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R. Harold Zook Home and Studio: A Glimpse into Architectural Whimsy

Discover the whimsical architecture of R. Harold Zook at his preserved Hinsdale home and studio, a unique landmark of suburban Chicago design.

The R. Harold Zook Home and Studio in Hinsdale, Illinois, offers a unique look into the world of architect R. Harold Zook. Designed and occupied by Zook himself, this unique complex showcases his distinctive Cotswold-style designs and contributions to the architectural landscape of the Chicago suburbs.

A brief summary to R. Harold Zook Home and Studio

Local tips

  • Check the Hinsdale Historical Society's website for information on tours and events before visiting.
  • Explore Katherine Legge Memorial Park, where the home and studio are located, for a pleasant walk in a natural setting.
  • Look for Zook's signature architectural details, such as spider web windows and undulating shingle roofs, throughout the property.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The R. Harold Zook Home and Studio is located within Katherine Legge Memorial Park at 5901 S County Line Rd, Hinsdale. From downtown Hinsdale, head south on S Washington St, then turn right onto W 55th St. Continue onto County Line Rd, and the park entrance will be on your right. Parking is available within the park. Parking fees are not required.

  • Public Transport

    The Metra BNSF line stops at the Hinsdale station. From the station, walk north on Washington Street towards 55th Street. Turn left onto 55th Street and continue until you reach County Line Road. Turn right and walk about 0.5 miles until you arrive at R. Harold Zook Home and Studio located at 5901 S County Line Rd. Pace Bus Route 349 also connects to the Hinsdale Metra Station. A single ride on Pace costs $1.75.

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Discover more about R. Harold Zook Home and Studio

The R. Harold Zook Home and Studio provides a captivating glimpse into the life and work of a unique and influential architect. Roscoe Harold Zook, born in 1889, left an indelible mark on the Chicago suburbs with his distinctive residential designs. This complex, comprising an English Cotswold Cottage-style residence, an architecture studio, and a garden wall, was designed in 1924 for Zook's personal use. Zook's architectural style is characterized by elements drawn from Tudor architecture, including timber framing, exposed beams, diamond-shaped window panes and intricate brick and stonework. He was known for his signature spider web design in windows and a roofing technique using wood shingles laid in an undulating pattern to mimic a thatched roof. Examples of his work can be found throughout the western suburbs of Chicago, including the St. Charles Municipal Building and the Pickwick Theater in Park Ridge. In a remarkable act of preservation, the Hinsdale Historical Society saved the Home and Studio from demolition and relocated it to Katherine Legge Memorial Park. Today, the studio is open to the public for programming and events, while ongoing preservation efforts continue on the home. Visitors can explore Zook's artistic vision and appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship that define his work.

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