Myholidayhome 2013 by Wednesday Journal

Holiday HOME

F O R E S T PA R K

JOURNAL REVIEW W E D N E S D A Y

NOVEMBER 2013

November 13, 2013

Holiday HOME

WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

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WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

Holiday HOME

November 13, 2013

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November 13, 2013

Holiday HOME

WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

A holiday walk THROUGH HISTORY

Diana Rasche Photography

Infant Welfare Society housewalk to showcase diverse styles (Above) This Tudor in River Forest is sure to be a crowd pleaser on this year’s Infant Welfare Society’s Holiday Housewalk. The home, built in 1928 and well known for its elaborate Christmas decorations, features a two-lane bowling alley and an Olympic-sized indoor pool. (Left) Attendees of this year’s housewalk will also get to peruse the Blatchford House No. 1, which features a distractive keyholeshaped entryway

By BRAD SPENCER Contributing Reporter

he classic Tudor, the stick-style featuring the steep cross-gabled roof, the elegant Victorian, the 100 leaded glass windows of the Prairie Style, and much more. It seems the Oak Park-River Forest Infant Welfare Society is leaving no stone unturned for its 15th Annual Holiday Housewalk & Market this year. The event, scheduled for Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 and expected to draw upwards of 1,200 attendees, will benefit The Children’s Clinic, a center that provides medical, dental and behavioral healthcare for children whose families cannot afford the costs of private care. On the docket this year are five unique homes festively decorated for the season in very different styles, according to event co-chair Sarina Butler. “I’ve been working on housewalks for many years, but this year we have the greatest diversity of the types of homes,” she says. “We

WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

Holiday HOME

November 13, 2013

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Diana Rasche Photography

TWO STYLES: An E.E. Roberts designed home on the 400 block of Forest in Oak Park blends the Prairie Style with Victorian elements.

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The Holiday Housewalk ■ When: Fri., Dec. 6, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 7, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. ■ Where: Start point is River Forest Community Center ■ Tickets: $40 in advance; $45 at door; $30 seniors. Tickets available online at Childrenscliniciws.org

or at local venders Camille et Famille in Forest Park, Geppetos Toy Box and Careful Peach in Oak Park, Tulipia Floral Design in River Forest, and Barley Twist in Hinsdale. ■ Info: Childrenscliniciws.org or 708-848-0528 ext. 300

go from the Prairie School Style genre all the way to a classic Tudor, probably one of the biggest homes in River Forest with interesting architectural aspects.” Butler says the Tudor in River Forest, owned by Jose and Guadalupe Jimenez, is sure to be an event pleaser. Built in 1928 by William Grunow, the founder of Majestic Radio, one of the first radios to use electric current rather than batteries, the home showcases a family room ceiling adorned with a fresco that includes faces of the three Jimenez children on the bodies of angels. The idea for the fresco originated with a family vacation to Italy, says Butler. The Tudor also features original woodwork, gold painted ceiling moldings, a two-lane bowling alley, and an Olympic-sized indoor pool. The house is well known by locals for its elaborate exterior Christmas decorations, explains Butler, which includes a comet descending from the rooftop, camels carrying the three wisemen, a Ferris wheel and a 200,000 light spectacle. “Inside there will also be a sizable nativity collection,” she adds, “something very unique and beautiful that will add to the ambiance of the home itself.” Adding a little sentimental mystique to the walk, the E.E. Roberts designed home on the 400 block of Forest in Oak Park, owned by Kate and Dave Nikolai,

blends the Prairie Style with Victorian elements. The fireplace surrounds depict scenes from the Illinois prairie, while the foyer has original oak and prairie influences with octagonal columns and intricate stained glass. Butler says the theme of this house, “A Joyful Christmas Garden,” derives from how the decorations, coupled with the permanent architectural details, evoke the imagery of gardens and growth. “Most prominent in the foyer and living room are two large fireplaces faced with glass tiles that depict garden images: one of Midwestern cattails, and the other ivy,” she says. A Victorian on Thatcher in River Forest, which Butler describes as “a jewel of a house,” will not only showcase its architectural integrity but the owners’ vast collection of music boxes. “The theme of this home is ‘Playful Christmas Collections,’ due to how the exclusive collections play into the home’s design and holiday decorating plan.” Rick and Debbie Wholey, owners of the home on the 800 block of Jackson in River Forest, also on this year’s walk, have preserved many of its original features. Butler says attendees shouldn’t let the turreted foyer fool See HOLIDAY WALK on page B10

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November 13, 2013

Holiday HOME

WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

Delicious Dining Parties Find new ways to gather loved ones this holiday. Host a tasting party with beer, chocolate, cheese, wine, or even vinegar Tulipia, p River Forest rest $28.50

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WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

Holiday HOME

November 13, 2013

An Ornamental Evening Tulipia, River Forest $8.50 Coveny Lane, Forest Park $69

Bramble, Oak Park $10

Schauer's Hallmark, Forest Park $17.95

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Use a string of lights, garland, a glass bowl, or a vintage wire tree to get more use of your ornaments all season long.

November 13, 2013

Holiday HOME

WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

Thanksgivukkah or Hansgiving? What to eat when two festive holidays of thanks converge By EMILY PASTER Contributing Reporter

ewish families all over America are facing an unusual conundrum when planning this year’s Thanksgiving menu: the last Thursday in November also happens to be the second night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Two festive holidays, each with a rich culinary tradition, falling on the same night: is it too much of a good thing? Or does the convergence of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah create the possibility of a delicious holiday mash-up — one likely involving potatoes? Rabbi Max Weiss of Oak Park Temple takes the latter view. He notes that American Jewish families have a “once-in-alifetime opportunity to celebrate two holidays of thanks on the same day: a holiday where we give thanks for the freedom to live as Jews and a holiday where we celebrate that, in America, all people have the freedom to worship or not worship as they chose.” But what about families who are concerned about preserving their traditional Thanksgiving? Many Jewish families celebrate Thanksgiving with non-Jewish friends or family. Do they have to break with cherished traditions? Weiss reassures that the convergence of Hanukkah and Thanksgiving “should not interfere at all with the way that Thanksgiving is celebrated.” In other words, according to Weiss, there is no reason why Jewish families’ Thanksgiving celebrations cannot go on exactly as planned. Unlike Passover, for example, when Jews are required to give up certain foods and eat others, there is no required Hanukkah food. No one has to forgo turkey and stuffing for potato latkes.

