Actress Taraji P. Henson is parting ways with two side-by-side condominium units on the 36th floor of a Streeterville high-rise in Chicago, listing them for a combined total of $3.379 million.
The Condos
Henson, who began spending significant time in Chicago while filming the hit TV series “Empire” from 2015 to 2020, originally purchased the larger of the two units for $1.92 million in 2017 through her Appian Trust, according to the Chicago Tribune. This 2,540-square-foot condo boasts three bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and breathtaking views of the North Lake Shore Drive skyline, Ohio Street Beach, Olive Park, and Navy Pier. The space is appointed with hardwood floors, a fireplace, motorized blinds, and custom wall coverings, while the kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a double oven. The primary bedroom suite features custom lighting, moldings, draperies, and a walk-in closet.
If purchased separately, it is being offered $1.9 million.
Two years later, Henson expanded her presence in the building by purchasing (also through her Appian Trust) the adjacent 2,159-square-foot condo for $1.55 million. This unit includes three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and more of those coveted lake views. Highlights include a primary suite with a steam shower and dual vanity, blackout shades in all bedrooms, and a kitchen outfitted with a newer stainless-steel Samsung refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, gas cooktop, and granite countertops, according to Realtor.com.
It’s being offered $1,479,000 if sold separately.
Although Henson never combined the two units, her real estate agent, Stephanie Maloney, notes that doing so could create an impressive 4,700-square-foot custom living space with “mesmerizing lake and city views,” according to the Chicago Tribune.
The building offers such amenities for residents as an on-site gym, outdoor deck space, party room, storage, and door attendants.
Henson: Pay & Property
Earlier this year, in various interviews Henson emotionally addressed resurfacing comments about pay disparities in Hollywood. Henson complained she has been underpaid for much of her career and is “tired” of it, even considering the possibility of stepping way from acting altogether.
Beyond Chicago, Henson also owns a three-bedroom, 3,188-square-foot home in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills, purchased in 2016 for $6.45 million.
Another Windy City ‘Empire’ Mansion
As Henson prepares to bid farewell to her Windy City properties, another notable “Empire” filming location remains on the market. The six-bedroom, 17,597-square-foot Barrington Hills mansion, used as the home of Lucious Lyon (played by Terrence Howard), is still for sale at nearly $7.9 million. The property, owned by Salvatore “Sam” Cecola, has been on and off the market since 2014, initially listed at $13.5 million, according to Realtor.com.
