Million-Dollar Restoration Revives Evanston’s 1901 Oscar Mayer Mansion
Evanston, Illinois
Historical Background
Built in 1901 and designed by Hallberg & Sturm, the Oscar Mayer Mansion originally belonged to Oscar Putnam, the son of the founder of the famed processed-meat firm. Over the years, it became known as the Oscar Mayer House following Putnam’s ownership from 1927 until 1965. Like many grand homes of the Gilded Age, it eventually fell into disrepair and sat vacant for nearly a decade.
Acquisition and Vision
In 2015, J&S Home Renovations recognized the mansion’s architectural significance and undertook its revitalization. After purchasing the property for $1.1 million, the company committed to a comprehensive restoration budget approaching $1.5 million. Their goal was to return the 7,400-square-foot brick residence to its original splendor, while removing later additions that had compromised its historic character.
Restoration Highlights
- Exterior & Structure
- Removed a dated two-story addition to restore the mansion’s original roofline and proportions.
- Repaired and repointed brickwork to match early-20th-century craftsmanship.
- Interior Details
- Fireplaces: Restored the original brick mantels and hearths, preserving handcrafted detailing.
- Elaborate Moldings: Recreated and repaired crown moldings, ceiling medallions, and door surrounds to match Hallberg & Sturm’s original plans.
- Radiators & Mechanical Systems: Upgraded HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems while retaining or replicating vintage radiators in each room.
- Stained Glass Windows: Reassembled and releaded each panel in accordance with State of Illinois historic preservation guidelines.
- Light Fixtures: Cleaned, repaired, and rewired existing early-1900s chandeliers, sconces, and lamps.
- Kitchen and Bathrooms
- Completely modernized plumbing, wiring, and fixtures in all bathrooms and the kitchen, balancing contemporary functionality with period-appropriate finishes (e.g., subway tile, vintage-style faucets).
Market Timeline
- May 2016: Following nearly $1.5 million in restoration work, the fully rehabilitated mansion hit the market at $2.95 million.
- May 2016 – July 2018: The home remained on the market for two years as buyers navigated the luxury real-estate landscape.
- July 2018: Ultimately, the mansion sold for $1.73 million—well above the original $1.1 million purchase price, though below the initial listing.
Eifler & Associates’ Role and Recognition
Eifler & Associates joined the project in 2014 and spearheaded critical preservation efforts:
- Oversaw the complete renovation of bathrooms, kitchen, and all mechanical systems.
- Led the meticulous restoration of each window to comply with Illinois historic‐preservation standards.
- Coordinated structural repairs and interior finish work to match early-1900s craftsmanship.
Upon completion, the city of Evanston honored the rehabilitation with a preservation award, acknowledging the project’s commitment to architectural integrity and historic accuracy.
Before-and-After Glimpse
A collection of pre-restoration photographs (available through showhomes) vividly illustrates the mansion’s decade of neglect: peeling paint, boarded windows, and overgrown grounds. Comparing these images to today’s restored manor underscores the transformation—from a forlorn landmark into a meticulously preserved piece of Evanston’s Gilded Age legacy.
Conclusion
J&S Home Renovations’ investment—both financial and creative—breathed new life into the Oscar Mayer Mansion. By honoring the original Hallberg & Sturm design, restoring authentic fixtures, and modernizing key systems, the team ensured this 1901 treasure would endure for generations to come.
