Chicago Area Private Residence

This Renaissance Revival foursquare house was built in the 1920’s on a 7,500 square-foot urban lot situated along a tree-lined boulevard. After 100 years, both home and site were renovated in phases to address aging infrastructure and adapt to modern use.

Native plantings now dominate this home landscape that also re-envisioned hardscape details while retaining as much of the existing historic built structure as possible. Broken concrete driveway and walkway panels and pavers that were causing drainage issues on the house foundation were removed and replaced with blue stone and chips while flatwork in good condition was retained.

A new configuration of load bearing concrete panels and blue stone chip surface expands the narrow driveway to allow for vehicle turn around and parking while creating a more artful surface treatment that doubles as additional patio space.

A Mountain Cascade Flow Form Fountain serves as the rear yard focal point. Aquatic vegetation conceals the recirculating basin. Flanked by a generous vegetable garden, the main bluestone patio offers new outdoor seating and cooking areas.

Birds and other pollinators ranging from common to rare visit the yard’s native plantings on a regular basis, offering dramatic close encounters and opportunities for wildlife photography of many species such as nesting Cooper’s Hawks.

Location:
Chicago, Illinois

Date:
2016 – Present