With Here to Stay Community Land Trust, we renovated an 1890s Workers Cottage in Logan Square to house families looking to stay in the gentrifying neighborhood. A building with “good bones,” and Orange-Rated by the Chicago Historic Resources Survey, we knew the right approach to renovating the cottage was to have the lightest touch possible, allowing the layers of history, including original wood trim and flooring and light fixtures dating back to the switch to electric in the 1920s, to shine. In this way, the renovation celebrates the organizing history of the home’s former owner, Dr. Anne Scheetz, and her commitment to lasting preservation of affordability in Logan Square and the surrounding area.
Along with General Contractor Chicago Metropolitan Construction, our focus was on updating building systems, installing new exterior windows to improve building performance, replacing the front staircase and landing, and reconfiguring the cottage’s layout to accommodate a new code-compliant interior stair, new kitchen and bathroom, and an overall refresh of the building. These strategic priorities and restrained design intervention allow the Workers Cottage to continue to serve as affordable housing into the future while providing increased performance and to the 100-plus-year old cottage.
Dr. Scheetz’ donated her home to our client to preserve affordable housing in Logan Square, and we were thrilled to be able to renovate the workers cottage and help with the mission of both Dr. Scheetz and Here to Stay – preserving history in the neighborhood while allowing for additional affordable homeownership opportunities.
Project Information
Clients: Here to Stay Community Land Trust
General Contractor: Chicago Metropolitan Construction
Size: 1,800 SF renovation
Team: Josh Mings, Jason Pion
Links: Logan Square Women Donate Homes Worth More Than $1.5 Million To Preserve Affordable Housing
