Summer 2018
611 East Illinois: 2018 Preservation Foundation Award Recipient
Photo by Cappy Johnston
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Lake Foresters and Friends of the Preservation Foundation,
Good News! The light at the end of the tunnel is not an on-coming Metra train, but the completion of the final phase of the train station – the interior waiting room. With the generous contributions from our members and the community, we were able to accomplish a beautiful rehabilitation. Sixty percent of the renovation project cost was donated by the LFPF and our generous supporters. We are very grateful.
LFPF President Jim Opsitnik has spearheaded the historically accurate improvements to the waiting room interior, acting
as Project Manager, donating his time and resources to ensure the project is done right.
original 1900 oak wainscoting has been saved and restored. Additional oak was milled and finished to match. New quarry tile, obtained from the U.K., that exactly matches the floor was installed. The walls and ceiling have been repaired and painted, with advice from former board member Frank Ponterio, with Farrow & Ball paint. The wood work and benches were refurbished. New lights and fans were installed. A computer/ cell phone charging station was built into the new window shelf. Period appropriate wall sconces were installed which represent the gas/ electric era when the station opened. A working faux skylight in the ticketing area was built to represent the original skylight. The station interior is now fully ADA accessible, with better lighting, improved acoustics and updated signage. This truly impressive project is now complete.
Our June 10th community open house celebration will be a great opportunity to share these historic improvements with the community. The timing of this event is perfect, as it also falls within Chicago’s June 3-9 “Preservation Week.” The week celebrates our heritage and is meant to increase public awareness of preservation. We look forward to celebrating Lake Forest’s heritage, and the successful completion of the train station project with you on June 10th.
In this issue, we highlight our success in preserving the physical heritage of Lake Forest through the annual Preservation Awards.
A total of 12 awards were given to individuals and organizations. Winners include the train station, featured on our cover, and three other public properties – the Gorton Community Center and Lake Forest Academy’s old gymnasium and headmaster’s house.
This year’s preservation awards also honored four older homes for restoration and renovation, including our featured home at 611 East Illinois Road (page 4), an 1884 Victorian renovated by John and Heather Stroud with architect Tom Baur. Three award winning homes for new construction or additions were also featured. Each of these projects reflects a respect for our unique history and architecture.
In addition, our 2018 events and programs are well underway. Our Annual Meeting was held at the beautiful Corbett house, 585 East Westminster, in the spring. Our early summer garden stroll on June 22 will feature the gardens of one of our recently renovated properties. We will also welcome members and guests to a late summer garden stroll on August 24, hosted by individuals with a passion for modern landscape design. And our Annual Crab Tree Farm Tour on July 28 will give attendees a great opportunity to learn more about this special local treasure.
Finally, our Annual Architectural House and Garden Tour on Sunday, September 23 is our main fundraiser. We will feature four unique homes and gardens and will end with a reception at the home of one of our sponsors. We hope you will save the date for this fun afternoon.
Our Foundation’s success in preserving historic structures and gardens would not be possible without the generosity of our members and the community. Thank you for your continued support and participation.
Sincerely,
Jim Opsitnik
President
It’s down to the final details as work is nearing completion on the rehab
of the waiting room. Final tile work is being completed just in time for the return of the restored original benches.
Commun y Open House
Celebrate the Completion of the Renovation
Lake Forest Train Station
Sunday, June 10, 1:00 – 3:00PM
See the Train Station as architects Frost & Granger envisioned it in 1900 inside and out.
Learn about the technical and design history. Tour the pedestrian subway (closed in 1970).
Enjoy cake, summer treats and more.
This event is free of charge, and all are welcome.
The Train Station restoration/renovation project begun in 2009 was made possible by the
generous donations of the members and friends of LFPF, the City of LF, Metra, Federal and DAR grants.
2018 PRESERVATION AWARDS
GORTON COMMUNITY CENTER
400 East Illinois Road
Architect: Arthur Heun, 1900
Category: Restoration
The Gorton Community Center was originally the Gorton School, designed by architect Arthur Heun in 1900. The building served as a public grade school. In 1979, the building was purchased by the community and converted into Gorton Community Center.
A $9 million dollar restoration and expansion project began in 2014.
The original structure has been restored and a newly designed theater, pool, and gym have been integrated into the building. The building now serves as the “heart” of the Lake Forest community, providing an array of programs, performances, and athletic facilities.
This award honors the Lake Forest community’s continued dedication to preserving this important historic landmark.
