two-story post-fire workers cottage built for valdemar mortonsen in 1876 faces demolition

in november of 2017 i wrote a blog post about this two-story post-fire workers cottage likely built for valdemar mortonsen in 1876. the largely intact brick cottage with pine wood bracketed cornice features "artificial stone" window hoods with distinctive keystones accentuated with palmettes.

i was alarmed when the house went up for sale, with the agent describing it as: "Super hot area!!! New construction all over! Very close to 90/94 highway entrance, public transportation, shopping, nightlife and more!! Complete gut rehab or tear down and rebuild. Please drive by first."

fast forward to march of 2019 when i finally had time to "make the rounds." not only was the "for sale" sign gone, but machine and sidewalk markings indicate utilities were likely cut - or will be soon. there's a good chance the green fence will go up in the coming weeks and the house reduced to rubble shortly thereafter.

further reading:

VALDEMAR MORTONSEN TWO-STORY BRICK COTTAGE THREATENED WITH DEMOLITION

BLDG. 51 LAUNCHES NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION FOR PRESERVING CHICAGO WORKERS COTTAGES

POST-FIRE CHICAGO BRICK WORKERS COTTAGE WITH RARE "ARTIFICIAL STONE" EXTERIOR ORNAMENT FACES DEMOLITION