Because this is a blog about unusually unattractive new buildings in Chicago's residential neighborhoods, I cannot resist inaugurating it with this doozy:
Would you spend $1.9 million for this giant, 4-bedroom, 4.5 bathroom single-family mirror? If your answer is no, you are not alone. The property, at 1809 N. Hoyne Ave. (at the corner of W. Churchill St., just north of North Ave.) in Bucktown, has been on the market since August 2007, but no takers quite yet. Apparently the building's jacuzzi, radiant heat, "smart-home wiring," spa/steam shower and bidet (!) do not adequately distract from its massive reflective facade. I wonder if anyone actually craves a building like this ("I demand Bucktown's biggest window!"), and am amazed that, according to the real-estate company marketing it, the developer may have designed it with no specific buyer in mind. That's quite a gamble. With complete corner exposure, whoever buys this home is buying the notoriety that comes with owning one of the strangest objects in Bucktown. Its ugliness is compounded by the converted warehouse directly across the street, which does a much better job of blending condos into the neighborhood. I'm all for creative residential designs, but I'm also a fan of continuity, of buildings that blend together enough in style and size to create the sense of a neighborhood - rather than a fashion runway. This building, a member of @properties' "Luxury Collection," is a great example of why long-time residents of neighborhoods like Bucktown fear change so much. Neighborhood change can be good. But it doesn't have to be this ugly (note on the picture: $1.9 million buys only the left side of the semi-circle): 
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1 year 22 weeks ago
I, for one, happen to like it. I would consider living in it if it were in a nicer neighborhood than Bucktown.
1 year 20 weeks ago
It's actually pretty cool, but seems very out of place. I think the house wood be more appropriate on some wooded property somewhere.
1 year 18 weeks ago
awkward home
1 year 18 weeks ago
The writer has no sense of design, and even more important: no sense of what a home is.
The layout and interior innovation of a home is what's important. These images are of buildings that were thoughtfully designed and I hope their interiors follow suit.
We all should remember what a home really is. It is not the aesthetic, but the function.
Behind the times is the word on anyone who isn't comfortable with change. We have all dwelled to long in homes based on the ideas and needs of the past. It is time for change, and these are only small examples.
I mean not to say they are all perfect and that modern architecture is our only means of innovation. But it is a symbol of our next steps to simplify our lives and begin to realize the American Dream shouldn't be about a giant facade, an expensive automobile, and a salary that allows adequate financing.
Our lives should be of leisure, playfulness, and bettering our future. So, don't be the bigot that calls Obama a non-patriot. And don't be the shallow loud mouth who combats change by calling it ugly.
-CJT
1 year 17 weeks ago
It looks like a butt! Ha HA!
9 weeks 1 day ago
i was running a google search on modern condos in the chiagoland area, when i regrettfully stumbled on this blog. i was shocked to find dozens of posts bashing custom modern architecture found in the city. in some cases i can agree that the homes were not well designed nor did they achieve the correct aesthetic which accompanies modern living. however to create a blog about your personal opinion of which homes are not to your liking is a bit much. im not sure what style of homes you prefer, most likely vintage buildings, or cookie cutter lincoln park condos being mass produced. and who's to say that you have the right to openly bash these homes. i wasnt aware that your journalism major yields architecture critic position. maybe you should just stick to pen and paper instead.
What do you know about this?