TASTY STUFF: One way to blend Jewish and Thanksgiving traditions is to incorporate challah, the eggy bread that Jews use to celebrate the Sabbath and most holidays, into a stuffing recipe with wild rice and raisins. But, given that Hanukkah and Thanksgiving falling on the same day is truly a unique occurrence — it is not projected to occur again for another 75,000 years — this year presents a fun opportunity to shake up Thanksgiving and get creative by introducing some Hanukkah flavors to this most American of holidays. When asked how families could join the two holiday’s culinary tradition, Weiss points out that the traditional food for Hanukkah is anything fried. This tradition references the miracle that Hanukkah commemorates: a sacred lamp that burned in the restored temple for eight days despite only having enough oil to fuel it for one day. Perhaps betraying his North Carolina roots, Weiss suggests that 2013 might be a good year to try deep-frying the turkey. Deep-fried turkey is certainly one approach to merging the two holidays. But there are other, less messy ways to join Thanksgiving and Hanukkah traditions. The most iconic Hanukkah food is the latke — a potato pancake that is fried in oil — and its traditional accompaniments, apple sauce and sour cream. But there is no requirement that latkes be made with

potatoes. For a Thanksgiving version of the latke, try making your pancakes with sweet potatoes. This idea seems particularly fitting because sweet potatoes — which are not actually related to white potatoes — are native to America. One note of caution however: sweet potatoes lack the starch of a white potato and, as a result, they will not hold together as well. To remedy that, consider making your latkes with half white potatoes and half sweet potatoes. Alternatively, you can use all sweet potatoes and add potato starch to your latke batter. Applesauce is a traditional accompaniment to latkes and cranberry sauce is the traditional accompaniment to turkey. The good news here is that apples and cranberries are a natural pair. Consider making an apple-cranberry relish this year and serve it with both your turkey and your latkes. Combine fresh cranberries, peeled and diced apples, sugar, water, a splash of orange juice and your favorite spices, like cinnamon, ginger and cloves, and simmer the mixture until thickened. To test for doneness, make sure the apples are tender and the cranberries have burst. Another way to blend Jewish and

Thanksgiving traditions would be to incorporate challah, the eggy bread that Jews use to celebrate the Sabbath and most holidays, into your stuffing recipe. With its slightly sweet taste and rich texture, challah is an ideal base for stuffing. The Food Network has an interesting recipe for challah stuffing with wild rice and raisins (foodnetwork.com/recipes). Or you could return to the applesauce theme by using sautéed, diced apple — in addition to the more typical onions, carrots and celery — in your stuffing. Season with fresh herbs like thyme and sage. For many more Thanksgivukah recipes, including one for a deep-fried turkey with Sriracha marinade, check out the Jewish food blog The Shiksa in the Kitchen at theshiksa.com. You can also purchase Thanksgivukkah shirts — the slogan is “8 days of Light, Liberty & Latkes” — and tableware at moderntribe.com. Happy Hansgiving — okay, Thanksgivukkah — to all! Emily Paster is a freelance writer and author of the food and parenting blog West of the Loop. She lives in River Forest with her husband and two school-aged children.

WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

Holiday HOME

November 13, 2013

no turkey stands alone

Market open for business

Unique finds, tasty treats to be sold at popular fundraiser By BRAD SPENCER Contributing Reporter

n artist’s uniquely crafted ware is someone else’s exclusively treasured find. And that will be going on quite a bit on Dec. 6 and 7 as the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society hosts its annual market in conjunction with its popular holiday housewalk to raise money for the The Children’s Clinic. The market, a juried assembly of products by local artisans and participants in other juried shows, is open to the public

and will take place at the River Forest Community Center, Madison Street and Gale Avenue. Liz Robinson, chair of the market, says this event will showcase a unique blend of specialty products and treats. “In addition to traditional items that are often found at markets such as jewelry, purses and clothing, we’ll also have lovely candles, beautiful pens, terrific pet items, delicious foods and wonderful children’s toys.” Robinson adds that Vert Moderne, which sells jewelry made from recycled bike tires, will be back this year as will Bebeka Designs, Two Girls Gems and Maggie Joyce Recycling. Thirty-two venders in all will fill one See MARKET on page B10

we have the perfect pairings for you and your bird: wine, beer, cheese platters, appetizers, chocolates, desserts and delectable host gifts! Diana Rasche Photography

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Thirty-two venders with all sorts of original wares and treats will be on hand for the Infant Welfare Society’s Market being held at the River Forest Community Center in December.

bistro • gourmet groceries 100 s. marion street oak park, il 60302 708.725.7200 • marionstreetcheesemarket.com

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November 13, 2013

Holiday HOME

WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

HOLIDAY WALK

Turnout to exceed 1,200 from page B5 them, for this is primarily a Prairie Style home but with some elegant flourishes. The house features more than 100 original leaded glass windows. Housewalkers will also get to peruse another architecturally significant home on Forest in Oak Park, the Blatchford House No. 1, which features a distinctive keyhole-shaped entryway. The dramatic lighting fixtures throughout the first floor look original, but several are based on historical photographs, and added by the home’s current owners, Mark and Sarah Chodera. “Because of additions by the second owner George Walker in 1915, the Choderas like to think that perhaps Frank Lloyd Wright, or one of his colleagues, consulted with the Walkers on these Prairie Style additions,” says Butler. “Or, at minimum, the Walker family was influenced by the groundbreaking work being done up and down Forest Avenue.” Because the Welfare Society is doing away with live music in the homes this year, Butler says they’re countering it with a treat tasting in every home on Saturday. “While we’ll still have recorded holiday music playing throughout the homes, we wanted to

MARKET

Tablescapes raffled off from page B9 Photos by Diana Rasche Photography

MUSIC TO THE EYES: A Victorian on Thatcher in River Forest will not only showcase its architectural integrity at this year’s housewalk but also the owners’ vast collection of music boxes. do something special for the guests, a tasty surprise.” While estimates suggest the turnout may reach 1,200 attendees, Butler says she’s anticipating a higher number. “I expect it will be greater this year because of the homes being showcased,” she says. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we didn’t top that number.” With such a turnout, Butler says her and the rest of the co-chairs are

appreciative of the work of the volunteers. “All the work is done by nearly 100 volunteers and we don’t pay anyone for anything. Without these unselfish volunteers we couldn’t put on such a wonderful event that benefits The Children’s Clinic. It just couldn’t happen. Our hats go off to them and the homeowners.”

WINDOWS WITH A VIEW: The home on 800 block of Jackson in River Forest features more than 100 original leaded glass windows.

large space at this year’s market, including Mayana Chocolate and Chocolate Twist, The Nut Ladies, Rare Bird Preserves, The Winding Road, Just The Two of Us, BV Adams and Christopher Calvin. Robinson advises to arrive at the market early if you’re in the mood for chocolate. “They sold out last year,” she says. The Winding Road sells cashmere scarves in addition to some new finds from Morocco. Just The Two Of Us is a vender that creates wooden toys, including American Girl Doll Furniture and Brio compatible train cars. The market will also feature Celebration Tables, five themed tablescapes that are raffled off. The five themes that will be featured this year include: Eat, Drink, and Paint -- Enjoy a meal with good friends, then linger around the table and create a masterpiece. Paint, canvas, and brushes all set on a drop cloth. Service for 8. The Holly & The Ivy - A modern twist on traditions. Portmeirion Holly and Ivy salad plates set the mood for a festive meal. Service for 8. Rustic Luxe - Hand wrought textures with the refined silver, crystal and mercury glass to create a table that is a feast for the eyes. Service for 8. Shades of Grey - Subtle shades of grey and yellow lend a sophisticated but casual tone. Includes an Ikat table cloth. Service for 8. Alfresco To Go - Everything you need for a picnic at Ravinia or Millennium Park. Collapsible table, linens, plates, tumblers, flatware, food storage and tea lights all fit into a collapsible wagon. Service for 4. Robinson says the best part about the market is that 15 percent of each vendor’s sales benefits the Children’s Clinic, a center in Oak Park that provides medical, dental and behavioral healthcare for children whose families cannot afford the costs of private care. Tickets to attend the market for those who do not participate in the housewalk portion of the fundraiser are priced at $5 and can be purchased at the door or online at childrenscliniciws.org. Tickets for a special preview party on Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. can also be purchased online. On Friday, Dec. 6, the market will be open from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. On Saturday, it will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. “There are wonderful gifts to choose from whether someone is treating them self or those on his/her holiday list,” said Robinson. “And people can feel good about shopping because they are helping us help kids.”

WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

Holiday HOME

November 13, 2013

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November 13, 2013

Holiday HOME

WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

It isn’t Christmas morning without Eggs in Purgatory

round the turn of the millennium, one of the presents sitting under the tree for me on Christmas morning was The Soprano’s Family Cookbook. I believe this gift was supposed to be kind of a joke. In addition to recipes, this cookbook included personal reflections such as Bobby Bacala’s style tips for heavy eaters and a school essay from A.J. entitled “Why I l Like Food” (which concludes with a tender sentiment: “My grandma told me that I would die alone. If I die alone with a full stomach, that’s ok Food Critic with me.”) Paging through this cookbook, and trying to look beyond the admittedly entertaining Soprano’s shtick, one recipe caught my eye: Eggs in Purgatory/Uova in Purgatorio, a contribution from Paulie Walnuts. To prepare this dish, you poach eggs in red sauce and top with parmesan. Over the years, we modified the recipe, adding clusters of spicy Italian sausage.

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WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

Holiday HOME

November 13, 2013

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Photo courtesy of Dave Hammond

FORGETABOUTIT: A Christmas morning family tradition, food journalist Dave Hammond first got the idea for Eggs in Purgatory from The Soprano’s Family Cookbook.

How to make Eggs in Purgatory (I slightly modified mo Paulie’s recipe)

Supplies Large frying pan Lid Small cups or glassess Cheese grater Ingredients Red sauce Sausage (optional) Herbs (your choice) Eggs Parmesan cheese 1. Fill a frying pan (we use a big cast-iron one) about half-way with red sauce (you can add sausage, herbs, or pretty much anything to this sauce). 2. Warm the sauce until it starts to bubble just a little. 3. Crack eggs into glasses or cups (one per container); use a spoon to make a small indentation in the sauce, and then pour in each egg (for some reason, cracking an egg into

My mother’s side of the family is Italian, so this dish made historic sense. Eggs in Purgatory is a very home-y breakfast, bright with red Christmas color, tasty, and because Italian, an appropriate household tradition to maintain. It’s also rather simple to make, which can be a blessing after the hub-bub of the holidays. I asked my three daughters to explain their feelings about this holiday meal. •Abigail said, “Eggs in Purgatory is a quirky tradition but one that we all hold very dear. It’s a perfect reflection of our family — delicious, unconventional and just a tad disturbing.” •Lydia believes, “it’s important for our family — secular, low-key, cynical about silly holiday stuff — to have a holiday tradition to which we feel sincerely connected, comforted and unified.” •Josanna: “Over the years we have lost most of our Christmas traditions. Eggs in Purgatory on Christmas morning is the only

a container and then into the sauce keeps it together). Try to get all eggs into the sauce at about the same time so they cook evenly. 4. Cover pan and cook over an almost imperceptible gas flame for about 30 minutes (seems like an eternity, but paradise awaits!). The sauce helps moderate even very low heat, and the result of this slow cooking is an egg with a lightweight custard-y consistency. 5. When eggs look like they’re almost done, sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese (don’t use any Parm that comes out of a can; buy a nice chunk of cheese and grate it fresh). 6. Serve with crusty bread – and a side of appropriately penitential thoughts. My big pan holds sauce and about seven eggs, which according to our rather twisted family tradition, represent the Seven Deadly Sins. Merry Christmas!

real tradition we’ve hung on to. Next to a Christmas tree, Eggs in Purgatory is the one thing that signifies Christmas in our house.” Though Carolyn, my wife, offered the tartly critical observation that “There’s nothing particularly Christmasy about Eggs in Purgatory,” this simple morning meal has nonetheless become a big part of our Christmas Day breakfast tradition. I’ve discovered that Eggs in Purgatory is a celebratory meal for many Italians. On their respective websites, celebrity chef Giada di Laurentiis suggests having it around Thanksgiving and Nigella Lawson prescribes it for post-New Year’s Eve hangovers. Mario Batali adds olives and basil; the basil is a particularly excellent addition as it provides a vegetal note and a green accent to complete the Christmas color scheme. David Hammond is a food journalist who lives in Oak Park. He blogs for Oakpark.com

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Holiday HOME

WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

Home for the holidays Local designers offer advice on holiday decor By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

ecorating for the holidays can be a challenge. There’s the age old question of where to put the tree, and the idea of suddenly coordinating a home’s décor with a riot of red and green can put homeowners on edge. While everyone wants to create a festive atmosphere at this time of year, it doesn’t always come naturally. Three local interior designers and decorators have plenty of advice to make your home sparkle this holiday season.

Step away from the inflatable Santa Oak Park interior designer Amanda Miller of Amanda Miller Design Studio says there is no reason to be stressed about holiday décor. While we’ve all seen catalogue displays in which every square inch of a home is dressed in a holiday theme, Miller advocates a simple approach. “We like to keep decorating from being stressful by taking the same approach with the holidays that we do with any design project. We highlight the homeowner’s own sense of style. While that might be a traditional holiday style for some people, it can also be simplistic and minimalistic. We use small touches that enhance the space.” Miller and her team like to focus on several areas when decorating a home for the holidays. “When you decorate for the holidays, you intentionally focus on just a couple of areas; the mantel, a dining room centerpiece if you’re entertaining, and the foyer. So many homes in Oak Park have either a grand foyer or the suggestion of that, so it’s a good place to start.” Miller’s own mantle is an example of her holiday design ethos. “It’s sort of an iconic Oak Park fireplace with built-ins on either side,” she says. “I like to play with scale and

height with the items I use. I coordinate the decorations with existing pieces. Anything that gets added, something gets taken away. I like to pare back so that the holiday decorations are the focal point. A general tip is to combine large and small to create a sense of balance.”

A feng shui approach To Lexi Nielsen of Alexis Nielsen Interiors, the holidays are about creating a feeling in a home. “I do a lot of feng shui in my designs, and that carries over the holidays. Jingle bells are great feng shui. You can tie them to the front door or hang them from the banister with ribbons at various lengths. It not only looks pretty, but the ringing of the bells brings good chi, or energy, to the room every time.” Like Miller, Nielsen says the mantle makes an obvious focal point in holiday decorating. “I always dress the mantle with garland, tea lights, white lights or snowflakes,” she says. “If you don’t have a mantle, create a focal point. You can hang a wreath with a pretty ribbon on a mirror or use lights to create a vignette for the eye to focus on. A dramatic table is also a good idea. When you walk into a typical four square home, you can see the dining room right away, so a well-dressed table makes a statement.” Nielsen recommends sticking with a three-color scheme when decorating for the holidays, perhaps combining two different shades of red with a gold, or two greens with a silver. A welcoming environment is also a part of holiday decorating for Nielsen, and that includes more than just traditional decorations. “At this time of year, a lot of people are baking. That’s the best aroma. You don’t See HOME DECOR on page B19

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gifts glass garden supplies

DAVID PIERINI/Staff Photographer

HOLIDAY GLEAM: Oak Park interior designer Amanda Miller says mantels are a great starting point for holiday decorating. Her fireplace and mantel includes lights, artificial pine bows, ornaments, candles and a feather wreath.

