Private Residence
1518 Central Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois

As an original brick bungalow with two bedrooms on the first floor and a poorly finished attic, the home did not meet the needs of a growing family. The motivation for renovation was to increase the amount of living space on the first floor, provide four bedrooms and two full baths on the second floor and to provide a home office. The desire to enhance the exterior appearance with an aesthetic harmonious with the context of the neighborhood was also a driving factor.

Challenges arising out of constraints on budget, schedule, and zoning restrictions all indicated that this work be contained within the original footprint of the existing house to avoid pouring any new foundation. The roof structure became essential in providing exterior aesthetic as well as beneficial interior space. Raising the roof allowed the full footprint of the second floor to be utilized to accommodate three children’s bedrooms and a bath as well as the master bedroom suite. A third floor attic level provides a home office and a separate children’s study/play room.

On the exterior, each of the four facades is a study in composition of window placement relating to the roof forms and the existing first floor windows. The wood trim integrates the roof form and provides a crafted detail to the exterior, while the stucco color and texture subtly compliment the original brick base of the house.

This project was honored with two First Place Awards in 2004 from the Chicago Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association; as well as in 1999 a National Design Award from the Society of American Registered Architects and a Design Award of Honor from the Illinois Chapter of the Society of American Registered Architects.

This project was featured in the May 2005 and March 2005 issues of This Old House Magazine, the September/October 2004 issue of Chicago Home & Garden Magazine, a 2001 episode of 'New Spaces' on Home & Garden Television, a 2001 book titled Updating Classic America Bungalows, and in the Spring 2001 issue of American Bungalow Magazine.