LAKE FOREST TRAIN STATION
401 North Western Avenue
Architects: Frost & Granger, 1900
Category: Rehabilitation
After a seven year, four phase restoration and rehabilitation project, the Lake Forest Train Station is fully restored to its original 1900 design. The final phase, and the last major restoration needed, was completed in 2018 with the rehabilitation of the interior waiting room. This award recognizes the efforts of LFPF President Jim Opsitnik, and the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation, for spearheading this project and raising the necessary funds.
For future generations, this historic train station will be a reminder of Lake Forest’s early and longstanding legacy of thoughtful architecture and design.
LAKE FOREST ACADEMY’S OLD GYMNASIUM
1500 West Kennedy Road
Architect: Louis H. Sullivan, 1892
Category: Restoration
Lake Forest Academy’s old gymnasium was designed by famed Chicago architect Louis H. Sullivan, and is his only surviving gymnasium. It was built in 1892 as a multipurpose school building and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
In 2017-18, this building underwent a restoration that included the preservation of its many historic architectural features, including its brick masonry, custom windows, interior woodwork and original basketball court. The renovation was part of the building’s conversion into a student center, a highly appropriate adaptive reuse for this historic school building. The Academy will further complete its restoration with landscaping improvements. LFPF applauds Lake Forest Academy’s commitment to preserving this unique building for the enjoyment and education of future students.
LAKE FOREST ACADEMY’S OLD HEADMASTER’S HOUSE
1500 West Kennedy Road
Architect: Solon Spencer Beman, 1888
Category: Restoration
The old headmaster’s house at Lake Forest Academy was designed by architect Solon Spencer Beman and constructed in 1888. It served as a residence for the Academy’s headmasters until 1984, and was then converted into the head offices for the school. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
In 2017-18, this building underwent a restoration that included significant masonry improvements and the rehabilitation of its roof. The house’s exterior windows were also restored to their original design. This award honors Lake Forest Academy’s continued stewardship of its historic and architecturally significant campus.
611 EAST ILLINOIS ROAD
Architect: Henry Ives Cobb, 1884
Category: Rehabilitation
Architect Henry Ives Cobb designed and built this two story Victorian home in 1884 for his personal use. Henry Ives Cobb was an architect and student of H.H. Richardson, and is best known for his building designs in Chicago and on the east coast. He designed the original Newberry Library and several buildings at the University of Chicago. Cobb also designed the 1890s Ragdale estate in Lake Forest.
This award recognizes the renovation of this home by homeowners John and Heather Stroud, and architect Tom Baur. In addition to significant interior renovations, this project involved the restoration of the home’s exterior in terms of its detail, color and integrity. The interior layout and design were also adapted to enhance functionality in the 21st century.
1060 NORTH SHERIDAN ROAD
Architect: Elmer C. Jensen, 1895
Category: Rehabilitation
This Dutch Colonial home was designed by architect Elmer C. Jensen in 1895. Jensen was best known for designing homes and buildings in Evanston, Illinois, and the north suburbs. In 1889, he formed the architectural partnership Jensen and Scott and, in 1912, he formed the partnership of Jensen and Van Bergen with architect Robert Work Van Bergen.
This award recognizes the sensitive renovation, preservation, and adaptive reuse of this historic home and structure. Homeowners Scott and Heather Morrow expanded and renovated the home to better suit a growing family. The home’s historic features were preserved and restored, including the home’s classic Dutch Colonial form and its original window designs. Additions were also constructed in a manner consistent with the home’s original architectural design, including its roof pitch, dormers and windows. This project is a wonderful example of how historic homes can be enhanced and adapted for 21st century living.
848 NORTH SUMMIT AVENUE
Architect: Solon Spencer Beman, 1901
Category: Rehabilitation
This home on North Summit Avenue was designed by architect Solon Spencer Beman in 1901 for C.W. Bickerdike. Beman was an accomplished architect, best known for his work in the late 19th and early 20th century. His designs include the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, the Pullman neighborhood in Chicago, and the campus buildings for Lake Forest Academy.
This award recognizes the renovation and addition to this home by homeowners David and Melanie Reece, and the home’s architect, Gren Weis. The project involved renovations to the home’s interior layout and an addition to enhance functionality. The home’s historic architectural features, including its exterior form and original windows, were also preserved. The renovation and addition were constructed in a manner that retained the historic visual character of this 1901 home and its neighborhood.
