The Office of John Vinci, predecessor to VHA, was commissioned in 1989 to serve as associate firm to British architect Max Gordon in the design of a private residence. Located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, its U-shaped plan surrounds a large courtyard and garden. The exterior is expressed as interlocking blocks of masonry, articulating the rooms, staircases and chimney mass.
Art is displayed throughout, and the living room, dining room and second-floor gallery are monumental spaces scaled to specific pieces from the owner's collection.
The residence received a 1992 Distinguished Building Award from AIA-Chicago. In 2004 we renovated and expanded the house for its new owners.
Howe Street Residence Renovation and Expansion
This award-winning residence was completed in 1991 and sold in 2004. The new owners retained VHA to renovate and expand the original design to better support family living.
In the original building, rooms previously dedicated to art display were reconfigured as living and bedroom spaces, windows were added and the kitchens and bathrooms were updated. A new 3,000 SF wing was added, detailed to complement the original masonry structure and partially enclosing the courtyard.
Credits
Lead Architect: Max Gordon and Norcon, Inc.
General Contractor: Gerhardt Meyne Co.
Structural Engineer: Structural Associates and Johnson Engineering Systems
M/E/P Engineer: WMA and Weber Consultants
Lighting: Schuler Shook and Randy Burkett Lighting Design, Inc.
Landscape: Peter Lindsay Schaudt Landscape Architecture
Interior Designer: Leslie Jones and Associates, Inc.
Photographer: Bob Thall