Built in the 1880s and located within the Logan Boulevard Landmark District, Humboldt House is one of our more unique renovations. The brick, single family home is just 30’ long and positioned toward the front of its 150’ long lot, resulting in an enormous rear yard. Chicago’s RS-3 zoning district is notorious for its shallow rear yards, so we were excited to take full advantage of this uncommon asset.
The owners' primary goal was a kitchen redesign to allow for easy access to their beloved backyard—while preserving as much of it as possible. They also wanted to add a new primary bedroom suite. We were able to provide more interior space without sacrificing any of the yard with a 400 square foot second floor addition extending over a new deck, providing a sheltered outdoor space for the chillier early Spring and Fall seasons.
The kitchen was reoriented to align with the long access of the home, allowing for a large folding window wall system opening everything up to the yard. An existing first floor bathroom—a later addition when indoor plumbing became commonplace in homes—was modified to make way for a mudroom.
On the second floor, the primary suite provides a closet and wetroom complete with a shower and soaking tub. The design team offered a playful gesture in one of the kids bedrooms by placing a tall window where the addition setbacks from the original building. Masonry was exposed to express new and old construction, resulting in an honest and refreshing addition that checks all the owners boxes.
Team:
Architects: 34-TEN
Photographer: James John Jetel
