Description of 146 Keystone Street, River Forest, IL
Description of 146 Keystone Street, River Forest, IL
Location
Location
Copyright 2018. All Rights Reserved | Gullo & Associates
Copyright 2018. All Rights Reserved | Gullo & Associates
The house is located within 2 to 8 blocks of 3 commuter train routes.
The north overlooks a garden that was laid out by the President of the Oak Park River Forest Garden Club
The 100 block of Keystone is unusually children friendly, there are currently 23 children under the age of 17.
The house is located within 2 to 8 blocks of 3 commuter train routes.
The north overlooks a garden that was laid out by the President of the Oak Park River Forest Garden Club
The 100 block of Keystone is unusually children friendly, there are currently 23 children under the age of 17.
Room Sizes
Room Sizes
Lot Size
68’ x 188’ (12,784 sq.ft)
Lot Size
68’ x 188’ (12,784 sq.ft)
Heated Space
Heated Space
3506 sq. ft. - (not including Basement)
4750 sq. ft - (with Basement)
3506 sq. ft. - (not including Basement)
4750 sq. ft - (with Basement)
Annual House Cost 2016/2017
Annual House Cost 2016/2017
Gas $1,515
Water/ sewer/ garbage $997
Electricity $809
Property Tax 2015-16 $13,421
Gas $1,515
Water/ sewer/ garbage $997
Electricity $809
Property Tax 2015-16 $13,421
House in General
House in General
The frame house has structurally been restored to its original condition or better. All outside paint except the top gables has been stripped, and woodwork has been repaired as required. Chimneys were rebuilt about 20 years ago and, at the same time, the roof was stripped and high quality shingles were installed. A band of ornamental shingles was added between the windows to allow for the house to be painted multi-colors.
The front porch was completely rebuilt about 25 years ago, most of the trim is made from virgin redwood. The handmade balustrade is basically a copy of the one inside the house since there was no way to make the original design meet code
Foundation walls was pressure washed and tuck pointed about 12 years ago, eliminating entrances for field mice!
The basement well is new and faced with stone to match the rest of the house foundation
The sun room and rear porch are new and their windows were specifically made to match the rest of the house.
The south porch is new except for 2 of the original pillars that were altered to meet code for railing height. The design of the porch is based on a 1920 photo and modified to meet code.
The house was built before city water and after water became available the well was filled in. When the well was discovered the water was tested, determined to be drinkable, and a working hand pump was installed.
The sewer line is original, but the branch lines have been replaced. The downspouts have been modified to meet code and the rain water piped underground into the various locations in the yard. The driveway has been laid out so a car can easily turn around and a car can back up to the kitchen door. A new traditional cedar picket fence has been installed that was specifically selected and located for increased privacy. There is a permanently installed classic swing, gymnastics set, and teeter-totter. The rear yard has a sprinkler system.
Regarding the front porch lights; 1 is a lantern, the other floodlights the porch, illuminates the semicircular window in attic and also the cupola light on the top of garage.
The frame house has structurally been restored to its original condition or better. All outside paint except the top gables has been stripped, and woodwork has been repaired as required. Chimneys were rebuilt about 20 years ago and, at the same time, the roof was stripped and high quality shingles were installed. A band of ornamental shingles was added between the windows to allow for the house to be painted multi-colors.
The front porch was completely rebuilt about 25 years ago, most of the trim is made from virgin redwood. The handmade balustrade is basically a copy of the one inside the house since there was no way to make the original design meet code
Foundation walls was pressure washed and tuck pointed about 12 years ago, eliminating entrances for field mice!
The basement well is new and faced with stone to match the rest of the house foundation
The sun room and rear porch are new and their windows were specifically made to match the rest of the house.
The south porch is new except for 2 of the original pillars that were altered to meet code for railing height. The design of the porch is based on a 1920 photo and modified to meet code.
The house was built before city water and after water became available the well was filled in. When the well was discovered the water was tested, determined to be drinkable, and a working hand pump was installed.
The sewer line is original, but the branch lines have been replaced. The downspouts have been modified to meet code and the rain water piped underground into the various locations in the yard. The driveway has been laid out so a car can easily turn around and a car can back up to the kitchen door. A new traditional cedar picket fence has been installed that was specifically selected and located for increased privacy. There is a permanently installed classic swing, gymnastics set, and teeter-totter. The rear yard has a sprinkler system.
