Bungalows are one of the most recognizable types of housing in Chicago. Out of some perverse desire to focus on overlooked buildings I've avoided writing about them. But it only takes a walk through West Ridge to find that the bungalow is a richer and more varied type of building than I expected.
These are what I think of when I hear "bungalow". Basically, 1 1/2 stories with hipped roofs, offset entrances, polygonal projecting bays, and art-glass windows. Developers would often build a string of these together. They're recognizably related, but with varying details and treatments-- like siblings. These three were built between 1926 and 1928 and cost between $8,000 and $10,000. The National Register Nomination for Rogers Park Manor lists Dewey & Pavlich as the architects for 2542 W. Coyle, which leads me to believe they probably provided designs for all three.
But just one street over there are examles of bungalows with completely different types of styling. These two were designed by W. B. Wright and completed in 1926. The architect experimented with the form of the bungalow to create more eclectic, somewhat Mediterranean, versions.
These two are my favorite examples of atypical bungalow styles. They're basically small cottages with boxes on the front dividing the main entrance from a small patio area. I especially like the battered walls on the front facade. These were built in 1925 for $7,500. The one on the right lost its French doors, but at least it still has the tile roof.
If you're looking for an interesting walk through West Ridge I'm inserting the district map. There's another bungalow district to the south, but that will have to wait for a future post.
These are what I think of when I hear "bungalow". Basically, 1 1/2 stories with hipped roofs, offset entrances, polygonal projecting bays, and art-glass windows. Developers would often build a string of these together. They're recognizably related, but with varying details and treatments-- like siblings. These three were built between 1926 and 1928 and cost between $8,000 and $10,000. The National Register Nomination for Rogers Park Manor lists Dewey & Pavlich as the architects for 2542 W. Coyle, which leads me to believe they probably provided designs for all three.
But just one street over there are examles of bungalows with completely different types of styling. These two were designed by W. B. Wright and completed in 1926. The architect experimented with the form of the bungalow to create more eclectic, somewhat Mediterranean, versions.
These two are my favorite examples of atypical bungalow styles. They're basically small cottages with boxes on the front dividing the main entrance from a small patio area. I especially like the battered walls on the front facade. These were built in 1925 for $7,500. The one on the right lost its French doors, but at least it still has the tile roof.
If you're looking for an interesting walk through West Ridge I'm inserting the district map. There's another bungalow district to the south, but that will have to wait for a future post.
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| Rogers Park Manor National Register Historic District |
The last two houses could very easily be in LA. Those lucky ducks in those houses
ReplyDeletegot a nice potrait of their block.
My parents purchased a bungalow near Devon and California in 1952 for $16,000. It was smaller in size than those pictured on Coyle Ave.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this information, Larry! I looked over the National Register Nomination link from it and will be viewing these homes once again, now knowing their their histories.
ReplyDeleteI now live in West Ridge and grew up in east Rogers Park. The area in general is near and dear to my heart.
Your drawings of the bungalows and photos of other areas nearby from previous posts are wonderful and I very much enjoy reading your posts!
Thanks for visiting Susan!
ReplyDelete