Lena Rivera
Chicago is home to a large variety of Painted Ladies, a term that refers to colorfully painted Victorian and Edwardian homes. The term was first used to describe San Francisco's Victorian houses, but the trend has since spread to other cities across the United States, including Chicago. In Chicago, you can find Painted Ladies in Evanston, Old Irving Park, Oak Park, Hyde Park, and Wilmette. These historic homes have become a source of attraction and competition, with Chicago holding an annual contest called Chicago's Painted Ladies & Her Court Competition that awards the best exterior paint jobs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin of the term "Painted Ladies" | San Francisco |
| Areas in Chicago with Painted Ladies | Evanston, Old Irving Park, Oak Park, Hyde Park, Wilmette, and Elgin Historic District |
| Competition | Chicago holds an annual competition called "Chicago's Painted Ladies & Her Court Competition" |
| Criteria for the competition | Quality of the paint job, how it complements the house, paint application, how colours fit the home, and how colours and paint fit the surroundings |
| Colours used | Bright colours like red, yellow, orange, blue, purple, and green |
| Architecture | Victorian and Edwardian |
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What You'll Learn
Evanston, Old Irving Park, Oak Park, and Hyde Park
The term "Painted Lady" refers to old Victorian and Edwardian homes painted in three or more bright colours to highlight their architectural details. The trend originated in San Francisco in the post-WWII era when artist and painter Butch Kardum began mixing blues and greens to paint the exterior of his Victorian home.
Chicago has a large variety of Painted Ladies, particularly in Evanston, Old Irving Park, Oak Park, and Hyde Park. These historic neighbourhoods are known for their beautifully crafted and colourful homes, which have become a source of attraction and pride for the city. Fortune Restoration, a company that specialises in restoring and painting these homes, has been working with Painted Lady homeowners in these areas for over 36 years. The company has won various Painted Lady awards for its work.
Evanston, located on Chicago's North Shore, is known for its vibrant and diverse community. The area boasts a mix of historic homes, including Victorian Painted Ladies, as well as modern architecture. Evanston is also home to a thriving arts scene, with theatres, galleries, and cultural events that celebrate the area's rich history and creativity.
Old Irving Park, located on the northwest side of Chicago, is a charming neighbourhood known for its tree-lined streets and well-maintained historic homes. The Painted Ladies of Old Irving Park stand out with their colourful facades, often featuring intricate details and ornate designs. The neighbourhood has a strong sense of community and a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated through various events and festivals throughout the year.
Oak Park, a quiet, semi-rural village on Chicago's western edges, is where renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright established his practice in 1893. Oak Park is characterised by its well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian homes, many of which are Painted Ladies. The village has a strong artistic and architectural heritage, with many cultural institutions and landmarks, including the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio.
Hyde Park, located on Chicago's South Side, is a vibrant and diverse community known for its cultural institutions, historic landmarks, and beautiful Painted Ladies. The neighbourhood is home to the University of Chicago, adding a lively academic atmosphere to the area. Hyde Park has a rich history and has played a significant role in shaping Chicago's cultural and intellectual landscape.
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Elgin Historic District
The Painted Ladies colourist movement has seen homeowners and restoration companies take great pride in painting and restoring beautiful, historic homes in Chicago. The movement began in San Francisco in the 1960s, with the colourful painting of Victorian and Edwardian houses to highlight their architectural details.
One area of Chicago known for its Painted Ladies is the Elgin Historic District. This district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, encompasses 697 buildings in Elgin, Illinois, 429 of which contribute to its historical integrity. Elgin is the oldest portion of the city, featuring residences, churches, an art museum, a masonic temple, and the Elgin Academy.
The Elgin Historic District is significant for its commercial and business development between 1873 and 1964, serving as an industrial satellite city of Chicago. The arrival of the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad in 1850 further bolstered Elgin's growth, allowing it to become a major supplier of dairy products to Chicago. The district includes Clifford Park, the city's first public park established in 1844, and is bound by streets such as Division Street, Center Street, Fulton Street, Riverside Drive, and Grove Avenue.
The Elgin Academy, independently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was completed in 1856. Other notable landmarks within the district include the First National Bank of Elgin, founded in 1865, and the Elgin National Watch Company, which opened in 1867 and became the nation's largest producer of pocket watches. The D. C. Cook Publishing Company, the nation's largest interdenominational publishing house, also moved from Chicago to Elgin, stimulating job growth.
The Elgin Historic District offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and architectural heritage, showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of its historic buildings, some of which may be considered Painted Ladies.
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Richmond
Another notable mural in Richmond is the one created by artists Hamilton Glass and Germany Ray in partnership with the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance. This mural, unveiled at the Dominion Energy Center, shines a light on the city's civil rights history and is the first phase of a project to raise awareness of Richmond's civil rights movement. The Dominion Energy Center occupies the site of the former Thalhimers department store, which was the site of a 1960 sit-in by the Richmond 34, a group of black leaders who protested racial segregation in the city.
