New 'Chicago Homes' Book Details History Of Living In Chicago, From Bungalows To Greystones

Carla Bruni and Phil Thompson released "Chicago Homes: A Portrait of the City’s Everyday Architecture," a comprehensive look at the city's residential architecture. The book features nearly 200 illustrations and synthesizes three years of research into over 342 pages. Bruni, a preservation specialist, covers architecture from 1893 to the present, while Thompson details the period from 1780 to 1892, including early inhabitants and significant architectural developments. Thompson highlights the unique resilience of Chicago's architecture, which reflects the city's evolution away from European styles. Bruni describes the importance of bungalows, calling them "mighty" and likening them to the character of Chicagoans—down-to-earth and adaptable.

The lengthy table of contents makes it a useful reference for locals wanting to learn about their homes. Priced at $37, the book is available in local bookstores and online. The authors aim to deepen the understanding of Chicago's architectural diversity and its socio-cultural narratives.