Archive Archives: Projects

Check out this sleek Bucktown single-family home we worked on a couple years ago in a profile by 1stDibs’ Introspective Magazine!

See here: Warm Woods and Texas Vibes Ground This Minimalist Chicago House

The modernist design by Studio Dwell Architects features crisp geometric lines, artful accents inspired by the homeowners’ love of West Texas, and floor to ceiling fenestration from Quaker Windows. We provided numerous custom configurations of fixed windows from the M600 series, plus operable “fixed-over-awning” units that allow airflow without altering the finely-tuned exterior aesthetic. Insulated glass keeps these enormous openings from losing heat in the winter, while two large-format M300 “Glide” sliding doors allow the residents to enjoy fluid access to their backyard in temperate weather.

This project has aged like a fine wine, and it’s wonderful to see it getting some additional press!

LOCATION: Bucktown, Chicago IL

ARCHITECT: Studio Dwell Architects, Studio 6F
GC: Product Chicago
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Quaker Windows

Restaurants are really fun projects to work on — for one, there’s always a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of a years-long endeavor. For two… you might get the chance to work alongside your architect friends again when it comes time to build additional locations!

Over the last two years, we’ve been delighted to work in partnership with Heidi Lightner Architects to supply a variety of unique masonry for etta restaurants’ gradual expansion nationwide. In wanting the dining experience at etta feel homey and classy at the same time, we sampled a variety of rustic bricks before settling on a custom limewashed product from McNear Brick & Block with colored mortar from Spec Mix.

Additionally, given that the low-key Italian eatery is famous for its woodfired hearth, we knew we had to come up with a sufficiently impressive firebrick, too! Sandkuhl Clay Works provided this special material, which was tinted black with high-temperature brick stain.

In addition to providing some gorgeous interior design inspo, let this project subtly remind you to choose fireplace brick products with care. Regular masonry is not capable of withstanding the extreme heating and cooling cycles of a wood burning fire, and can easily crack or explode. Fire brick has refractory properties and low porosity, making it ideal for these high-heat applications (and there are plenty of color possibilities, to boot).

Stay tuned for pics of new locations — Scottsdale, AZ coming soon!

LOCATIONS:
River North – 700 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Bucktown – 1840 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Culver City, CA – 8801 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

ARCHITECT: Heidi Lightner Architects
MASON:TSI commercial floor covering
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: McNear Brick & Block, Spec Mix, Sandkuhl Clay Works

In old-school Chicago architecture — think buildings constructed before 1940 — it was standard practice to use affordable common brick made locally for the backs, sides, and innards of new buildings. On the front façade or street-facing elevations, fancier “face brick” (typically made elsewhere) was used, allowing the builder to give the structure a distinct, personalized look where it counted. Only the most prestigious and expensive properties used face brick throughout their design!

It’s pretty cool to see this same clever & cost-saving practice being used today, some 100 years later. Notice how the project pictured here uses handsome, long format Interstate Brick in smooth “Midnight Black” for its front face, while Midwestern-made “Graphite” utility bricks from Brampton Brick adorn the back & sides. Unless your neighbors are major masonry nerds like us, very few people will notice the different kinds of black brick! This strategy is a tried-and-true method to keep your new construction project within budget, and without sacrificing your ability to choose one-of-a-kind bricks.

LOCATION: 825 W Buckingham, Chicago
DESIGNER: BAK Homes
GC: V&M Development
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick, Brampton Brick

Take a look at this unique project in Park Ridge, Illinois. The new owners chose to re-clad the vinyl exterior in handsome red brick, add an addition off the back of the existing ranch-style floorplan, and replace all of the home’s existing fenestration.

First up was an energy efficient makeover… we supplied casement-style Quaker windows from their “Brighton” series for all the standard-size openings, which will keep the interior nice and warm in the wintertime. For more seasonable weather, two sets of sliding units from LaCantina Doors were added to rear elevation. One sliding door (with integrated Centor screen) faces out toward the backyard, and can be swiftly retracted to convert the adjacent room into an awesome covered patio! Another set connects this multipurpose transitional space with the living room. When both sets are closed, it’s a glass-encased sunroom… and when both are open, you can have party guests move effortlessly in & out.

Both are pocket doors, meaning all the glass panels collapse into a hidden “pocket” when open wide. Interestingly enough, the exterior door is actually installed in reverse. Normally, the pocket is hidden by drywall, taking up a tiny bit of floorspace. In this case, the owners didn’t want to sacrifice any of their porch area — so an enclosure will be built on the outside of the structure to protect and conceal the panels! Like the rest of the home, this will be clad in “Bostonian” Ragland Brick. Masonry will also greatly improve the insulation of this home (and we think it looks better than vinyl siding, too).

LOCATION: Park Ridge, Illinois
ARCHITECT: Midwest Design Group
GC:  Construction Development Strategies Corp.
INSTALLER: Meyer Guild
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED:  Centor,  Quaker , LaCantina Doors, Ragland Brick

Over the years we’ve been fortunate to work on a number of great additions to Loyola Chicago‘s Rogers Park campus, including the Alfie Norville Practice Facility (pictured here)!

Setting the stage for this exciting project were three buildings designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz — first, the Gentile Arena, built in 1996 with a brown flashed brick, followed by the Norville Athletics Center in 2011 and the Damen Student Center in 2014. Wanting to maintain aesthetic harmony between the adjoining buildings, we helped the design team pick out flashed brown “Bronzestone” Interstate Brick for the 21st century construction.

As a nod to the detailed brick work found throughout the historic campus, these utility-size bricks were provided in both classic “matte” (wire cut) texture, as well as grooved, vertical scratch texture. The subtle nuance of this choice helps visually break up the massing of the structures and their broad exterior brick piers.

When it came time to build the new practice facility in 2018, we supplied a fresh batch of the exact masonry used on the 2011 and 2014 buildings. Good thing too, since the newest development both faces the others, and even connects via glass-clad skybridge! Inside, you’ll find two gyms home to the university’s talented basketball and volleyball teams, while the energy efficient space secured a “Gold” LEED-certification from USGBC thanks to its lush green roof.

LOCATION: 6526 N Winthrop Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
ARCHITECT: RDG Planning & Design
GC: Power Construction
MASONRY: A.L.L. Masonry
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick

How amazing is this reclaimed brick used as flooring?! These “Dark Pink” Chicago common bricks add warmth and rustic, old-world charm to this contemporary residence in Nashville’s Hillwood neighborhood.

