1526 W. Sherwin Avenue
1526 W. Sherwin Avenue. (Original Address: 1044 Sherwin Street), the Colovos family residence.
This house was part of the 1993 Annual Fall House Tour.
Circa: 1890
Original Owner: David Simpson
Present (1993) Owner: Phyllis Colovos and Soto Colovos
Built by David Simpson, the third president of Marshall Field's, this unique home was willed to Simpson's sister, Mrs. Kreb. She lived there until her death in 1960 when the estate passed back to Simpson's sons, who sold it to the present (1973) owners, Phyllis and Soto Colovos.
Phyllis and Soto were parents of two children and expecting a third when they purchased their home. Phyllis fell in love with the house "at first sight" and knew immediately it was the place where she wanted to put down roots. They eventually raised their six children here in the house's original 14 rooms. Once their family had grown, the Colovoses decided to remain in their beloved home in Rogers Park. They did extensive remodeling during the 1980s, converting from fourteen to seven rooms. Soto, who is in the import business, has traveled the world, bringing back many art treasures which you will see displayed throughout the house.
The overall design of the Colovoses house is a modification of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School of Architecture. The original architect is unknown. Sitting on a 40 X 160-foot lot, the house has walls of 18-in. solid brick. All 88 windows have been replaced (1993).
The entrance area, or solarium, was at first, open with large wood pillars; later it was enclosed with French-style windows. Notice the wall and plant sink (Spanish tile/oak). Here, as in much of the house, you will see the original oak floors. Beyond the entrance area, an original oak staircase leads to the second and third floors.
The living room was once two rooms until a 1920 addition provided a new dining room. The chandeliers, wall sconces, and oak floors in both rooms are the original ones. Notice the artwork, "City of Cathay," on the living room wall. It is unusual and historically interesting.
The cozy sitting area, with original oak floors, has comfortable sofas and a fireplace, surrounded by built-in bookshelves.
In the 1890s, the casual area was a kitchen, then later a maid's quarters. In 1980, it was converted to a guest bedroom. The bar area was once a butler's pantry separated by French doors from the breakfast area, where the original small low windows were replaced by patio doors when the deck and patio were built. (Notice the butler call-button.) In the kitchen, itself, you will see the floor tiles from Mexico, wall tiles from Holland, and an interesting collection of authentic green Mason jars found in the crawl space under the kitchen.
Moving up to the second floor, there is a small bedroom and bath, still the same size as in the 1890s. The master bedroom, with a bath, was once two small bedrooms. Now the Colovoses enjoy a dressing area, makeup center, sewing and laundry areas, all adjoining this bedroom. Sliding doors lead to a private deck. In the bath, the floor was raised to install indoor plumbing and a skylight was added.
The third floor was originally a separate apartment for staff. It is now (1993) a sleeping area and Phyllis's studio for her various projects.
