TAYLOR HOME BLENDS RESTORATION AND MODERN CONVENIENCE

By Liz Jaros

Wednesday Journal, Inc. 

Preview House Writer

Some believe balance is the key to living long and well. At 301 N. Taylor Ave. in Oak Park, an extraordinary home embraces this philosophy and blends form with function to create an environment that’s truly distinctive, yet totally livable.

Built in 1921, this four-plus bedroom, Classical Revival Colonial was designed by H.K. Holmsman, an architect renowned for his dedication to symmetry and balance. Local restoration and period remodeling professionals, Coffman & Wicklow, Inc., recently purchased the home and painstakingly worked to revive its original form, while at the same time making necessary updates and adding modern amenities. The end results are magnificent.

The front porch is wide and lovely, with twin stairways leading to twin walkways off the east and west sides. Well-chosen greenery is all around, with a single concrete urn (an original feature) marking the home’s center point. The concrete block exterior is unusual for homes of this period, but the entrance details and arched first floor windows are very traditional. Fluted columns rise from either side of a welcoming front door.

Inside, all floors, walls and doors have been stripped and refinished. Even the hardware has been re-plated and/or polished to restore is original luster. The home’s symmetry can be immediately felt upon entering the grand foyer which bisects the first floor perfectly.

To the east, a 25-by-15 foot living room is flooded with light by day and warmed with a block-façade, wood-burning fireplace by night. Twin built-in bookcases flank the fireplace, inviting homeowners to snuggle nearby and enjoy a good read. From here, a brilliant 17-by-11 foot, four-season room can be accessed through either French doors or a wide archway. Completely walled by windows, this room offers a majestic view. Original terrazzo flooring adds vintage charm.

To the west of the foyer, a 15-by-15 foot dining room – suitable for both gracious entertaining and everyday family gathering – mirrors the living room. A formal, cherry ceiling fixture offers adjustable light, and a gorgeous double door steps out to the yard.

The dining room flows easily into a new cherry cabinet kitchen (15-by-11 feet) with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, recessed-can lighting and white brick back splashes. A large center island houses the sink and provides additional counter space. Renovators widened the original entranceway to create a more open and natural link between the two rooms, and the effect is fantastic.

From the foyer, a grand wooden staircase pauses briefly at a landing (where a massive window lets in more light) before continuing on to the second floor. Upstairs, the balancing act continues as a square hallway offers access to four nearly identical, wonderfully spacious bedrooms (15-by-13, 15-by-12, 15-by-13 and 15-by-13 feet). Each has a nice closet (one of them has two), gorgeous floors and towering windows. A classic mosaic-tiled full bath with new plumbing, bright fixtures and a tasteful décor sits dead center off the hallway. A rear bathroom door was added to allow direct access from the southeast corner of the master bedroom.

A stairway to the home’s third floor can be found off the northwest bedroom. At the top, another full bath (with the same classic detailing) sits adjacent to a 15-by-12 foot space. Soft, new carpeting and unique angled ceilings make this a perfect choice for office, private escape or extra bedroom. On the other side, there’s plentiful attic storage.

On the way to the basement, a new powder room and side door are passed. A large, bright family or recreation area occupies the center space downstairs, with additional storage, laundry and workshop rooms on plumbing and dual zoned HVAC system can be examined here.

Outside, a flat roof shades a delightful patio area and covers the walkway that links the home, yard and garage. Exterior improvements include new roofs, tuck-pointing and copper gutters/downspouts.

This historic home can only be truly appreciated in person. Contact Tim Coffman at Historic Homes Realty, 848-0190 for a showing.