Blair House Has Possible Buyer

The 120-day moratorium on demolition for the Blair House in Lake Bluff expired on Wednesday, but a resident nearby may be in negotiations to buy the 1955-built home and preserve it.

A friend of the former owner - the late Edward McCormick Blair, who died in 2010 at age 95 - is negotiating with the Blair Estate on the sale of the property, according to Landmarks Illinois President Bonnie McDonald.

“We are very pleased to hear that a possible sale is in discussion,” McDonald said of the lakefront home at 925 Sheridan Road - one designed by the well-known architect firm Keck & Keck.

A Change.org petition to ‘Save the Blair House in Lake Bluff’ originally circulated five months ago. It had 372 signatures as of Thursday, August 20.

“The Blair House at Crabtree Farm must be recognized for its historical and architectural significance,” according to the petition. “The demolition of this property should not be an option.”

It urges movement on making the structure an official landmark.

Most recent reports indicate the Blair Estate plans to move forward with the demolition of the home, but they would still need to set up a demolition plan with “tactical proposals” even if a deal is not reached, McDonald said.

“That could take weeks, or possible even months,” McDonald said.

“We are hopeful for though,” McDonald added, noting that in that event the village would not have to deal with a possible demolition.

“The Blair House is an important residential design by Keck & Keck,” she added. “It is significant to protect the legacy of architecture in Lake Bluff. This is part of the legacy left for Lake Bluff and the Chicagoland area, telling the story not only of the Blair family, but the Keck brothers and a design legacy we hope to be able to share in the future.”