Between the 1910s and the 1930s, a significant shift occurred as second-generation Americans moved away from Chicago’s older neighborhoods. They sought residence in newly annexed areas of the city. The bungalow emerged as an ideal housing solution for these settlers. Chicago’s post-Great Fire building codes required brick construction. The city excelled in brick-making, providing both motivation and resources to construct numerous affordable bungalows.

The housing boom of the 1920s transformed construction practices nationwide, increasing the demand for common houses with modern amenities,” notes The Chicago Bungalow, a book by the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

These homes became synonymous with Chicago’s middle class. They are solid, compact, and designed to fit on narrow lots. With more than 80,000 of these structures, comprising one-third of Chicago’s single-family homes, many are located in a crescent from the Northwest Side to the Southwest Side, an area known as the Bungalow Belt.

Post-World War II saw a decline in bungalow popularity, with ranch and split-level styles becoming favored. Yet, the resilience of Chicago’s bungalows has allowed them to remain integral to the city’s housing landscape for over a century. Today, they continue to be appealing choices for immigrants, their descendants, and young families.

For further inquiries regarding the Chicago area, contact [email protected].