318 EAST ROSE TERRACE
Architect: Edwin Hill Clark, 1925
Category: Restoration
Architect Edwin Hill Clark designed this home in 1925. Clark was a prolific and highly regarded architect who designed homes and buildings in Lake Forest and the north suburbs for nearly half a century. His notable designs in Lake Forest include the Lake Forest Library (1931) and the Dickinson Hall of the Lake Forest College campus.
This award honors the restoration of this home by homeowners Peter and Laurie Volny. This project focused primarily on restoring the home’s exterior and original architectural features. The restoration involved masonry repairs, new historically accurate paint colors, and extensive landscape improvements. This project is a wonderful example of how historic homes can be restored to their original character through research, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
480 FOREST AVENUE
Architect: Solon Spencer Beman, 1915
Category: Restoration
Architect Solon Spencer Beman designed this home in 1915. Beman designed numerous buildings in Lake Forest including Market Square. His work is known for combining classicism with Arts and Crafts ideals.
This award recognizes the restoration of this home by homeowners Christine and Scott Dent. The restoration focused on preserving the home’s original architectural features and restoring the home’s interior and exterior. The project involved detailed carpentry and millwork to match original woodwork. New windows were designed and installed to match the home’s original. Landscaping improvements were also made to the home’s property in a manner consistent with the home’s original design. This project is a beautiful example of restoration that honors the integrity and character of a historic home.
40 EAST ONWENTSIA ROAD
Architect: Unknown, 1990s
Category: New Construction
This award recognizes the construction of a new home on East Onwentsia Road by homeowners Dan and Courtney Trombley, and architect Elizabeth Abbattista. The home’s architecture is consistent with its neighborhood and reflects the traditional architectural character of Lake Forest. The home’s scale, materials, and design details make it a wonderful addition to the streetscape. Its design includes a classic gabled roof form, traditional windows, and a welcoming front porch, while also providing modern interior spaces.
585 EAST WESTMINSTER
Architect: Unknown, 1900s
Category: New Construction / Addition
This award recognizes the addition and renovation of a historic home on East Westminster by homeowners and their architect. The project involved enhancing functionality while preserving the historic character of the original structure. The addition is visually compatible with the original home, including its roof pitch, window proportions, and exterior materials. This project demonstrates how thoughtful additions can support continued use of historic homes without compromising their architectural integrity.
303 EAST DEERPATH ROAD
Architect: Unknown, 1920s
Category: Landscape / Restoration
This award recognizes landscape restoration work that enhances the historic setting and visual character of a property in Lake Forest. The project involved restoring historic landscape elements and improving plantings and garden features consistent with the property’s architectural style. The landscape restoration contributes positively to the neighborhood and reflects a commitment to stewardship of Lake Forest’s cultural landscape.
EARLY SUMMER GARDEN STROLL
Friday, June 22, 2018
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Members $20 Non-members $30
Please join us for our Early Summer Garden Stroll in Lake Forest’s Historic District. You’ll enjoy an evening stroll through the charming gardens of a beautifully renovated historic home. Treat your senses to exquisite landscape design, unique horticulture and seasonal blooms.
Location to be announced. Advance ticket purchase required.
ANNUAL TOUR OF CRAB TREE FARM & ART COLLECTIONS
Saturday, July 28, 2018
10:00 AM or 1:00 PM
Members $20 Non-members $40
This special summer program is always a favorite. Join us for a walking tour of Crab Tree Farm, the last operating farm located on Lake Michigan. Learn about the historic buildings designed by architect Solon S. Beman in 1911, and view the premiere collection of American and English Arts and Crafts furniture and decorative arts objects in the country.
Advance ticket purchase required.
LATE SUMMER GARDEN STROLL
Friday, August 24, 2018
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Members $20 Non-members $30
Join us for a leisurely stroll through a stunning garden located along the bluff. Enjoy an evening surrounded by beautiful views, thoughtful landscape design, and horticultural details that reflect the character of the property and its setting.
Location to be announced. Advance ticket purchase required.
ANNUAL BENEFIT — ARCHITECTURAL HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR
Sunday, September 23, 2018
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Advance ticket $100
Tour four unique homes and gardens and end with a reception at the home of one of our sponsors. This annual event is our main fundraiser and supports the Foundation’s preservation projects, programs and advocacy efforts.
ANNUAL MEMBER HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Sunday, December 2, 2018
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Members only
Please visit our website at www.lfpf.org for new programs, updates and to register.
Lake Forest Preservation Foundation
400 East Illinois Road
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
www.lfpf.org