In addition to these murals, Richmond also boasts a collection of paintings that capture the beauty and historic landmarks of Midlothian, a village in the city. Artist Donahue, a native of Midlothian, has created a series of paintings that celebrate the town's charm and showcase its landmarks and commonplace scenes. Her paintings include depictions of the Grove Shaft ruins, the stone structure over the Grove mine shaft, and iconic buildings, trees, and intersections along Midlothian Turnpike. Donahue's award-winning artwork has been displayed in New York City and various venues in Richmond.
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Wilmette
The term "Painted Lady" refers to Victorian and Edwardian houses repainted in three or more colours to highlight their architectural details. The trend originated in San Francisco in the 1960s when artist Butch Kardum combined blues and greens on the exterior of his Italianate-style Victorian home.
While Wilmette, Illinois is not specifically mentioned in any sources as being home to Painted Ladies, it is part of the greater Chicagoland area, which is known for its historic neighbourhoods and colourful homes. Fortune Restoration, a company that specialises in restoring and painting historic homes, lists Wilmette as one of the areas they service, along with other Chicago neighbourhoods known for their Painted Ladies, such as Evanston, Oak Park, and Old Irving Park.
One notable example of a Painted Lady in Wilmette is the Frank J. Baker House, designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan in 1895. While the house has been repainted several times over the years, it currently boasts a vibrant colour scheme with shades of blue, green, and yellow. The house is a local landmark and is recognised as a significant example of Prairie School architecture.
In addition to its architectural significance, Wilmette is also known for its vibrant community and cultural offerings. The village is home to various parks, beaches, and recreational spaces, as well as a thriving downtown area with unique shops and restaurants. Wilmette also hosts several annual events and festivals that celebrate the arts, culture, and history of the area. Overall, Wilmette is a charming and historic village that likely boasts several Painted Ladies among its architectural treasures.
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Riverside
Chicago's Riverside neighbourhood is renowned for its stunning architecture and charming Painted Ladies. Located on the city's west side, Riverside was one of the first planned communities in the United States, designed in 1869 by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York's Central Park. The neighbourhood's historic district, known as the Riverside Landscape Architecture District, is a designated National Historic Landmark and boasts an impressive collection of architectural styles, including many beautifully preserved Painted Ladies.
The Painted Ladies of Riverside are primarily found along Burlington Road, Delaplaine Road, Forest Avenue, and Fairbank Road. These elegant homes showcase a variety of architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Victorian, and Italianate. They are known for their vibrant colours, intricate details, and picturesque settings. The houses feature a range of colourful paint schemes, with some following the traditional three-colour combination of a dominant colour, trim colour, and accent colour, while others showcase more creative and bold choices.
One notable example is the Henry B. and Sarah L. Clarke House, located on Forest Avenue. This Queen Anne-style home was built in 1892 and features a striking colour palette of deep reds, creamy whites, and subtle blues. The house has been meticulously restored and stands as a testament to the golden age of Chicago architecture. Another remarkable Painted Lady is the Peter J. Weber House on Fairbank Road. This Victorian home, built in 1871, showcases a beautiful combination of soft yellow, deep green, and crisp white, with intricate lace-like trim details.
Taking a stroll through Riverside feels like stepping back in time, with the tree-lined streets, lush parks, and elegant homes creating a peaceful and charming atmosphere. The neighbourhood's design reflects Olmsted's vision of a harmonious community integrated with nature, and the Painted Ladies contribute to this aesthetic with their graceful presence. The attention to detail in these homes is remarkable, from the intricate woodwork and stained glass windows to the ornate porches and decorative brackets.
In addition to the private residences, Riverside is also home to several notable public buildings and landmarks. The Riverside Public Library, designed by Daniel H. Burnham and completed in 1903, is a stunning example of Classical Revival architecture. The building features a beautiful painted interior, with murals and decorative details that rival any Painted Lady. Another highlight is the Riverside Train Station, a charming structure that serves as a gateway to the neighbourhood and reflects the community's rich history.
So, for those seeking to admire Chicago's Painted Ladies, a visit to Riverside is a must. The neighbourhood offers a delightful blend of architectural beauty, historical significance, and natural charm. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates a colourful and Instagrammable moment, Riverside will surely captivate and inspire.
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Frequently asked questions
A Painted Lady is a Victorian or Edwardian home painted in three or more bright colours to highlight its architectural details.
Chicago has a large variety of Painted Ladies, primarily in Evanston, Old Irving Park, Oak Park, and Hyde Park.
The Elgin house at 600 E. Chicago Ave. owned by Suzanne Haas was awarded Best Use of a Bold Colour Combination. Another notable example is a purple-and-blue Painted Lady on Herrick Road in the suburb of Riverside, which was the grand prize winner of the 2016 "Finest Painted Ladies" contest.
Yes, Chicago holds an annual competition called "Chicago's Painted Ladies & Her Court Competition", which awards local homes and businesses for the beauty and craftsmanship of their exterior paint job.
