Project posted by Harris Allen
The 1968 residence designed by local architect Jack Sherman Baker is now listed at $739,900 in Springfield, Illinois.
The 1968 residence designed by local architect Jack Sherman Baker is now listed at $739,900 in Springfield, Illinois.
The residence at 1111 Williams Boulevard in Springfield, Illinois, was designed by late architect and Illinois School of Architecture professor Jack Sherman Baker in 1968.
The residence at 1111 Williams Boulevard in Springfield, Illinois, was designed by late architect and Illinois School of Architecture professor Jack Sherman Baker in 1968.
Dramatic, double-story glass panels connect the interior to the rear patio.
Dramatic, double-story glass panels connect the interior to the rear patio.
A bright-red door welcomes visitors to the home.
A bright-red door welcomes visitors to the home.
A floor-to-ceiling fireplace with an oversize hearth takes center stage in the main living room.
A floor-to-ceiling fireplace with an oversize hearth takes center stage in the main living room.
The chef’s kitchen features custom cabinetry, Italian terrazzo floors, a large island with quartz countertops.
The chef’s kitchen features custom cabinetry, Italian terrazzo floors, a large island with quartz countertops.
Inside the 4,314-square-foot home, double-story glass panels usher in ample natural light.
Inside the 4,314-square-foot home, double-story glass panels usher in ample natural light.
A study with built-in shelving, tall windows, and a lounge provides a comfortable place to relax.
A study with built-in shelving, tall windows, and a lounge provides a comfortable place to relax.
A black spiral staircase leads to the home’s upper level.
A black spiral staircase leads to the home’s upper level.
The home’s upper level includes a living roof, which can be accessed through a glazed doorway.
The home’s upper level includes a living roof, which can be accessed through a glazed doorway.
The home includes four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
The home includes four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Tall windows and skylights flood the bathroom with natural light.
Tall windows and skylights flood the bathroom with natural light.

Details

Bedrooms
4
Full Baths
2
Partial Baths
2

Credits

Posted by
Architect
Jack Sherman Baker
Chuck Pell
Photographer
Harris Allen

From Harris Allen

Combining an iconic mid-century modern masterpiece with a contemporary restoration and addition, this home is one of Springfield's most prized and renowned properties and unlike anything else in central Illinois. Originally designed by the late Illinois School of Architecture professor and architect Jack Sherman Baker in 1968, The 1800 sq. ft addition was imagined and completed by local architect Chuck Pell in 2007 as a compliment to the home’s distinct persona. Situated on a tree lined street with direct access to the park and ample privacy, the large double lot has uniquely retained an additional third adjacent and dividable parcel, resulting in one single contiguous oversized property with the potential to build separate structures or expand the compound.

Inside, large glass panels, windows, and skylights mean no room is without abundant natural light and views to the surrounding foliage oasis, elongated garden, and Washington park - creating the ultimate experience of serene living during all four seasons, and a stunning transition of light throughout each day. This experience is most notable with the dramatic double-story glass found in both the professional, well equipped chef’s kitchen and spacious living area. At the core of this home are the imposing fireplaces on all three levels, notably, the floor to ceiling fireplace with oversized hearth in the main living area. Whether entertaining or having a quiet night in, the home’s instinctual layout and sensible flow is ideal and instills a manageable sense of familiarity, comfort, and freedom.

The outdoors are readily accessible from every side of the house, where accompanying outdoor entertaining areas await, like the recently improved front floating deck and rear patio. Notable landscaping features include sculptures from Brother Mel, intricate outdoor lighting systems, a living roof with patio and garden, and striking redwood clad exterior. Countless custom thoughtful design elements are found inside and out. From the custom cabinetry and doors, pocket doors to segment living areas, Italian terrazzo kitchen flooring, outdoor living areas, and the property dividers, barriers, and privacy screens designed as natural extensions of the property, these elements are brought to life with contemporary building techniques and result in the ultimate form of holistic modern living.

Current owners note that living with this home has been the privilege of a lifetime. One that never ceases to captivate all - passersby, first time visitors, or those who are fortunate enough to call this their home.