Twenty miles from downtown Chicago, Lombard is a charming suburb featuring distinctive historical landmarks and popular shopping venues. Yet, the community's biggest attraction is its horticulture. Dubbed "The Lilac Village" for its extraordinary park district, Lombard is home to flower beds comprising more than 700 lilacs and 35,000 tulips and a blooming flower festival during the first two weeks of May. While there's no doubt the famous Lilacia Park will entice you to stop and smell the lilacs, this inviting suburb has a variety of treasures that draw tourists to visit and many to make the area their home.
Only a half hour away from the amenities of Chicago but outside the hustle and bustle of the city, Lombard is known for its active downtown, historical relevance, and outstanding entertainment options. Architectural styles in the village blend historic designs from past decades with new builds to provide residents with a range of housing options to choose from. These are some of the most sought-after styles of architecture in Lombard:
Victorian
Built in Lombard as early as the late 1800s, Victorian homes are some of the oldest in the area, and many bear historical plaques that certify they're at least a century old. Queen Anne-style Victorian homes are recognizable by their expansive bay windows, elaborate ornamental features, decorative woodwork, and gabled roofs. Meanwhile, Victorian Greek Revivals feature sloping roofs, intricate finishings, and pillared porches. Many of these beautifully restored homes are in and around Lombard's historic downtown and on Maple Street, and they are highly desirable due to their elegant style and historical significance.
The Victorian Cottage Museum on Maple Street is a splendid example of Victorian architecture that also provides insight into what lifestyles in these homes were like in the late 1800s.
Tudor
Along with Victorian homes, Tudor houses were among the earliest builds to crop up in Lombard. They blend the use of multiple materials, including brick, leaded glass, and wood, for an ornate and distinguished appearance that is hard to miss. Tudor homes typically boast steep roofs, detailed designs, and rounded windows and doors. Tall, narrow windows with several small panes add to the ornamental style and appeal of the layout.
Sheltering behind the homes that line Washington and Martha Streets, Hidden House is a well-known historical landmark that highlights many of the traits that Tudor homes in the area are known for. The three-story house was built in the early 1900s, and it's one of the first in the area to boast "modern conveniences" such as electricity, running water, and gas. The home is a private residence restored to maintain many of its original attributes, including elaborate woodwork and stained glass windows.
Foursquare
American Foursquare-style homes have long been a staple in Chicago suburbs, and Lombard is no exception. The design derives its name from a floor plan with three square rooms and an entrance hall on the ground floor. These homes typically also have a second floor, a basement, and a large front porch. With extensive windows and ample space indoors and out, Foursquare homes present an attractive option for many residents. Since many of these houses are at least a century old, homebuyers often renovate them to include other cultural styles and modern exterior and interior features.
Colonial
Built in the late 1800s and during the decades that followed, Colonial-style homes nestle among other architectural types in the village. First introduced to the area by wealthy residents, Colonial houses display a symmetrical appearance with a prominent central entrance. The style encompasses a range of subsets found in Lombard, including Dutch, Cape Cod, Georgian, and French. Since they're a popular home style built over multiple decades, you can find these homes made from wood, brick, or stone. While Colonial exteriors feature minimal embellishments, it's common for the interiors to contain formal entryways, imposing central staircases, and grand fireplaces. Although Colonial architecture is largely designed around symmetry, Colonial Revivals often have an added garage that creates a more off-centered appearance.
Craftsman
The Craftsman style derives from homes built in England during the English Arts and Crafts movement, but they first became well-established around Chicago in the early 20th century. Craftsman-style architecture emphasizes horizontal lines and outdoor features that integrate with the home's surroundings. Wide porches and tapered columns are familiar characteristics, and exterior colors usually harmonize with the surrounding landscapes. Natural materials combined with elements such as exposed rafters and beams bring aesthetic appeal to these homes, while open floor plans provide occupants with added usable space, making Craftsman homes timelessly popular.
Modern Contemporary
Along with the range of styles that have given Lombard its diverse architectural constitution over many decades, new builds are cropping up in many established neighborhoods. Luxury new construction in Lombard typically boasts traditional-style architecture that blends the characteristics found across various building designs from the 17th and 18th centuries. These homes may consist of a variety of materials and range in appearance from simple to expansive. They often feature simple rooflines with a single front-facing gable and two- or three-car garages. Many are even custom builds, designed to include the homebuyer's most sought-after features.
Newly constructed homes in Lombard provide occupants with ample space created by open floor plans, large rooms, generous porches, and bonus rooms. Elements, such as vaulted cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, and walk-in closets, add aesthetic appeal and convenience. Homebuyers can also find luxurious features, including spa bathrooms, radiant heated floors, and high-end appliances.
Partner with Anne Thompson to find the Lombard architectural style that aligns with your lifestyle
Located in a serene environment with its own distinctive personality but within easy reach of everything the big city has to offer, Lombard is a delightful community attracting many residents to the area. If you're planning to move to The Lilac Village, you may have a particular architectural style in mind. However, navigating the complex housing market in Chicago's western suburbs can be challenging.
Lombard provides prospective home buyers with an array of options to meet any need. To find the home type most likely to match your lifestyle, you need an experienced agent in your corner. Anne Thompson is an experienced real estate agent with over 15 years of experience. She received the prestigious Road to Rolex Award in 2022 and works tirelessly to find her clients the perfect fit for their style and budget. Whether you already have a favorite architectural style or are searching for inspiration to find the one most likely to meet your needs, Anne Thompson can help. Get in touch to learn more about the exciting variety of real estate options in Lombard.
*Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