Happy Holidays from

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WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

Holiday HOME

November 13, 2013

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Fresh Seafood • Homemade Soups & Salads Carving Stations Roast Turkey Breast • Slow-Roasted Prime Rib • Honey-Mustard Glazed Bone-In Ham Entrees Country Rigatoni • Tilapia • Hunters Chicken Sweets Table Pumpkin Pie • Cheesecake • Chocolate Mousse and much, much more! See our full menu at wwwbarclaysamericangrille.com

Please inquire within for menus & availability

Adults $34.95*; Children (5-12) $12.95*; Children 4 & under are free *Plus Tax & Gratuity

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Barclay’s will also be open for dinner • For Reservations call (708) 848-4250

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Eat! Drink! Enjoy!

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November 13, 2013

Holiday HOME

WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

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WEDNESDAY JOURNAL | FOREST PARK REVIEW | LANDMARK

Holiday HOME

November 13, 2013

B17

Christmas at the Wrights Victorian Christmas Tour to showcase famous architect’s affinity for the holiday

education and organizational engagement for the FLW Preservation Trust, a Chicago-based not-for-profit organization that provides public tours and educational programs at major Wright-designed structures, including his Home and Studio in Oak Park. “The turnout over the By BRAD SPENCER years has been significant.” Contributing Reporter Kieckhefer said the tours are led by junior interpreters, trained fifth-through-10th-grade rank Lloyd Wright did Christmas the right students, who guide visitors through the home, way: oversized tree, lavish decorations, and which is decorated as it was when the Wright excessive gifts. family lived there during the late 1800s and early The famous architect’s affection for the holi1900s. The tour does not focus on architecture day will soon be on display as The Frank Lloyd and is limited to the house only, but, KieckheWright Preservation Trust hosts the fer added, “It’s perfect for families popular Victorian Christmas Tour wanting to get a taste of what it was at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and like celebrating the holiday back in Studio in Oak Park in December. that time in this particular home.” Wright was known to pull out all Part of the Wright holiday tradithe stops for his six children when tion was making taffy in the kitchen the holidays rolled around. The free and spying on their famous father tours, running from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. as he readied presents under the on Dec. 14th and 21st, will feature a tree. The children’s stockings – tak12-foot Fraser fir festooned with en right from their dresser drawers ornaments of glass and straw and – were said to be stuffed with candy, chains of popcorn and cranberries. nuts and fruits. “This is an event that is really foAttendees will get a gander at the JAN KIECKHEFER cused on educating children on the Froebel blocks in the Drafting Room Director of education and history of Frank Lloyd Wright and that Wright played with as a child, orgainizational progress his character during the holidays,” said Jan Kieckhefer, director of See WRIGHT TOUR on page B19

“This is an event that is really focused on educating children on the history of Frank Lloyd Wright.”

Photo courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust by Xxxx

A 12-foot tree will be set up and decorated in the Children’s Playroom at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio during the annual Victorian Christmas tours.

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November 13, 2013

Holiday HOME

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HOME DECOR

More lights, bigger trees from page B14 need the artificial aroma of a scented candle. Put music on. Whether it’s a symphony playing Christmas songs, or Elvis singing, it adds to the mood. My dad started a tradition of setting up a battery operated game, like a train at the holidays. No matter who you have over, it’s a great way to bring people together. It’s festive and interactive.”

Making ro room for a tree While she ta takes a simplistic approach to decorating an entire home decor for the holidays, Miller notes that holid the tree is still st a place where tradition reigns. “My husband’s homemade orhus naments sstill go on our tree. The tree is a good place for that kind of tradition. Many homeowners seasonally rearrange their rooms to make a spot r for the th tree. Each house has own idyllic scheme, and its ow there the is usually one good place pla to put a tree.” Marti Cusick, of Nest M Oak Park, a company that specializes in designing living spaces,

Holiday HOME

says there may be more than just one perfect spot in the house for a tree. “I’m always goading people to put up more than one tree,” she explains. “I have multiple trees in my house. Because I have a polka-dot room, I have a polka dot tree. My daughter’s room is decorated in a Moroccan theme, so the tree in her room is too. The tree in our music room is very elegant, in traditional gold and red, and in the parlor, we have a tree with all the ornaments the kids have made over the years or that I have given to them as gifts. This is my favorite tree because it holds so many memories.” Cusick worked in visual merchandising prior to embarking on her design career, and she says one skill she took from her early career was lighting trees. “I use more lights than humanly possible. We also like big trees. These old houses have such high ceilings, that something small looks dopey. I say go big or go home.” With a home full of trees, Cusick says her decorating can take three full days. “I store everything in the basement in red and green bins, and now that the kids are old enough, they can help,” she says. “Each tree has hundreds and hundreds of ornaments. My house is red, green and yellow year round, so Christmas fits in. Each room on the first floor is decorated. Each room is bedazzled. When I go into each room, it just makes me smile.”

November 13, 2013

WRIGHT TOUR Free hot chocolate from page B17 developing his acumen for shapes hapes and designs. Also, according to Kieckhefer, free hot chocolate will be served erved outside in the Home and Studio io courtyard.

B19

An event that has been going on for over 25 years, the Victorian Christmas Tour draws quite a crowd. Kieckhefer expects anywhere between 200 and 450 people each Saturday during the allotted two hours. Those interested can also take a regular tour of both the home and studio. “The “ he event “T even attracts people from all over the area and out of state,” said Kieckhefer. “There’s a Ki wide range of attendees. I believe people feel it’s a beli great way to kick off the gr season.” se

If you go ■ Dates: Saturday, Dec. 14 & 21

Photo courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust

During the Victorian Christmas tours, children will be able to check out the Froebel blocks that Frank Lloyd Wright used when developing his early architectural skills.

■ Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Tours run continuously) ■ Location: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park ■ Tour length: 30 minutes ■ Admission: Free. An adult must accompany children under 8.

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November 13, 2013

Holiday HOME

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W Homes

Deadline looming on tax repayments p. B

November 13, 2013

A grand home, layered with history The Grunow/Accardo home will be on this year’s Infant Welfare holiday walk

By GARRET EAKIN

Architecture Columnist

f architecture represents who we are and what we strive to be — living in one of the most imposing homes in River Forest makes a statement. The English Tudor mansion, commonly known as the Grunow/Accardo estate, at 915 Franklin Ave., contains 24 rooms within its 22,000-square-foot interior, erected by the Buurma Brothers for William Grunow, a radio pioneer. The complex structure was built in 1929 with an asymmetrical façade clad in brick and stone with copper details. A 7-foot-high black iron fence with gold accents provides security for the estate, complete with two electronic gates for access. One masonry gable contains an elaborate carved stone entrance and a two story stacked window pattern forming the elaborate overlapping steep peaks. A second gable in red brick and cut stone is faced with a three-part chimney with intricate diagonal brick patterns. The dramatic pitched roofs are finished in red terracotta tile. The Oak Park-River Forest Infant Welfare Society (IWS) presents its 15th Annual Holiday Housewalk and Market on Dec. 6 and 7, featuring tours of five extraordinary homes, including the Grunow/Accardo mansion in River Forest. The current owners have restored the estate to its original design

GARRET EAKIN

ARCHITECTURE

while updating to provide modern amenities for their family. Four other home owners have also graciously volunteered to open their holiday-decorated homes on behalf of

the mission of the IWS Children’s Clinic, located at 328 Lake St. in Oak Park.

