Architect:

DLK/Architects

Contractors:

Otto Damgaard Sons, Inc., Landek

Other Consultants:

Krugel Cobbles, Halloran & Yauch

Category:

Residential Design

Building 89, as it was originally known, is one of the important historic structures in the Town of Fort Sheridan on Chicago’s north shore; it was designed by Holabird and Roche in the late 1880s for storage of cavalry cannons. When the Fort was demilitarized and the Town of Fort Sheridan’s master plan was completed, Building 89 was one of several historic buildings designated to remain for redevelopment as condominium units. However, the buyer purchased the structure to convert it to a single family home, which challenged the designers to preserve it, including all sixteen arched doorways, as a single residence. The landscape architect designed the entire garden layout and was responsible for the landscape architectural design services for all exterior elements, which included the limestone columns, gates, low limestone seat walls, split rail fencing, pergola, paving, landscape lighting, irrigation, a decorative fountain and plantings.

The building divides the lot into two large open spaces. The east side is primarily an entry garden while the west side has a series of private gardens. The primary features of the east garden are the limestone columns, the recycled stable gate and a five-rail fence. The main feature of the west garden is a large pergola that minimizes the scale of the original building and adds shade to the gardens below. Intertwined with grapevines that support the climbing roses, the pergola also uses warehouse columns and red cedar braces and beams.

Respecting O.C. Simond’s original landscape design for the Fort, the landscape architect used natural soft plantings that reflect Simond’s distinctive style. This included incorporating pleasing landscapes and natural themes throughout the gardens.