Chicago is known for its architecture. Many people associate bungalows, worker cottages, and courtyard apartments with the city. But there is another residential building type that is just as common around many neighborhoods—the greystone. You’ve probably seen them in the city’s historic park and boulevard system, which has such a substantial number that it is now known as “the Greystone Belt.” Popular between 1890 and 1930, this construction style got its name from the locally sourced Bedford limestone used on the facade.

Greystones come in a variety of sizes and design motifs, yet sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between a multi-flat building from its single-family counterpart—just another reason why this building was so in demand over a hundred years ago. With over 30,000 greystones in Chicago, there is bound to be one that catches your eye. Here are five that are currently for sale.

Let’s start on Chicago’s South Side, specifically the Oakland Historic District, which runs from 35th to 43rd Streets between Cottage Grove and DuSable Lake Shore Drives. A number of Victoria era residences survive here, including this 1893 Romanesque Revival greystone. The home has been restored by its longtime owner, a local architect, who has brought back a lot of its original beauty. Inside you’ll find patterned mahogany wainscoting, ornamental plaster ceiling inlays, seven ornate fireplaces, and a gorgeous wooden staircase that connects all three levels of the home. It comes with an additional side lot, which offers plenty of options either for future development or to use as outdoor space. Did I mention the third story has a large recreation room with views of Lake Michigan?

In the 1870s Grand Boulevard, now Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, was constructed as a wide tree-lined boulevard and carriage drive to connect downtown with the parks on the South Side. Designed by world-renowned American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the street is lined with beautiful, old buildings like this 1896 classical greystone residence. Formerly the home of the Deborah Boys’ Club, today it is condominiums, and this particular unit is perfect for modern day living with an open floor plan and master suite with exposed brick walls. Other perks include basement storage and an attached, heated garage. All for $365,000!

There are literally blocks and blocks of vintage greystones in Logan Square, especially along its historic boulevard. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, this deconverted two-flat was originally built in 1912 and is now a single-family home. It comes with all the bells and whistles that you’d expect in an updated residential building—high-end kitchen appliances, customized window furnishings, Sherle Wagner bathroom fixtures, and a finished basement with home projector screen. Plus it’s on a rare double lot! Close to the Blue Line, Kennedy expressway, and one of my personal favorites, the Logan Square Farmers Market.

Today the streets of Lakeview are a mix of old and mostly brand new construction. But there are still plenty of vintage properties available in the neighborhood. If you’d like to go back in time when multi-unit buildings exhibited high-quality craftsmanship, this 1901 greystone duplex might be what you’re looking for. It’s spacious inside yet has individually defined spaces like a formal dining room and a galley kitchen. Historic elements include hardwood floors and transom windows. But don’t worry there are lots of updates like subway tiles, granite countertops, and double vanities. Best part? You’re walking distance from the best things about city life like Belmont Harbor and the Lakefront Trail.

Saved the best for last! Potter Palmer is a legendary name in Chicago history. In the 1880s he transformed what was then a frog-infested swamp into what is now the most expensive real estate in the city—the Gold Coast. This 1883 double house was one of the developments Palmer built near his lakefront castle. Today it’s a combination of historic charm and updated luxury with a 2018 renovation that preserved the home’s original details, including its greystone facade, carved staircase, wood floors, leaded windows, mosaic tile foyer, plaster moldings, and beautiful fireplaces. I used to work in this area and over the years I’ve seen plenty of historic properties completely gutted beyond the preserved facade, so I give props to the person who kept this home’s historic elements. Good job! 

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A young child and a man were shot Friday afternoon in Roseland on the Far South Side.

Authorities responded to the shooting about 12:10 p.m. at 111th Street and South King Drive, according to Chicago fire officials.

A child, about 6 years old, suffered a gunshot wound to the arm and was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in serious condition, officials said.

A 22-year-old man was shot in the leg and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in fair condition, officials said.

Chicago police did not immediately provide details.

This is a developing story.

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Two people arrested after allegedly speeding from the scene of a deadly shooting of a retired school teacher on the Dan Ryan have been released without charges.

There is no one else in custody for the murder of Denise Huguelet, an Illinois State Police spokesperson said Friday morning.

Huguelet, 67, was reportedly struck by crossfire coming from two other cars as she headed home from a White Sox game with her husband. The shooting happened around 10 p.m. Tuesday in the southbound lanes at 63rd Street.

