Within this converted church, built in 1888, lies a stunning home perfect for celebrations, events and weekend stays. Complete with 3BED/2BATH, fire place and back patio, this home is nothing short of magical. Nestled within a safe, friendly neighborhood of Logan Square, it's walking distance to lots of cool bars, restaurants and shopping. We are honored to call this beautiful church our home and excited to share it with those who appreciate history, beauty and inspirational spaces.
The space
The history of this space begins in the earliest days of Chicago itself. Construction started in 1888 and continued through 1890. For context, the city itself was founded only a few decades earlier in 1833 and was incorporated shortly after in 1837. The great Chicago fire happened in 1871 and the city’s rebirth as a global player on the stage of the Chicago World’s Fair happened in 1893… a busy time in and around the city! In fact, the Logan Square neighborhood was annexed with Chicago only shortly before the World’s Fair.
The building was originally designed and constructed by the Reformed Episcopal Archdiocese. Shortly after its completion though it became St. Mark’s Reformed Episcopal Church which was its namesake from 1890 to 1934. During that period (1930) a new cornerstone was laid, though we currently don't have knowledge about the extent of work done to necessitate the marker. It is visible at the foundation on the right-front side of the building.
From 1934 to 1938 the building was leased by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese for use as the Hungarian Catholic Church of St. Emetic. It was finally purchased by the Archdiocese in 1939. From that point through 1990 it was known as St. Hedwig’s Mission Church serving Polish speaking members of St. Hedwig’s parish church located at Hoyne & Webster in what is now known as Bucktown. St. Hedwig's is a huge building occupying a full city block. Our location was one of four 'satellites' that allowed St. Hedwig's to serve a more geographically and ethnically diverse population. It served a number of specific purposes beyond religious services, including support for recent immigrants and education for the deaf.
In October, 1990 the first private owners purchased the church from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese. Then in October 1992 remodeling began, converting the building from a dedicated church to a private living space. Design was led by Mastro & Skylar Architects who, in collaboration with the first owners, produced an exceptional, modern living space while retaining the beauty of the original building. In September of 1994 the project was finally completed and the first owners were able to share the new space just in time for the Logan Square Historical Society Housewalk.
From that point forward, it has been recognized repeatedly as a stand-out in design and living space. In 1995, the home occupied the cover photo and was the feature article in Chicago Tribune Home Design Magazine. In 1996, it was featured on the first season of HGTV’s Extreme Homes. In addition to weddings and warm family gatherings it is regularly featured on not-for-profit house tours including the Art Institute, the MCA, the Lyric Opera Guild, the Intuit Center for Intuitive & Outsider Art, Redmoon Theater, and more.
The home has changed hands only once and its current owners continue the spirit of stewardship and celebration that has infused the space with a sense of peace and warmth.