Photo by Garret Eakin

NATATORIUM: The pool with its organic shape is finished in a Gaudiest riot of tiles.

See GRUNOW/ACCARDO on page B23

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B22 Wednesday ournalHomes.com

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November 13, 2013

the legal authorities. He lived unobtrusively among the respectable lawyers, doctors and businessmen in this quiet up-scale community. “Big Tuna,” as he was known, only spent 12 years in the house, then moved to a much more modest ranch-style house in River Forest, taking his own advice about conducting business in low profile. Ironically, Accardo, who lived a lifetime in crime, never spent a night in jail and died of natural causes at 86 years old. He escaped the fate of the equally notorious Sam Giancana, who was murdered in his Oak Park home. The opulent interior of the River Forest estate contains nine bedrooms, including six master suites one with a black onyx bathtub and gold fixtures, accessed via a

Photo by Garret Eakin

ENTRANCE: The monumental façade is asymmetrically composed in the English Tudor style, displaying unusual craftsmanship.

GRUNOW/ACCARDO Room for decorating from page B21

The proceeds benefit the clinic, which provides medical, dental and social services to children under 18 from 50 west Cook County suburban communities and the city of Chicago, whose families are unable to afford the cost of private care. Tickets for the housewalk and market are $40 in advance or $45 at the door ($30 for senior citizens). Advance pricing tickets are available until Dec. 3 online at www.childrenscliniciws.org. Not only is the estate one of the largest homes in the area, it is full of history. Tony Accardo, the infamous gangster, lived in the house from 1951 to ’63. As the boss of the “Chicago Outfit” he was eager to display his success. The manse was the perfect physical symbol of his illicit power and ill-gotten gains. Accardo advised his fellow mobsters to keep their heads down in low profile so as not to attract attention from

Photo by Garret Eakin

PUB: (Top) Hand-carved and polychrome timbers set the tone for this entertainment room, complete with a antique bar, two-lane bowling alley and pool table. LIBRARY: (Above) A beautifully curved, raised panel door provides a surprising entry to the mahogany library.

Holiday homes The 15th annual holiday open house will be a sellout with a maximum of 1,200 tickets to be sold. The walk is a wonderful way to get to learn more about your community and support the Infant Welfare Society. The four additional significant homes on the walk are: ■ 559 Thatcher, Victorian ■ 828 Jackson, Arts and Crafts, William Harper, architect ■ 422 Forest, Prairie style, E.E. Roberts, architect ■ 250 Forest, 1887 Tickets for the housewalk and market are $40 in advance or $45 at the door ($30 for senior citizens). Advance pricing tickets are available until Dec. 3 online at www.childrenscliniciws.org.

Photo by Garret Eakin

FOYER: (Top)The dramatic foyer contains a eloquent staircase built of mahogany with an elaborate iron rail. POWDER ROOM: (Above) The black and gold powder room is beautifully detailed in glazed tile and is all original.

dramatic mahogany spiral staircase in a 2½-story foyer. The monumental 25 x 40-foot living room has restored mahogany wall panels, a cherry parquet floor, floor-to-ceiling windows, twin crystal chandeliers and a pipe organ. A modern kitchen and breakfast room are connected to the large family room. The lower level contains an enclosed swimming pool, finished in blue mosaic tiles. Adjacent to the pool is a twolane bowling alley and an English pub/billiard room that can seat 50 people. A walk-in safe is located in a rear area. The owners have graciously opened their lovingly restored home for this great cause. Oak Parker Garret Eakin is a practicing architect, preservation commissioner and adjunct professor at the School of the Art Institute.

November 13, 2013 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B23

It’s payback time for wrongful tax savings

Quality

(qual i’ ty) noun The basic nature, the degree of excellence, the best available when compared to others.

By ALI ELSAFFAR

new state law requires Cook County homeowners to repay property tax bill savings they should not have received. Property owners who erroneously received homeowner, senior citizen, or other tax exemptions have until Dec. 31 to repay the tax savings from such exemptions without interest and penalty. Those who wait until Jan. 1, 2014 will have to include interest and a penalty when repaying unwarranted tax savings. The Homeowner Exemption, the Senior Citizen Exemption and the Senior Freeze Exemption are the most popular of the money-saving tax exemptions available to homeowners. The Township Assessor’s Office has always been happy to help owneroccupants apply for these valuable exemptions and will continue to do so. Illinois law makes it clear that tax exemptions are available only on a homeowner’s principal residence. However, a significant number of rental properties, investment properties, and second homes have been receiving exemptions that they are not entitled to. For example, a study by the Hanover Township Assessor’s Office of two villages in northwest suburban Cook County indicated that 15% of rental properties were improperly receiving homeowner exemptions. Under our property tax system, whenever one property receives an exemption it is not entitled to, all other property owners have to pay a little more to make up for the erroneous exemption. This is unfair. In the past, little could be done about property owners who received exemptions they were not entitled to. The new state law, however, provides a procedure that will

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B24 Wednesday ournalHomes.com

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November 13, 2013

require those who have received erroneous exemptions to repay them, while discouraging others from obtaining erroneous exemptions in the first place. Who is affected by the new law? People who own more than one residential property and people who own properties where senior citizens have recently lived should pay attention to the new law. Individuals who only own one property — the home where they live — likely will not be affected by the new law. Individuals who own two or more residential properties can receive a homeowner exemption only on their principal residence. In most circumstances, property owners will have to repay the savings obtained from erroneous tax exemptions on other properties that they own. Although some people have gamed the system to get property tax breaks they are not entitled to, other people may be receiving multiple exemptions without realizing it. This is because the Homeowner Exemption, once initially applied for, is typically renewed automatically until the property is sold. If someone bought and moved into a home or condominium, and then moved out without selling it, the property likely is still receiving the Homeowner Exemption. Since the property is no longer owner-occupied, however, it is no longer eligible for the exemption. A threshold requirement of both the Senior Citizen Exemption and the Senior Freeze Exemption is that one of the property’s owner-occupants must be 65 years of age or older. If a senior citizen no longer lives on the property, the property typically is no longer eligible for either senior exemption.

There are circumstances where a property may be eligible for a senior exemption when a senior does not live on the property. Seniors who moved from their house to live in a nursing home, the surviving spouses of senior citizens, and people who recently purchased property from seniors, may be eligible for one or both senior exemptions for a period of time. I urge those with questions about the eligibility rules for senior exemptions to call my office. Under the law, most property owners can be made to repay the savings from erroneous tax exemptions going back three years. But property owners with a significant number of erroneous exemptions can be liable for as many as six prior years. Taxpayers curious about whether they are in compliance with the law will have to do some research on the exemptions they received in prior years. To get the necessary information, they can either review second installment tax bills of all properties they own from prior years, look at the ‘Exemption’ sections of the websites of either the Cook County Assessor or the Cook County Treasurer, call the Cook County Assessor’s Office, or call the Oak Park Township Assessor’s Office. These information sources will allow property owners to determine how many exemptions they have been receiving, and whether they are in compliance with the law. My office can help taxpayers determine whether they have any erroneous exemptions. We can also offer advice and assistance on how to repay the exemptions, and how to ensure that property owners do not receive erroneous tax exemptions in the future. Call Oak Park Township Assessor Ali ElSaffar at 708-383-8005.