A state trooper heard the gunfire and chased a car speeding from the area, state police said. With the help of a police helicopter, troopers arrested two people from the car and recovered a handgun.

State police would not elaborate on the reason the pair were released from custody.

Huguelet died of a gunshot wound to the back. She lived in Orland Park and had recently retired after teaching special education for 24 years at Central Middle School in Evergreen Park,

The number of shootings on Chicago area expressways has more than tripled in the past three years. With 50 shootings so far this year, the Dan Ryan has seen more gun violence than any other Chicago area expressway.

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KABUL, Afghanistan — Reports of targeted killings in areas overrun by the Taliban mounted Friday, fueling fears that they will return Afghanistan to the repressive rule they imposed when they were last in power, even as they urged imams to push a message of unity at Friday’s prayers.

Terrified that the new de facto rulers would commit such abuses and despairing for their country’s future, thousands have raced to Kabul’s airport and border crossings following the Taliban’s stunning blitz through Afghanistan. Others have taken to the streets to protest the takeover — acts of defiance that Taliban fighters have violently suppressed.

The Taliban say they have become more moderate since they last ruled Afghanistan in the 1990s and have pledged to restore security and forgive those who fought them in the 20 years since a U.S.-led invasion. Ahead of Friday prayers, leaders urged imams to use sermons to appeal for unity and urge people not to flee the country.

But many Afghans are skeptical, fearing that the Taliban will erase the gains, especially for women, achieved in the past two decades. An Amnesty International report provided more evidence Friday that undercut the Taliban’s claims they have changed.

The rights group said that its researchers spoke to eyewitnesses in Ghazni province who recounted how the Taliban killed nine ethnic Hazara men in the village of Mundarakht on July 4-6. It said six of the men were shot, and three were tortured to death. Hazaras are Shiite Muslims who were previously persecuted by the Taliban and who made major gains in education and social status in recent years.

The brutality of the killings was “a reminder of the Taliban’s past record, and a horrifying indicator of what Taliban rule may bring,” said Agnes Callamard, the head of Amnesty International.

The rights group warned that many more killings may have gone unreported because the Taliban cut cellphone services in many areas they’ve captured to prevent images from being published.

Separately, Reporters without Borders expressed alarm at the news that Taliban fighters killed the family member of an Afghan journalist working for German’s Deutsche Welle on Wednesday.

The broadcaster said fighters conducted house-to-house searches for their reporter, who had already relocated to Germany. It said the Taliban also raided the homes of at least three of its journalists.

“Sadly, this confirms our worst fears,” said Katja Gloger of Reporters without Borders’ German section. “The brutal action of the Taliban show that the lives of independent media workers in Afghanistan are in acute danger.”

Meanwhile, a Norway-based private intelligence group that provides information to the U.N. said it obtained evidence that the Taliban have rounded up Afghans on a blacklist of people they believe worked in key roles with the previous Afghan administration or with U.S.-led forces.

In an email, the executive director of RHIPTO Norwegian Center for Global Analyses said the organization knew about several threat letters sent to Afghans, including a man who was taken from his Kabul apartment this week by the Taliban.

“We had access to hard copies of concrete letters issued and stamped by the Taliban Military Commission to this effect,” said Christian Nellemann. A report from the group that was obtained by The Associated Press included a copy of one of the letters.

The AP could not independently verify the claims made by the group.

Under the Taliban’s previous rule, women were largely confined to their homes, television and music were banned, and public executions were held regularly. But leaders of the movement have pledged more moderation this time.

It’s not clear whether the reports of abuses indicate that Taliban leaders are saying one thing but doing another or whether they simply don’t have full control over their forces.

The scale and speed of their takeover seems to have challenged the leadership’s ability to control their fighters. In Kabul, for instance, there have been reports of fighters promising security to major news outlets, but also examples of them intimidating business owners.

Amid the uncertainty, thousands have tried to flee the country, braving checkpoints manned by Taliban fighters to rush to Kabul’s airport, where a chaotic evacuation is underway.

Mohammad Naim, who has been among the crowd at the airport for four days trying to escape, said he had to put his children on the roof of a car on the first day to save them from being crushed by the mass of people. He saw other children killed who were unable to get out of the way.

Naim, who said he had been an interpreter for U.S. forces, urged others not to the come to airport.

“It is a very, very crazy situation right now,” he said.