Homeowner Lee and his wife reviewed three different batches of masonry before settling on the creamy pinks and beiges of this lot salvaged from a demolition site just down the road from our Kedzie yard. It’s always fun to work with a construction professionals on their own homes — having seen and worked on hundreds of projects themselves, they’re creative, patient, detail-oriented, and really appreciate unique and well-made materials!

Designer Emily Haraf of EH interiors came up with the innovative choice of floor tile, which continues up and around the main fireplace to accent the hearth’s herringbone pattern of white fire brick. We also love the way she used pink cabinets and quirky wallpaper to play off the colors of the brick inside the powder room.

If you’re based in Tennessee, make sure to check out all the small businesses whose work on this project made our common brick sparkle!

LOCATION: Nashville, TN
GC: WR Newman General Contractors, Kingdom Builders
INTERIOR DESIGN:EH interiors

PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: “Dark Pink” Reclaimed Chicago common brick

This Ravenswood single family residence we worked on in the summer of 2019 has only gotten handsomer with age! Working alongside JOMX Architecture, we provided a suite of new fenestration for the renovation and redesign of this classic Chicago home.

The new homeowners wanted a brighter, more modern look overall, plus better thermal controls on their windows for improved energy efficiency. Outswing casement windows replaced the older double hung windows, which gives the façade a more streamlined, contemporary look.

We even provided a Velux skylight to the job, which massively improved the amount of light filtering into one of the upstairs bedrooms.

It’s always nice to work with customers who want to respect the historic architecture of their home, but find ways to make it their own.

LOCATION: Ravenswood, Chicago
ARCHITECT: JOMX Architecture
GC: Melanie Hodges
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Velux, Sierra Pacific

This Fulton Market project kicked off when the architect came into our showroom looking for a dark, smooth brick… but left with a tumbled, bulging distorted red brick from Ragland Clay Products.

Deciding to make the new construction apartment tower look like an old warehouse with a glass structure on top, the architect incorporated this “English Clinker” brick into the exterior and interior of the building’s lower floors.

Common amenity areas of the building, including the lobby, reservable office spaces, and resident-only bar, show off the unique old-world look of this beautiful brick. Above the bartop, the interior design team pulled the heads of the brick out from the face of the wall to create a gorgeous pattern.

We also supplied screens for the building’s workout room. See here!

Location: 180 N Ada St., Chicago, IL 60607
Check out The Mason Apartment’s website.

Architect: Brininstool + Lynch
Developer: Marquette Management
GC: Power Construction
Products Supplied: Ragland “English Clinker”, Centor Screens

Just a couple years later, the owners of a nearby commercial property at 1219 W Lake liked the brick on 180 N Ada so much, that they sought out the exact same brick! Vero Design Build pulled off a beautiful remodeling of this lovely little building, now available for lease.

We have the bricks! This lovely new outpost of Arby’s and Wingstop in Romeoville, Illinois was designed by our friends at Charles Vincent George Architects, who selected this color pallet of soft neutrals to lend the commercial structure a sleek, contemporary look.

We often work alongside architects early in the design stages of a project — like this one — to provide guidance that shapes the materiality of the space. Months (even years!) later, when it comes time to actually build the building, we occasionally run into situations where the original masonry selected by the designers isn’t available, or it’s bit pricier than ownership was hoping for. In those instances, we jump right back into the project to find architect-approved alternatives that will please everyone involved.

For this fast food plaza, we supplied Summit Brick in “Alaskan” and “Dark Grey,” plus a cost-effective brown shade from Brampton Brick. Accent piers of “Fond du Lac Stone Country Tundra” from Natural Stone Veneers Inc proved to be the perfect complement for all this handsome brick!

Excellent customer service is something we pride ourselves on, from the very beginning to the final days of any project. No matter what hurdles might happen, we’ll always have a slew of creative solutions ready to get the job done.

LOCATION: 474 Weber Rd, Romeoville, IL

ARCHITECT: Charles Vincent George Architects
GC: Osiris Construction

PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Summit Brick, Brampton Brick, Natural Stone Veneers Inc

It was a pleasure to work on a project for the 2021 Chicago Architecture Biennial! Check out the results of our close collaboration with Soil Lab North Lawndale, an innovative, site-specific installation sponsored by the Danish Arts Foundation in conjunction with the Biennial.

The 2021 edition, titled “The Available City“, brings attention and collaborative community projects to some of the 10,000 city-owned vacant lots scattered around Chicago. Over the past few weeks, SOIL LAB has literally been built from the ground up on one of these sites! Working on a base of earthen-brown waters truck masonry we provided from Morin Brick, North Lawndale residents worked alongside the international artists to build rammed earth walls surrounding their new workshop space.

Conveniently located around the corner from our brickyard at 1310 S. Pulaski, a robust schedule of public events took place over several months. Visitors even engaged with the brickmaking process — we managed to get ahold of Morin’s raw clay for them, which will be fired in an onsite kiln obtained with help from Sandkuhl. Inspired by the naturalist philosophy of Chicago’s illustrious landscape architect Jens Jensen (a Danish immigrant), the project is centered around the importance of brick and organic materials to our two cultures.

See more information about the project on their website or Instagram.
Read more about the project on the Biennial’s website.

Check out this awesome River North condo on Huron Street that we supplied new Quaker Windows to. Inspired by the look of old steel windows, Brass Tacks Studio interior design picked out several historic-style aluminum replicas from Quaker‘s “H450 SteelVu” series for the side and rear elevations. Featuring energy efficient, “low-e” glass and simulated divided light bars, the side sections of these handsome window systems even swing outward to let the breeze in on nice days.

For the street-facing side of the unit, we provided matching M600 sliding doors that lead out onto the balcony. The custom mullions are identical to those on the windows for a cohesive look all throughout the property. We love when we’re able to help a client meet the aesthetic dream they have in their mind through bespoke, project-specific solutions. These unique windows are easy to spot even from a distance.

LOCATION: Streeterville, Chicago

ARCHITECT: Jonathan Splitt Architecture
INTERIOR DESIGN: Brass Tacks Studio
DEVELOPER: Panoptic Group

PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Quaker Windows

Projects big, projects small — we supply them all! A few years ago, we had the pleasure of providing “Pebble Grey” Summit Brick for this small office building in Chicago’s Canaryville neighborhood.

Formerly a vacant lot, the property was purchased by electrical outfit Horizon Contractors Inc for their new headquarters. Surely inspired by the many great brick-clad industrial buildings nearby, their architect drew up a traditional masonry facade, and left it to ownership to pick out a material they loved.

