Alfred Bersbach House, Prairie School residence in Wilmette, United States
The Alfred Bersbach House is a Prairie School residence in Wilmette featuring brick on the ground floor and stucco on the upper level. The structure displays deep roof overhangs, strong horizontal lines, and decorative art glass windows that emphasize the style's core design principles.
The house was built in 1915 by architect John S. Van Bergen, who was a dedicated proponent of the Prairie School movement. In 2003 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its importance to regional residential architecture.
The residence reflects the Prairie School movement, which shaped Midwestern residential design by blending horizontal forms with natural materials that echo the landscape. This approach became a defining characteristic of early 20th century homes in the region.
The house is situated on Michigan Avenue and showcases details including art glass windows and cypress wood trim. Visiting allows you to observe the carefully selected natural materials used throughout, such as the Indiana limestone foundation.
The construction used sand-colored mortar that matches the exact shade of the nearby Lake Michigan beach. This thoughtful material choice links the building visually to its natural surroundings and reflects the Prairie School's attention to environmental harmony.
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