James Irving House

Evanston, Illinois

The James B. Irving House is located in northwest Evanston. The house was built in 1928 for James Irving and his family, and it was originally located at 1318 Isabella Street in the neighboring town of Wilmette. John S. Van Bergen, a prominent Chicago-area architect and former employee of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the Prairie School house, which was located on a site that once also contained a preliminary “temporary residence” by Wright and Rudolph Schindler.

When a developer purchased the house with plans for demolition, we worked with the owner, municipality, and preservation advocates to develop a plan for its relocation to a vacant site in nearby Evanston. The house was cut into three sections, raised, and moved to a temporary location until the new site could be prepared. A subsequent move transported the house sections in tandem the 2.5 miles route to its new site. After which, new foundations were constructed, the sections were reconnected, and the entire house rehabbed and restored.

The house is largely intact, including trim, windows and light fixtures. After completion of the restoration work, the house was designated as a Evanston City Landmark and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.