We priced & sampled several options to them before this dark grey brick with wirecut texture was deemed the winner. It contrasts beautifully with the classic red brick next door, don’t you think?  Summit’s neutral colors are often a hit with our customers, owing to their budget-friendly price and high-quality, through-body color.

When shopping for grey or white brick, keep in mind that the cheapest options on the market are actually red, yellow, or brown material with some sort of applied coating on the face. Not all coatings are created equal… some can weather away dramatically after just a few winters. If you don’t want to risk your color sloughing off, make sure to look for bricks that are pigmented front-to-back, otherwise known as “through-body” shades.

LOCATION: 712 W Root Street, Chicago, 60609

ARCHITECT: Vari Architects
GC: Reliable & Associates Construction Co.
MASON: Jensen Building Repairs

PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Summit Brick

Running a year-round wedding venue in the Midwest requires both ample indoor space — for rainy days and winter weather — and the ability to host a crowd of people outside on perfect summer days! Sleepy Creek Vineyards has this art form down to a science, thanks to the seven sets of bi-folding LaCantina Doors we provided to their “Dragonfly” event space.

Though this 6200-square-foot reception hall might look like a quaint, rustic structure… it’s actually a state-of-the-art facility with radiant heating, central A/C, a full kitchen, and enough bathroom space for 250 guests. Nestled within a lush vineyard, the owners wanted to ensure attendees could easily take in the beauty of their surroundings. Seven huge folding door panels on the north wall, spanning an opening of almost 20 feet, can be pushed aside in seconds to connect the covered space with the adjoining outdoor ceremony area. The east and west walls are both home to three more sets of matching, 9-foot wide doors. When everything is open wide, the entire building feels like an airy, breezy, country barn. Should inclement weather dare approach, the room can be closed up tight while the party rocks on!

The winery is regularly open to the public, so be sure to stop by the next time you find yourself out near Danville, Illinois. If you enjoy their famous wine slushies a little too much, you can even crash in their on-site lodging!

LOCATION: Sleepy Creek Vineyards, 8254 E 1425 North Rd, Fairmount, IL 61841

PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

Lincoln Park is full of beautiful, historic multifamily properties — like this one-of-a-kind building at 354 W Dickens! Built in 1896, the distinctive green copper cornice and projecting window bays feature geometric ornamentation reminiscent of legendary architect Louis Sullivan’s signature style.

Though the architecture has stood the test of time, the aging fenestration was another story. Last year we supplied Cubed Construction with a full suite of new, energy efficient Quaker Windows for the vintage property, complete with custom SDL bars to mimic the grid-like muntins of the originals. “Pocket replacements” were placed right inside the existing frame, trim, siding and casing for a seamless infill practically undetectable from the exterior.

Eagle eyed onlookers might wonder why a different street address is engraved in the stone above the door of the building. Believe it or not, Chicago re-numbered every single property within the city limits in 1909! Some 19th century structures have retained evidence of their original addresses, leaving a little trace of their history on display for well over a century.

LOCATION: 354 W Dickens, Chicago, Illinois

GC: Cubed Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Quaker Windows

Fulton Market developments tend to be exciting news for us. Since 2015, a wide swath of the neighborhood has been protected as a Chicago Landmark District, preserving the area’s historic meatpacking structures and ensuring new construction fits in well with the 19th-century architecture of the area. This means lots of great masonry projects, from brick matching efforts to helping architects choose the perfect vintage-style brick to clad their contemporary designs!

Back in 2017, we were delighted to work with the talented team at Solomon Cordwell Buenz to select a custom Watsontown Brick for their new project at 210 N. Carpenter (you might know the building today as one of Google’s offices).

This classic red brick is made to look old: it’s tumbled, dented on the surface, and features occasional black bricks as if it were flashed in the kiln. Off the shelf, the color is called “Kent” — but bricklaying with its beat-up edges requires a little extra skill. When you’re talking about a 12-story mixed-use structure, those labor costs can add up! To simplify installation, we worked with the manufacturer to make a unique batch of this brick with straight edges rather than its standard, rugged profile. The result is a weather-worn look appropriate to the area… that could also be laid in nice, clean lines. Best of both worlds!

For the finishing, history-infused touch, we supplied authentic reclaimed Chicago common brick for interior accents. Turn-of-the-century warehouse aesthetic is our jam, and we can’t wait to see where the newest one will pop up!

LOCATION: 210 N Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60607

ARCHITECT: Solomon Cordwell Buenz
GC: Leopardo
MASON: ALL Masonry
DEVELOPER: Sterling Bay
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Watsontown Brick, Reclaimed Chicago common brick

This amazing property, located in the heart of Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, already had a hot location and historic charm when new owners purchased it in 2015. During their extensive gut rehab renovation project, we were pleased to supply a set of bifolding LaCantina Doors to connect the beautiful new living room to this drool-worthy backyard setup.

Creatively arranged with multiple levels, the rear yard features a small outdoor inground pool (almost unheard of in this town), grilling station with dining area, and multiple hangout areas including a rooftop perch above the garage with a cozy fireplace.

With so many amazing features to enjoy, the homeowners and design team knew there needed to be a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor space. These folding doors open and glide out of the way in seconds, allowing fluid movement for residents and guests. Even better? An integrated Centor screen can pull across the opening to provide a bug barrier when needed!

The end result is a fabulous combination of ultra-modern fenestration and thoughtful, vintage accents — including these reclaimed “Medium Pink” Chicago commons provided by us.

LOCATION: Old Town, Chicago

ARCHITECTS: Raino Ogden
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Mark Roman
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Centor, Reclaimed Commons

Our most recent project with OKW Architects — this snazzy new senior housing development near Oak Park, Illinois — welcomed its first residents in April 2021. Known as The Sheridan at River Forest, the 125-unit assisted living and memory care facility is located a few short blocks from countless Frank Lloyd Wright homes.

Inspired by the Prairie Style architecture of the surrounding area, the architects sought to pay homage to the horizontality and geometric patterning of this distinctively Midwestern aesthetic. We supplied four sizes of  Interstate Brick in “Walnut” brown to the traditional brickwork of the building’s exterior, a naturalistic color complement to the lush landscaping of its open-air patios. This organic color scheme is carried through to the interior design, which features warm wood paneling and jade green accents.

When embarking on new construction projects in historic communities, a little brick goes a long way in creating visual harmony between old and new!

