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Neighborhood
Lakewood Balmoral District
Architect/Designer
Wheeler Kearns Architects, Inc.
Size
5,500 sf
Photographer
Steve Hall | Hall + Merrick + McCaugherty

Located in Chicago’s Lakewood Balmoral Historic District, this 5,500 sf single‑family home blends contemporary design with the traditional architectural character of the neighborhood. Drawing inspiration from the area’s classic bungalows and greystone masonry, the home features a gabled roofline, wide front porch, and horizontal siding that complement its historic surroundings.

Inside, the residence includes four bedrooms and four bathrooms, with the combined living room and library serving as a central gathering space. Floor‑to‑ceiling white oak shelving displays the owner’s book collection, creating a functional and personal focal point within the home.

Sitting on a large corner lot, the property offered an opportunity to incorporate a landscaped courtyard at the rear of the home. The building’s layout wraps around this outdoor space, with large windows and glass doors providing strong visual and physical connections between the garden and interior living areas. This configuration creates a seamless indoor–outdoor flow and reinforces the home’s balance of modern living and historic context.

Unique Enclosure

The garage is a fully concrete structure, an intentional design choice driven by aesthetics. To enhance the overall design, the area between the house and garage was raised by 5.5" feet above the natural grade. This elevation allowed for the creation of a stepped yard and a raised outdoor space, with steps leading down to grade beyond the garage. The result is a backyard that feels elevated and spacious while also minimizing the visual height of the garage. This thoughtful layout also helps maintain a respectful distance from neighboring properties.