Ever wonder what secrets lie within the walls of a Chicago landmark? Today we’re standing in front of Colvin House. It is located at 5940 North Sheridan Road. This house has quite the story to tell.
Colvin House was built in 1909. The architect was George W. Maher. He was a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright. The house showcases the Prairie Style architecture. It became a Chicago Landmark in 1994.
Edwin M. Colvin, his wife Clara, and their four children called this place home. Edwin Colvin worked in the printing industry. He became an executive at F.W. Hall Printing Company. Colvin moved to Chicago in 1885.
The design of Colvin House appeared in Architectural Record in 1916. It reflected Maher’s style. He had previously designed houses like Pleasant Home and the A.B. Leach house.
But the Colvin House fell into neglect for decades. Then Angela Valavanis stepped in. She is the owner of Creative Coworking in Evanston. In 2016, she bought the property for $1.15 million. She planned to transform it into a co-working space.
Valavanis and her team painstakingly restored the mansion. They repaired water damage. They applied fresh paint. Original lighting fixtures and floors were restored. French doors were added. Bedrooms and butler rooms became private offices and conference rooms.
Colvin House now has five private offices. There are also five meeting rooms. The first floor features two large event rooms. Two shared workrooms are also available.
Creative Coworking offers various membership options here. Occasional use memberships start at $75 a month. Premiere packages cost $350 a month. Offices and suites can be reserved for $1,000 to $2,000 a month. Larger areas can host private events.
Valavanis also welcomes tours during business hours. Anyone can see the house. Not just potential renters.
The renovation of Colvin House was extensive. It cost as much or more than buying the property. Valavanis felt it was worth saving the building. She wanted the community to use it. Neighbors showed genuine love for Colvin House.
Many original details were saved or replaced with similar ones. Dark gold paint was replaced with a lighter cream. Water-damaged walls became a calming blue. Modern amenities were added. These included a commercial kitchen, fire doors, and a wheelchair lift.
One unique feature remained unchanged. A shocking pink second-floor bathroom. The cream and yellow Spanish-style exterior also remained mostly untouched. It is protected by the city’s landmark ordinance.
A mural by Greenstar Movement sits just outside Colvin House. It pays homage to the neighborhood’s cultures. It also incorporates elements of the house. Tulip and triangle designs are repeated throughout the facade. Valavanis ensured every detail was carefully considered.
Colvin House stands as a testament to preservation. It is a blend of history and modern use. It welcomes the community to appreciate its beauty. It also provides a unique workspace. The Colvin House is more than just a building. It is a living piece of Chicago history.