Regarding the front porch lights; 1 is a lantern, the other floodlights the porch, illuminates the semicircular window in attic and also the cupola light on the top of garage.
House Interior
House Interior
The gas insert fireplace is not original to the house, but it was made 1 year after the house was built and was made in Chicago. The insert is complete and could be safely used with an exhaust out the side of the house instead of using a chimney. Gas is available under the floor and could be easily connected to the fireplace.
The space under the stairs has been opened up for storage or a ‘Harry Potter’ room. It has a light.
When the house was built hardwood was only used for 1st floor, 2 mantles, and the banisters on the stairs.The mantels and banisters have been stripped of their white and red paint. The landing floor was the original oak, but of an unusual size 1½ “ x 1/4”. It could not be restored, so it was replaced with similar sized oak flooring.
The gas insert fireplace is not original to the house, but it was made 1 year after the house was built and was made in Chicago. The insert is complete and could be safely used with an exhaust out the side of the house instead of using a chimney. Gas is available under the floor and could be easily connected to the fireplace.
The space under the stairs has been opened up for storage or a ‘Harry Potter’ room. It has a light.
When the house was built hardwood was only used for 1st floor, 2 mantles, and the banisters on the stairs.The mantels and banisters have been stripped of their white and red paint. The landing floor was the original oak, but of an unusual size 1½ “ x 1/4”. It could not be restored, so it was replaced with similar sized oak flooring.
Almost all of the interior wood has been stripped and repainted with latex paint Where possible or practical, the original plaster has been repaired (it’s quieter and much less prone to damage than dry wall). About 90% of the windows have been removed, stripped, and repaired as required. About 85% of the windows have been converted to double pane, with modern vinyl tracks and, where possible, the original ‘wavey’ glass has been used, these windows can be considered to be essentially new.
First floor ceiling height is 10’6” and the second floor ceiling height is 9’6”. Most rooms have picture rails to break up the ‘mass’ of the walls. The house originally had picture rails but they were removed in the 1950s.
All the 1st and 2nd floor doors have 5 panels. This door pattern is common for rural areas but it is unusual to find in the Chicago area, and is an indication that the house was built when it was still farmland. Where required, matching doors were found. The doors were originally equipped with locks called Niles or ‘Chicago’ locks. Mr. Niles lived in Oak Park. About 60% of the Niles locks are original to the house or were purchased on EBay.
Copies of drawings, before and after, yard survey, and plat survey are available.
All outer walls are insulated. The 2nd floor ceiling has 9” of insulation and the 3rd floor ceiling has R30/45 insulation.
The house has 200 amp service and all new wiring and outlets, 98% is in conduit. (There is ¾ of a mile of conduit in the house). Hardwired and interconnected smoke and CO2 detectors were installed where required by code. All the indoor plumbing has been replaced.
There is a high gain TV antenna in the attic above the ceiling. The cable from the antenna is connected to several rooms through Mud Room electronic cabinet. The rooms that are likely to be used as an office have hardwired internet and cable.
All bedroom closets have adjustable Closetmaid shelving.
The house originally had gas lights and some of the original wall outlets are still visible. The speaking tube from the bedroom closet to the kitchen is still there, but not usable. The wood patch in the middle of the family room floor (it was originally the dining room) was for the button under the dining table to call the maid.
Almost all of the interior wood has been stripped and repainted with latex paint Where possible or practical, the original plaster has been repaired (it’s quieter and much less prone to damage than dry wall). About 90% of the windows have been removed, stripped, and repaired as required. About 85% of the windows have been converted to double pane, with modern vinyl tracks and, where possible, the original ‘wavey’ glass has been used, these windows can be considered to be essentially new.
First floor ceiling height is 10’6” and the second floor ceiling height is 9’6”. Most rooms have picture rails to break up the ‘mass’ of the walls. The house originally had picture rails but they were removed in the 1950s.
