Side-by-side contrasts have a way of crystallizing neighborhood architectural trends:

This section of W. McLean Ave. is a concise rebuttal to those who equate all of Chicago’s old homes with stately charm and all new condos with garish gaffes. Many of Bucktown’s old bungalows are short, squat, and just plain boring, and these two are no exceptions. Their horizontal lines (brick and clapboards) and brownness seem tired next to the relative height and reflective sheen found at 2229 W. Mclean.

Look a little closer…

…and you can find the facade of the Pulaski Fine Arts Academy across the street. I like this new home — its modesty and tastefulness, its clean lines. Unlike so many unsightly new condos in Bucktown which scream out for attention like spoiled brats, this building is admirably minimalist.

While I’m usually annoyed with dramatic breaks from surrounding designs, sometimes the look of old buildings aren’t worth honoring. This is a great example of an architect staking out new territory in an old neighborhood.

What did you think of this post?

To start your own Chicago neighborhood or topical blog on The Windy Citizen, write to us at editor@windycitizen.com.