The United States is struggling to pick up the pace of evacuations it is running from Afghanistan, where thousands of Americans and their Afghan allies may be in need of escape. European countries are also working to bring their citizens and those who have worked with them out.

But Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said Friday that its military transport planes are leaving Kabul partly empty in the tumult.

“Nobody’s in control of the situation,” Robles told Spanish public radio RNE.

Getting to the facility is also a major challenge. Germany was sending two helicopters to Kabul to help bring small numbers of people from elsewhere in the city to the airport, officials said.

As concerns mount about what a Taliban government will look like, the group’s leaders are meeting with some officials from previous Afghan administrations.

An Afghan official familiar with those talks indicated nothing would come of them before the last U.S. troops leave, currently planned for Aug. 31.

The Taliban’s lead negotiator, Anas Haqqani, has said the group agreed with the U.S. to “do nothing” until after that date, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to give information to the media. The Taliban have said they want an inclusive government, but, as with their other promises, it was not clear if they would make good on that.

In addition to concerns about Taliban abuses, officials have warned that Afghanistan’s already weakened economy could crumble further without the massive international aid that sustained the toppled Western-backed government. The U.N. said there were dire food shortages and experts said the country was severely in need of cash.

___

Akhgar reported from Istanbul, Rising from Bangkok. Associated Press writers Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, Frank Jordans in Berlin, Barry Hatton in Lisbon, Kathy Gannon in Islamabad, and Rod McGurk in Canberra, Australia, contributed to this report.

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LOS ANGELES — Producer Mike Richards stepped down as host of “Jeopardy!” after a report about past misogynistic comments surfaced this week.

Richards was chosen last week as the successor to Alex Trebek, but his selection was seen as divisive from the beginning after the show embarked on a broad search that included actors, sports figures, journalists and celebrities.

Earlier this week, a report on the website The Ringer revealed demeaning comments about women that Richards had made on a podcast. The clips were removed online after the report was posted.

“Over the last several days it has become clear that moving forward as host would be too much of a distraction for our fans and not the right move for the show,” Richards said in a note to the “Jeopardy!” staff on Friday. “As such, I will be stepping down as host effective immediately. As a result, we will be canceling production today.”

Richards said a search for a new host will begin again. The show will resume production with guest hosts who will be announced later, Richards said.

His note indicated that he will remain the show’s executive producer.

“I want to apologize to each of you for the unwanted negative attention that has come to Jeopardy! over the last few weeks and for the confusion and delays this is now causing. I know I have a lot of work to do to regain your trust and confidence.

While Richards was tapped to host the popular game show, “Jeopardy!” also announced last week that actor Mayim Bialik would emcee “Jeopardy!” prime-time and spinoff series, including a new college championship.

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Major League Baseball is ending a 70-year relationship with trading card company Topps after signing a new partnership with a rival company.

The loss of the MLB partnership immediately scuttled a deal announced earlier this year that would have made Topps a publicly traded company.

The special-purpose acquisition company Mudrick Capital Acquisition Corporation II said Friday that its agreement to merge with Topps to take the company public was terminated by mutual agreement after it found out that MLB and the league’s players’ union would not be renewing their respective agreements with The Topps Co. when they come up for renewal at the end of 2025 and 2022, respectively.

ESPN reported on Thursday that it obtained a memo from the Major League Baseball Players Association that a company created by the sports merchandise company Fanatics that has yet to be named will be the exclusive licensee for baseball cards once its current licensing agreements expire at the end of next year. The Fanatics deal also includes the players’ unions for the National Basketball Association and the National Football League, ESPN reported.

Fanatics did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The proposed deal with Mudrick would’ve made Topps a public company. Topps, which was bought in 2007 by former Disney CEO Michael Eisner through his firm, The Tornante Co., said in a prepared statement on Friday that it will now remain private.

Topps said that it expects to be able to make substantially all its current licensed baseball products through 2025.

The company, created in 1938, is best known for baseball cards. But Topps also makes products for Major League Soccer, UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga, National Hockey League, Formula 1, Star Wars and WWE and Garbage Pail Kids. Its confections division has brands including Ring Pop, Push Pop and Bazooka bubble gum.