All the 1st and 2nd floor doors have 5 panels. This door pattern is common for rural areas but it is unusual to find in the Chicago area, and is an indication that the house was built when it was still farmland. Where required, matching doors were found. The doors were originally equipped with locks called Niles or ‘Chicago’ locks. Mr. Niles lived in Oak Park. About 60% of the Niles locks are original to the house or were purchased on EBay.
Copies of drawings, before and after, yard survey, and plat survey are available.
All outer walls are insulated. The 2nd floor ceiling has 9” of insulation and the 3rd floor ceiling has R30/45 insulation.
The house has 200 amp service and all new wiring and outlets, 98% is in conduit. (There is ¾ of a mile of conduit in the house). Hardwired and interconnected smoke and CO2 detectors were installed where required by code. All the indoor plumbing has been replaced.
There is a high gain TV antenna in the attic above the ceiling. The cable from the antenna is connected to several rooms through Mud Room electronic cabinet. The rooms that are likely to be used as an office have hardwired internet and cable.
All bedroom closets have adjustable Closetmaid shelving.
The house originally had gas lights and some of the original wall outlets are still visible. The speaking tube from the bedroom closet to the kitchen is still there, but not usable. The wood patch in the middle of the family room floor (it was originally the dining room) was for the button under the dining table to call the maid.
Heating and Air Conditioning
Heating and Air Conditioning
A single high efficiency boiler (95%) heats house and domestic hot water. The older boiler (85% efficient) can be used as a backup. If desired, with minor modification, it could be used with the new boiler when the weather is extremely cold. The hot water and AC is piped to air handlers in the basement and on 3rd floor.
This method of heating eliminates the need for a water heater and an additional furnace.
Since the boiler is sealed and exhausts out the side of the house, it eliminates possibility of carbon monoxide problems.
The HVAC is 3 years old and has 3 zones. By switching the fans from ‘On’ to ‘Auto’ the HVAC can be partially restricted to the rooms where the thermostat is located.
A single high efficiency boiler (95%) heats house and domestic hot water. The older boiler (85% efficient) can be used as a backup. If desired, with minor modification, it could be used with the new boiler when the weather is extremely cold. The hot water and AC is piped to air handlers in the basement and on 3rd floor.
This method of heating eliminates the need for a water heater and an additional furnace.
Since the boiler is sealed and exhausts out the side of the house, it eliminates possibility of carbon monoxide problems.
The HVAC is 3 years old and has 3 zones. By switching the fans from ‘On’ to ‘Auto’ the HVAC can be partially restricted to the rooms where the thermostat is located.
The fireplace has been completely rebuilt and the chimney was lined with stainless steel. There are power outlets over the fireplace and in 2 walls for a TV or picture lights. This room has all the original plaster. The stained glass window has been restored.
The fireplace has been completely rebuilt and the chimney was lined with stainless steel. There are power outlets over the fireplace and in 2 walls for a TV or picture lights. This room has all the original plaster. The stained glass window has been restored.
Front Door/Entryway
Front Door/Entryway
Front Hall
Front Hall
Replacements for the encaustic tile floor could not be found, so a floor of similar color and design was imported from England. The etched glass in the entry way doors was made from the original large window in the dining room, 130 year old glass. The original entry way door stained glass windows have been returned by the house’s previous owner’s daughter on condition that they remain with the house.
Replacements for the encaustic tile floor could not be found, so a floor of similar color and design was imported from England. The etched glass in the entry way doors was made from the original large window in the dining room, 130 year old glass. The original entry way door stained glass windows have been returned by the house’s previous owner’s daughter on condition that they remain with the house.
Front Parlor
Front Parlor
Sun Room/Breakfast Room
Sun Room/Breakfast Room
Dining Room
Dining Room
The wainscoting in not original, and the trim has been reproduced. However, the original stained glass window has been repaired and restored.
The wainscoting in not original, and the trim has been reproduced. However, the original stained glass window has been repaired and restored.
The fireplace has been completely rebuilt and the chimney has been lined. The insert is not original but is contemporary to the house. The faux marble mantel piece is made of Vermont slate. Between 1850 and1900 this type of mantel was popular. Note the ‘secret’ drawers in the right hand side of the chimney.
There is a power outlet over the fireplace with 2 separate circuits that could either be used for a TV or a picture frame light.
