Ten Apartments Derive Their Unique Character from a Historic Mansion

1st Place, Multifamily

The Grand Kedzie Lodge is an adaptive reuse of the fire-gutted Henry Gainer Mansion in Chicago’s historic Logan Square neighborhood. Constructed in 1895, the building underwent several significant modifications, remodels and additions before much of its interior and structure were destroyed in a 2019 fire. The reconstructed building restores its vintage façade and is subdivided into 10 distinctive apartments on three levels, taking advantage of the many volumes, vistas and varying appurtenances the old structure possesses. At the rear of the site is a 2-story coach-house garage and lofted apartment, also remodeled with new fixtures and finishes.

PHOTOS: Last Decade Films, courtesy Ranquist Development, unless otherwise noted

Historic Exterior

The building is located on Kedzie Boulevard, which is part of Chicago’s historic boulevard network that extends across the city, stitching together landscaped parkways and parks on which many of Chicago’s most noteworthy vintage homes were constructed. As such, the façades and roof lines are protected by historic regulations, which presented challenges to the interior demising. A tall attic volume required operable skylights for natural light and ventilation that had to be discreetly located. Damaged missing windows required sash and frame profiles that adhere closely to originals while incorporating modern seals and thermal pane assemblies.

The roofline is comprised of a long, steeply sloped hip roof bisected by flanking dormers and a conical turret that caps an ornate rounded bay window on the lower stories. The roof is clad in a blue-gray slate whose weathered surfaces and patina contribute to the vintage character. The fire destroyed one of the bisecting dormers and, along with it, a substantial area of slate. To maintain visual consistency and compliance with historic mandates, the surviving slate at the rear of the building was carefully removed and used to replace the material missing at the front portions of the roof. The team also repaired and replaced the built-in copper gutters and flashings.

One of the defining exterior features is a large wrap-around wood porch, which includes a projecting carriageway roof on the north side of the home. The porch provided six exterior door entrances, which are used to serve as individual or shared entryways to separate apartments, avoiding the need for interior corridors and enhancing the privacy and separation of occupants. The outdoor space adjoining these entries thus becomes an extension of the apartment, providing opportunities for personalization by the resident. At the rear of the building, a new three-level porch was constructed, providing private outdoor space for three units. The old carriageway has been rebuilt with paving bricks for a shared patio space between the coach house and main building. The site retains its large green lawn bordered by flower beds and hedges for privacy while being accessible for resident recreation and enjoyment.

Interior Character

Each apartment is distinctive and derives its individual character from the volumes, window configurations and finishes of the original structure. Exposed rusticated stone or brick can be found at lower elevations, and curved glass windows, skylights, lofted platforms or cathedral-vaulted ceilings are among the many interesting features. The front wood stair and stone-clad vestibule are original to the building, but other interior finishes are new, including the painted wood trim and walls, plank floors and ceramic tile bathrooms.

The project provides accessibility for mobility-impaired residents with a lift in the new rear porch. Adaptable accommodations are provided within the apartments, along with increased maneuvering clearances, accessible fixtures and wider doors.

The project team utilized a newer provision in the Chicago codes that promotes the use of existing building volume for multifamily residential. The existing basement space has been developed and enhanced by digging down to add a foot of height to the ceilings, constructing new stairs for direct exterior entrances and enlarging the existing windows. A patchwork of structural walls and columns from previous remodeling was replaced with a new consolidated beam and column system, resulting in larger and better organized spaces. All new buried utility piping and drain tile systems were added to ensure the spaces remain dry and sound.

Each apartment has its own independent heat-pump HVAC system, separately metered and controlled by the occupant. Thermally efficient walls and window assemblies ensure optimal indoor conditions, minimizing energy utility costs. Although these are sustainable best practices, the greatest benefits are derived from reusing the building while invigorating a neighborhood that until recently had been waning.

Retrofit Team

Architect: Pappageorge Haymes Partners
Developers: Ranquist Development, Jodi Development and Campbell Coyle
Structural Engineer: Carsello Engineering Inc.
Civil Engineer: Bono Consulting

Materials

Kitchen Faucets, Shower Heads, Tub Spouts and Bathroom ?Faucets: Grohe
Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks, Bathtubs and Toilets: Kohler
Solid Surface Counters: StoneSource
Electric Range Hoods: Broan NuTone
Electric Ranges, Refrigerators, Dishwashers, Washers and Dryers: Samsung
Bathroom Accessories: Delta
Cabinets: KitchenCraft Cabinetry
Bathroom Floor and Wall Tile: Daltile
Powder Room, Kitchen and Bedroom Floors: Raskin