Another Mid Century treasure is on the market, and it’s a perfect time capsule of Chicago modernism.
The home in question is a 1954 home built by Edward D. Dart, prominent Mid Century architect whose work is all over the Midwest. And the best part of this steel, glass and brick house in Winnetka, Ill., is that whoever buys it now will only be the third owner since its construction.
Dart studied under some of your favorite architects and designers of the era—including Neutra, Breuer, Kahn and Saarninen, to name a few—and that influence shows, from the exposed beams to the sleek, straight line of the roof. And much of that original design is still in tact, as the current homeowners were very particular about what and how they renovated over the years.
From Chicago Magazine:
Constructed in 1954, the brick, steel, and glass home was built into a small hill, integrating it with its surroundings. The home’s interiors include wood paneled walls, exposed cedar ceilings, and original Shoji screen doors. It also boasts a substantial outdoor porch with a steel and wood overhang.
Originally, the Pauls weren’t big midcentury buffs, or even deeply knowledgable about Dart’s work. But after moving in, the couple joined various online groups and went on tours of Dart’s other properties to learn more about his style and influence. Eventually, they decided to make some improvements to the home, but wanted to remain sensitive to preserving the home’s architectural integrity.
“We were trying to figure out a way to expand the house without destroying it,” Erin says. “One thing that was suggested was walling off the porch and making that a bedroom, but that porch really makes the house.”
The Pauls ended up replacing the roof using custom-milled panels and oversized gutters that matched the original set. Past that, the house ended up being less of a fuss than the couple had anticipated. “It just needed a good cleaning and some TLC to bring it back to life,” Erin says.
Interested in picking up this Dart residence for yourself? Read the whole story here.