Highland Park Home Additions

This deep history is evident with Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1901 Willits House standing prominently on Sheridan Road, a testament to the era’s innovative spirit. The National Register further lists local homes by esteemed architects like David Adler, Howard Van Doren Shaw, and Robert Seyfarth, contributing to a diverse and often historically significant housing stock.

Later in the 20th century, particularly through the mid-century, Highland Park saw the development of more modern and ranch-style homes, often with open floor plans and larger windows. The Fort Sheridan Historic District, for example, uniquely repurposed 1890s officers' quarters into one-of-a-kind residences, presenting a distinct set of considerations for remodeling, from preserving historical integrity to adapting layouts for contemporary living. Neighborhoods like Ravinia, which maintained its own village identity until 1899, and Braeside, each with their own UP-N Metra stations, often feature a mix of these architectural styles, with homes reflecting various construction periods and original designs. The walk-to-town lifestyle, anchored by Downtown’s Central Avenue shops and Metra stop, is a key draw, and many homes are designed to take advantage of this proximity. While some areas, particularly along the lakefront and in older sections, feature narrower lots and established landscaping, other subdivisions offer more generous footprints, allowing for potential additions and expanded outdoor living spaces.

For additions, the presence of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Willits House and other architect-designed homes means careful planning to tie into diverse roof lines and foundations, respecting the existing historical integrity. Mid-century modern and ranch-style homes often allow for more flexible additions due to their open floor plans and larger windows, while Fort Sheridan's repurposed officers' quarters demand unique considerations for adapting layouts. Narrower lots in older sections and along the lakefront require creative solutions for setbacks, contrasting with subdivisions offering more generous footprints for expanded outdoor living. Given the architectural significance of many homes, especially within the Fort Sheridan Historic District or properties designed by notable architects, homeowners should anticipate appearance review processes or specific guidelines for exterior changes.

Home additions in Highland Park require comprehensive plan review for structural integrity, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, all of which trigger specific inspections. GS Construction & Remodeling meticulously prepares all necessary documentation and manages the full application and inspection scheduling process through the Civic Access Portal.