Urbane Renewal

摘要

Like many cities that grew up in the late 19th century, Chicago is covered by dense swaths of small houses squeezed onto smaller lots. Built in 1914 a few miles north of downtown, this particular brick house was not very different from its neighbors, except that it occupied a double lot. As in most houses of that era, the kitchen was located at the back of the house, a functional space at best. Although it had been remodeled about 30 years ago, the kitchen was still small (about 12 ft. square) and dim. The only light came from a few fluorescent tubes and a ceiling fan/light combo; two windows couldn't brighten the murky interior (before photo, facing page). When homeowners Monna and Gwen called my firm, it was to announce that they wanted to have a new master suite and, more important, a better kitchen.