6900 N. Campbell Avenue

From HistoryWiki

6900 N. Campbell Avenue, Schiffer House.

Circa: 1926

Original Owner: Charles Aronson

Present (2010) Owner: Lise Schiffer

Featured in the 2010 Annual House Tour.

This house has the distinction of being listed in the Chicago Historic Resources Survey created in 1995 because it “possesses potentially significant architectural or historical features.” The two and a half-story yellow brick house was built in 1926 for Charles Aronson, a cement contractor, and his wife, Wendla, who were both born in Sweden. No architect is listed on the building permit.

The symmetrically cross-gabled house shares some characteristics with Arts & Crafts bungalows, and also has features in keeping with an English or Tudor Revival cottage. Its corner location lends the house prominence, which is reinforced by its height in relation to neighboring houses. The steeply pitched gabled entry features limestone detailing that suggests the wood half-timbering found in Tudor Revival structures. Windows are 6-over-1 (six panes in the upper sash, a single pane lower sash) in groups of three, typical of both English cottage and bungalow homes. The house retains its original cement tile roof with copper flashing. Decorative wood knee braces under the roof are also original and typical of bungalow detailing.

The center entry door leads to a split staircase, allowing the owner’s psychotherapy clients access to the lower level offices through a separate door.

After moving in in 2005, the homeowner did extensive renovations to the house, while carefully maintaining its period charm. The white-painted brick decorative fireplace was removed and a wood-burning fireplace put in its place. The surrounding bookshelves and mantel were custom built and designed to echo the grid pattern on the hall staircase’s newel post. Original leaded glass windows are visible on each side of the fireplace. The kitchen was completely gutted, and redesigned. Note the wall tiles with a motif that resembles a Charles Rennie Mackintosh Rose.

Three large bowed window bays bring natural light into the dining room and living room. The decoration and furniture are fine examples of the Arts and Crafts-style in reproduction. The dining room set is a copy of a Frank Lloyd Wright design. Note the stained glass fixtures and lamp shades, all reproductions. Among the colorful paintings on the walls are some created by Ms. Schiffer. Ms. Schiffer particularly appreciates the open floor plan of her home and its abundant natural light. She loves spending time in her garden and walking her dogs daily in Indian Boundary Park.

Upstairs are three spacious, light-filled bedrooms, a bathroom, and ample closets.

Chicago Landmarks Historic Resources Survey

Architect:

Historic Name:

Community: West Ridge (02)

Address: 6900 N. Campbell Avenue

Constructed: Started in

Classification: Building

Style:

Type: Single-Family Residence

Color Code: Orange

Landmark? N

National Register? N

Major Tenant:

Building Details:

Pin: 1036221032