Believe it or not, this magnificent home has roots as one of the oldest homes on Chicago’s north shore. In 1857, prominent early settler Jared Gage built the original, Italianate-style residence on a tract of land he acquired along Lake Michigan. Gage had operated Chicago’s first steam flour mill, but grew dismayed at the lack of sanitation that came with city living. His then-rural property north of the city promised to be the perfect locale for a healthy retirement.
In 1860, the steamship Lady Elgin crashed near the residence, and the home served as a makeshift hospital for survivors of the disaster. Area residents rode horses down to Northwestern University to find young men to help pull out survivors!
By 1917, the home’s new owners opted to heavily renovate the home, creating the classic Georgian appearance which can still be seen today. (Further additions were built in 1941, 1955, and 1986.)
In 2015, it came time yet again for this historic property to be modernized. Working with Northworks to adapt and refresh the palatial estate to their liking, the current owners thoughtfully preserved many elements of the original design. Although the street-side facade was moved 45 feet back, it was carefully restored to its former glory with the help of our brick matching expertise. We provided historic, reclaimed Milwaukee Cream and Clay Buff commons to the project to allow for seamless repairs and an in-kind addition that blends in perfectly with the home’s turn-of-the-century aesthetic.
Read about the building’s history from the Chicago Tribune.
Read the preservation committee report (detailed history + images).
Read more about the project on the architect’s website.
LOCATION: Hubbard Woods, North Chicagoland
ARCHITECT: Northworks
GC: Sylvester Construction
MASON: Total Masonry
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Reclaimed Milwaukee Creams and Clay Buff Commons
Categories: Reclaimed Materials, Residential Single Family, Historic Preservation + Adaptive Reuse, Face Brick
