Historic 'Endangered' Wilmette World's Fair House Has No Takers

WILMETTE, IL — The owner of a rediscovered historic home in Wilmette is still looking for someone to remove it to clear the way for new development. The Stran-Steel House is the last surviving demonstration home from the 1933 Century of Progress exhibition. It went undetected for decades in the 2100 block of Chestnut Avenue until it was unwittingly purchased by home builders last year, Wilmette Life reported.

The 1,300-square-foot Art Deco house made of steel and baked iron enamel was a model home created for the "House of Tomorrow" exhibit and presented as part of a joint entry between the steel company and Good Housekeeping magazine. Designed to be affordable, easy to assemble and hard to burn, such homes were originally sold for $7,500, which is about $145,000 in 2018 dollars. In December 2017, the 0.4 acre lot was purchased for $915,000 with the intention of splitting it in half and building two new houses on it.

The owners put demolition plans on hold and have offered to help relocate the structure. Max Kruszewski, of MJK Homes, told Pioneer Press the firm has discussed the property with potential purchasers in Colorado and Michigan. But talks have ended before reaching any financial commitments.

Moving the house to a new site was estimated to cost at least $100,000,with costs rising the farther the home would be transported from its current location.

Earlier this year, the preservation group Landmark Illinois listed the home among the "most endangered" historical sites in the state, because the village will not landmark the location without the owner's consent and subdivision of the property has already been granted preliminary approval.

"Time is of the essence," if the home is to be saved, the group said.

The Wilmette Village Board could grant final approval to subdivide the lot into two at its Aug. 28 meeting, staff told Pioneer Press. Last month, the property was reportedly vandalized after trees surrounding the home were cut down and water and sewer lines were disconnected.

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• Do You Want To Buy A World's Fair House In Wilmette?
• Wilmette World's Fair House Named To 'Most Endangered' List