Brininstool + Lynch renovated this three-story 19th-century building in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood into street-level retail space with a residence on the top two floors. Following historic preservation guidelines, the architects restored the limestone façade listed on the National Register of Historic Places, while removing the interior structure of the house to open it up and maximize natural light. The façade windows were redesigned to match the historic frames. At the back, two-thirds of the masonry wall was replaced with a new wood-wrapped structural steel frame and window configuration.

The interior palette features simple but warm materials. The floors are quarter sewn red oak in the main rooms, Vermont slate in the hallways and bathrooms, and cork in the kitchen. Living spaces are defined by custom-designed maple, mahogany, and birch wood panels that double as shelving and storage units; custom cabinets in the kitchen and dining room conceal television sets and appliances, and the bedrooms feature built-in maple bureaus. The rear of the house overlooks a courtyard, a tranquil urban refuge that maintains the soothing interior palette of the main house.

The architects also renovated an existing coach house at the rear of the lot into a two-car garage and guesthouse, with a full kitchen, two bedrooms, and a shared bath on the second floor. In good weather, the kitchen of the coach house opens onto the courtyard with sliding glass doors, transforming the space into an outdoor entertaining and dining area.