SECOND-EMPIRE CLASSIC

This comprehensive project underscores the extensive skills of John Robert Wiltgen Design. The home was originally built around the turn of the 19th century, with two stories situated on a 30-foot wide lot. The owners planned to remodel the kitchen and add a breakfast room. JRWD completed that work and added two additional stories, an elevator, four new staircases, a spa, exercise room, atrium, four balconies and beautiful exterior gardens with a waterfall. This is just a glimpse of the truly remarkable features skillfully integrated into this expanding vintage residence.

Front Façade

This urban row house became a striking Second-Empire style residence with copper Mansard, wrought iron roof cresting and stone bands between the floors. Heated sidewalks, steps and terraces offer modern convenience.

Foyer and Staircase

Allowing for the creation of a gracious new entry, the original staircase located five feet from the front entrance was eliminated. A third and fourth floor were added and the garden level (excavated to increase ceiling heights).

Foyer

Creating a spiral staircase provided room for this sociable foyer. An arched mahogany and glass door opens into the new entry defined by a patterned marble floor, a JRWD signature.

Spiral Staircase

Gracefully spiraling from the garden level to the third floor, this dramatic staircase with hand carved balusters and handrail, replaces the original straight band of stairs.

Living Room

New moldings were crafted in a traditional style to appear vintage. The 1840’s French Empire marble mantel with bronze ormolu trim and antique gilt mirror compliment the architectural detailing of the living room.

Living Room Bay Window

Two Victorian parlors were combined to create the living room. The sofa, tailored to fit the bay window, is finished with custom hand tied bullion fringe.

Dining Room

Merging 21st Century technology with the past, JRWD installed a radiant heat system under the sub flooring of the Versailles patterned cherry hardwood floors. The French Empire dining room chandelier was wired for electric lights and enhanced with recessed halogen lighting and antique wall sconces.

Powder Room Foyer

A small but elegant hallway off the dining room conceals the entry to a powder room. To compliment the antique Dutch curio, JRWD had craftsmen create the lower cabinet, which is embellished with similar hand painted landscapes.

Kitchen

A pair of Viking ranges give this kitchen the professional edge this restaurateur desired. The antique alabaster light fixtures and dark teak floors make it an attractive place to gather.

Master Bedroom

Attention to detail makes this master bedroom truly exquisite. Key elements include a rock crystal and amethyst chandelier, silver leaf four-poster bed and custom hand painted chests.

Exterior Balcony

Turrets and spires surround the Juliet balcony perched atop the elevator, overlooking the roof top deck and Chicago skyline. Decorative 22-karat gold spheres are grounded to prevent lightning damage.

Roof Top Deck

The spacious rooftop deck has an al fresco kitchen complete with Viking rotisserie grill, under the counter refrigerator with brick veneer, icemaker and granite countertops. A television deftly nestled in the brick wall makes this a perfect space for entertaining.

Limestone Bust

JRWD frequently incorporates found objects into their projects to add character and detail. This limestone bust previously adorned an office building in St. Louis.

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