Over 20 years ago, I had the opportunity to work on a project that still stands out to me in my career because of how bold the vision was at the time.
Richard Wineberg of Earthwood Development had a vision to bring a little piece of Cape Cod to Chicago. Not in a superficial, themed way, but through thoughtful, timeless design that captured the spirit of East Coast architecture and translated it into something fresh and relevant for the Chicago market.
Together, we developed seven single-family homes along the river in Horner Park, each one designed with intention. Most people don’t associate single-family homes with direct river access in Chicago, but that’s what made this so extraordinary. The land was originally home to Bonds Boatyard, which had been operating there for over a century. The homes were built in front of where the docks once stood. You could step out into your backyard and feel connected to the water in a way that’s nearly impossible to find in this city.
I wasn’t just brought in to sell the homes, I was involved in shaping floor plans, selecting finishes, and helping create an aesthetic that hadn’t really existed in this part of the city before.
At the time, this kind of development was unconventional. Cape Cod-inspired homes on the river in the middle of Chicago? It was a bold idea, and that’s exactly what made it so special. We were creating something new. Something rooted in classic design but reimagined for a different landscape and lifestyle.
What makes a project memorable isn’t always the scale or the sales figures, sometimes it’s the creativity, the collaboration, and the shared belief in an idea that hadn’t yet been proven.
This one will always remind me of the value of vision and the magic that happens when you bring the right people together to make it happen.
