Wicker Park Remix

This 1890s three-flat in Wicker Park’s landmark district had fallen into disrepair. The clients sought to revitalize it, respecting its history while appealing to their contemporary aesthetic. The project brief included an addition with a great room, a modern kitchen and a children’s play space.

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The new design preserves the 19th century character at the front and is distinctly 21st century at the back. A salon featuring the original fireplace mantle connects to the dining room by tailored pocket doors. Custom ceiling details and an oversized oval window on the staircase landing offer a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional architectural elements.

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The back of the home transitions to an open, light-filled space. The kitchen flows into a double-height addition with a window wall oriented for passive solar design. A two-story bookcase rises in the space, accessed by a secret panel from the loft above. The original brick wall has been replaced with an exposed steel moment frame—a nod to Chicago’s architectural history and industrial past.