In West Rogers Park, this “bungalow mansion” features an oversized version of the classic Chicago home style. The neighborhood is part of the city’s historic Bungalow Belt where thousands of bungalows were built in the 1910s and 1920s.
This particular property was built in 1926 and has been taken care of by the same owners since it was last sold for $300,000 in 1992. The style represents a transition from working class, economical bungalows into the lavish, larger bungalows built in the ’20s. Only a handful of homes have the unique metal and stained glass ornamentation that this one does.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Olympic athlete Harry Spanjer lived in the home with his family, according to the Chicago Bungalow Association. He won silver and gold medals for boxing in the early 1900s. The second floor was built out as an entire workout facility with a gym, basketball hoop, punching bag, pull-out massage table, and other equipment.
The home’s history and notable architecture made it a stop on CBA’s Bungalow Belt tour. Visitors were particularly mesmerized by the previous owners “bat cave” on the lower level which housed an entire room full of Batman memorabilia.
Entering the home, there’s an expansive living room with a wall of bay windows and custom molding. Plus, there’s a beautiful brick arch fireplace that’s double sided (and reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s fireplace in Oak Park’s Arthur Heurtley House).
The kitchen was recently remodeled with new cabinets, granite countertops, and ceramic tile flooring. Just off the side, there’s a sun room and a cute little breakfast nook with window seating.
Two bedrooms on the first floor could be combined for luxe master suite, according to the listing description, and the other four bedrooms are upstairs. There’s a total of six bedrooms and three and a half baths across the 3,000-square-foot-home. The lower level features an office, laundry room, and rec room but it’s in need of a refresh.
It’s no question that this house has major curb appeal—a corner lot, a bit of nice landscaping, and a standout green tiled roof.
2501 W. Lunt Avenue is listed for $685,000 with Elizabeth Palomar of Redfin Corporation.