708.848.5550

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Follow Weichert November 13, 2013 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B25

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VINTAGE HOME in move in condition! 3+ Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, one on each floor. Refinished hard wood floors, oak woodwork and art glass windows. Kitchen ready for finishing. 2 enclosed porches, new concrete, 2 car garage. Convenient location! ........................................................................$315,000

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BRICK ENGLISH TUDOR on large corner lot. First floor has LR, separate DR, eat-in kitchen, 2 BR’s and a full bath. 2nd floor features 2 BR’s and a full BA. Hardwood under carpets throughout. Newer triple track windows, roof, furnace and electric. 2 Car brick garage.

EXTRA SPECIAL HOME! Radiant Heat in the Mudroom. Exquisite Master Suite. Great Decorating adds to the ambiance of this home. Unbelievable new kitchen has many features. Many improvements make this truly incomparable. Totally Rebuilt. Wired Throughout............ ...........................................................................................................$1,895,000 GRACIOUS BRICK FRENCH COLONIAL offers formal LR adjoining Sit Rm, + den/study, kitchen w/walk-thru pantry to sep breakfast rm. Private BAs in each of 4 BRs w/walk-in closets. Remodeled Coach House, all sun drenched rooms. 4.5c htd gar w/beautiful high gar doors. ........... ...........................................................................................................$1,600,000 FABULOUS HOUSE includes a well planned new layout for a newly designed 10,000 sqft estate. Architect drawings being offered w/ sale of property. Owner completed demo & removal of original interior improvements. Presently no rooms, house uninhabitable... .............................................................................................$1,400,000 GRACIOUS & GORGEOUS! Elegant foyer w/dramatic curved staircase. Wonderful flow for entertaining and family. Two 1st FL family rooms, BKFST RM overlooks new wrap around deck w/hot tub. Sizable MBR w/dressing area and Bath,Jack & Jill suite and 4th BR w/BA. .................................................................................. $1,349,000 HIDDEN MEDITERRANEAN GEM...Lovely 5 bedroom 3.1 bath with 3 private balconies. Gorgeous crown molding grace large living room with wood burning fireplace, formal dining room with leaded french doors and cozy library all add to the charm.............................................$990,000 LOVED HOME offers 3 BRs/4.1 BAs. Wainscotting detail & HW thruout. French doors lead from den to deck, heated pool, herb garden and fenced yard. 3rd FL BA has WA/DY. BSMT-Woorkout Rm w/ Lg Sauna, Storage, & Poss Rec Room. Country Serene and Quiet. ..............$674,000 GRACIOUS CEDAR SHAKE COLONIAL in need of extensive remodeling. Beautiful hardwood floors, grand mahogany staircase, spacious room sizes, enormous master bath, copper gutters. Beautiful lot, near public transportation. .......................................................................$650,000 CLASSIC MEDITERRANEAN HOME boasts gracious arched doorways, beautiful leaded glass windows, elegant leaded French doors leading to the loggia, Gas fireplace in the LR, gleaming HW floors. The walk-out basement features the family room w/wood burning FP. .........$539,000

................................................................................................ $279,000 CHARMING RANCH offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, Fireplace, hardwood floors (under carpeting) and open floor plan. Large 50 ft lot includes 2-1/2 car garage and additional space for parking. Central Air, very well maintained. Bring your imagination!.............................$249,900

LOVELY TOWNHOME W/3 LEVELS OF LIVING! Spacious room in heart of historic district. 8 Rooms, 3 Bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths. Large LR & DR, lower level family room. Kitchen has table space and good size pantry. 2 car attached garage, walk to everything ..........................................$419,900

GREAT SPACE in this 2 BR, 1.1 BA vintage condo. Hdwd flrs, Gas fplc in LR with BI bookcases and leaded glass windows. New granite, vanity, mirror, wall and floor cabinets in full BA. Nice size kit with butler’s pantry, in-unit W/D. Heated and carpeted back porch with closet. ................................$199,900

OAK PARK HOMES

PRICE REDUCED SPACIOUS 4BR/1.5 BA bungalow. HW floors highlight the first level; spacious LR, formal DR and 2BRs. Relax in the finished bsmt rec room or on the large deck overlooking the fenced-in yard and 2+ car garage. 2BRs and a 2nd full BA are located upstairs with great closet space. Cent air.........................................................................$365,900

1909 PRAIRIE SCHOOL HOUSE with 6 BRs, 3.1 Bas offers a stunning hall w/FP, 2nd flr gallery/sitting rm. Spectacular paneled banquet DR surrounded by art glass windows & doors. Library w/blt in glass bookcases. Stunning 3rd flr studio. Totally redone coach house. ...$1,595,000

APARTMENTS/CONDOS River Forest 3BR, 2BA. Corner unit. ............................................ $249,000 Oak Park 3BR, 2BA. Updated kitchen..........................................$224,900 Oak Park 2BR, 1BA. Move in condition! ...................................... $155,000 Oak Park 2BR, 1BA. Outside Porch................................................$139,900 Oak Park 2BR, 1BA. Kit has walk in pantry. .................................$124,900 Oak Park 3BR, 2BA. 2 Parking spaces............................................$95,000 Oak Park 1BR, 1BA. Natural Woodwork. ......................................$89,000 Forest Park 2BR, 1BA. Quiet Bldg.................................................$115,000

RENTALS

TERRIFIC CONDITION! This 3 BR, 1.5 BA home offers gorgeous HW floors, cent air, SS appliances, fantastic closet space. A beautiful full bathroom w/spa tub and separate shower. A pretty arched window floods the 2nd level w/sunlight! New roof, tuckpointing, exterior has just been painted......................................................................................$354,900

River Forest 1BR, 1BA. .........................................................$1,099/month

PRICE REDUCED CENTER ENTRANCE HOME on a great block. Lovely foyer opens to Living Room w/Fireplace. Nice DR leads into kitchen. Large 1st FL Family Room w/Fireplace, doors open to backyard. 5 ample BRs on 2nd FL w/2 full BAs. Full BA in bsmt w/ Sauna! Cedar Closets............................................................. $599,000

CHARMING OAK PARK HOME! New eat-in kitchen opens to 1st floor family room and dining room. Kitchen offers walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Quaint porch in the front and large deck off of the family room. ............................................... $348,9000

Oak Park 3BR, 1BA.................................................................$1,350/month

ELMWOOD PARK HOMES

OAK PARK. GREAT COMMERCIAL BUILDING on high-traffic street! Good for small business. Plenty of space. Needs some work. Multiple offices. Versatile layout.....................................................$215,000

NEW REHAB on great cul-de-sac block! All new open kitchen w/ island, high end finishes & mudroom w/ built ins. New powder rooms on 1st floor & LL; rehabbed bath on 2nd. Finished LL fam room. All new electric and plumbing incl. new water service. .........................................$439,900

AMAZING SPACE with a much desired open floor plan. Fresh new decor throughout including new carpet in this 4BR, 3BA Tri-Level with huge unfinished sub-basement. Kitchen is large and has views of the yard and Family room. Fenced yard with patio. ...... $299,000

OAK PARK. GREAT LOCATION for your business (Oak Park Ave & South Blvd) Approx 1350 sq. ft. of retail space at $26 per sq. ft. Also over 4000 sq. ft. of multiple office space on second floor at $16 per sq. ft. . .....................................................................................................Call for details.

