Re-Building.com
A preservation editorial newsletter
Volume 30 - July, 2006
Published by Marty Hackl, River Forest, Illinois
Confirmation: Another John Van Bergen Designed House in Highland Park
(Note: Click on thumbnail pictures for larger images.)
According to the 2002 survey of Northeast Highland Park, The Dr. George B. Lake House at 344 Bloom St. in Highland Park was built in 1936 and was designed by John Van Bergen.
I had not had time to follow it up until today. Even though I had done a thorough street by street survey myself about 8 years ago, I missed this one completely. It is, however easy to understand why. The house cannot be seen from the street at all. It is at the end of a long driveway, the view blocked by dense woods, and it is bordered on two sides by ravines. Another fantastic siting of another fine Van Bergen designed home! This aerial photo illustrates the location of the house and how secluded it is within the neighborhood.
Although I will still pursue as much documentation as I can find, I am confident enough to confirm, from my experience, that this is indeed a Van Bergen design. There are several distinct characteristics, including massing, siting, ornament, and plan that are clear marks of Van Bergen's architecture. Putting those together with the date makes it irrefutable for me.
I was not able to contact the owners, and will attempt that also at a later date. so that I can have a look at the interior and give it a good study. By the way, the chimney is obviously rebuilt and not the original.
Because of the exceptional lot, if this house goes on the market, it is a very good teardown candidate. It has no protection at this time.
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On another front. I has been requested of me twice in the past to make a positive attribution of this house - at 174 Beach Road in Glencoe, Illinois - as having been designed by Van Bergen. One time was when the building was for sale, and they wanted to attach a pedigree to it, with my affirmation, to enhance the market value.
After looking at it on the exterior, I confidently stated that it is NOT A VAN BERGEN DESIGN. I still stand by that, even though it is now listed on the Glencoe Architectural Survey as a Van Bergen. It in no way resembles any of John Van Bergen's work! There is apparently no documentation of any kind for their attribution.
By the way, the exterior is brick - painted, so it kind of looks like stucco in the photo. I might suggest that the design looks much more like the work of the architectural firm of Tallmadge and Watson...for what it's worth.
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