Is there a Chicago version of Brownstoner?

Just stumbled across this site, and the community and information here is great. Does anyone know of any communities like Brownstoner that are focused on Chicago grey and brownstones? Finding local connections and recommendations from real people are really important to me. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

donnieseals

in General Discussion 3 weeks ago

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sjdv | 3 weeks ago

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If you haven’t looked at the Chicago Bungalow Association that might be worth a look. While the name implies a focus on bungalows they have an extensive website with resources for all old homes in Chicago. They have a blog, seminars, how-tos, professional referrals etc., but I don’t think they have a community forum.

NHS Chicago used to have the Chicago Greystone and Vintage Home Program that did have a forum for advice, but I don’t think that is operating anymore?

Brownstone Home Inspection | 3 weeks ago

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So cate is correct about face book groups and you can start your own.

If you tell us what you are looking to get out of a group like this, there are people on this board who can answer questions about old houses. For instance, i am a former building and project manager and restoration contractor and know a lot about certain elements of old buildings but will not know about the construction, of say, Chicago row houses, and i think there is a difference. We do have an area of brooklyn though that possibly has housing stock similar to what is in Oak Park and a lot of that housing is prevelant in areas around most major cities. Oh, that comment about nothing west of buffalo, that was a new york centric joke…..i have stayed in Lincoln Park more than once.

If you have questions about antique hardware and locksets and retrofitting new locks, wood and wood finishing, doors, windows, replacement windows, flat roofs, wood floors, and polishing or finishing and painting metals, and electricity, i know a lot about these; fire away. Electric i am a little hesitant to answer because i am not licensed and us lay people should not be touching electricity anywhere, anyway and it can get dangerous.

I have stacks of old hardware and building supply catalogs for reference and most of those date right to the period Chicago was being developed.

There are also heating guys who come on here and a property manager.

None of us care where you are based. Just don’t talk about the Chicago Bears.

Steve
Brownstone Home Inspection LLC
Www.brownstonehomeinspection.com

cate | 3 weeks ago

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I don’t know of anything local to Chicago. There is Old House Journal, a national magazine about historic homes. Also there is what used to be GardenWeb, a national home and garden discussion site, that was purchased by Houzz. You might try your local historic society, landmarking group, the Victorian Society, and Facebook groups focused on renovation and historic homes.

Brownstone Home Inspection | 3 weeks ago

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we are new yorkers. there is nothing west of Buffalo.