Two more Tear-Downs in Highland Park

According to Elliot Miller of the Highland Park Historic Preservation Commission, new owners of two more buildings, both of which have some architectural merit, have acquired demolition permits.  Both buildings are on valuable and large ravine lots in that city.  The City and the Commission will take no action towards preventing the demolitions.
One house, the Herman Black house at 858 Baldwin, was a 1910 era, Arts and Crafts style structure.  John Van Bergen worked on remodeling the building in August, 1935, adding living space to the second floor.  It is not a masterpiece, but it is very charming in its setting.  It will be sad to see it go.
The other house at 2427 Montgomery is unattributed, but it resembles some of the work of Lawrence Buck or possibly the architectural firm of Tallmadge and Watson.  It a wonderful example of its type, and the loss of this structure will be a great loss to the community.

The rear of 858 Baldwin

Photos courtesy of Elliot Miller

A historic photo of 2427 Montgomery

Blondeel House #3 Exterior Colors Restored


Eva and I are very proud of the new paint job on our own house.  After a historical color analysis with the help of color expert, Bob Kieca of Mont Clare Paints in Chicago, I spent the summer repairing stucco, replacing some rotted wood and other necessary preparation before painting.
We think the results are spectacular.  The buff color of the painted stucco now matches the original calcimine or Bondex coating, much of which still exists under the paint.  The brown of the cypress trim is an interpretation of the original creosote stain that was used.
The roof was replaced the previous summer.  We did a tear-off and found the original red, single tab, asphalt shingles still in place underneath.  We replaced the shingles with the closest matching available 3-tab modern shingles.
The photos at left and the ones on page 8 show the house after the painting was complete, but do not accurately represent the deep natural warm patina of the new buff color.  Drive by and see it up close.

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