TRADITIONAL OAK PARK HOME! Original detailing throughout, including hardwood floors, grand oak staircase and leaded glass windows. Newer features include kitchen, baths, electric, plumbing and landscaping. Delightful front porch and 4 car garage.................$695,000

Oak Park 2BR, 1BA.................................................................$1,950/month Oak Park 3BR, 1BA.................................................................$1,795/month Oak Park 2BR, 2BA. ...............................................................$1,800/month

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

For more listings & photos go to GagliardoRealty.com

B26 Wednesday ournalHomes.com

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November 13, 2013

189 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-1400 ® HomesintheVillage.com

In The Village, Realtors

THIS WEEK’S FEATURED PROPERTIES Harry Walsh, Managing Broker

Mike Becker

$438,800 4BR, 2.2BA Call Kyra x145

$307,900 3BR, 2BA Call John x180

$350,000 Multi unit Call Roz x112

2933 N 73rd Ave, Elmwood Park ** Open Sun 1-3 pm **

Roz Byrne

Kelly Gisburne

$389,900 3BR, 2BA Call Steve x121

John Spillane

$299,000 3BR, 2BA Call Jane x118

$239,900 4BR, 2BA Call Joe x117

$225,000 3BR, 2BA Call Elissa x192

$220,000 Multi unit Call Dorothy x124

Laurie Christofano

Kris Sagan

Kyra Pych

$209,900 2BR, 1.1BA Call Harry x116

$179,500 2BR, 1BA Call Kelly x113

Kerry Delaney

Elissa Palermo

Marion Digre

$169,000 2BR, 1BA Call Gary x125

Morgan Digre

Dorothy Gillian

$72,000 2BR, 1BA Call Marion x111

Ed Goodwin

Joe Langley

Gary Mancuso

Jane McClelland

Felicia Niermann

Steve Nasralla

November 13, 2013 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B27

Distinctive Properties

Open SunDAy 1-3 p.M. 138 DeSpLAIneS

Elmwood Park

forEst Park

View more properties at:

unDer COntrACt!

new LIStInG!

frAnKLIn pArK

oak Park

unDer COntrACt!

oak Park

4BR, 2BA .......................................$279,000

3BR, 2BA ...................................... $315,000

2BR, 1BA .........................................$85,000

1BA, 1BA .........................................$79,900

1BR, 1 BA ......................................$139,000

Gagliardo associates realty 708-771-8040

Jolyn Crawford • 708-860-2510

Michael O’neill • 708-267-8995

Barbara Kohut • 708-476-9505

Michael O’neill • 708-267-8995

new prICe!

oak Park

2BR, 1BA .......................................$169,900

2BR, 1BA .......................................$200,000

2BR, 1BA .......................................$244,000

3BR, 2.1BA ....................................$380,000

4BR, 2BA .......................................$385,000

Barbara Kohut • 708-476-9505

Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043

Michael O’neill • 708-267-8995

Barbara Kohut • 708-476-9505

oak Park

5BR, 3BA .......................................$489,000

Dale Anderson • 708-638-4691

Susan Abbott • 708-305-4039

AMAzInG HOMe! oak Park

4BR, 3.3BA ................................................................................................$2,200,000 Michael O’neill • 708-267-8995

oak Park

4BR, 2.1BA ....................................$419,000

new LIStInG! Open SunDAy 1-3 p.M. 1112 n. fAIr OAKS

oak Park

3BR, 2.1BA ....................................$499,000 Jeanette Madock • 708-228-4557

Open SunDAy 1-3 p.M. 435 n. GrOve/841 CHICAGO Ave

oak Park

4BR, 3.5BA ....................................$499,900 Cynthia Howe Gajewski • 708-406-9661

oak Park

4BR, 3BA ......................................$525,000 Jim schott & sue marshall 708-851-2243 & 708-851-2201

oak Park

5BR, 3.1BA ....................................$549,000 Marcee Gavula • 708-697-5908

Search. Expllore. Discover! WednesdayJournalHomes.com Search by City, Realtor, ZIP code, Price, BRs, BAs and street name |

B28 Wednesday ournalHomes.com

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November 13, 2013

View this week’s open houses

Distinctive Properties

oak Park

5BR, 2.2BA ....................................$649,000 Bobbi Schaper eastman â&#x20AC;˘ 708-697-5956

oak Park

4BR, 3.2BA ....................................$695,000 dan & sharon Halperin 312-391-0009 â&#x20AC;˘ 708-899-1391

rIver fOreSt

2BR, 1BA .......................................$117,000 Steve Scheuring â&#x20AC;˘ 708-369-8043

View more properties at:

rIver fOreSt

Commercial ...................................$490,000 tagger Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien â&#x20AC;˘ 708-456-6400

rIver fOreSt

4BR, 2.1BA ....................................$535,000 Marcee Gavula â&#x20AC;˘ 708-697-5908

3 0 :DOVK &2 1SVEFOUJBM 6LQFH

rIver fOreSt

3BR, 1.1BA ....................................$539,000 dan & sharon Halperin 312-391-0009 â&#x20AC;˘ 708-899-1391

rIver fOreSt

7BR, 7.1BA ................................$1,075,000 tony & Kathy Iwersen â&#x20AC;˘ 312-268-7611

rIver fOreSt

3.1BR, 2.1BA .................................$559,000 Gagliardo Associates realty â&#x20AC;˘ 708-771-8040

rIver fOreSt

4BR, 3.1BA .................................$1,349,000 ramona fox â&#x20AC;˘ 708-363-3394

rIver fOreSt

4BR, 2.1BA ....................................$589,900 tony & Kathy Iwersen â&#x20AC;˘ 312-268-7611

rIver fOreSt

Open SunDAy 1-2:30 p.M. 615 tHAtCHer

rIver fOreSt

3BR, 4.1BA ....................................$674,000 ramona fox â&#x20AC;˘ 708-363-3394

rIver fOreSt

5BR, 3BA ....................................$1,049,000 tony & Kathy Iwersen â&#x20AC;˘ 312-268-7611

rIverSIDe

3BR, 4.1BA .................................$1,495,000

7BR, 5.1BA .................................$2,250,000

4BR, 3.1BA ....................................$745,000

tony & Kathy Iwersen â&#x20AC;˘ 312-268-7611

November 13, 2013 â&#x2013; Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B29

O pe N 10 n S ow am at - 1 urd pm ays Mel’s understanding of the market brings a superior expertise to the process. The market is unpredictable, but I always felt the results were assured. —Margo

a Heritage Tile company Subway Ceramics is dedicated to preserving our uniquely American tile heritage with our authentic collection of reproduction subway tile, trim, mouldings, floor mosaics and ceramic accessories.

918 Jackson Avenue, River Forest Sophisticated and glamorous. Entertaining and practical. Comfortable and relaxing. $1,200,000 Call me for a private showing!

Melisande Van Liedekerke 708.805.0899 | mel@melisandehomes.com

FOR EXCELLENT SERVICE!

oak park

Local Exposure means different things to different people. The members of the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors provide maximum visibility when marketing your home. See what we can do for you.

