About the Awards

​

Background

​

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 Guidelines

• Must be a CBA-certified brick Chicago bungalow located in the City of Chicago

• Nominated project must have been completed within the last 5 years

• You may nominate more than one project, but you must submit a separate nomination form for each

​

Important 2023 Dates

• Nominations must be submitted by 11:59pm on Wednesday, September 27, 2023

• Finalists will be contacted on October 4 to schedule a one-hour photo/video shoot between October 6-8

​

Nomination Categories

• Exterior Rehabilitation: Appropriate rehab or restoration of exterior areas (including garages), or compatible new additions

• Interior Rehabilitation: Rehab of interior area for contemporary use while main maintaining significant bungalow features

• Interior Restoration: Accurately recovers historic details and forms of the Chicago bungalow

• Small Project: Completed at a cost of $5,000 or less

• Green Project: Demonstrates sustainability or energy-efficiency

• Landscape Design: Gardening and landscaping to enhance the home's visual impression

• Window Restoration: Repair or restoration of original wood windows (NOT window replacement)

​

Judging Criteria

​

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 2023 Driehaus Awards included Suzanne Germann, Master of Science in Historic Preservation, Director of Grants & Easements at Landmarks Illinois; Jackie Montesdeoca, Master of Science in Historic Preservation, and Director of Building Electrification at Elevate; Faith Rackow, Master of Science in Historic Preservation, and our former Deputy Director; Jackie Riffice, Master Gardener, and Founder of Prairie Godmothers; Sarah Ware, Immediate Past President of the Chicago Association of Realtors®, Principal and Designated Managing Broker at Ware Realty Group, and CBA Board Member; and Nicole Wheatly, Community Development Consultant for the City of Chicago and owner of Steps Inc. Consulting, specializing in revitalizing neighborhoods.

​

Winners Awards

• Cash award of $1,000

• Bronze award plaque

• Display at award ceremony

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

​

Honorable Mention Awards

• Cash award of $250

• Bronze award plaque

• Display at award ceremony

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