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Gutted 1899 Chicago firehouse turned bright and roomy home lists in North Center

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The adapted structure is believed to be Chicago’s last remaining wood frame firehouse

Photos by Baird & Warner

Located in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood, this renovated 1899 wood frame firehouse turned spacious single-family home hit the market just this afternoon. While brick eventually became the preferred building material for firehouses, timber was still a somewhat common choice around the turn of the century. According to Forgotten Chicago, this example on Cuyler Avenue was first built for Engine Company 86 before closing in 1932. It is understood to be the Windy City’s last remaining frame-style firehouse.

After undergoing a full gut rehab, the first level of the unusual residence features high ceilings, overhead wood beams, a modern kitchen, a flexible floorplan, and—of course—a red garage-style door. Upstairs, the three bright (but unstaged) bedrooms are joined by a pair of bathrooms and a den. The property also includes a large front/side yard and an attached two-car garage. Currently seeking $1.04 million, the renovated North Side residence was previously offered as a $4,500-per-month rental.

This North Center home isn’t the only former firehouse turned modern single-family home in the area. An updated four-bedroom example is still available for $1.45 million in the neighboring Ravenswood/Lincoln Square neighborhood while another firehouse conversion sold for $1.02 million several months after listing for $1.35 million last summer.