Curbed.com is featuring my listing of the Erickson House in Barrington as their National House of the Day today. Click here to see the article -they've also linked to Dennis Rodkin's video tour of the home. This house is such a beautiful work of architecture at an absolutely amazing price-it was recently reduced to just $1,000,000-click here for more information.
I came across this wonderful article in the Sunday Magazine section of the Chicago Tribune, and it brought to mind how much Jens Jensen brought to the city of Chicago, and the landscape of today's midwest. Jens Jensen was the master of Prairie-style landscape architecture, using stacked native limestone and prairie grasses and wildflowers.
The article talked about his work at Humboldt Park and Columbus Park, The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool (also known as the Rookery) at Lincoln Park, was designed by Jensen's protege', Alfred Caldwell. It's a peaceful oasis on the bustling lakefront very near the Peggy Notebaert Nature Center, and well worth a visit. Click here to learn more about Jens Jensen and for links to a downloadable audio tour.
It's almost time for SOFA CHICAGO again- the fabulous Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Show that will bring more than 80 art galleries and dealers from 10 countries around the world. This year, for the first time, the Intuit Show of Folk & Outsider Art will be held in conjuntion with SOFA, so you can see both great shows under one roof. Being held at Navy Pier's Festival Hall November 5-7th -click here for more info.
Coonley House 1908-1910 (Keith Hale/Sun-Times)
In 1908 industrialist Avery Coonley commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design a prairie-style estate on the banks of the Des Plaines River. It would be completed in 1910 and would be considered by Wright himself to be "the most successful of my houses from my standpoint".
The sprawling main residence is embellished with art glass windows and the exterior features glazed tile panels in a cubist motif. The main house was accompanied by several outbuildings including a coach house/stables, and gardener's cottage which have been turned into separate homes over the years. The Coonley Playhouse (with its famously colorful stained glass windows) is just down the street.
In 1950, the main house was divided into 2 separate residences. This side of the home has over 6,000 square feet and has been completely restored including the original 50-foot handpainted mural in the living room and Jens Jensen landscape (great article about him in today's Chicago Tribune). It has 300 feet of riverfront on the Des Plaines. The asking price is $2.89 million and the home is a national landmark. Click here for more information.
The 2010 Winnetka Modernism Show is being combined with the Antiques Show to form a single show- Antiques+Modernism Winnetka, encompassing the decorative arts & design from the 17th to mid-20th centuries. Browse fine art, furniture, jewelry, vintage textiles and objet d'art. Talk to dealers and experts from across the United States. At the historic Winnetka Community House this coming Friday through Sunday, Oct. 22-24- click here for hours and directions and ticket info.
Gary Gand of Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond will be at the show doing a book-signing of the Julius Shulman: Chicago Mid-Century Modernism book on Sunday October 24th from 11am-5pm.
The Women's Board of the Winnetka Community House has been holding this event for 60 years and it's always an enjoyable and interesting day in one of Chicago's loveliest neighborhoods. Hope you get a chance to come explore.
In 1938, visionary architect Andrew Rebori designed a modernist townhouse and coach house on a narrow plot of land amongst the stately homes of Chicago's Gold Coast. The home was purchased from Rebori by Lillian Florsheim, the shoe heiress and sculptor, in 1946. She lived there and, later, commissioned her son-in-law Bertrand Goldberg (who designed Marina Towers) to connect the 2 buildings with a fantastic bridge kitchen. Take a look at this website for lots of information and some great historic images of the house as it looked when Lillian lived there.
It is currently being offered for sale by its present owner for $2,500,000. You can view listing information here.
This home is a real treasure of Chicago architectural history and has been lovingly preserved over the decades by caring owners-let's hope that continues.
This sophisticated mid-century modern home is located in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago. Built in 1966, this pristine home centers around two courtyards with commercial-grade floor to
ceiling windows throughout the spacious living areas bringing the outdoors
into every room.
Details include tiled floors, 3 fireplaces, built-in shelving and high ceilings. The master suite boasts a fireplace and balcony that runs the length of the 30-foot window span and completely renovated master bath. A stunning freestanding fireplace is at the heart of the home with a sunken conversation pit. A total of 5 bedrooms and 3.2 baths mean lots of room for friends and family. The kitchen has granite countertops, a huge island, 2 sinks, stainless steel appliances including a professional-style gas range & hood. The partial basement includes a rec room and laundry. Lush mature landscaping and a 3-car heated garage round out the picture.
Located in the desirable city of Evanston which has great restaurants, theaters, and shopping, and is the home of Northwestern University-convenient to down town Chicago. This home really has it all for the discerning buyer. Click here for more information and let me know if I can show it to you.
The Chicago Sun Times ran this excellent article about the Graymoor subdivision in Olympia Fields, Illinois featuring my listing at 96 Graymoor, a beautiful sprawling post & beam home that's currently on the market for $500,000. It also discusses the Julius Shulman book about the modernist homes of Chicago, three of which are right here in the Graymoor neighborhood.
Many thanks to the writer, Jeremy Schnitker, for helping to bring some attention to the architectural treasures we are lucky to have in Chicago's South Suburbs! Please let me know if I can show you around.
Illinois Landscape No. 5 by John Henry-1976
The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is located in the south suburbs in University Park, Illinois and is such a gem!
It's set on several acres of rolling prairie about 30 miles south of Chicago on the campus of Governors State University in University Park, Illinois. Founded by Nathan Manilow, (who also founded the planned community of Park Forest) and filled with works by prominent artists such as Mark diSuvero, Bruce Nauman, and Martin Puryear along with many others. The monumental pieces are placed along meandering paths that wind through native prairie plantings. The park is open year round and tours are available-my most memorable visit was just after a heavy snowfall - magical.
Please take a look at the website and then plan a visit. You just have to come here if you get the chance-you won't be sorry.