Hyde Park dramatic numbers

Mortgaged in May of 2007 for $880,000, the house at 5040 S Blackstone in Hyde Park was handsome. A 13 room home built in 1892, it is stately looking still today.
Except- that it came on market 10/13/09 as a vacant, vandalized bank owned property for $258,000 and went pending in the 2nd day.
I would love to know the story on this house. I hope it has a brighter future.

Some fly off the shelf-
Northshore noteworthy:
384 Hawthorn Lane in Winnetka- a 13 room charmer just a couple years old- the assessor loved the house and the $39,439 tax bill showed it.
This house on 9 days got multiple offers and is pending in MLS.
You can bet the winning bid exceeded the $1,336,500 asking price.

Signs of some recovery: a foreclosure at 474 N Lake Shore Drive, little studio apartment listed at $155,000- 13 days on market, closed in less than 45 days- selling price $160,000. Bargains attract buyers.