The one great attribute (or perhaps affliction?) is that Chicago has a lot of history, and vintage buildings that have survived through the years. Many of them have been rehabbed, especially during the boom periods. Industrial turned into hip loft spaces. Old row homes turned into spacious single family residences. Even churches turned into condo living.
I have recently seen many vintage homes and buildings that have only gone through partial rehab – updating kitchens and baths and while retaining exterior façade, fireplaces, built-ins, doors (solid doors, these things are heavy) and old hardwood flooring. However, for every one home that has been well preserved, I run into others that have not been well maintained for a variety of reasons.
With many of the new construction in today’s marketplace, well maintained vintage homes are starting to become a rarity. This was seen more so during the boom period when dilapidated buildings were torn down to make way for new construction, especially in highly desirable areas.
Sometimes, the older construction and materials are more desirable than today’s counterpart. I am still amazed at artisans who work with plaster walls. I sadly attempted this myself and it is extremely difficult. I however, had no problems putting framing and drywall.
The original hardwood flooring is also amazing. The planks run several feet in length, I have seen some at approximately 20’ long. With the manufacturing process of today’s flooring, you don’t see that as much.
I have heard many people for and against the decorative fireplaces in many homes. I have one in my own home. If I remember right, many of these decorative fireplaces had faux electric logs. Looking closely at mine, I have noticed that there appears to be a gas line inside. There does not appear to be a damper or flue – maybe it was sealed sometime ago. A part of me wonders if that gas line is functional and what could be done to restore it.
The original molding / panel molding is another great vintage detail that is hard to replicate. I have recently seen molding featuring rosette detailing. I only see modern day counterparts in perhaps upper-middle to upper end homes. Even picture rails are a rarity. Many people have asked me what they were when we view homes that have them.
Perhaps one of the most aspiring vintage homes I have seen featured engraved door hinges, faceplates, and frosted glass.
Subway tile and mosaic tile have come back into style. I have continually have people looking for claw foot tubs. Key faceplates and skeleton keys are highly sought after. Who knows what will come back into style again. As homeowners modernize their home and update various features, who knows how many vintage homes will survive, and what will be recycled and reused into a new home.
Sherwin is a REALTOR® in the Chicago & Suburban area with @properties. Questions can be forwarded to Sherwin Sucaldito
”Finding Vintage” by Sherwin Sucaldito is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at Realty Evolved
