The North Sawyer Ave Residence is located in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. The Logan Square neighborhood is defined as the area surrounding the Logan monument, also known as the Illinois Centennial Monument. The monument is the northern most point of Chicago’s boulevard system at the intersection of North Milwaukee Ave and Logan Boulevard. The surrounding Boulevard system was designed by architect Daniel Burnham and outlined in the historic Plan of Chicago. The Boulevards are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Logan Square Boulevards District) and the surrounding community is best known for its grand historic masonry homes and lush tree lined streets.

The project is located just blocks from the historic monument and one block west of historic Kedzie Boulevard. The two-flat, built in 1896, was constructed of brick with period details including hardwood floors, stained and leaded glass art windows, Victorian era entry bench, built-in china cabinets, pocket doors, and wood and plaster molding. The building consisted of two units, each with three bedrooms, one bath, formal dining rooms, and double parlors. The structure now serving as the garage, was originally the horse stable. The masonry structure came complete with separate boiler room and radiant piping (still in place) used to heat the horses during Chicago’s harsh winter months.

In 2014 we purchased the building from Ms. D. Ms. D had grown up in the home and raised her own children there as well; the property had been in her family since the late 1930’s. Once the crown jewel of the block, the property had fallen into disrepair over the last few years and was in desperate need of rehabilitation. The roof had failed and was leaking, windows were broken, the masonry was unstable, the rear porch had structural issues, there was mold and lead paint throughout, and the original portico and colonnade were missing. Our intention is to make this property the crown jewel of the block once again. We are integrating the original detail and charm with new building technology to write the next chapter in the ongoing history of the building.