826 West Hutchinson Street

The Hutchinson Street Historic District is one of the most cherished enclaves on the north side of Chicago, known for its rich history, storied architecture, lush landscapes, and oversized lots. Rare is the opportunity to own one of its best mansions, the "William T. Lake House", sitting quietly yet confidently on a massive 200x117 lot (yes, you read that correctly, that is a 1/2 acre in the middle of the city). Built c. 1904, Lake was a prominent corn and grain broker who commissioned a then up-and-coming architect, George W. Maher, to design this 7BR, 5.2BA home in the new and stylish Prairie School style. Maher studied under prolific country home architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee, alongside another young prodigy, Frank Lloyd Wright. The Lake House marked the third of five homes Maher designed in the neighborhood, and arguably one of the most important (as millennials would say, "he understood the assignment" when it came to showing his buddy FLW he knew how to design a Prairie School home). Maher incorporated his two quintessential signatures--one being his large arched limestone lintels, and more notably, a Poppy motif found in many of the original windows, doors, and friezes throughout the home. In Maher's brilliance and clear understanding of Prairie School, the brick color and low roofline were an optical illusion to give the impression the house blended in with the tree trunks--as if to hide in plain sight, as it still does today. 120 years later, the home still retains much of its original details and mystique it was intended to have, due in no small part to how carefully preserved and loved it has been by the same owners for the last 25 years. From the moment you step through the door, the house greets you like a family member, with an undeniable warmth--like a big hug to say "welcome home". True to Prairie School architecture, the floor plan follows the lay of the grounds--a grand foyer to the west, followed by large formal living and dining spaces, to the wraparound porch on the east, out to the grounds that comprise the eastern half of the lot. Everywhere you stand in this house, the large windows fill every room with light and views of green landscapes and tree trunks--letting the outdoors in, and a feeling of space and nature all around you. 5 fireplaces throughout the home add charm and functionality (screens and equipment are excluded from the sale). The kitchen may be on the smaller side for a home of this scale, but don't be fooled--every drawer and cabinet serves a well-thought out purpose, and top-of-the-line appliances make entertaining a breeze. The kitchen also offers many different ways it could be laid out for a larger footprint, if one so desired. The family room leads to a 2BR/1BA attached coach house, perfect for home offices, guest/in-law or au pair suite. Upstairs in the main house the second floor has three large bedrooms plus a library connected to the primary suite. The library is the perfect place to cozy up with a good book and a crackling fire. The primary suite has stunning south and east views and sunlight, has two walk-in closets, and a large primary bathroom with dual vanities. On the third level are three comfortably situated bedrooms, a sitting room, and a luggage room. Downstairs in the basement is a perfectly laid out rec room space including a home theatre with a drop-down projector screen, billiards area with a fireplace, and a massive laundry room/scullery, two powder rooms, and tons of storage space. The 2 car garage is complete with a long heated driveway making winters easier to manage, and guest parking a breeze! The professionally landscaped grounds and pergolas were designed by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape architects, and offers a park-like setting. Plenty of space for parties, and one spot would be a great place for a pool if one desired. PIN #'s are still separate, if one decided to sell off the side lot for redevelopment. Close proximity to schools: Chicago City Day, Lycee Francais, Sacred Heart, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet, Waldorf, Disney Magnet (three blocks away!), and easy access to Latin via Lake Shore Drive. The house sits in the middle of Buena Park, known for "Good Living By the Lake". Lakefront bike path and beach access is right at the end of the street, plus a plethora of public transit options (CTA 146 and 148 express buses are within two blocks, plus several other CTA bus and train options nearby). Two blocks to Jewel, Target, Aldi, & dinner options like Bar on Buena & The Reservoir. Easy access to Lake Shore Drive (you can be on the drive in less than 3 mins) & a quick drive to downtown! It's no wonder this house has had so few owners, and why homes like these are a once-in-a-generation opportunity.