New ListiNg New ListiNg; 5 Bedroom, spacious home in great Oak Park neighborhood. Needs TLC......................................................................$249,900 Agt. Fred Bernacchi

3 Bdrm CharmiNg CraftsmaN styLe BuNgaLow with loads of original detail. A lovely double sized Lot. 2 porches for seasonal enjoyment. Tandem off 2nd floor Master Suite .......................$385,000 Agt. Grace Irizarry

ElmwooD park

NorTH rIVErSIDE

BriCk eNgLish tudor iN great LoCatioN. Move In Condition. 3 Bdrms., gas fireplace In LR. Updated kitchen & baths. Hardwood floors. 2 car garage. A must see!! Reduced ....................... ...............................$290,000

reduCed!

Agt. Margie Bidinger

reduCed! spaCious raNCh!! Needs some work! 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, partial basement. Formal dining room, Eat in kitchen, large deck off kitchen. Property being sold in “As Is” condition . .................Reduced: $172,500 Agt. Aj Chandler

1009-11 W. Madison St. • 708.524.8400 www.classicproperties.us Serving the Oak Park/River Forest Area for Over 20 years

B30 Wednesday ournalHomes.com

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November 13, 2013

For all of your real estate needs depend on a member of the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors

To find a local expert, go to www.oakparkrealtors.org

Sunday, November 17, 2013

multi-family

condos

AddreSS

reAlty Co.

liStiNg PriCe

time

1005 South Blvd 302, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $174,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4 221 N Kenilworth Ave 209, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $189,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1005 South Blvd 304, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $195,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4

AddreSS

reAlty Co.

liStiNg PriCe

time

316 S Grove Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Realty Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $519,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:-2 435 N . Grove, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $525,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

AddreSS

reAlty Co.

liStiNg PriCe

time

single family homes

110 S Euclid Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Your Holiday Shopping, Resource.

2933 N 73rd Ave, Elmwood Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max in the Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$239,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1220 N Harvey Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $339,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1:30 1120 N Lombard Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $364,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4 910 N Lombard Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $369,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 920 N Lombard Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $369,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 622 S East Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $379,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 819 S Humphrey Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $409,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1177 S Humphrey Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . $489,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 - 1 1112 Fair Oaks Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $499,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 64 Washington Blvd, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $560,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 208 S Cuyler St, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gullo & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $659,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2

townhomes

558 Ashland Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $715,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

AddreSS

reAlty Co.

liStiNg PriCe

time

111 Home Ave 7, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $435,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4 111 Home 6, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $445,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4

This Directory brought to you by

Mortgage Resource Group • Your local source for Conventional, FHA, and Jumbo mortgages for 25 years • New website at mrgloans.com • Free Pre-approvals 7544 W. North Avenue, Elmwood Park, IL 708-452-5151 Mortgage Resource Group, Inc. is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee. License #1031. NMLS #207793

Your Community. Your Web site.

November 13, 2013 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B31

Your Home Belongs on the Stage! Market it with an Accredited Staging Professional!

CALL PATTI SPRAFKA WAGNER ACCREDITED STAGING PROFESSIONAL and a CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST

(708) 218-8102 • pswagner@live.com www.PattiWagner.com www.OakParkRiverForestRealEstate.com NEW LISTING!

NEW LISTING!

SUPER CLEAN 3 BR, 2 BA home with a 1st-floor master suite! Family rm off kitchen, hardwood floors & great space!$328,900

UNDER CONTRACT WITH MULTIPLE BIDS

HERE IS YOUR CHANCE to renovate a home your way! 4 BRS, 1.1 BA, natural fireplace, deep lot & choice location! . . . . . . . . $449,900

NEW LISTING!

A HONEY FOR THE MONEY! 3+ BRS, 2 BA home with a new 2 car garage & 1 extra pkg sp. Needs some updating. . . . . . $135,900

Nickel Group

LIVE IN THIS BRICK 2-FLAT & have the rent you collect help with your mortgage payment! 3 BRS in each unit & 4 car garage! . . . . . . . . $274,900

NEW PRICE!

EXTRA LARGE ROOMS throughout this 3 BR, 1.1 BA sided 2-story. Breakfast rm, hardwood floors, & very convenient location. . . . . . . . . $294,000

CUTE & COZY 3 BR bungalow with woodburning fireplace, hardwood floors & a built-in china cabinet. Ready for you! . . . . . $224,000

Contact Patti for a Market Evaluation. 101 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois 60301 B32 Wednesday ournalHomes.com

■

November 13, 2013

PREVIEW HOUSE Produced by the Advertising Department

Complete & Classy Rehab— Ready for the Holidays

verything has been done. All you have to do is move in. Located at 208 S. Cuyler in Oak Park, this home has been thoughtfully restored to its 1907 beauty! You will marvel at the quality of the renovations, done with an eye for detail and historical appropriateness. A high level of workmanship is evident throughout the house which abounds in period detailing and vintage style. Special attention has been paid to make this house “green” with energy efficient HVAC, appliances and insulation throughout. With four plus bedrooms and three full and one half baths, this is a spacious home with lots of living space suitable for a growing family. Cooking will be a joy in the new gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. You’ll love the perfect master suite as well as the finished basement complete with a bedroom and full bath. 208 S. Cuyler is within walking distance to the CTA Green Line, Beye Elementary School, Julian Middle School, OPRF High School, plus restaurants, shopping, parks and the brand new Ridgeland Pool. Currently the home is offered at $659,000. For more information, contact Laura Maychruk, Gullo & Associates, 708-205-7044.

The best where-toshop, what-to-buy local guide this side of the North Pole! Reach 15,000 homes in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Riverside, North Riverside & Brookfield.

December 11 Space Reservation Deadline: December 6 Publication Date:

To advertise call 708.524.8300

November 13, 2013 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B33

Ready to buy?? Ready to sell?? Please call us now!

Please save the date:

www.GulloRealEstate.com Open Sunday 12-2 208 S. Cuyler, Oak Park

Call David Gullo 708.567.1375

Full Rehab–Ready for the Holidays! ThiS OnE ChECkS ALL ThE bOxES! NEW- Roof, HVAC, 200 amp Elec, Copper Plumbing and MORE! 5 bedrooms, 3½ baths. 4 full finished floors. Gorgeous stained/leaded glass, gleaming hardwood floors, topof-the-line kitchen w/high-end stainless appliances and granite. Full finished basement with full bath and bedroom/office. Master suite, with spa-like bath. Tons of storage. Walk to schools, park, skating rink, pool, trains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$659,000

Call or text Laura Maychruk at 708.205.7044

Austin Weekly News West Side Business Network

Dave@gullorealestate.com

Holiday Party

Call Laura Maychruk 708.205.7044

When: December 17th, 6-9pm Where: Columbus Park Refectory 5701 W. Jackson Boulevard in Chicago (773) 287-0856

Laura@gullorealestate.com

Call Margaret Jones 708.804.0368

Margaret@gullorealestate.com

This family-friendly event will include refreshments, live entertainment, and great networking! But it won’t be the same without you, so please attend.

Gain exposure for your business by becoming a sponsor of this fun event, or by donating a raffle prize! 1600 S 20th Ave., Maywood MAkE An OFFER on this move-in ready brick bungalow in the soughtafter Seminary District. New kitchen, appliances, furnace & hot water heater plus newer baths. 4BR+ sleeping loft on 2nd floor. Great flexible space. Beautiful hardwood floors. New garage door & new garage roof. Lots of storage in freshly painted dry basement. . . . . . . . . . $118,000

Please RSVP to wsbnHolidayParty.eventbrite.com or (708) 613-3303

Contact Margaret 708.804.0368