A 1920s Gold Coast co-op, an Astor Street greystone, a Lincoln Park brownstone, a Logan Square boulevard mansion, a vintage Victorian two-flat or a pre-war bungalow — these homes carry original millwork, plaster, archways, and detail that cannot be bought back once it's torn out. Most contractors gut what they don't understand and file permits blind, triggering landmark violations, board rejections, and stop-work orders. Historic home renovation done right does the opposite.
Assembly Squad is a Chicago design-build firm that has completed 500+ projects since 2013, including the full restoration of a 1929 Robert DeGolyer pre-war co-op at 1242 N Lake Shore Drive. We modernize the systems that matter — electrical, plumbing, kitchens, baths — while documenting and preserving the period detail that makes these homes irreplaceable. From single rooms to whole-home restorations and full gut rehabs, we handle Commission on Chicago Landmarks permit review, co-op and condo board approvals, and out-of-state owner coordination start to finish. Historic home renovation in Chicago typically runs $150–$400 per square foot depending on era, scope, and finishes — see our whole-house remodel cost guide for full numbers.
Kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home restorations for landmark and pre-war Chicago homes — modern function inside original character.
Period-CorrectCustom kitchen remodels that fit the home — Illinois-made cabinetry sized to original walls, modern appliances, and updated wiring and plumbing hidden behind preserved detail.
EnsuiteFull bathroom renovations — waterproofing, re-plumbing galvanized and cast-iron lines, and tile work that respects the era while delivering a modern ensuite.
FeaturedGut-to-finish whole-home remodels — like our 2,035 sq ft, 3-bed/3-bath restoration at 1242 N Lake Shore Drive, completed in 10 weeks for an out-of-state owner.
Original archways, trim, crown, and plaster documented before work begins, protected through demolition, and repaired or matched — not ripped out for drywall shortcuts.
Knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized supply, and cast-iron drains replaced with safe, code-compliant systems by licensed trade partners — priced upfront, not as a mid-project surprise.
For designated landmarks and contributing buildings in Chicago landmark districts, we prepare and route permit applications through the Historic Preservation Division and Commission staff.
One firm, one contract, from first walkthrough to final landmark inspection. Start with a consultation.
We walk the home, document original detail worth preserving, and identify hidden risks — knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, lead paint, asbestos — before a single number is written.
Our designer develops the layout and finishes at the Lincoln Park Design Studio, with a preservation plan documenting what stays, what's restored, and what's matched — plus a fixed-price proposal.
For landmark and district properties we prepare Commission submissions through the Historic Preservation Division; for co-ops and condos we handle the full board alteration package — so work starts approved, not flagged.
Our in-house crew and licensed trade partners execute on a fixed schedule, with original detail protected throughout — and full remote updates for out-of-state owners, exactly as we ran the 1242 N Lake Shore Drive project.
Drag the slider — 1242 N Lake Shore Drive, restored in 10 weeks
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Pre-war and landmark homes hide problems that wreck budgets when a contractor isn't ready for them. Here's how we plan around each one.
| The Risk | How We Handle It |
|---|---|
| !Landmark permit review. Designated landmarks and district buildings need Commission sign-off before work. | ✓We prepare and route submissions through the Historic Preservation Division so work starts approved. |
| !Co-op & condo board approval. Many buildings require a full alteration agreement before any trade enters. | ✓We assemble the board package, insurance, and contractor docs — as we did for the 1242 co-op board. |
| !Knob-and-tube wiring. Original electrical is unsafe and often uninsurable. | ✓Licensed electricians replace it with permitted, code-compliant systems — priced upfront. |
| !Plaster-and-lath walls. Easily destroyed by careless demo; expensive to match. | ✓We protect, repair, and match original plaster rather than gutting to drywall by default. |
| !Lead paint & asbestos. Common pre-1978; illegal and dangerous to disturb untrained. | ✓We're EPA Lead-Safe certified and follow safe containment and disposal protocols. |
| !Galvanized & cast-iron plumbing. Corroded supply and drain lines fail behind finished walls. | ✓Licensed plumbers re-pipe supply and drain lines while walls are open — once, correctly. |
| !Matching irreplaceable materials. Original millwork, tile, and hardware can't be bought off a shelf. | ✓We source period-appropriate matches and preserve salvageable originals wherever possible. |
Selecting finishes for a historic home is a different conversation — period-appropriate tile, cabinetry, hardware, and paint that read right for the era. Do it with our designer at our studio, not over email.
Real historic home renovation cost ranges for Chicago pre-war and landmark homes — roughly $150–$400 per square foot. Every project is fixed-price after assessment — request a quote or see the full cost guide.
Historic tax incentives may apply. Owner-occupied certified historic residences may qualify for the Illinois Property Tax Assessment Freeze (assessed value frozen for 8 years, then phased back over 4), and designated Chicago landmarks or contributing buildings may qualify for a city permit-fee waiver with prior application. We're builders, not tax advisors — confirm eligibility with the State of Illinois and your tax professional before relying on any incentive.
Hear directly from homeowners who trusted us with their renovation projects
From Gold Coast co-ops to Logan Square boulevard greystones — we restore historic and landmark homes across Chicago's most established neighborhoods.
Our Michigan Avenue HQ and Lincoln Park Design Studio put us minutes from the city's historic neighborhoods.
Most contractors treat a pre-war landmark like any other job. Here's the difference that protects your home and your budget.
| Capability | ★Assembly Squad | Typical Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Landmark permit review | ✓Prepares Commission / Historic Preservation submissions | ✕Files blind — risks violations & stop-work |
| Co-op & board approval | ✓Full alteration package & board liaison | ✕Leaves it to the owner |
| Original detail | ✓Documented, protected & preserved | ✕Torn out for drywall shortcuts |
| Lead & asbestos | ✓EPA Lead-Safe certified protocols | ✕Often uncertified & unsafe |
| Hidden systems | ✓Knob-and-tube & galvanized priced upfront | ✕Surprise mid-project invoices |
| Pricing | ✓Fixed price after assessment | ✕Open-ended time & materials |
| Out-of-state owners | ✓Full remote turnkey management | ✕Owner must be on site |
| Crew | ✓In-house crew & licensed trade partners | ✕Rotating day-labor subs |
| Track record | ✓1929 DeGolyer co-op — listed at $925K | ✕No comparable historic project |
Full design-build remodeling across Chicago.
Custom kitchens with Illinois-made cabinetry.
Full bathroom renovations across Chicago.
Restoring Chicago's historic greystones — full guide.
Down-to-studs rehabs of vintage Chicago homes.
High-rise and co-op renovations.
Real projects with real addresses.
What Chicago homeowners ask before restoring a historic or landmark property.
Tell us about your historic or landmark home. We'll walk the property, flag the hidden risks, and give you a fixed-price plan that protects what makes it irreplaceable.
Licensed & insured IL GC #TGC098779 · EPA Lead-Safe · See our work →
