Past and Present Remodeling a historic residence takes a lot of soul searching. At some point the project needs to either follow the stylistic template set by the original building, or break away and follow its own path. The owners of this grand 1920s Chicago condominium decided on the latter, with harmonious results. Their apartment featured a small, cramped kitchen that felt cut off from the rooms around it. They asked Wheeler Kearns Architects to open up the kitchen to the dining and sitting areas, allowing light and views to flow unimpeded through the space. “They wanted to make those rooms a contrast to the front of the unit,” says project architect Joy Meek.
So Meek and principal in charge Dan Wheeler abandoned the elaborate molding
The custom cherry cabinetry lining both sides of the room tempers the cool, efficient look of stainless steel counters. Photo: Alan Shortall Photography that characterizes the rest of the apartment for a sleeker look—stainless steel counters, cherry cabinetry, poured concrete floors, and new contemporary windows. The stainless-steel-cased beam running above the island conceals mechanicals, and it provides a handy place for down- and up-lighting. The extra illumination is necessary, since the space isn’t just for socializing. The island’s hard-working north side contains a dishwasher, wine refrigerator, microwave, and warming drawer, all of which supplement the refrigerator, range, and oven on the same side of the room. One person preparing a meal can converse with guests or family members sitting on the opposite side of the island without compromising his or her work space. And the kitchen segues straight into the dining room on one end and sitting area on the other—a very modern idea indeed. Photo: Alan Shortall Photography Project Credits:
Builder: Crown Construction, Chicago; Architect: Wheeler Kearns Architects, Chicago; Project size: 600 square feet (includes dining room and sitting room); Construction cost: Withheld; Photographer: Alan Shortall Photography.
Resources:
Cooktop: Thermador; Dishwasher: Miele; Disposal: Kitchen Aid; Oven: Dacor; Vent: Thermador; Wine refrigerator: Kitchen Aid.
Details Laboratory-like vitrines of steel and glass top the island, supplying extra storage space as well as blocking noise. “When caterers are in the kitchen, you don’t hear them in the dining room,” says project architect Joy Meek.
