All About the Awards

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Background

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The Driehaus Bungalow Awards were created in 2005 by the Chicago Bungalow Association, with the generous support of The Driehaus Foundation. An annual juried competition, the Awards honor the creativity and efforts of homeowners for the work they’ve done in interior and exterior renovations, restoration, and landscape design. Having grown up in a Chicago bungalow on the South Side of the City, Richard H. Driehaus personally knows the value that the architecture of these homes bring to both families and neighborhoods, and the importance of celebrating bungalow owners' dedication through these awards in order to inspire others. Mr. Driehaus is CBA's strongest supporter, and his generous grants fund the work of CBA, including these awards. 

Nomination Requirements:
 

• Brick Chicago-style bungalow located in the City of Chicago

• Project completed within the last 5 years

Nomination Categories:

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1. Exterior Rehabilitation: Demonstrates appropriate rehabilitation projects and/or compatible new additions.

2. Interior Rehabilitation: Demonstrates a contemporary use while maintaining significant features.

3. Interior Restoration: Accurately recovers the details and forms of the Chicago Bungalow.

4. Small Project: Preserves historic detail and form while improving one aspect of a room or the exterior at a cost of $5,000 or less.

5. Green Project: Demonstrates the use of energy-efficient design and renovation while maintaining classic features—can be a rain garden or landscape project if it incorporates green elements such as native plants, permeable pavers, etc.

6. Landscape Design: Demonstrates creative design solution and enhance the overall visual impression.

7. Window Restoration: Preserves historic detail and materials of original wood windows using appropriate methods for repair/restoration.

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There is no limit to nominations per home. In 2019 we had a record breaking 86 nominations submitted, capturing a diverse group of bungalow owners from neighborhoods throughout Chicago.

Judging Criteria

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The panel of judges is selected by the Chicago Bungalow Association and is composed of architects, preservationists, community leaders, neighborhood development and energy efficiency professionals. Nominations are judged on the overall visual impression, creative design solution, and how well the project maintains the integrity of the Historic Chicago Bungalow. Additional criteria considered includes a diverse geographic and ethnic distribution of selections. One winner and one honorable mention is selected in each category.

Judges for the 2019 Driehaus Awards included Kristine Menas Daley, Master of Science in Historic Preservation, Real Estate Consultant at Dream Town Realty and CBA Board Member; Suzanne Germann, Master of Science in Historic Preservation and Director of Grants & Easements at Landmarks Illinois; Manuel Hernandez, AIA Chicago Architect and Board Director, Chicago Registered Energy Professional (REP), and Owner of Design Seed, Inc.; Linda Johnson, Director of Housing & Senior Services at Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation and accomplished real estate investor with a history of community involvement; Faith Rackow, Master of Science in Historic Preservation and former Deputy Director of Chicago Bungalow Association; Nicole Wheatly, Community Development Consultant for the City of Chicago and owner of Steps Inc. Consulting, specializing in revitalizing neighborhoods; Jackie Wiese, Master of Science in Historic Preservation and Senior Manager at Elevate Energy.

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Awards

Winners receive:
 

• A cash award of $1,000

• A handcrafted bronze plaque, created by local artisan, Frank Glapa

• Display at award ceremony

• Recognition on CBA website, social media, and in newsletter

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Honorable Mentions receive:
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• A cash award of $250

• A handcrafted bronze plaque, created by local artisan, Frank Glapa

• Display at award ceremony

• Recognition on CBA website, social media, and in newsletter​

Nominations

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Nominations for 2020 begin on January 1st and will be accepted all year long on our online nomination form. The bungalow need not be homeowner occupied. Nominations from neighbors, friends and neighborhood organizations are accepted.

The elegantly arched doorway of Mr. Driehaus' boyhood bungalow in Brainerd frames his sister, Dorothy (Driehaus) Mellon's on her wedding day October 10, 1965.

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Photo Credit: Pacyga, D. A., & Shanabruch, C. (2003). The Chicago bungalow. Chicago: Arcadia Pub.

Our work to create these awards is generously funded by The Driehaus Foundation.