EVANSTON TUDOR REVIVAL

Constructed in 1939, this Tudor Revival home was a time capsule. Perfectly preserved but untouched, the home included a 1950's St Charles avocado green metal kitchen, original baths in an array of colors, beautiful ornate plaster crowns, original windows, doors, and hardwood floors. The floor plan was disjointed with a separate back stair leading to two bedrooms over the garage. The first floor was closed off and dark with formal dining and living rooms not well suited for a young family.

Our clients wanted to open up the floor plan creating better flow between the rooms, more light, and updated modern finishes. On the second floor, the goal was to remove the rear stair and create a link between the front and back bedrooms. We approached the project with a goal of preserving the historic charm and juxtaposing modern finishes against the more ornate details. 

On the first floor, we relocated the kitchen to the front of the home where the formal dining room was located. We preserved the original crown, recreated the home's signature pointed archway, and recessed custom millwork into the wall creating a furniture-like aesthetic. An additional opening was constructed in the living room allowing for light to stream through the home and the first floor to be connected with a circular flow. 

The major move came on the second floor where we raised the height of the stair landing and created two new openings leading to bedrooms. Original mouldings were recreated along the stair to create a seamless appearance. The Primary Suite combined two smaller bedrooms and extended into the rear of the home where the back staircase was removed. 

Beautiful historic details were carefully restored. The home was modernized with new electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems throughout. Heat pumps provide a more sustainable approach to conditioning the home. New custom millwork, stone, glass and steel openings, and lighting bring a modern touch to this historic home.