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a closer look at a controversial old town "rotted" post fire 19th century workers cottage

the studs and sheathing along the north wall are severely compromised and will need to be replaced. with the exception of the facade, the cottage's framing will no doubt be largely replaced, including the interlocking sill plates. additionally, i would be curious to know if any of the original interior millwork (e.g., casings, doors, staircase newel and spindles) was saved for reinstallation if and when the 19th century post-fire cottage is restored.

when questioned about the ongoing threat of demolition to chicago's architecture during the 1960's, the late richard nickel responded by saying "great architecture has only two natural enemies: water and stupid men."

in the case of a 19th century workers cottage at 1720 north sedgwick avenue, nickel's proposal rings true. water (plus possible termite infestation) is visible throughout the images i captured last weekend. as for the latter enemy, i'm hesitant to offer an opinion until my "investigation" is complete. if, however, deliberate negligence was the owner's strategy to have the house demolished when purchased in 2015, then these images provide a striking example of civic vandalism, which according to alderman michele smith, is a "disturbing trend" where owner's intentionally defer maintenance as a strategy to have a property razed, to build new structures on the land. reporter ted cox of dna chicago covers the story in greater detail. the image gallery provides unsurprising evidence of more 19th century architecture that hangs in the balance, imperiled by the confluence of issues that create a road to demolition.

click here for more on ted cox's coverage of the "rotted" old town cottage (dna chicago).

 

 

based on preliminary research, the north side chicago post-fire wood-framed cottage was likely built soon after the fire. an 1886 city sanborn insurance map shows the house in question plus three neighboring wood cottages that likely were built around the same time. with the exception of 1720 north sedgewick, the other cottages are extant and largely unaltered.

the following images provide a detailed photographic record and/or condition "report" of the facade and side walls, with zoom lens used to capture the extensive water and/or termite damage evident in the cottage's pine wood structural framing.

the facade is largely intact, with the original clapboard (no indication or wire nails suggesting the siding is an early replacement) weathered, but free from irreparable damage. the dentiled bargeboard and/or bracketed cornice is salvageable, but repairs are essential.

the largely uniform south wall sheathing (fully exposed) remains in good condition.

what what i can see from afar, the studs, ledger, interlocking joists and sheathing (original to date of construction) appear to be structurally sound along the south wall.

it's clearly evident that the sill plates or "beams" will need to be replaced - at least along the northern wall. the interlocking sill plate (note the darkened area where the beam has been notched or mortised to fit the tenon of the adjoining perpendicular beam supporting the studs and/or facade's wall system) supports the vertical members (i.e., studs) that lath and sheathing are attached to.

 

 



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