LOCATION: 800 N Harlem Ave, River Forest, IL 60305

ARCHITECT: OKW Architects
GC: CORE 1937
MASON:Unlimited Masonry & Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED:  Interstate Brick

The Residences at Kelmscott Park near downtown Lake Forest, Illinois consist of 110 luxury apartments, 42 condos, and 12 single family homes. Located just steps from the Metra rail and accented by lush landscaping, the new subdivision is nearly complete after about three years of construction!

The team at Booth Hansen took design inspiration from principles of the late 19th-century arts and crafts movement — each building features expressive craftsmanship, thoughtful materiality, and an old-world, traditional style. We provided three colors of reddish Brampton brick (Prairie Sunset, Gibson, and Marshall) to the complex, in a wide variety of sizes. Modular (7-5/8″) and Norman (11-5/8″) brick were weaved together with special lipped shapes to create eye-catching patterns and visual intrigue, while matching thin brick allowed for consistency despite varying structural needs.

The pleasing brick blends, decorative corner detailing, and rolling lawns of this development remind us of Chicago’s historic Lathrop Homes community (a project we’re gearing up for phase two of). Nice to see echoes of the Prairie Style and Jens Jensen’s luxurious landscapes alive and well in the modern era, don’t you think?

LOCATION: 145 Morris Lane, Lake Forest, IL 60045

ARCHITECT: Booth Hansen
GC: Focus Construction
MASON: Richards & Weyer
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Brampton Brick

This modern little infill project along Chicago’s Milwaukee Avenue corridor adds a pop of bright pink to this busy commercial strip full of historic charm. Designed by JOMX Architecture, the four-story mixed use building contains a ground-level retail store, three residences, and a rooftop deck.

All of the fenestration on this project consists of sleek black M600 Quaker windows. These aluminum windows are affordable and enduringly popular, particularly in applications like this one. Thanks to the streamlined, minimal sightlines, it’s easy to create visual unity between the storefront below and the condos above. And who doesn’t love a floor to ceiling view?

With neighboring structures in such close proximity, Atlas structural brick from Interstate Brick was chosen for the sides of the building due to its 4-hour fire rating. The “Midnight Black” color perfectly compliments the black of the fenestration. We love when we’re able to offer a one stop shop experience for developers and designers!

LOCATION: 1827 N Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647

ARCHITECT:JOMX Architecture
GC: Product Chicago
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: M600 Quaker windows,  Atlas structural brick from Interstate Brick

Karaoke, korean BBQ, farm to table food & a full bar? This restaurant has it all! We were so excited to work with hospitality group, Epiphany Farms, to provide two sets of bifolding La Cantina Doors to their newest endeavor in Bloomington, Illinois. Harmony Korean BBQ, which recently opened, can fold these patio doors out of sight in seconds, allowing the dining room to seamlessly spill out onto the deck in nice weather.

Be sure to check out the restaurant group’s other concepts — Anju Above & Bakery and Pickle. All four businesses feature organic, seasonal menus that pull from the 75-acre farm they operate nearby! We love any opportunity to work with other small business owners, especially when they too have a passion for environmentally friendly, sustainable practices.

LOCATION: 7 Currency Dr, Bloomington, IL 61704

PRODUCT SUPPLIED:  LaCantina Doors

The homeowners of this single family residence in Northfield closed on the property in April; the very next month they began looking for ways to improve the connection between their open concept kitchen/dining area and the adjoining sunroom. The answer? A five-panel bifolding door system from Centor, of course!

Previously, the large opening was occupied by a traditional, 2-panel sliding door. One half slid, one stayed put — meaning they always had 88″ of glass separating the main living space from the screened-in porch, even when it was completely open. With the bifolding upgrade, the family can now fold the entire patio wall off to one side, allowing for uninterrupted flow between the two rooms.

And don’t even worry about winter time! The insulated thermal barrier and double-glazing with Argon gas keeps these floor-to-ceiling windows from releasing too much heat.

LOCATION: Northfield, Illinois

GC: Stratum Builders
INSTALLER: Mark Roman

PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Centor USA doors

A vintage home always looks best with period-appropriate fenestration, if you ask us — just check out this recent remodeling job we worked on in Barrington, Illinois.

Built in 1948 by local architect Robert Parker Coffin — who has a namesake roadway just a short drive away in nearby Long Grove — the house was built in a rustic, Arts & Crafts style with dark wood accents, half-timbering, and cozy proportions. When the new owners embarked on a recent kitchen renovation, they decided to replace the existing windows and front door with something that would fit better with the home’s distinctive architecture.

We provided wood-clad “Chestnut Brown” Quaker Windows  with custom “simulated divided light” bars for the three small openings left of the main entrance, as well as a custom fixed window with reeded glass on the adjacent wall. With a new pantry on the other side, the textured glass was a midcentury-inspired choice to provide light-filtering and privacy. Lastly, for a pop of color and personality, check out this bright pink Jeld Wen fiberglass door! We particularly love the old world style of the “Paris Patina” decorative beveled glass on the sidelites.

It’s always fun to help homeowners find ways to improve the energy efficiency and functionality of historic homes, while still staying true to the heritage and unique aesthetic that drew them to the property in the first place. Be proud of your old house… it’s one of a kind! Shoutout to SRS Sewer and Drain Home Remodeling for this expert installation.

LOCATION: Barrington, Illinois

ARCHITECT: Robert Parker Coffin
INSTALLER: SRS Sewer and Drain Home Remodeling
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Jeld Wen Windows & Doors, Quaker Windows 

With the help of salesman Luke, Studio K Creative found a creative new use for some 20-30 year old vintage brick found in a forgotten corner of our warehouse. Girl & the Goat‘s new Los Angeles location features our brick under the bar at the heart of the 200-seat restaurant.

Once the material was unearthed, our yard staff crosscut the ochre bricks horizontally to create thin brick pieces. Installed vertically, the neat rows of core holes (typically hidden inside the wall) were exposed for a totally unique look. The one-of-a-kind custom result lends a rustic industrial chic look to this Chicago-proud establishment.

See more on the architect’s website.

LOCATION: 555-3 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

When you’re trying to blend new construction into a historic area like Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood, a little rustic brick goes a long way! We love how this modern single family design by Mike Shively Architecture puts the masonry fireplace front and center, artfully paying homage to the array of beautiful brickwork found elsewhere on the street. Although unconventional, the choice also affords the family inside a little more privacy on the street-facing side of their home. Smart!

