House On The Park

Single-Family Home Location: Chicago, IL Photos: Marty Peters Located facing Wicker Park in Chicago, this building was originally built as a single family in 1885. The Italianate home eventually suffered many modifications over the years, its most recent was its conversion into three rental units. The new owners, a young couple with children, wished to reunite the home’s original splendor as a single family house while introducing modern elements to its interiors and additions. The façade was brought back to its original appearance with a newly rebuilt entry staircase, extensive cornice metalwork repair, tuckpointing and cleaning. The original gate and fence were restored to original. Upon entry into the home, the interiors unfold onto a wide open floor plan that extends the length of the home delivering natural light throughout. Contrasting the white interiors are white oak accent panels and built-ins and exposed original common brick walls that are recreated on the rear additions. In the rear of the property, the old garage was rebuilt to include a second story gym clad in common brick. Connecting the house to the garage and gym is a new two-story, glass clad corridor with a glass floor. These elements create a hidden interior courtyard with a reflecting pool that can be viewed from various rooms in the home.