Kerrigan.

It was imperative that the space allowed the talent I have collected to truly shine plus Angela created an amazing headboard that shelves with Steven Teichleman that is art in their own right.

Any parting thoughts/words?

The space is still in process but it is home thanks to those that helped me discover it as well as those that are helping me make it even more personal but really because of those that I love that inhabit

 

Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your space with us Marsha!