This Queen Anne residence dates from the 1890s. Located in Chicago’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood, the home was unsympathetically altered during the mid 20th century. Its front porch was removed and its exterior was covered with oversized cedar shingles, creating an unusual look and a discordant effect on this block of largely intact and well-preserved Victorians.

Most of the original cladding and trim survived beneath the mid-century cedar. Patterned shingles, exuberant gable ornament, and carved panels were exposed and restored. Wherever possible, the historic siding was maintained. Where it was missing, new matching elements were custom made.

 

A new front porch and new entry door take their cues from the neighboring historic homes. New period-appropriate windows were added in all street-facing historic openings.

Inside, all spaces and systems were upgraded, working within the existing footprint. Historic room layouts and features were restored, including the richly paneled main staircase.

The original powder room, tucked beneath the main stair, was maintained and re-done with an iconic birds & butterflies wallpaper.

The historic room shapes and proportions were maintained.  The large street-facing living room was lightly re-done, with new bookcases, lighting and fireplace surround.

As you move toward the rear of the home, the spaces become more open and light-filled, with large new openings facing the large yard.  

The in addition to its large glazed west wall, the dining room features a stone-clad pass thru to the kitchen beyond.

While the overall kitchen footprint remained the same, the kitchen was entirely replanned, with an improved layout and more daylight thanks to large new windows.

The breakfast nook faces the large back yard.

Elsewhere, the original grand stair was maintained while the bedroom and bathroom spaces were replanned.

Even the attic was transformed, with a bedroom, bathroom and large airy playroom.

The most dramatic changes occur at the rear of the house, where new large windows and generous decks look out to the back yard.

 

A distinctive exterior palette of optic yellow and cranberry reflects the owner’s interest in a bright and striking design.