Re-Building.com
A preservation editorial newsletter
Volume 29 - July, 2006
Published by Martin Hackl, River Forest, Illinois
Two More Van Bergen Structures Await Demolition
Architect John Van Bergen's own home in Barrington Hills awaits probable demolition
What remains of the last home in Illinois of Prairie School architect John Van Bergen and his wife Ruth, is for sale. One of his signature flat roofed houses, and a guest house, were completed in 1951. The main house was heavily altered in a 1980s remodeling and large expansion. The guest house, which the Van Bergens called "the Shack", has undergone some remodeling but, architecturally, remains essentially intact.
Both structures are still part of a single property totaling 12 acres. The property is for sale at 2.95 million dollars. As with so many of Van Bergen's designs - most of them small houses - it is sited within a magnificent landscape with an equally magnificent view. Unfortunately, those sites are some of the most desirable in now wealthy suburban areas. This one is the best example of that. The original house of under 2000 square feet, because it is small, is not desirable in that marketplace. The property is on a hill and overlooks a nature preserve. The view is breathtaking! WOW! Nice front yard, huh?
The house, at what was 334, and is now 338 Old Sutton Road, was the last house that the Van Bergens built for themselves in Illinois before moving to California.
This house was originally on 30 acres of land on a slope looking down into an artificial pond (originally a stream that was dammed by Van Bergen). It was one story, common brick, with flat ponded roofs. The roofs could be flooded to assist in hot weather cooling through evaporation. The house contained one bedroom, a studio, two bathrooms, a solarium and a built-in dog house. Inside throughout were concrete floors covered with wax with radiant heating underneath. Though the house has been substantially altered and enlarged with a large indoor swimming pool added, part of the original brick chimney and parts of two exterior brick walls are still visible.
The Van Bergens bought this property in August, 1950 and construction was started that October. They moved in on August 1, 1951. In February, 1954 it was sold and John and Ruth left for California in March. This is the only surviving photo of the house outside of those in a newspaper feature.
The house was featured in an early 1950's Chicago Daily News (now defunct) article. These clipping are from Van Bergens own collection of materials and possessions, very few of which survived the 1964 fire which destroyed their California home.
It was a surprise to me that the guest house still existed. When I visited the property only briefly about 7 years ago, it must have been well hidden by trees on the heavily wooded property. I didn't see it and wrongly assumed that it had been demolished. So I was exhilarated to find this week that it still stood, and is still architecturally intact.
Earlier this week, I received permission to visit the site and take exterior photographs . I was asked not to approach the guest house however, to respect the privacy of a tenant still living there. So this is the best photo that I could get.
You can see the flat roof covered with debris and weeds. Obviously, no maintenance is being performed in anticipation of demolition.
The main house is now abandoned. Following it's abandonment by tenants last Winter, the pipes of the original under-floor radiant heating system froze and burst, causing much damage to the interior.
It was exciting for me to find that the only section of the original house that still remains visible is the corner where Van Bergen's studio was. As I looked in the window, and touched the brick I got a little emotional. Silly, I know. I took this photo of a picture in my book, of him in the studio, as I held the book up against the same exterior window.
These are pictures of the house as it looks today:
I walked away from the property knowing I would never see it again.
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Next door is the Howard Terpning house also designed by Van Bergen. This one will also probably not survive after its next change of ownership. Several years ago, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to copy the original owner's blueprints for the Terpning house. By the way, Mr. and Mrs. Terpning were the parents of Howard Terpning Jr., the famous painter of western scenes and Hollywood movie posters. I have exchanged some correspondence with the family, and will follow up as time permits.
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Finally, last weekend, I also visited Van Bergen's first house in Highland Park at 234 Cedar. At the moment it is not protected in any way, and it is for sale. I am encouraged however that the owners are thinking seriously about its long term preservation.
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