Greystone Revival

This substantial 1890s greystone was once an anomaly in the neighborhood. Originally a 3-unit building on a 1.5-standard-width lot, it was significantly altered early in the 20th century when a ground-level annex was added. Per city records, the annex operated as a physician's office, and the 1940 census indicates the building was largely populated by medical professionals.

Fast forward to the 1980s, when a second floor was added to the annex, covered in split-faced concrete block. It was a split-level addition to the ground-level owner's unit, combined with a host of other vinyl-wrapped back additions and a two-story space that gave the back of this historic building the vibe of a 1970s ski lodge tacked onto a Victorian guest house, with a low-ceilinged third floor used as additional rental space.

Our clients transformed the building into a single-family home, removing the 1980s work and returning the footprint to a state close to what existed in the 1930s. The split-level annex was transformed into a standard two-story addition with floors aligning to the original structure. The face brick of the addition is a near-match to the brick that once faced the old doctor's office, and the restored walls facing the rear were constructed with Chicago common brick, with a subtle brick cornice detail to reference the historic masonry.

Blending the home’s rich history with modern functionality, the grand front rooms have been returned to their former glory with modern systems for enhanced comfort, while previous, inharmonious additions were replaced to create a seamless floor plan for contemporary living.

A light-filled breakfast room addition overlooks a spacious outdoor area, blurring the lines between inside and out. A new paneled staircase elegantly connects the home's four levels. The kitchen, family room, rear staircase, and breakfast room form the new core of the daily family living experience. The second floor boasts four en-suite bedrooms, while the third floor contains private workspaces and a child-centric playroom with a view of the neighborhood. This restoration also took advantage of a State of Illinois historic property tax freeze.