We supplied both full brick and matching thi brick veneer from Cherokee Brick for this project. The color, known as “Old Orleans,” features a tumbled finish akin to reclaimed brick. Though there’s nothing quite like the real thing, a major perk of faux-salvaged products is their adherence to contemporary ASTM standards. So, if you like the weathered look of old common brick, but want a little more standardization in your life — never fear! We’ve got many different kinds of “vintage-looking” brick around here…

LOCATION: Bucktown, Chicago

ARCHITECT: Mike Shively Architecture
DEVELOPER: Merrion Development, DG Advisors Group
GC: Groove Design + Build
MASON: Solve Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Cherokee Brick

We love when new construction projects take a page from the playbook of their historic neighbors! The wonderful new Albion Highland Park multi-family development going up in downtown Highland Park, Illinois sits right across the street from the city’s 1929 brick water tower. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the iconic structure contains half a million gallons of water inside its decorative masonry shell.

Knowing they were building in the literal shadow of the tallest building around, the architects at HPA came to us in pursuit of a classic red brick they could use to pay homage to the history next door. And we delivered! Ragland Brick makes this color, known as “Flashed Select,” in both full brick and thin brick veneer. Both were supplied to this project (along with Glen-Gery “Thin Tech” panels), which led to a seamless look throughout despite the varying installation specifications.

161 families will soon move into this exciting new project. It’s a delight to have been involved! Stay tuned for more photos as the final phase of construction wraps up.

LOCATION: 1850 Green Bay Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035

ARCHITECT: Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture
GC: Clark Construction
MASON: RV Builders
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Ragland Brick, Glen-Gery “Thin Tech”

Though it looks hundreds of years old, this exceptional mixed-use commercial building in the heart of downtown Wheaton, Illinois is actually new construction! Given its location along one of the town’s historic streetscapes, the development team was eager to replace the dated, 1980s box previously occupying the site with a structure that would blend in better.

We helped with this effort by providing a touch of the 1880s to the new façade… reclaimed Chicago common brick in the “Full Range” color! We accented and complimented the choice of masonry with vintage-style fenestration, as well. Upstairs, products from Quaker Windows‘ H600 series were customized with grid-like mullions — known as SDL, or simulated divided light bars — to evoke the bygone aesthetic of industrial steel windows.

On the first floor, restaurant tenant Hale Street Cantina benefits from three sets of bifolding LaCantina Doors. In favorable weather, the panels can be pushed aside, allowing the bustling eatery to spill out onto a sprawling sidewalk cafe. SDL bars matching the windows upstairs perfectly camouflage these ultra-modern doors the rest of the year, maintaining the building’s purposefully old-world look.

LOCATION: 109 N Hale St, Wheaton, IL 60187

ARCHITECT: Myefski Architects
DEVELOPER: Innovator Capital
GC: E.P. Doyle & Son, LLC
MASON: DTM Masonry
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Reclaimed “Full Range” common brick, Quaker Windows, LaCantina Doors

Just completed! Though it sure looks like this dreamy pool-facing sunroom is located in Florida… you’ll actually find it out in Barrington, Illinois. In partnership with the window installation experts at Meyer Guild, we helped this homeowner transform the room on the back of his house into a seriously inspirational four-seasons room.

In the summertime, all four sets of bifolding LaCantina Doors along the perimeter of the space fold neatly out of view, completely merging the covered dining area with the expansive backyard patio. When the temperature drops, or a little rain interrupts the party, all four door systems shut tight. The family can still enjoy floor-to-ceiling views of their beautifully landscaped lawn from safety inside! Thermal control measures, including double-paned glass filled with insulating Argon gas, help keep the room temperate all year long.

We’ll never get enough of these awesome residential folding door projects — it just goes to show you that creative approaches to fenestration can help maximize the enjoyment you get out of your home (and laborious gardening efforts)!

LOCATION: Barrington, IL

INSTALL: Meyer Guild
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Door

Long-format  black brick? Um… yes please. We supplied this modern residence in Bellaire, Texas with enough beautiful Italian brick to build a truly outstanding fireplace. Perfectly accenting the sleek rooflines of this contemporary home, the dark, elongated brickwork — each piece nearly 20″ in length — creates a strong sense of horizontality across the sprawling, ranch-style property. Indoors, the artisan quality of old-world masonry material brings a sense of traditionalism to the modern design of the hearth.

This subtly variegated charcoal color, known as “CT001LOFS” — is one of the most popular S.Anselmo shades we offer. It’s glamorous in any setting, from residential applications to commercial storefronts (see here and here).

LOCATION: Bellaire, Texas

ARCHITECT: Studio Life Style 
BUILDER: Punditz Design & Build
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: S.Anselmo “Corso” brick

Studio Lifestyle Houston (more pics)

Look — judge us if you must — but there are few love stories more enduring or more fervent than the passionate affection Chicagoans have for Taco Bell. The attachment has been known to ebb and flow depending on how much beer and baseball has been consumed in the hours beforehand… but suffice it to say, there’s real history here. Despite having almost 30 other locations in Chicago, locals held a funeral and mourned when the beloved Wrigleyville ‘Bell closed. We were blessed with the nation’s first Taco Bell to serve alcohol. And our city’s love for cheesy burritos doesn’t seem to be slowing down!

Over the years, we’ve provided Interstate Brick in “Desert Sand” and “Ochre Buff” to almost a dozen new locations, from northwest Indiana, to the Chicagloand suburbs, to a handful just down the street on the city’s South Side. The exact brick has varied with the specific design of each one, but we’ve primarily supplied fire-rated, 8x4x16” Atlas structural brick. Check out a few of them in the gallery here.

Though we’re well aware more authentic tacos can be found around the corner from us in Little Village, there will always be a place in our belly for both. Porque no los dos??

