Chicago's South Shore and Talman West Ridge Bungalow Districts listed in National Register of Historic Places

CHICAGO - The South Shore and Talman West Ridge Bungalow Historic Districts were listed in the National Register of Historic Places on December 10, 2008 by the National Park Service. The South Shore Bungalow Historic District is bounded roughly by South Crandon Avenue, East 78th Street, South Clyde Avenue and East 75th Street. The Talman West Ridge Bungalow Historic District is bounded roughly by North Campbell Avenue, West Devon Avenue, North Fairfield Avenue and West Pratt Avenue.

"The bungalow design offered solid, well-made homes available to middle-class Chicago residents, and these two historic districts offer literally hundreds of examples of these structures," said Jan Grimes, director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which administers the National Register program in Illinois. "We welcome the inclusion of these districts in the National Register of Historic Places, the nation's most prestigious listing of properties with historical significance."

The bungalow was a new style of house that played a crucial role in fostering home ownership among the expanding ranks of Chicago's middle and lower middle classes in the early 20th century. Thousands were constructed between 1910 and 1930. The typical bungalow was one-and-a-half stories, usually brick, and had a low-pitched, overhanging roof, expansive front windows, and a front porch. The major rooms were on the first floor, while the unfinished attic could be developed as resources permitted.

The South Shore district features 293 intact brick, stucco or wood frame bungalow homes built between 1911 and 1930. The Talman West Ridge district features 181 intact bungalows and 124 historic rear garages built between 1919 and 1930. Although newer homes and different building styles are noticeable in parts of both historic districts, enough bungalows remain to provide a good picture of these pleasant, single-family Chicago neighborhoods as they existed between the two World Wars.

For more information on the National Register of Historic Places program in Illinois, visit www.Illinois-History.gov/PS/historicplaces.htm.