2651 W. Coyle Avenue
2651 W. Coyle Avenue, the Concaildi House.
Circa: 1925
Original Owner:
Present Owner: Rich Concaildi and Lauri Datta-Concaildi
This house was included in the 2003 Annual Fall House Tour.
When Rich Concaildi and Lauri Datta-Concaildi bought 2651 W. Coyle Avenue in 1994 they had one goal in mind -- to make whatever changes or updates were needed to look like they were always there. At that time Chicago Bungalow owners had little guidance in their restoration efforts. Things changed dramatically in 2000 with Mayor Richard M. Daley's announcement of the Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative (HCBI). Under the program, bungalow homeowners could certify their bungalows with the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association (HCBA), and take advantage of special mortgage rates and financial incentives for restoration of their homes. More importantly, to the Concaildis, the HCBA has also organized an extensive resource list of manufacturers, artisans, and vendors who specialize in restoration or replacement products specifically designed for the historic Chicago bungalow, including the Concaildis.
Their second floor expansion could serve as a model for bungalow improvement. While other owners have opted to modify the original roofline, the Concaildis followed the HCBI Design Guidelines and added four dormers to the second floor without altering the existing roof slope. This created the extra space they needed and still preserved the character of the house.
The interior design of the expansion also respects the historic details of the house. Take note of the choices for the doors, windows, molding, and bathroom furnishings -- all based on details found elsewhere in the house. Also of interest are the vintage porcelain light fixtures purchased from the salvage area of an old neighborhood shop before it closed. Perhaps the best example of the Concaildis' respect for their bungalow's origins is the choice of wall construction -- all new wood lath and plaster -- not one piece of drywall.
While touring this house, be sure to notice the copper and art glass light fixtures in the entry, in the lower level family room, and in the second floor closets. Fellow house tour home owner, Frank Glapa, a Roycraft artisan, crafted them.
