Special Features of 731 Seward Street, Evanston

·        Classic 1920 brick bungalow totally remodeled top to bottom in 2004, including tearing off the roof, raising the 1^st floor height, and adding a full second story. Working on the existing foundation, the design preserves many classic features of bungalows, such as the entry hall, formal dining room, front 1^st floor bedroom, living room fireplace location, side bookshelves, mantel, two high side windows, & sconce lights on the living room walls.

• The home is approximately 2,750 square feet on two finished levels, making it a good value when contrasted with prices of brand new construction. This home’s buyer gets all the features of a newly designed & constructed home without new construction hassle.

• The kitchen is truly a working chef’s kitchen with storage for even the most extensive collection of cookware, dishes, and food items. In fact, a drawer next to the gas cooktop is fitted with wooden racks for 54 spice jars.  The large stainless hood has outside venting, marble tiles cover the entire backsplash along the cooking wall, the 8’ x 7’ walk-in pantry has a large corner lazy-susan, lots of shelves & a free-standing freezer.  

• All windows and doors on the 1^st & 2^nd floor are new; the interior doors are solid unpainted wood. The 1^st floor features new oak hardwood floors, except that under the 1^st floor office/bedroom’s carpeting, there is no hardwood, but a new plywood base, like the 2^nd floor.

• Its large living room, 21’ x 20,’ has an expanse of windows along the south front & on both east & west sides; off-white wooden blinds are included. This room retains its traditional fireplace, mantel & built-in side storage units, but added is the wiring for cable, sound, and Internet.

• The home features the use of large well-placed windows throughout & three glass-paneled doors at the rear of the kitchen/family room overlooking the lovely landscaped deck, patio & yard with painted mantle, arched doorways & large windows. The window plan maximizes light & views, while preserving privacy.

• Also a special feature is the use of recessed lighting throughout the home; and elegant modern ceiling fixtures over table & counter tops.

• The full walk-out basement is unfinished, and has high ceilings to accommodate perhaps a finished professional office where clients could come & go from the rear entry. The major mechanicals are housed there, and there is plumbing for a second set of washer and dryer or for a summer kitchen if desired.  The basement contains lots of open space for storage, or working on projects.  There is an exterior basement door leading upstairs & out to the rear of the house.

•  The master bedroom suite is quite large, the bedroom itself is 16’ x 14’6,” has an 8’ x 7’ walk-in closet, as well as an additional sliding double-door closet closer to the bathroom.  The bright master bathroom contains a double-bowl vanity, stand-up shower with glass-doors, large maple vanity base with neutral granite top.

• A large two & a half car detached garage (22’7” wide) has an automatic garage door opener, and new concrete apron off a paved alley.

• New tasteful landscaping & sidewalks surround the home.

Updates, Mechanicals and Systems

·        The home has zoned heating from two furnaces, new in 2003-2004. The furnace that heats the 1^st floor is a Rheem Classic 90 with Aprilaire Media Air Cleaner.  Another furnace is located in a second floor closet.  There are two zoned central air conditioning condensers & four (4) ceiling fans included.

·        A new roof in 2003.

·        The A. O. Smith hot water heater is a 50 gallon, quick recovery type, new in 2003.

·        Kitchen appliances include: gas cooktop, stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, built-in oven & microwave; wine cooler, freezer & disposal. There are also two water filtration systems.

·        There is a security alarm system by Keyth. The whole house is wired for cable, sound, and Internet.

·       The home is extremely well built with a concrete foundation, and new supporting bases & beams in the basement.  The home has an unfinished attic that is insulated, but not floored.

Neighborhood Information

·        Located in a prime area of Evanston within easy walking distance of both “L” & North Line Metra trains & the many wonderful boutiques & shops on Main Street. For example, on Main or Chicago are located: a small neighborly post office; many restaurants, cheap to expensive; live theater performances at Piccolo Theatre; Starbucks; Vogue Fabrics & very popular Good’s of Evanston art supply.  A little longer walk brings you to Evanston’s beautiful lakefront beaches, parks, and jog/walk/bike paths.