1517 W. Barry Avenue was added to 90-Day Demolition Delay on March 3, 2019. The applicant is Platinum Homes Development and has requested a permit for the “demolition and removal of a 2-story frame house.” This is a beautiful orange-rated home in excellent condition and should not be demolished. Preservation Chicago has been in touch with stakeholders and is mobilizing a rapid response advocacy effort to attempt to save this home from demolition. The double lot is a tempting prize for developers. Preservation Chicago strongly opposes the trend of side yards in residential communities being targeted by developers for infill development and believes that for quality of life these green spaces are important assets that must be protected.
The expired Zillow listing describes the home as “A gardener’s dream on an idyllic double lot with all the conveniences the city has to offer in the Lakeview neighborhood. Light streams through gorgeous stained glass windows showcasing the incredible well-preserved vintage charm in this rare opportunity. This 4 bedroom/2 bath Victorian home, rich in character and detail, boasts 11′ ceilings, wide plank pine floors, bay windows and wood burning fireplace with exquisite tile surround. Thoughtfully designed high end kitchen complete with custom cabinets, granite countertops, breakfast bar and commercial grade appliances. A 2 car garage, enormous landscaped yard and garden rounds out this incredible opportunity. All within walking distance to Burley, Whole Foods and the Southport Corridor.”
The house was built c. 1888 by Frederick W. H. Sundmacher who worked at a lumber yard until 1883 and then bought an interest in a brick company in Lake View. His father Conrad Sundmacher, arrived from Germany in 1854 and came to Lake View in 1869 and started a brickyard with Henry Brauckmann. Sundmacher & Brauckmann’s clay pit and brick kilns were located on the southeast corner of Wellington and Ashland in the middle of a long row of brick makers. Frederick Sundmacher bought out Brauckmann’s interest in the company and moved to Lake View where he bought the property on Barry and built his house at 1517 W. Barry. Brick making was an important industry in Lake View and one that helped to build and define the City of Chicago. The Sundmacher family had connections to other early and well-established brick makers that operated along Ashland Avenue during the late 19th century. (Historical research credit Matt Wicklund)
Preservation Chicago would like to encourage a Landmark Designation of the beautiful orange-rated home in excellent condition .
Additional Reading
Zillow Description of 1517 W Barry Ave (With more photos)