1846 Blodgett House Relocation and Restoration
Built in 1846 by pioneer Israel Blodgett, the Blodgett House is a significant chapler in the history of the Underground Railroad and Downers Grove, Illinois. This chapter has been saved due to the dedicated efforts of a group of private citizens who formed The Downers Grove Heritage Preservation Corp. and stepped forward to see that this piece of history was not demolished. It is with great pride that Chicago Project Mangement joins them in the restoration and relocation of this important home from our past. House Structure At first glance, the Blodgett House does not appear to be worth the effort being put into saving it from demolition. However, under closer examination you quickly see that this is no ordinary house. The floor joists, visible from the basement, are hand hewed logs, likely felled on the immediate property. The framing members are all joined by mortise and tendon joints held together by wooden pegs. These and other small details are noted by Charlie Pipal, historical architect for the project. House Relocation The 1846 Blodgett House was originally constructed by Israel and Avis Blodgett on the site that is now the Downers Grove Historical Museum and is also the 1890 Blodgett House. The Downers Grove Park District approved the movementof the original home back to the 831 Maple site and its full restoration. The addition to the right and the front...
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Unity Temple
Frank Lloyd Wright’s historic Unity Temple in Oak Park, IL is suffering from serious roof concrete failure as it marks its 100th anniversary. As the owner’s representative for the Congregation, Chicago Project Management will place primary focus on keeping the sanctuary as safe as possible during the on-going work. The current phase will repair the roof / ceiling slab located directly above the organ and pulpit. The first challenge for the General Contractor, Zera Construction, is the erection of the interior scaffold that supports the roof during removal and replacement. And it is all hidden by Chicago Project Management installed muslin drapes, just in time for two scheduled weddings. Roof Repairs The shoring continues to pass the load through the foyer and sanctuary roofs to support the cantilevered slabs typical of Frank Lloyd Wright designs. The roof slab concrete has deteriorated significantly in areas where the leaking roof membrane has subjected it to years of water damage. When the original cinder based concrete is removed, the original rusted steel rebar is exposed. All failed concrete is removed and additional rebar is installed. Zinc anodes are attached to the sandblasted and coated steel to greatly increase its life. While the concrete is brought to the roof in buckets. The CTL Group performs testing to confirm the light weight concrete mix meets their specifications. And then the crew from Zera Construction...
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LaGrange, IL Chapel Conversion
This darling little chapel in LaGrange, IL was built by Swedish brick masons in 1895. After the congregation out-grew it’s limited size and moved across the street, it went through ownership by a series of small congregations and was then purchased by it’s current owner in 2005. Her dream was to convert it into a comfortable modern home with unlimited character and charm! Her first step was to call Dan Ruzic of Chicago Project Mangement. The rest is described here! The main foyer leads past two original pews to an art wall. Brick and overhead joists have been exposed and sandblasted. The kitchen opens to the living and dining area in the full height sanctuary space with original floors restored and ceiling beams exposed. Viewed from the opposite end, the loft master bedroom, track lighting and the original pulpit can be seen. Kitchen and accent colors throughout the interior are inspired by the fully restored stained glass windows. The open view from the master bedroom is of the beamed ceiling with dramatic lighting changes throughout the day. The master walk-through shower to the whirlpool tub is surrounded by frosted glass and stained glass windows. The two lower level bedrooms have exposed floor joists above and sandblasted beams and posts. The lower level bath also has a walk-through whole body shower to a deep soaking tub. Design Team The key...
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