Chicago Historic Property
Private Garden – Chicago, Illinois
Architect: BBA Architects
Builder: Goldberg General Contracting
This historically significant estate underwent a massive renovation alongside the careful restoration of the 1904 home by renowned original architect Howard Van Doren Shaw. The design team worked closely together to balance traditional touches with modern updates to function for the busy family. Lawn panels with layered perennial borders and stone bandings, limestone water features, and boxwood hedging are a nod to the home’s formal roots. A crabapple allee frames a strong east-west axial corridor from the front garden to an intricate spa spillway. The pool garden with a pergola covered dining area and the firepit lounge space update the property for daily living and hosting gatherings. Circulation was prioritized from the entertaining terraces to the basement level family room to allow for easy movement between spaces. This lower sunken courtyard evolved into lawn tiers with limestone slab walls providing a striking view from inside and also a lively play space. Entry limestone piers with custom iron gates and fencing, perimeter arborvitae hedges, and upright trees impart privacy for the family on a very visible property.