THE WEEKLY REVIEW
A Page For Home Builders
Reviving Stone Architecture
Handsome Homes Now in Course of Erection at North End of Ridge Reveal Striking Possibilities of Rough Limestone
OF particular interest to the building activities along the Ridge, is the construction of two stone houses at the North end of the Ridge in Beverly woods on Hopkins Place near Hoyne and Hamilton Avenues. These are for E. R. Brewer and M. D. Hetherington designed by the firme of Krieg, Hetherington & Hetherington, architects.
These two houses are an important development in the revival of rough stone architecture which many years ago gave way to pressed brick and terra cotta fronts. Rough stone is that material that inspires the architect to delicate and rustic lines that blend with the landscape. The limestone for these houses is quarried at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and varies from white to yellow and blue in colors. The stone is laid into the wall at random and without picking as to shape or size.
The art of laying limestone is now practically a lost trade since the advent of concrete into the building field eighteen or twenty years ago. Consequently, there are but few stone masons who still follow their old calling.
Rough stone architecture in the cities has been dormant in recent years for this reason and also for lack of realization of the possibilities in artistic construction. This same stone can be obtained from along the Drainage Canal or from the Joliet and Lemont quarries but the Beaver Dam stone is desired for its particular color. Actual figures on the E. R. Brewer residence determined that the cost of stone work was not prohibitive as compared with face brick. The bids did not exceed $1,200 or $1,500 beyond those for brick work.
Another innovation that the architects are employing in these two houses, is the use of steel casement windows of English manufacture.
The E. R. Brewer house will cost about $50,000. The first floor plan consists of terrace, large through hall, living room, dining room, kitchen, porch and two car garage. While the second floor will have five bedrooms and three bathrooms. The house will be roofed with beautiful slate of brilliant hues with random widths, exposures and running from three-eighths of an inch to an inch and a half in thickness of slabs. Quarter sawed oak floors and quarter sawed red gum will comprise the interior finish.
When an architect builds a house for himself the result is usually the target of much curiosity and comment. The home which Mr. Hetherington is building for himself will consist of six rooms and garage stall. The cost will be about $20,000. One unique feature of the plan is a large story and a half living room 30 feet long with a 15 foot ceiling and a studio located over the garage opening into this room with a balcony. The second floor consists of two rooms and bath. The topography of the lot will permit many interesting landscape features such as a small creek, bridge, pool and rock ferneries.
Both houses are well along toward completion.
THIS IS THE BREWER HOME
Offering a Splendid Example of English Architecture in Rough Stone
THIS IS THE HETHERINGTON HOME
In a Wonderful Wooded Setting, with Rare Landscaping Opportunities
Original Article