The fireplace has been completely rebuilt and the chimney has been lined. The insert is not original but is contemporary to the house. The faux marble mantel piece is made of Vermont slate. Between 1850 and1900 this type of mantel was popular. Note the ‘secret’ drawers in the right hand side of the chimney.
There is a power outlet over the fireplace with 2 separate circuits that could either be used for a TV or a picture frame light.
Family Room
Family Room
Kitchen
Kitchen
The back staircase, the door for the ice man, the food pantry, and back yard doors have been removed from the kitchen. The kitchen door has been replaced by 2 large windows overlooking the back yard. The butler’s pantry was removed to give open access to the kitchen from the living room. The food pantry is now the mud room. The original pass-though door between the butler’s pantry and food pantry is now the door for the house electronics that is in the mud room.
The kitchen island is actually a table and is moveable and has 2 power outlets. The table top is made from 130 year old wall studs salvaged from the butler’s pantry.
There is a breakfast ‘nook’ with an outstanding view of the back yard.
The light fixture above the table can be actuated by a light sensitive timer.
The kitchen stove is ‘dual fuel’ and the microwave is ‘in a drawer’. Electrical provision has been made for a garbage disposal.
The kitchen floor is white oak, harder wearing than the original maple floor. (The rest of the house is red oak).
The back staircase, the door for the ice man, the food pantry, and back yard doors have been removed from the kitchen. The kitchen door has been replaced by 2 large windows overlooking the back yard. The butler’s pantry was removed to give open access to the kitchen from the living room. The food pantry is now the mud room. The original pass-though door between the butler’s pantry and food pantry is now the door for the house electronics that is in the mud room.
The kitchen island is actually a table and is moveable and has 2 power outlets. The table top is made from 130 year old wall studs salvaged from the butler’s pantry.
There is a breakfast ‘nook’ with an outstanding view of the back yard.
The light fixture above the table can be actuated by a light sensitive timer.
The kitchen stove is ‘dual fuel’ and the microwave is ‘in a drawer’. Electrical provision has been made for a garbage disposal.
The kitchen floor is white oak, harder wearing than the original maple floor. (The rest of the house is red oak).
Garage
Garage
Master Bathroom
Master Bathroom
Master Bedroom
Master Bedroom
Basement/Recreation/Pool Room/Wine Cellar/Bar
Basement/Recreation/Pool Room/Wine Cellar/Bar
Second Floor
Second Floor
Newly constructed to overlook the back yard. The floor and the floor in the mud room are hard wearing quarry tiles. Rectified tiles have been used for the Victorian look and to eliminate dirt catching grout lines.
Newly constructed to overlook the back yard. The floor and the floor in the mud room are hard wearing quarry tiles. Rectified tiles have been used for the Victorian look and to eliminate dirt catching grout lines.
There are two chests of drawers built in under the stairs, and also a small ‘Harry Potter’ room under the stairs. One of the clothes closets has 2 doors, remaining from when the house was constructed so that the children could get to the master bedroom without going through the hall. This now gives access to the front bedroom which can be used as a sitting room or a nursery.
Off this bedroom is a private balcony above the south porch. This deck has a power outlet. It should also be noted that the mosquitos never seem to come up this high.
The master bathroom is not obvious from the bedroom.
There are two chests of drawers built in under the stairs, and also a small ‘Harry Potter’ room under the stairs. One of the clothes closets has 2 doors, remaining from when the house was constructed so that the children could get to the master bedroom without going through the hall. This now gives access to the front bedroom which can be used as a sitting room or a nursery.
Off this bedroom is a private balcony above the south porch. This deck has a power outlet. It should also be noted that the mosquitos never seem to come up this high.
The master bathroom is not obvious from the bedroom.
There are 4 bedrooms. The floors in these rooms and hall where originally painted red. In about 1920 they were covered with 2” by 3/8” T&G red oak flooring which appears have only been sold in Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Where possible this flooring has been restored showing the patina of age and use. Where it was not possible, (2 bedrooms) it was replaced with identical sized flooring
There are 4 bedrooms. The floors in these rooms and hall where originally painted red. In about 1920 they were covered with 2” by 3/8” T&G red oak flooring which appears have only been sold in Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Where possible this flooring has been restored showing the patina of age and use. Where it was not possible, (2 bedrooms) it was replaced with identical sized flooring
Equipped with 2 sink vanity and electric towel warmer (on a timer). The laundry ‘baskets’ are in a drawer under the stairs. There is a night light above the vanity and an outlet in the cabinet to charge appliances.
