Modern Property - Joe Kunkel

The Fabulous Florsheim Mansion

In 1938, visionary architect Andrew Rebori designed a modernist townhouse and coach house on a narrow plot of land amongst the stately homes of Chicago's Gold Coast. The home was purchased from Rebori by Lillian Florsheim, the shoe heiress and sculptor, in 1946. She lived there and, later, commissioned her son-in-law Bertrand Goldberg (who designed Marina Towers) to connect the 2 buildings with a fantastic bridge kitchen. Take a look at this website for lots of information and some great historic images of the house as it looked when Lillian lived there.

It is currently being offered for sale by its present owner for $2,500,000. You can view listing information here.

This home is a real treasure of Chicago architectural history and has been lovingly preserved over the decades by caring owners-let's hope that continues.

Gorgeous Evanston Home

This sophisticated mid-century modern home is located in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago. Built in 1966, this pristine home centers around two courtyards with commercial-grade floor to ceiling windows throughout the spacious living areas bringing the outdoors into every room.

Details include tiled floors, 3 fireplaces, built-in shelving and high ceilings. The master suite boasts a fireplace and balcony that runs the length of the 30-foot window span and completely renovated master bath.  A stunning freestanding fireplace is at the heart of the home with a sunken conversation pit. A total of 5 bedrooms and 3.2 baths mean lots of room for friends and family. The kitchen has granite countertops, a huge island, 2 sinks, stainless steel appliances including a professional-style gas range & hood. The partial basement includes a rec room and laundry. Lush mature landscaping and a 3-car heated garage round out the picture.

Located in the desirable city of Evanston which has great restaurants, theaters, and shopping, and is the home of Northwestern University-convenient to down town Chicago. This home really has it all for the discerning buyer. Click here for more information and let me know if I can show it to you.

Graymoor Featured in Chicago Sun Times

The Chicago Sun Times ran this excellent article about the Graymoor subdivision in Olympia Fields, Illinois featuring my listing at 96 Graymoor, a beautiful sprawling post & beam home that's currently on the market for $500,000. It also discusses the Julius Shulman book about the modernist homes of Chicago, three of which are right here in the Graymoor neighborhood.

Many thanks to the writer, Jeremy Schnitker, for helping to bring some attention to the architectural treasures we are lucky to have in Chicago's South Suburbs! Please let me know if I can show you around.

Manilow Sculpture Park

Illinois Landscape No. 5 by John Henry-1976

The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is located in the south suburbs in University Park, Illinois and is such a gem!

It's set on several acres of rolling prairie about 30 miles south of Chicago on the campus of Governors State University in University Park, Illinois.  Founded by Nathan Manilow, (who also founded the planned community of Park Forest) and filled with works by prominent artists such as Mark diSuvero, Bruce Nauman, and Martin Puryear along with many others. The monumental pieces are placed along meandering paths that wind through native prairie plantings. The park is open year round and tours are available-my most memorable visit was just after a heavy snowfall - magical.

Please take a look at the website and then plan a visit. You just have to come here if you get the chance-you won't be sorry.

Tryon Farm on the Today Show!

 

So exciting- NBC's Today Show real estate expert Barbara Corcoran featured my listing at 67 Tryon Farm Lane in her segment aired Friday, Sept. 10th, at approximately 8:10 am central time. Take a look at the video here.  Tryon Farm is a beautiful eco-friendly community located just 1 hour from Chicago in Indiana's Harbor Country.