Craftsman Bungalows Of Ravenswood Manor

Hi and Welcome to my ARTS & CRAFTS BUNGALOWS OF RAVENSWOOD MANOR tour. I’m Ronnie Frey creator of the popular Instagram account @doorwaysofchicago. I welcome you to follow me there and all my other socials like TikTok, Facebook and YouTube with the same handle @doorwaysofchicago. I also give in person tours and private tours and those can all be found on my website doorwaysofchicago.com. If you would like to reach out via email please feel free: ronnie@doorwaysofchicago.com I have designed a growing number of tours in this eATLAS app that span many different neighborhoods as well as downtown Chicago. I welcome you to check them out! Many of them have promo videos you can watch prior to purchasing. Here in the app I have included several photos related to each stop and a short video message with historical information. So you can either read the information in the app or if you prefer you can just watch the videos. As you open each stop in the app I would suggest the first thing to do would be to click on the two arrows in the upper right hand corner of the first photo you see and that will pop out the photos and videos so you can view them full screen. INTRODUCTION TO RAVENSWOOD MANOR Experience the charm and enchantment of the many Arts & Crafts bungalows, cottages and homes in the Ravenswood Manor Historic District of Chicago, a captivating neighborhood situated along the North Branch of the Chicago River. This neighborhood is a hidden gem nestled within the vibrant Albany Park community of Chicago, Illinois. This charming neighborhood is a testament to the city's rich history and the vision of William E. Harmon, an innovative real estate pioneer. Ravenswood Manor boasts a unique blend of architectural heritage and natural beauty. Dating back to the early 1900s, this neighborhood's development coincided with the extension of the Northwestern Elevated Railroad's Ravenswood Branch, now known as the CTA Brown Line, to the Francisco stop. In 2008 Ravenswood Manor was added to the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its historical significance. As we explore Ravenswood Manor, you'll be captivated by its tree-lined streets, inviting sidewalks, and picturesque parks and gardens. One remarkable feature that sets this neighborhood apart is its proximity to the Chicago River's North Branch. In fact, Ravenswood Manor is one of the few places in the city where homes along the river have their very own docks, providing residents with unique access to the water. OTHER HISTORY: The story of Ravenswood Manor begins with William E. Harmon, who founded Wm. E. Harmon & Co. in 1907. Harmon embraced the concept of "improved real estate," a strategy popularized following the release of Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago. In 1909, Harmon launched Ravenswood Manor, a 60-acre community connected to the newly established Francisco "L" station. He envisioned quiet, leafy neighborhoods, branding them as "The First Suburb Beautiful—of the New Chicago." Harmon's innovative approach included archways, green spaces, and a modest annual fee of $2 per homeowner for neighborhood upkeep. Harmon's real estate revolution extended beyond Ravenswood Manor. In the late 1880s, he transformed the way people purchased land, allowing buyers to put down just one dollar and make monthly installment payments, a model that increased homeownership among lower middle-class citizens in the United States. Despite his grand vision, only 100 houses were built in both Ravenswood Manor and Ravenswood Gardens by 1914. This led to the formation of the Ravenswood Manor-Gardens Community Club in 1914, which played a pivotal role in shaping the neighborhood's identity. The club later evolved into the Ravenswood Manor-Gardens Improvement Association, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the community. One of Harmon's most enduring legacies was his vision for the Chicago River as a gateway to boating on Lake Michigan. While the public boat docking area he established has disappeared, some Ravenswood Manor properties still boast private docks along the river, providing a glimpse into this remarkable history.