Building a new construction project within the boundaries of a Chicago Landmark District can be a little tricky — plans have to be reviewed by the city’s historic preservation division to evaluate how well the exterior design fits with the surrounding architecture. Fortunately for these Lincoln Park homeowners, Philip Casagrande was no stranger to the process!
Mimicking the fenestration arrangement, three-story height, and artful details of the 19thcentury rowhomes next door was a good place to start, but equally important to securing approval for this addition to Chicago’s “Mid-North District” was the choice of a distinctive, period-appropriate redbrick for the classic masonry façade.
We offered up several selections from Morin Brick, a New England-based manufacturer still making water-struck masonry much like they did in the 1800s. The winning color, known as “Blackstone,” is flashed in the kiln to produce a range of red, black, and brown tones… and thanks to Morin’s expertise with custom shapes, we knew they could easily make matching angled pieces for the “jack arches” above each window.
We couldn’t be happier with the way this single family home turned out! Not only did it sail through the approvals process, it legitimately feels as if it’s been quietly nestled along its tree-lined street for decades.
LOCATION: Lincoln Park, Chicago
This property is part of the MID-NORTH HISTORIC DISTRICT.
ARCHITECT: Philip Casagrande
GC: Hastings Builders
MASON: Meier Masonry
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Morin Brick
Categories: Residential Single Family, Face Brick, Special Shapes + Conditions
