Barry Street Residence

Unbuilt 2010

Tom Bader as Principal and Project Architect with Wheeler Kearns Architects

Located 1/2 block from Lake Michigan in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, this three-story single family courtyard house had unique design challenges. The site was subdivided from an adjacent property with historic structures on both sides. Restrictions on massing and setbacks were established by a planned development rather than typical zoning standards. One advantage was an easement for garage access at the side yard from an adjacent drive.

The ground floor was given over to an entry hall, attached garage and other secondary functions and all primary living spaces are elevated to the second floor. The challenge was to provide suitable access to exterior space and partial views to the lake from this elevated level. The facade of brick and dark steel framed doors and windows are complementary to the historic buildings.

After varied design studies, 2 schemes were focused on. The first had upper floors forming an L volume around a south and east facing elevated terrace. The second had upper floors forming a 3 sided east facing courtyard on the elevated level. Aspects of both were liked and the schematic design estimate set of drawings combined them into a courtyard scheme but with the southeast quadrant visually open to maintain the transparency and openness between the exterior terrace and interior family room. The design unfortunately did not proceed beyond the cost estimate.