The Chicago Style Bungalow ranks among the most storied and recognizable 20th Century American architectural forms. There are over 80,000 of these homes in the city of Chicago alone, and countless more in the suburbs. The Historic Chicago Bungalow Association is a robust organization that provides myriad resources to Chicago Bungalow owners, but is restricted to the city itself. The Morton Grove Bungalow Association was born with the goal in mind of developing a resource that will cultivate ongoing support and create a sense of community for Morton Grove’s many bungalow homeowners. Some of what we hope to accomplish include:
An online database with information for the community which will include the history of Chicagoland bungalows, a map of all of our local bungalows, resources on the special needs involved in caring for a bungalow, etc.
A group who meet every few months to discuss various issues related to owning a bungalow, in addition to ways this initiative can grow and improve.
Walking and Biking Tours of Morton Grove’s bungalows, including tours of some home exteriors and interiors
Group Field Trips to some of Chicago’s Historic Bungalow Districts.
Exhibits and programming at the Museum that support and work in tandem with this initiative, including a “Roaring Twenties in Morton Grove” exhibit which will open in March of 2016 and feature information about our bungalows.
A core group of local bungalow owners was assembled after an initial outreach to the community, and the group has been meeting since February of 2016 to discuss the development of programming and resources that highlight Morton Grove’s bungalows and serve Morton Grove’s diverse array of bungalow homeowners. A July 23,2016 house walk, which was the group’s first event, is one they plan to hold again and hope to see grow in the future. Meanwhile, the group is also discussing plans for lectures, group field trips to local bungalow districts, and potential outreach to other local suburbs who may want to combine in continued programming efforts.
Please contact the museum at 847-965-0203 of [email protected] if you would like to get involved (and join the Morton Grove Historical Society which helps support the Bungalow Association).
Check out Denise Wurl’s blogto learn about the restoration of one of Morton Grove’s bungalows!