Portage Park Bungalow Belt Inches Closer To Landmark Status

By Chuck Sudo in News on Sep 18, 2014 4:10PM

Bungalows are as defining an aspect of Chicago architecture as skyscrapers, Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies, Sullivan and brutalism. There are over 80,000 bungalows in Chicago, which accounts for nearly one-third of all single family homes in the city. The Falconer Historic Bungalow District (bordered by Wellington, Diversey, Lamon and Laramie Avenues) is on the National Register of Historic Places. Soon, a good chunk of Portage Park bungalows will join them.

The city approved a proposal championed by the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association that would designate 188 Portage Park bungalows as landmarks—buildings built between 1925 and 1926. The area encompasses Berteau Avenue north to Pensacola, and from Lockwood Avenue west to Central Avenue.

For bungalow owners, the designation opens them up to receive grants, tax credits and loans to renovate their homes. The designation also will give bungalow owners a nice little boost in their home values.

The designation is expected to be announced in mid-October. The HCBA is planning a celebration tied to the announcement. [DNAinfo Chicago]