Role – Project Lead, Project Manager
Using Andrew C. Hope’s thesis on Tallmadge and Watson as a guide, this project involved the complete interior and exterior restoration of a 1913 Prairie style house, reverting it to its use as a single residence.
I worked closely with the design team, public entities, and owners to bring the ideas and perspectives of all parties together for this restoration project. The complex elements of this project required the collaboration of the Illinois Historic Preservation Society, The Waukegan Historical Society, the US National Park Service, a team of highly skilled craftsmen and experienced architects, and extensive construction management to ensure quality through integrated planning and research.
The false enclosed front porch was re-opened and restored to the original design of Tallmadge and Watson. Special attention was given to restoring the front entry door, exterior stucco, and replacement of the original windows with historically accurate reproductions. An exterior metal emergency fire escape on the 2nd floor, which was installed when the building was converted for institutional use, was removed. Additionally, an exterior porch towards the back of the building was installed to replace the existing out-of-character porch.
Special care was taken to preserve the original stained glass doors and door hardware that adorn the main living area of the house. Interior woodwork was restored, existing hardware was re-polished, and missing handrails and balusters in the main staircase were reproduced to match the originals. Original plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs and toilets were refinished. Particular care was taken to ensure that the period tiles were preserved in the bathrooms or replaced with historical facsimiles. In addition, the kitchen was replaced with historically sympathetic cabinets and fixtures.
All systems, including plumbing, HVAC and electrical, were updated or replaced in compliance with local building and zoning codes. Storm windows, on-demand water heaters, and energy efficient furnaces were installed. Extensive research was carried out to ensure that none of these updates would compromise the architectural integrity of the building. Both ductwork and venting were strategically located to ensure minimal visual impact on the interior of the house.
Finally, electrical fixtures and historical colors were carefully chosen to complement the architectural features of the Prairie house. The original plaster and lathe was restored, with very limited new drywall, and the original hardwood and cork floors were restored throughout the house.
Historical significance of the Property
445 N Genesee, better known as “The Joseph P. Arthur Residence” is located in the North Shore suburb of Waukegan, in its historic district. This architectural masterpiece is an excellent and rare example of the Prairie style of architecture which was developed at the turn of the century, with Frank Lloyd Wright being its leading proponent. Designed and built by renowned architects Tallmadge and Watson in 1913, and designated a historic landmark by the City of Waukegan in 2006, the Joseph P. Arthur Residence has become a unique part of the architectural landscape of Waukegan.
The house was converted for institutional use over 70 years ago, first as offices for the YMCA, then as offices and student center for Shimer College. Over the years, the house was the victim of several ill-conceived changes to accommodate its institutional function.
Since the house has such a unique historic value and is one of the few standing examples of the Prairie style architecture in the area, it was decided that an attempt to restore the house should be pursued and has since been successfully completed. Following the guidelines required by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the rehabilitation project was completed and certified by the National Park Service under the Federal Historic Tax Credit program.
Project’s Positive Community Impact
While the restoration of 445 N Genesee has a major positive visual impact on the neighborhood, the restoration itself has served a more important service to the community. It saved the historic integrity of the structure in an area where such extensive restoration projects are becoming more challenging in the current economic climate.
In addition, prior to the restoration project, the house was left unoccupied for several years, leaving this historic architectural masterpiece to deteriorate. Without this restoration, the house would have only continued to sustain considerable structural deterioration that would be beyond restoration.
Today, the Joseph P. Arthur Residence has become the home of the Veterans Community Renewal Project, which is actively providing a home for a number of veterans in the community.
This all-important contribution to the neighborhood is significant on both a cultural and social level. In its architectural significance in the Waukegan Historic District and in the social role it plays in providing affordable housing for Veterans, the Prairie house restoration has significantly impacted the local community.