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Directly west of Chicago’s city limits are the neighboring suburbs of Cicero and Berwyn. The communities have long been associated with Czechs, who migrated west from the Pilsen and Lawndale areas before they eventually settled here. By 1930 they accounted for 25% of Berwyn’s population. Many of them worked at the Western Electric Company’s Hawthorne Works factory complex, which enabled them to buy their own homes, mostly brick bungalows, that still line the streets today. It’s the reason why people are drawn to these two suburbs: interesting and historic residential architecture at afforable prices right next to Chicago. So let’s take a look around!

Cicero has a rich history with Al Capone and the Chicago Outfit so it’s no surprise this beautiful 1920s Mediterranean Revival bungalow has a story to tell. Census records suggest that the house belonged to “Capone’s personal attorney,” a Bohemian immigrant named Joseph Lustfield, who lived here with his family and live-in help through the 1950s. Lustfield shows up in the record as representing Ralph Capone, Al’s older brother—as well as the Village of Stickney and Cicero itself, not to mention the Hawthorne race track. (The Census records also suggest Lustfield’s home was worth $16,000 in 1930, or about $255,000 today.) Even with that interesting background, the home is stunning architecturally as little has changed on the inside. Original historic details include a spiral staircase, wrought iron accents, stained glass windows, domed ceilings, two-story living room with Juliet balcony, hardwood floors, plaster walls, light fixtures, and built-ins. Plus a vintage pink-tile bathroom with tub and shower. What a house!

Talk about a time capsule! Located on four lots in Cicero’s Boulevard Manor neighborhood, this midcentury split level was built by its current owner in 1959. Original details include colorful front windows, marble tiled foyer, wood plank ceiling and stone fireplace in living room, and wood paneling and a classic wet bar on the lower level. The bathrooms might not be updated but they are a decent size considering the time period. Not only does this home scream nostalgia, but it’s perfect for people who are looking for soul and character in today’s culture of gut jobs and HGTV renovations.

I’ve always been fascinated by building conversions, especially the church-to-home renovation trend. It’s a great way save a historic structure, while also giving it new life. So the former rectory of Our Lady of Charity Catholic Church, designed by Thomas Mulig of the architectural firm Naess & Murphy, is right up my alley. The parish and school are still alive and well in Cicero but the 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom rectory, built in 1954, is available on the market for the first time. An imaginative buyer can turn the building into a single-family home or use it for public or non-profit purposes, like a charitable or educational organization. So many possibilities! And all for just $299,000. You can live like a priest without, you know, having to take a vow of obedience.

Today many bungalows have been “HGTV-ed,” stripped of the craftsmanship and historic details that made them special in favor of current trends like open floor plans and everything white. That character is the reason why people love living in bungalows, my own family included. So it’s refreshing to come across one that hasn’t been gutted or compromised of its architectural integrity like this 1919 brick bungalow in Berwyn. There are charming exterior details like the craftsman brackets and light-colored brick with terra cotta ornamentation. Although I was disappointed not to see a fireplace inside, there are still plenty of historic elements that survive like the unpainted woodwork, original doors, and a pink-ish bathroom.

Now for something completely different! This 1925 brick bungalow in Berwyn might not be my cup of tea but it’s perfect for people looking for exterior historic charm (look at that curved bay window!) with updates galore on the inside. I’m familiar with the bungalow type where the front stretches the entire length of the facade and the entrance is on the side. That explains why there is a staircase in the middle of the room. All the interior walls have been removed to create an open floor plan with all the living spaces flowing together. The modernized kitchen has a distinctive coffered ceiling, custom 42” soft close cabinets, Samsung stainless steel appliances, and a premium quartz waterfall island. The upstairs bedrooms and bathrooms have been fully renovated, while the basement has a brand-new entertainment room with wet bar.

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I think when people think about great restaurants, they always seem to think they’re all in Chicago. But, let me tell you, if you’re only going to restaurants in Chicago, you’re definitely sleeping on some great options in the suburbs. In fact, some of the BEST restaurants can be found in Elmhurst. And if that’s not enough to convince you, there are restaurants on this list that compete for the best with ones in the city. Here I outline 10 of the best restaurants in Elmhurst. From Thai, to Italian to the good ol’ American classics, this quaint and popular suburb has your next favorite dining spot. Trust me.  

117 N Addison Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Uptown Eatery is a casual family restaurant specializing in thin crust pizza, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, milkshakes & desserts. It was opened in May of this year and has been a favorite of the locals since! Their menu includes American classics with some Italian flare. And since dietary restrictions are a thing now, Gluten intolerant folks are welcome and have multiple options. 

