In 1926, developer Clarence “C.A.” Hemphill, who had moved from Texas to Chicago’s North Shore, founded Hemphill Homes. He hired local architects, such as Raymond “R.F.” Houlihan, to design custom-built homes of various architectural styles. Supposedly no two of Hemphill Homes were alike, and they were all known for quality materials and craftsmanship. While most of the company’s work is found in the northern suburbs, one of their properties exists in Palos Park. It’s now for sale, along with four other distinctive custom-designed homes that are located throughout the Chicago area’s southwestern suburbs. We have two listed residences in Naperville designed by Don Tosi, who worked for Bruce Goff, a notable architect who just had a retrospective at the Art Institute earlier this year. All the following listings are not your typical suburban tract homes; they have either classic midcentury modern design or unique architectural elements created specifically by local architects and builders.
8623 S Roma Road, Palos Park, $699,900
This midcentury modern ranch was designed in 1953 by architect and builder Raymond Houlihan of C.A. Hemphill. Set on 1.35 wooded acres zoned for horses, the 3,231-square-foot, three-bedroom custom residence is full of vintage details, from its brightly colored cedar siding to the limestone floors and cypress-paneled walls inside. Original blueprints are included in the sale. In addition to the tandem detached four-car garage, which could easily be turned into a workshop or entertainment space, the property also comes with a newer boiler, hot water heater, electric box, skylights, and driveway sealing.
5337 Brookbank Road, Downers Grove, $1,150,000
Inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, local architect Richard Marker created a steel-and-glass residence for his family in suburban Downers Grove in 1974. Four years later, he created this nearly 3,000-square-foot residence with diagonal cedar wood siding located on an irregular corner lot in nearby Denburn Woods. On the market for the first time in over 25 years, the property features five bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and a partially finished basement. Inside, you’ll find clerestory windows, cathedral and mirrored ceilings, sliding glass doors, and a continuous balcony that truly create a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.
942 Montgomery Ct, Naperville, $729,000
This past year, an architecture survey was published on local midcentury architect and builder Don Tosi, who designed 172 surviving homes in Naperville. This 2,490-square-foot residence, one of 23 Tosi-designed homes in the Hobson West neighborhood just south of the downtown area, comes with three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a first-floor office. While the house is described as being “beautifully refreshed,” Tosi’s signature prow-shaped window is visible on its exterior. Inside, other cool details include a floating staircase, circular windows, dramatic skylights, and a hidden wet bar. The $750 annual HOAs cover a pool, clubhouse, and tennis courts.
1539 Foxhill Rd, Naperville, $549,900
Another Don Tosi design in Naperville currently for sale, this A-frame was inspired by Alpine ski lodges. The 1,640-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence with a finished basement and floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace is on sale for the first time in nearly 35 years. According to public records, the property, originally built around 1976, last sold for $159,500 in August of 1991. Its backyard backs up to Bainbridge Greens Park and the nearby elementary school.
1251 Woodland Ct, Joliet, $649,900
Centrally located just off I-80 and across the river from downtown Joliet, this custom-built round house with exposed wood trusses was constructed in 1969 by Ronald Gregoric as his personal family residence. The property last sold for $150,000 in 2020, which marks an over 300% increase in its current asking price. You can enjoy the views of its wooded site from the numerous windows, as well as the home’s new-ish outdoor deck. Owning a circular house seems like a cool idea, but it’s obviously a niche market.
Rachel Freundt is a freelance writer for Chicago magazine.