North Shore Views

Spring Housewalks on the North Shore

There are two North Shore housewalks rapidly approaching (one today, in fact):

Wilmette Historical Society Housewalk

Sunday, May 15 from 1:00-6:00 pm
Tickets: $50 for members and $60 for non-members
Visit www.wilmettehistory.org to purchase tickets.

“Architecture through the Decades” showcases four homes designed by innovative and nationally recognized architects. Built between 1890 and 1950, they demonstrate how housing design changed over the first few decades of the twentieth century:

• 1890’s American Foursquare designed by George Maher
• 1920’s Spanish Revival by Alfred Alschuler
• 1930’s International Style by George Fred Keck
• 1950’s Modern by Harry Weese

Here’s a little context for what you’ll be seeing: the American Foursquare style (sometimes called the “Prairie Box” and popular from the 1890’s to the 1930’s) was a reaction to the ornate elements of the Victorian style that was popular in the latter half of the 19th century. It is characteristically plain, incorporating elements of the Prairie and Craftsman styles. Typical of the style is a hipped roof, arched entries between common rooms, built-in cabinetry and Craftsman style woodwork. The house by George Maher also features large single-pane windows and beautiful art glass.

The Spanish revival house at 1000 Chestnut Avenue was part of the retrospective craze that took place following World War I.  The house had suffered from years of neglect and was slated to be torn down until the current owners purchased it and began its restoration. The home was the recipient of a special Preservation Excellence Award in 2010.

In the 1930’s traditional styles were increasingly rejected in favor of the International Style that was popular in Europe. The Keck house was one of the first to use plate glass in its design. You can see it in the picture above as it forms a dramatic column that encloses a spiral staircase.

The fourth and final house on the tour showcases Harry Weese’s emphasis on functional, efficient spaces, such as the counter back-splash in the kitchen that can be folded down to create a buffet in the adjoining dining room.

Winnetka Women’s Club Housewalk

Wednesday, May 18 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tickets: $60 for the tour and $35 for lunch at Michigan Shores Club
Order your tickets here and pick them up at the Women’s Club (485 Maple St., Winnetka)

“Lifestyles” presents five beautifully decorated homes of differing architectural styles, including:

• a French Provincial built in 1937
• a 1920’s Tudor
• a new Tudor style custom home
• a Italian Villa with a contemporary interior

Tags: housewalks

It’s Housewalk Season on the North Shore

If housewalks are your thing, here are three on the North Shore that will let you indulge your voyeuristic side while helping a worthy cause, since all of them are fundraisers for service organizations.  The first one focuses on historic homes, while the other two are more for pure vicarious pleasure of seeing how the other half lives (while giving you some decorating ideas for your own home, of course).

Wilmette Historical Society Housewalk
Sunday, May 16 from 1-4 pm

Visit  four historic and architecturally significant homes along beautiful Central Avenue, plus see the interior chambers of the Masonic Temple. Proceeds support the work of he Wilmette Historical Museum. $45 members, $50 non-members, $25 students.

Glencoe PTO Housewalk
Wednesday, May 19 from 9:30-2:30

Tour five of Glencoe’s most exceptional homes and eat lunch in a sixth. Proceeds go to support environmental and arts projects in the Glencoe schools. Check in at the Glencoe train station between 9:30 am and 1;00 pm.
Tickets available at www.glencoepto.org.  $65.

Winnetka Women’s Club Housewalk
Wednesday, May 26 from 10-4

This year’s theme is “Lifestyles” and you can tour six beautiful homes representing the creative and varied lifestyles of North Shore residents. Proceeds benefit the Winnetka Women’s Club, which is a community service organization dedicated to supporting local projects and scholarship programs.
Tour: $55 in advance; $ 60 day of event. Lunch: $35

Tags: housewalks