LOCATIONS / PRODUCTS SUPPLIED:
— 1107 W. Addison, Chicago | Global Development
Reclaimed Chicago Commons + Watsontown “Kent”
— 2410 E Rand, Arlington Heights, IL | W&T Construction
Interstate Brick in “Arctic White”
— 5312 W Belmont, Chicago | Choice Masonry  (under construction)
Interstate Brick in “Desert Sand” and “Ochre Buff”
— 6631 S. Cicero, Chicago | RBC Construction
Interstate Brick in “Desert Sand” and “Ochre Buff”
— 2410 S Western, Chicago | Global Development
Interstate Brick in “Desert Sand” and “Ochre Buff”
— 7906 S. Western, Chicago | RBC Construction
Interstate Brick in “Desert Sand” and “Ochre Buff”
— 255 W Garfield, Chicago | Liprus U Masonry
Interstate Brick in “Desert Sand” and “Ochre Buff”
— 3165 N Milwaukee, Chicago | RBC Construction
Interstate Brick in “Desert Sand” and “Ochre Buff”
— 914 Indianapolis Blvd, Hammond, IN | Liprus U Masonry
Interstate Brick in “Desert Sand” and “Ochre Buff”

From the former Berwyn Theatre… to a swanky new home in Evanston! The process of salvaging one-of-a-kind materials for adaptive reuse is at the very core of our business. We’ve been reclaiming common brick and lots of other masonry goodies since way back in 1968! Although it was heartbreaking to see the namesake movie palace of Berwyn, Illiniois demolished in 1990, we were fortunate to have an opportunity to salvage most of its gorgeous terracotta facade. The decorative pieces have been chilling in our warehouse for thirty years, but recently emerged as the perfect fit for a renovation project at 1014 Davis Street.

The team at LG Construction is currently finishing up the process of remodeling this former stereo shop into a two-story daycare facility. The scope of work has included a thorough restoration of the street-facing elevation, including removal of glass block windows, replacement of the fenestration throughout, and taking down the old awning. These much-needed measures revealed the glazed terracotta original to the 1924 building, most of which was able to be cleaned up and left in place! However, several damaged segments required replacement… and it just so happened that our Berwyn Theatre pieces fit the bill perfectly. They even date to the same year! We were thrilled to provide four floral tiles, a little over two dozen “water table” lintels, and some 8″ white glazed brick for this building makeover. We even provided design guidance and elevation mockups for approval by the city & ownership. Can you tell these sorts of historic projects are our jam?!

Stay tuned for more photos of this wonderful work in progress. And, if your next project is in need of some vintage terracotta… you know who to call!

LOCATION: 1014 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201

ARCHITECT: Soos Architects
GC: LG Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Reclaimed terracotta, 8″ white glazed brick

We had the pleasure of working with the interior design team at 555 International to put together the awesome interior brickwork for Logan Square’s newest dining destination — Andros Taverna. The light and airy venue features seasonal Greek cuisine, ample natural light, live greenery, and an informal, industrial-chic vibe. Although we might be a little biased, our favorite part is the way the  designers tied the  red brick of the building’s exterior to the  architecture inside! Known as “Old Port Red Range,” this classic Morin Brick was made solid to allow for the  brick screen detail to be realized without any core holes peeking out.

We love any opportunity to work with other small business owners in  Chicago, and encourage you to shop local! Stop by for some warm, homemade pita, wood-fired meats, or a coffee & fresh pastry from their walk-up  window. Our next collaboration with Ballyhoo Hospitality is already in the works — a French brasserie in Winnetka we’re providing some LaCantina Doors to. Stay tuned!

LOCATION: 2542 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

ARCHITECT: 555 Internationa
GC: Chas Bender Co

Take a gander at what this Edison Park  commercial building looked like before and after its masonry makeover!

By the time AAA – 1 Masonry & Tuckpointing moved into this 1-story property, the 1950s building was overdue for a little freshening up.
Seeking to pay homage to the rich history of their craft, the 68-year-old masonry company came to us in search of a timeless redbrick to use on its brand-new façade treatment.

 Watsontown Brick “Sturbridge” flashed modular brick offered the perfect rangey tonality and classic molded look they were looking for. As one of the colors we use most often for brick matching applications — and a popular choice for new construction, too! — the color paired beautifully with corbeling details at the cornice and gauged brick arches above the windows. We love the way these artful bricklaying techniques, popular in the 19th century, give the building a centuries-old historic aesthetic despite its somewhat modern origins.

This is one company headquarters well worth a visit… and if you need to find a mason while you’re at it, the exterior serves as a one-of-kind advertisement for their services!

LOCATION: 6479 N Avondale Ave, Chicago, IL 60631

ARCHITECT: bba Architects
MASON: AAA1-Masonry
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Watsontown Brick

Check out the Huntley Fire Department‘s hot new home! Being able to lend our expertise to creating the perfect fires tation for these hard-working first responders was truly a delight.

We worked closely with the design team to stay within budget while still achieving their aesthetic goals — in the end, Interstate Brick‘s 2-1/4” x 12″ Norman-size brick in a classic red/brown/white color combination won out (“Monterrey,” “Arctic White,” and “Mountain Red”). The larger size of this masonry, as compared to standard 7-5/8″ modular bricks, saves on labor costs and creates a subtle horizontality in the architecture.

Construction on the 10,000sf station wrapped up in the fall of 2020, and these photos show they’re all moved in to their new headquarters. This is the fifth firehouse in Huntley, Illinois… but we think this one’s the most existinguished of them all!

LOCATION: 11118 E Main St., Huntley, IL  60142

ARCHITECT: Cordogan Clark & Assoc.
MASON: Able Masonry
GC: Boldt Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick

The original Dirksen Elementary building was built in 1971-1972 (named after Everett McKinley Dirksen, a former US Senate Minority Leader from Illinois who helped write and pass landmark civil rights and fair housing legislation in the 1960s).  A much needed, LEED-Certified addition was finished up recently, doubling the size of the existing school.

The architects at Studio ARQ approached us in search of two warm, coppery brick colors in a “grain” or “matte” texture, plus two contrasting smooth grey brick options. To keep costs in check, the project utilized economical 2-1/4″ x 11-5/8″ utility brick. Salesman Dave Chuter provided over 25 different sample boards for review, “changing horses a few different times” to find the perfect masonry! The winners were “Heirloom” and “Ginger” from Summit Brick, plus “Greenwich” and “Central Park” from Watsontown. The completed annex compliments the colors of the older structure, while adding a modern touch with its sleek, contemporary aesthetic.

LOCATION: 8601 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60656

Read more on the Public Building Commission’s site.

ARCHITECT: Studio ARQ, SMNG Architects
GC: Bowa Construction + F.H. Paschen
MASON: Vimak Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Watsontown Brick, Summit Brick

Our work on Alcove Wicker Park is finally wrapping up! This gorgeous new residential development in Chicago’s Wicker Park features a new high-rise condo building, plus twelve single-family townhomes and ample landscaped spaces outdoors. Salesman Luke was able to provide an outstanding substitution for the brick specified by the designers at Hirsch MPG — check out the gallery for a side comparison. We’re in love with this color combo of “Copperstone” and “Black Ice” (Utility size) from Interstate Brick; not only was it a cost-effective alternative with a short lead time, we think the extra iridescence of the black and subtle flashing on the copper makes this project look even more handsome.

