The Secrets of Chicago: The Homes of Juneway Terrace

Just north of the Howard Red Line station, hidden among the trees, lies Juneway Terrace — an easily overlooked block of Chicago. 

The Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society, a volunteer based organization, hosted their 48th annual Historic House Walk Sept. 8 to showcase the neighborhood. Featuring tours of eight houses on the block, 153 attendees were invited to explore the history of the area.

The land was previously part of Evanston, but was considered a “no man’s land” — lacking mail delivery, schools and sewers, according to an informational pamphlet distributed at the event. The Historical Society said the land was annexed in 1915 by the city of Chicago, becoming part of the Rogers Park neighborhood.

The decision to feature Juneway Terrace was partially based on previously filed “property history quests,” requests by homeowners looking for a deep dive of their home’s history, Nicole Kowrach, board member for the Historical Society, said. 

Milad Fatenejad, homeowner of 1427 W. Juneway Terrace, purchased a property history quest as a wedding anniversary gift for his wife, Jenny Terrill. 

While the couple has a slight interest in Chicago history, Terrill said the gift was primarily born out of neighborhood rumors.  

“We had kind of heard some stories from the neighbors and things, so we really just wanted to know what had happened with the home,” Terrill said.

The report they received revealed an explosive history — literally.

Former owners Lillian and William Herbert were living in the home in 1937 when an explosion blew off the west wall and pushed the east wall off its foundation. The accident resulted from Lillian Herbert’s habit of lighting a match to check the heating oil supply, according to the Historical Society.

Terrill said after the home was rebuilt the couple’s main renovations were in technicalities, bringing the plumbing, electricity and fireplace up to code. But, she said the bones of the home were left unchanged, Terill said they aimed to compliment the open floor plan with a purple couch and sailboat over the fireplace.

The rich history on the block is evident from the variety of architectural styles on display. Crown molding, exposed beams and arched doors foster a distinct allure.

Emma Adam, owner of 1505 W. Juneway Terrace, said the character of the block and Craftsman style of her home ultimately convinced her to purchase, despite the four bedrooms and three bathrooms exceeding her size needs.

“When I saw this block I was just blown away. I didn’t know it existed,” Adam said. 

Making the decision to purchase the home was simple for Anne-Marie St. Germaine, homeowner of 1527 W. Juneway Terrace.

“I walked in the door and I had not even gone past that first area and I just said, ‘This is it.’ I knew it,” St. Germaine said.

The house was built around 1915 and St. Germaine said she left it largely unchanged. The largest renovation was the addition of a first floor bathroom and a kitchen remodel. Although, St. Germaine said, she tried to preserve the spirit of the kitchen by keeping the original orange sink.

Besides the structure of the homes, both St. Germaine and Adam said their yard size heavily contributed to their affinities for the neighborhood.

The lot sizes reach 40 feet wide by 200 feet long on the south side of the street and 40 feet by 220 feet on the north side, according to the Historical Society. Chicago zoning standards, 25 feet by 125 feet, are roughly half the size of the lots on Juneway Terrace.

“What really sold me was seeing the woodwork, and then also the size of the backyard,” Adam said. The fact that the yard was south facing and I just love brightness and sun. I just fell in love with it.”

But beyond its historical value, the block cultivates a unique community. The neighborhood captures the diversity and spirit of Rogers Park, Adam said.

“Just like the furnishing in my home is eclectic, I love the eclectic nature of the neighborhood,” Adam said.

She said she cherishes the rarity of living in an eclectic neighborhood where people have the freedom to express themselves.

For Adam, seeing the expressions on strangers’ faces as she invites them into her home expands the community beyond her block. She said the house walk becomes like a marketplace of ideas.

“I think people get ideas for their home renovations, which is nice, or [they] give me tips,” Adam said.

Honoring the community in conjunction with history is the goal of the Historical Society’s house walk, according to Kowrach. 

“It’s really a way to celebrate the diversity,” Kowrach said.