Equipped with 2 sink vanity and electric towel warmer (on a timer). The laundry ‘baskets’ are in a drawer under the stairs. There is a night light above the vanity and an outlet in the cabinet to charge appliances.
Linen Closet and Laundry ‘Room’
Linen Closet and Laundry ‘Room’
The linen closet was where the back stairs were located and the original linen closet is now a washer and dryer. It is equipped with an emergency drain pan.
The linen closet was where the back stairs were located and the original linen closet is now a washer and dryer. It is equipped with an emergency drain pan.
Family Bathroom
Family Bathroom
Designed to retain the Victorian theme. Has a 6ft bathtub and a cabinet for laundry. There is a night light above the corner cabinet. It has an electrically heated towel rail on a timer. There is an electrical outlet in the corner cabinet for appliances that need to be charged.
Designed to retain the Victorian theme. Has a 6ft bathtub and a cabinet for laundry. There is a night light above the corner cabinet. It has an electrically heated towel rail on a timer. There is an electrical outlet in the corner cabinet for appliances that need to be charged.
Third Floor
Third Floor
Mechanical Room - Heat exchanger for HVAC and storage area.
Bathroom - Has a night light under the vanity.
Bedroom – The alcove bed is equipped with a light and internet access.
Playroom/Office/Bedroom – Equipped with internet and cable. The ‘twisted chimney’ room, is storage space, and could easily be made into a small kitchen.
Mechanical Room - Heat exchanger for HVAC and storage area.
Bathroom - Has a night light under the vanity.
Bedroom – The alcove bed is equipped with a light and internet access.
Playroom/Office/Bedroom – Equipped with internet and cable. The ‘twisted chimney’ room, is storage space, and could easily be made into a small kitchen.
The 7’ stone and brick walls have been tuck pointed, the ceiling was dry ice blasted, and the floor was coated in epoxy. The windows are above ground, so there is plenty of light. The light fixtures are ‘steam punk’. They were handmade specifically for the basement. The copper covered wet bar has a high quality beer refrigerator. The insulated wine cellar has capacity for about 300 bottles. There are 4 options with respect to lighting control.
Additionally there is a basement well with plenty of storage space, a boiler room and storage area with 2 boilers and a 50 gallon hot water storage tank. There is 200 amp power supply, a 40 (clearly marked) circuit breaker panel, and a sump pump. The mechanical room and workshop house an air handler and central humidifier for the 1st floor, and basement, and an additional sump pump. Plus a half bathroom.
The 7’ stone and brick walls have been tuck pointed, the ceiling was dry ice blasted, and the floor was coated in epoxy. The windows are above ground, so there is plenty of light. The light fixtures are ‘steam punk’. They were handmade specifically for the basement. The copper covered wet bar has a high quality beer refrigerator. The insulated wine cellar has capacity for about 300 bottles. There are 4 options with respect to lighting control.
Additionally there is a basement well with plenty of storage space, a boiler room and storage area with 2 boilers and a 50 gallon hot water storage tank. There is 200 amp power supply, a 40 (clearly marked) circuit breaker panel, and a sump pump. The mechanical room and workshop house an air handler and central humidifier for the 1st floor, and basement, and an additional sump pump. Plus a half bathroom.
The garage was specifically designed to match the house. The gable ends shingle patterns were specifically made to match those on the house. To minimize the impact on the back yard, the garage is for 2 cars, but has extra depth required a variance to be allowed to build to the height of 24ft It has the wood garage doors, and the windows are located specifically for security. The garage has a 240 volt circuit for charging an electric or hybrid car.
The garage was specifically designed to match the house. The gable ends shingle patterns were specifically made to match those on the house. To minimize the impact on the back yard, the garage is for 2 cars, but has extra depth required a variance to be allowed to build to the height of 24ft It has the wood garage doors, and the windows are located specifically for security. The garage has a 240 volt circuit for charging an electric or hybrid car.