LOCATION: 1648 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

ARCHITECT: Hirsch MPG
GC: Maris Construction
MASON: Jimmy Z Masonry
DEVELOPER: Vermilion Development, @properties 
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick

We couldn’t be more pleased with the final result of this awesome addition to the Fulton Market district.

Although the original rendering called for a red brick, the architect at HPA instead fell in love with this “Black Diamond” brick from Summit Lakewood — and who can blame him? Following the creation of countless mockup panels, including one towering 25′ high, the brick choice was approved by developer Shapack Partners. This attention to detail and careful evaluation paid off, as the building recently fetched a record price upon its sale!

The modular size was mandated by the Landmarks team, and a number of special lipped shapes were also custom-made for this project by the manufacturer. The classic warehouse-style architecture blends in perfectly with the surrounding historic district, while the black brick keeps this property refreshingly modern as well.

See the building’s website here.
Read more on the GC’s website.
Read about the record-setting sale of this property.

LOCATION: 811 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
This property is part of the FULTON MARKET HISTORIC DISTRICT.
To learn more about the area’s history, click here.

ARCHITECT: Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture
DEVELOPER: Shapack Partners
MASON: Mike Cachey Construction Co.
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Summit Brick

We were thrilled to be part of the design for Seattle’s newest Shake Shack location in University Village! Opening just this past September, the exterior design incorporates one of our favorite black brick colors from S. Anselmo (“LOBF”). It has been our privilege to provide a variety of unique masonry to Shake Shack locations across the country (see the one we did in Milwaukee here) through our relationship with the hospitality experts at Aria Group.

This brick, part of Italian brick manufacturer S. Anselmo’s “Corso” (or long format) series, was made in the “terra” dragwire texture for an ultra smooth contemporary look. Whether you like craggy & rusticated, smooth & silky, or a combination of both, we’ve got you covered.

LOCATION: 2580 NE University Village St, Seattle, WA 98105

ARCHITECT:  Shake Shack & Shugart Wasse Wickwire
GC: Apex Flooring (Kent, WA)
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: S. Anselmo

No matter what you do… everyone knows that party guests flock to the kitchen like bees to a flower! The rooftop deck on this former factory (turned luxury single family home) adjoins the kitchen to make this household hotspot the perfect place to hang. In seconds, these multislide LaCantina Doors part in the middle and disappear into each side of the opening to seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor areas. Fortunately, no bug’ll bother you — even on the stickiest summer days — thanks to the integrated Centor Screens paired with the doors!

The owner of this townhome was thrilled with the thermally controlled, winterproof system we provided; so much so that our salesman Luke is currently working on replacing all of the home’s fenestration with better-insulated offerings from Quaker. We’ll be posting plenty more pics as the renovation gets underway. In the meantime, scroll through the photos here for a peek at the resident gorilla perched on the third-level deck!

LOCATION: West Town, Chicago

ARCHITECT: John Joyce Architects
GC: Aberdeen Development
INSTALLER: Meyer Guild
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Centor Screens, LaCantina Doors, Reclaimed Chicago Common Brick

From its humble, mom & pop beginnings in the Washington DC area circa 1986, Five Guys has grown explosively into an ultra-popular worldwide destination for fresh-cut fries, perfectly juicy hamburgers, and griddle-cooked hotdogs.

By 2012, over a thousand locations existed across the country, with plans to expand across the pond. As DXU Architecture worked on a refreshed design scheme for the brand, we were engaged to come up with a distinctive masonry aesthetic for the exterior of new and remodeled storefronts.

This gorgeous custom brick blend features a specific percentage of five burgundy hues made by Summit Brick (one for each of the guys!): “Sheffield,” “Espresso,” “Ivy League / Academy,” “Adamello,” and “Market Street.”

We’ve now provided it in thin brick form to dozens of locations around the country thanks to the national specification. Although the look of each store varies based on the space available, the same brick appears on each one — from large facades on standalone retail buildings, to subtle accent areas on strip mall sites.

LOCATIONS PICTURED HERE:
— 3911 W Bethel Ave, Muncie, Indiana
— 157 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
— 555 Broadway #118, Chula Vista, California
— 98-1005 Moanalua Rd, Aiea, Hawaii
— 164 Danbury Rd Unit 14, New Milford, Connecticut
—  8366 Sudley Rd, Manassas, Virginia
— 7622 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, Virginia
— 551 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, Florida
— 4800 Golf Rd, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
— 79 Market St, Potsdam, New York
— Corporate HQ, Lorton, Virginia
— 4537 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC
— 2694 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, Illinois

ARCHITECT: DXU Architects
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Summit Brick

No matter how generous your lot size is, choosing a city property means you’ll need to be smart about space. That’s why we’ll never get enough of these amazing renovations that incorporate fenestration from LaCantina Doors!

The homeowners of this Wicker Park residence wanted floor to ceiling views of their petite backyard and historic garage, as well as a clever way to keep the porch from infringing on too much of their precious greenspace. Behold: a perfect use of folding doors! In nice weather, the system collapses to either side, combining the narrow deck with the cozy living room. Who needs space for a whole patio furniture set when you can just soak up the outdoors from your already-awesome indoor couch?

Come wintertime, the weather-resistant sill and insulated glass keep the cold out, while the slim profile of the adjacent deck requires way less snow-shoveling than a full-size terrace. Just the kind of ingenious thinking we love to see from Midwestern urbanites!

LOCATION: Wicker Park , Chicago

ARCHITECT:  KLLM Architects Inc.
GC: Mark Roman / Facilities Planning & Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina doors

This is the kind of before-and-after home makeover we love! The owners of this Wicker Park residence wanted a new solution for the fenestration connecting their patio space and living room. Bizarrely, the long wall between these hangout areas was built with two side-by-side sets of inswing french doors, which congested the interior floor plan and limited the room’s furniture options.

The talented team at Meyer Guild combined both openings and installed a brand-new multi-slide system we provided from LaCantina Doors instead — it’s safe to say this change greatly improves upon the original design! The family can now neatly stack all 3 sliding door panels off to one side in nice weather, allowing for unrestricted flow between these communal spaces. Pocket doors and sliding units are great for applications like these where bi-folding “accordion-style” systems would take up too much real estate.

