Craftsman-style homes, popular between 1905 and 1930, are mainly associated with the bungalows of California, but the Chicago area has its own vernacular examples that share many similarities with the Prairie School and the Arts & Crafts movements. For example, there’s a property for sale in Avondale that was once home to several generations of the politically influential Rozmarek family. Charles Rozmarek, a lawyer, founded the Polish National Alliance, while his wife, Wanda, worked as a Polish language instructor at Daley and Wright Junior Colleges. Their large abode became known as “Hotel Rozmarek.” Starting in the mid-1940s, it welcomed “thousands of Polish World War II refugees from Europe’s Displaced Person Camps [who] resided for weeks at a time.” We also have two properties available on the same street in Chicago’s Jackson Park Highlands, a historic four-by-four block area of executive homes located south of Jackson Park and west of the South Shore Cultural Center.
1023 Douglas Ave, Flossmoor, $525,000
When you think of a vintage craftsman, this beautiful six-bedroom, three-bathroom home on a half-acre lot in south suburban Flossmoor is probably what comes to mind. From the charming exterior and enclosed sunporch to the lovely woodwork throughout its 2,500-square-foot interior, what’s not to love? The kitchen fits the 1920s historic style and even has the original icebox. There is a partially finished basement with storage space, plus a backyard that includes a large deck, hot tub, fire pit, and a lovely garden of perennials.
6829 S. Constance Ave., Chicago, $750,000
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According to the AIA Guide to Chicago, this 1915 brick craftsman, designed by architect Edgar Newman, is an “unusual house…[with] a low central section flanked by a pair of porches.” I discovered this interesting document in the University of Chicago archives that potentially lists the home’s original owner, publisher Raymond Sydney Branch. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom residence with a finished basement features gorgeous millwork and tasteful updates The expansive property is located close to the Jackson Park Golf Course and the Obama Presidential Center.
6840 S. Constance Ave., Chicago, $725,000
Jackson Park Highlands was a subdivision developed in 1905 by lawyer and alderperson Frank Bennett, who specified minimum lot widths of 50 feet, front setbacks of 30 feet, and no alleys. Located on the same block as our previous listing, this 4,679-square-foot, five-bedroom home was designed in 1921 by local architect Luther W. Mcdonald, who lived on the same street. With its picturesque facade and wraparound terrace, the interior appears to be bright and airy. The property, being sold as-is, recently had its asking price reduced by $25,000.
726 Somonauk St., Sycamore, $825,000
Located in the county seat of DeKalb County, this 4,751-square-foot, five-bedroom residence exemplifies the timelessness of the Craftsman style. Though the home looks vintage, it was actually custom-built by Kasper Construction in 2010. The interior features an open-concept layout with lots of great details, including a spacious pantry adjacent to the kitchen and an oversized shower in the main-floor primary suite. The property has meticulously designed outdoor landscaping, geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels, and battery storage, and is within walking distance to downtown Sycamore.
4019 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago, $999,900
In the Avondale/Belmont Gardens neighborhood, this nearly 3,000-square-foot, five-bedroom residence on a 70-foot-by-125-foot lot is our most expensive listing. While its exterior may not immediately evoke “Craftsman,” wait until you see the inside. Originally constructed in 1914 and once home to generations of the politically influential Rozmarek family, the property boasts craftsman interior detailing with numerous built-ins, including a bench at the bottom of the main staircase. Other highlights include exposed brick in the kitchen, the unfinished full basement’s potential for customization, and a large outdoor green space.
Rachel Freundt is a freelance writer for Chicago magazine.