734 W Hutchinson St.

The Hutchinson Street Historic District is well-known and long-admired for its rich history, storied architecture, and lush landscapes. This house is no exception. Built in 1913 for Edward L. Thornton, Vice President of the John E. Burns Lumber Company. Thornton wanted to bring a little bit of his "west coast" roots to Buena Park (which, at the turn of the century, was a lakefront oasis for Chicago's most notable names). Thornton commissioned architect Leon F. Urbain (later known as the father of "tongue and groove" hardwood floors in 1927) to design this Spanish Mission style home, a design then-popular in California. The house was met with criticism from neighbors concerned about the home's stucco facade, where the rest of Hutchinson Street was comprised of mostly all-brick homes. Urbain brilliantly incorporated elements of Prairie and Craftsman influences into the design, such as a porte cochere with sleeping porch above, second story planter box, and side-entrance front door to give the illusion of privacy, like many other homes on Hutchinson Street. The facade is so important that in 2002, a facade easement agreement was granted by Landmarks Illinois to ensure this masterpiece will retain its character for generations to come***! Through the large arched front door entrance is the grand foyer, with natural light pouring in from the large windows in the living room, dining room, and landing atop the sweeping staircase. The grand yet cozy formal living room features an incredible marble fireplace, and could be broken up into several seating areas for entertaining. The tall arched windows of this room are the central focus of the house, both inside and out. A square formal dining room is perfect for large dinner parties and holidays, or could be more casual with a round-top table. The kitchen is fully equipped with 42" cabinetry, Viking and Sub-Zero appliances, and center island. The breakfast nook features great storage space under the seating, and leads to a tranquil, beautifully landscaped patio with a fire pit. The upstairs floor plan is truly unique for Chicago. Four bedrooms all on the same floor, plus a den/library/office that could easily be used as a 5th bedroom, if needed. The primary suite has two walk-in closets w/updated closet organizers, an updated en suite bathroom with walk-in shower and jetted tub. Two bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bathroom, one of the bedrooms leads to a sitting rm (used to be the sleeping porch over the porte cochere). Another guest bedroom has its own en suite bathroom (was likely a servant's quarters when built). At the back of the house is the den/library/office with built-in floor-to-ceiling bookcases, and wall-to-wall windows on east and west sides of the room--great for enjoying morning light and sunsets. The walk-up attic isn't quite tall enough to be finished into living space, but is perfect for additional storage space! The finished basement rec room is a great space to escape to for movie night or video games, and has a recently updated wet bar, along with a powder room, large storage space/mechanical room, and cellar access to the backyard. 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 on each ends of the 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. This house awaits the next owner to write its next chapter. ***Facade Easement Agreement is available for review and only protects the south, east and west exterior elevations. The interior is not historically landmarked.***