Best of all, it takes only seconds to pull the integrated S4 bug screen from Centor across the whole opening. The thermally-broken frame even traps heat inside during winter, while still offering floor-to-ceiling views all year ’round.

LOCATION: Wicker Park, Chicago
GC:  Meyer Guild
PRODUCT SUPPLIED:  LaCantina Doors, Centor

We can’t get enough of this creative re-design! The narrow, kitchen-adjacent staircase of this historic Evanston home originally led up to a standard backdoor (still in place today) and a long row of fixed windows letting ample light into the cooking area. The new owners of this local Landmark, designed in 1899 by legendary architecture firm Holabird and Root opted to replace the existing fenestration with a modern bi-folding system from LaCantina Doors!

Working within the guidelines imposed by the historic district, we drafted up a set of wood-clad doors with simulated divided light bars in a custom configuration closely matching the original look. The result preserves the dreamy, floor-to-ceiling glass wall overlooking the forested property… while also providing the option to fold the entire wall out of the way! Integrated screens from Centor pull from either side of the opening to keep the breezes flowing and the bugs at bay.

A matching set of bi-folding doors is being installed on the ground level as well — stay tuned for more pics of this exciting project.

LOCATION: Evanston, IL
ARCHITECT: Holabird and Root
GC: Larson Builders
PRODUCT SUPPLIED:  LaCantina Doors, Centor

We’re lucky to be based in Chicago — a town rich with history and gorgeous architecture — and even luckier to have the honor of brick matching some of the city’s seriously significant buildings!

A few years ago we were thrilled to provide masonry for the façade restoration of 801 S. Wells, known today as the Paper Place Lofts. Designed by legendary architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham in 1912, the structure began its life as offices and warehouse space for the many businesses of nearby “Printer’s Row.”

Like most of the early skyscrapers lining the streets of this South Loop neighborhood, it was built for a utilitarian purpose with comparatively minimal ornamentation. Commercial entities managed the building for over eight decades, and it received many small, mismatched repairs during those years. Conversion into airy, high-ceilinged residences in the 1990s passed it into the hands of more dutiful stewards, who embarked on a rehabilitation of the historic exterior in 2015.

This tricky match job eventually required three different bricks to be used: Summit Brick “Sheffield” for infill amongst the dark red face brick — carefully mixed by the mason on site with pink-toned Watsontown Brick “Delaware Flashed” — and Cherokee Brick “Tuscany” for fixes on the backs & sides.

Like all of our best preservation jobs… we’re happiest when you can’t see our work!

LOCATION: 801 S Wells, Chicago
ARCHITECT: Klein & Hoffman
INSTALLER: LS Contracting Group
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Cherokee Brick, Watsontown Brick, Summit Brick

Contrary to popular belief, modern design doesn’t have to mean abandoning the energy efficiency of a masonry building! Case in point: this awesome residence in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood. Ultra-smooth limestone blocks clad the front façade for a streamlined look, while affordable Interstate Brick adds warmth, pattern, and visual character to the back and sides of this multi-level property and garage.

The homeowners knew they wanted a nice grey brick that would complement their choice of stone… meanwhile, their builder knew they needed it quickly, and at a reasonable price! Salesman, Brent, checked in-stock inventory at a number of manufacturers, presenting a multitude of size and color options for review.

The winner? This enduringly-popular “Platinum” color brick in a 2-1/4″ x 16″ Emperor size! The slim height of these long format bricks creates a traditional, small-scale look, but the extended length leads to major cost-savings on material & labor. Here in the Midwest, we’re also partial to any Prairie-style horizontality homage!

To complete this gorgeous example of single family architecture, we supplied a bi-folding patio door system from LaCantina Doors. Fold the panels aside in nice weather, and the living room and deck act as one breezy space! Custom exterior trim color was specified to match other fenestration on the home, and an integrated Centor screen keeps out the bugs when necessary.

LOCATION: Lakeview, Chicago
ARCHITECT: Michael Hershenson Architects
INSTALLER: Prime Construction Group
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick, LaCantina Doors, Centor

New year, new garage! Following a disastrous run-in with a rogue firecracker last July, this Portage Park homeowner rebuilt with some pretty sweet upgrades. A four-panel vinyl bifolding LaCantina Doors system allows the house-facing elevation to open out onto a patio built of our reclaimed granite pavers — while a LaCantina swing door on the driveway-facing side allows for quick and easy access to their second car.

We also provided Quaker Windows for the second-floor storage loft. Thoughtful and family-friendly home design doesn’t have to stop with the house! Upgrading the garage, backyard shed, or rear coach house with creative fenestration can add more functional and useable space to your property.

LOCATION: Portage Park, Chicago, Illinois

GC/INSTALL: Meyer Guild
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors, Quaker Windows, Reclaimed Granite Pavers

Super exciting to see this Brombal steel window project moving swiftly along! Back in September, the team at Meyer Guild installed two massive outswing double door systems on this Wrigleyville single-family home. The project has come a long way since then — with the glazing in place and the interior construction nearly finished, it feels like the end is in sight. Check out the radiant heat system going into the floors of the outdoor patio in the progress photos! This clever design keeps snow from accumulating and saves on lots of shoveling.

And, thanks to thermally broken window frames, the cold and snow can’t penetrate the indoors, either! Seeking a cozy and quiet retreat from the busy neighborhood outside his door, special-order laminated glass was installed to keep the noise pollution from nearby Wrigley Field at bay, too.

Keep checking back for more photos as things keep moving along!
View more construction photos of this project on our Instagram.

LOCATION: Wrigleyville, Chicago

ARCHITECT: dSpace Studio
INSTALLER: Meyer Guild
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Brombal

This beautiful infill and adaptive reuse project in Humboldt Park is nearing completion! The historic church on the left is being converted to residential use (with the help of some twelve thousand full-range Chicago common bricks), while the new building to the right is a clever contemporary addition clad in shimmery “Black Opal” brick from Interstate.

We love the way Pappageorge Haymes Partners blended old and new! It’s lovey to see this boulevard-facing, early 20th century structure preserved — and equally great to see three stories of density built on top of what was once a parking lot. Stay tuned for more photos of this project as the finishing touches are wrapped up!

LOCATION: 1847 N Humboldt Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

See the architect’s instagram post here.
Visit the building’s website.

ARCHITECT: Pappageorge Haymes Partners
DEVELOPERS: Ranquist Development, Jodi Development
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Reclaimed Chicago Commons, Interstate Brick