When 820 Ashland was built in 1971 in River Forest, it stood in stark contrast to its neighbors: large, traditional-style homes built in the 1910s and 1920s.
With a semi-circular driveway connecting to a garage at the front of the lot and a modern home built around a circular atrium beyond that, the house was also large but threw traditional architecture on its head.
In 2023 when the River Forest Historic Preservation Commission discussed adding significant properties to the list of historic properties in the village, commissioners included the home as a noteworthy building less than 50 years old and classified the style as Modern Eclectic.
An architect, whose name is not known, designed the home for an artist friend. Today, Kim Wojack of Baird and Warner is listing the house for sale for the owners, who purchased it from that artist in 2002.
Wojack notes that the audience for the home might not be large in a village dominated by historic architecture, but she thinks there is a pool of interested buyers who will appreciate the architect’s design and a way of living that’s different from a traditional floor plan. She points to architect Errol Kirsch’s house on Fair Oaks Avenue in Oak Park. Designed in 1982 for the architect himself, the home draws many people to the block for its distinct design.
At 820 Ashland, the exterior of the garage is faced with panels made up of stones. Wojack says it’s a maintenance-free exterior that you don’t see much.
The semi-circular driveway offers entrance to the garage on both sides. The garage is connected to the entrance of the home with a breezeway, offering an entry to the home that’s protected from the elements.
Once inside the home, the interior of the home is flooded with light and natural wood. A circular center room can serve as a formal living space or a lounge beneath the two-story atrium with light pouring in from the windows at the top. A library to one side of the center room has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with a library ladder.
The first floor also offers a perk unusual in these parts: not one, but two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. One bedroom, currently used as the primary bedroom, has two closets and a newer bathroom with a double-sink vanity.
Wojack notes, “Everyone seems to be looking for a primary on the first floor now, so this gives you a lot of options.”
Currently used as a family room, another room on the first floor also has a closet and a private, full bathroom and could be used as a bedroom or second living space.
Updated in 2002-03, the kitchen is open concept and has a powder room. The living room has access to the backyard.
On the second floor, two bedrooms share a bathroom; a third bedroom has a private bathroom; and another room serves as an office and overlooks the center room below on the first floor.
Another perk of a house designed in the modern ages is the full-height basement. A large laundry room can also serve as a backup kitchen with room for a refrigerator and appliances. A workout room and a sauna offer plenty of space for exercise and recovery. A large family room operates as both a game room and a television room. The basement level also has a full bathroom and plenty of room for storage.
Wojack, who notes that her clients are downsizing, says the five-bedroom, five-bathroom house has a lot going for it. The inside is move-in ready, and the home offers a lot of space.
Its unique style is a real part of its appeal, she says and adds, “It’s just really interesting. There’s nothing else like it.”
The home hit the multiple listing service on Thursday, Aug. 7 at $1.2 million.