174 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Francesca’s Amici is part of the Francesca’s restaurant chain. It’s located in the vibrant downtown Elmhurst and features zesty earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. They have a massive selection of Italian cuisine that won’t disappoint. 

100 S York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126

100 South Chop House and Grill is a recreation of a swanky-hip 1950’s supper club that’s upbeat but still relaxed. The steaks are USDA center cut and minimum aged of 21-28 days to ensure freshness and flavor, the martinis are tall and each dish is made to order with only the freshest ingredients. Plus, it sits as one of the best steakhouse restaurants in Chicago, according to OpenTable. And unlike the Chicago steakhouses, anyone can stop into a steakhouse like South Chop and dine on the New Yorker, the filet mignon, or the Delmonico, all at reasonable prices.

483 Spring Rd, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Is a trip to Italy on your “to-do” list, yet seems out of reach? Fear not- Roberto’s brings the elegance and intimacy of classic Italy to the western suburbs of Chicago. The Tuscan murals and warm earth tones emulate the sophistication of Italy. Their specialties include homemade pastas with savory fillings and sauces, chicken parmesan, gourmet pizzas and salads, delicious desserts, and much more.

105 S York St suite a, Elmhurst, IL 60126

If you’re looking for your next favorite breakfast spot, Stray Hen Cafe might fit the bill. With another location in Lincoln Park, it’s a local favorite. I don’t think I have ever been to a breakfast place that has so many options. You’ll definitely have a hard time deciding, but once you do, you won’t be disappointed. With Gluten-Free and Vegan options, Stray Hen is the perfect breakfast place for everyone!

115 W Schiller Ct, Elmhurst, IL 60126

NU Crepes is serving up American inspired crepes in a fast-casual atmosphere. It was opened in September of 2021 and is located in the beautiful Schiller Ct Walkway. Since then, it has been family owned and operated. In addition to crepes, Nu serves your typical eggs and meat breakfast. But, if you’re going to come here, definitely indulge in the crepes. They have 12 kids available and you won’t go wrong with any one of them. 

416 N York St B, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Zenwich is a Small, counter-serve eatery offering sandwiches with Asian influences in a lime-green space. Although small, Zenwich will be your go to Asian influenced sandwich shop. My personal favorites are the Thai BBQ Pork Belly, made with thinly sliced roasted Thai style BBQ pork belly, pickled cucumber, carrot, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, and sweet and tango mayo, and the Spicy Garlic Shrimp featuring lightly battered shrimp, baby arugula. Cilantro and garlic crunch with sweet and spicy aioli.

940 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126

As a family-run business, the chefs at Mangia Napoli like to be completely hands-on to give their customers quality, authentic Italian food. True Italian food is not fussy – it’s not fancy – but when done right, it delivers unsurpassed flavors and a true culinary experience. As you can tell, their menu is filled with true Itai]lian classics like Spaghetti Puttanesca, Gnocchi Sorrento, Risotto Giorno, and Cappellini Ana Capri. And if that hasn’t convinced you, maybe the desert will. End your Italian evening with a Tiramisu, Cannolis, Ciocolato Fondente, Gelato, Panna Cotta, or a traditional Cheesecake. 

668 W North Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Mack’s Golden Pheasant has been a longtime eatery offering American & Czech classics & cocktails in lodge-like digs since 1948. Mack’s is the oldest continuously owned restaurant in DuPage County. Czech immigrants Frank and Mae Mack turned a one room tavern into a full service lounge and restaurant in 1948. The couple converted the small building on the corner of North Avenue and Route 83 into a Czech-Austrian inspired chalet. They offer superb American dishes alongside specialty Czechoslovakian cuisine. The eclectic menu features award winning roast duckling, weiner schnitzel, hand cut steaks, delicious seafood and famous hand-pattied 12 oz. burgers.

111B W 2nd St, Elmhurst, IL 60126

BNK is your not so typical Thai restaurant. It bears this mark because not only do they have amazing Thai food, but also a plethora of sushi and sashimi options. Come here for the Chicken Tom Kha Kai and the Panang Curry (both Thai classics) or enjoy the evening feasting on Sushi Unagi, Sushi Wasabi Tobiko or Sashimi Hotate. 

Featured Image Credit: Trip Advisor

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