#real estate photographer naperville

[topestatesmedia]

In Oakbrook's competitive real estate market, a well-crafted photo can make all the difference in capturing a buyer’s attention. 

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[mcmansionhell]

50 States of McMansion Hell: McHenry County, Illinois

Hello friends! Ah, Illinois, home of Chicago, and a ton of sick modern architecture, and also literally hordes of McMansions. It was so difficult to choose between them, that I had to post a poll on Twitter, which did my work for me as I went to the drugstore and agonized over choosing a new shampoo instead. 

Also, for those of you who haven’t read the Naperville post from way back, there’s some jokes in this one that pay it homage. 

This wonderful estate, built in 2005, comes in at a whopping 8,800 square feet, and is on the market for around $850,000 smackaroos. 

The Cathedral of Wasted Space

I’m bored with the term Lawyer Foyer and have decided to revisit the previous nomenclature. 

Are y’all too young for National Velvet? I always wanted to ride horses as a kid but my parents didn’t have 10 million dollars, so I watched movies about them and cried instead. 

Dining Room

Ahh, McMansions: designed for giant parties one never has. 

Gr8 Room

Who started the overstuffed sofa/chair/set trend??? Why is it so ubiquitous when we can all agree it’s not good looking? It’s like the “sports bar that still vaguely smells like cigarettes” of seating. 

Kitchen

‘we got the island as a discount’ ‘rich people don’t need discounts remember?’

WINE ROOM

Whoever brought Barefoot as a gift is banned from the premises forever. 

Area where it is implied that work gets done

[architecture joke about Bjarke Ingels being the BIGgest boi]

Master Bedroom

don’t even @ me about that chair. 

Do you guys remember when Paris Hilton did that bad song in 2006? Also, here’s a friendly reminder that Panic! at the Disco is 10 years old!

Master Bath

But what if that floor outline is actually just an architectural allusion to the forms used by Rem Koolhaas during the same era??? 

Bedroom 2

wow a salty millennial joke IN MY BLOG???? WOW

Bathroom 2

I’m majoring in Gin and Tonic myself. 

Trading Spaces Reject Rec Room

gosh i’m uncomfortable

Perhaps what upsets so many people about McMansions is the fact that money really, really can’t buy taste. I know this, because I’m a grad student and I have the best taste. 

Finally, our friend:

Rear Exterior

gotta balance your sad zone:dad zone ratio. 

Well, that’s it for good ol’ Illinois! Join us on Sunday for our continued journey into the deep and cherished work of guys who made buildings, and for next Wednesday’s grand estate from Indiana!

If you like this post, and want to see more like it, consider supporting me on Patreon! Not into small donations and sick bonus content? Check out the McMansion Hell Store - 30% goes to charity.

Copyright Disclaimer: All photographs in this post are from real estate aggregate Zillow.com and are used in this post for the purposes of education, satire, and parody, consistent with 17 USC §107. Manipulated photos are considered derivative work and are Copyright © 2017 McMansion Hell. Please email kate@mcmansionhell.com before using these images on another site. (am v chill about this)

[max34ron]

Illinois’ Most Endangered Buildings: 2018 Edition

Architecture and history advocacy group Landmarks Illinois is out with its annual list of the most endangered buildings and places in Illinois.

The group has been putting out the lists for a while now and seems to be earning a bigger and bigger voice in the public discourse about what gets praised and what gets razed in the land of Lincoln.

In honor of Illinois’ bicentennial, this year’s list includes several items that were pivotal, or at least important, in the state’s history.

To that end, the unlucky 2018 Most Endangered nominees are:

The Forum (Photograph: Terry Tatum)

The Forum — Chicago A former assembly hall built in 1897 in the Bronzeville neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side attracted musical greats like Nat King Cole and Muddy Watters and served as the site of important civil and labor rights meetings. The Forum today requires significant rehabilitation. Funding has been difficult to secure, and the City of Chicago continues to threaten demolition of the site.

The Thompson Center

James R. Thompson Center — Chicago Chicago’s best example of grandly-scaled, Postmodern architecture. Designed by Helmut Jahn and built in 1985, the building faces a demolition threat as its current owner, the State of Illinois, pursues a possible sale that may not require reuse of the existing structure. LI listed the Thompson Center in 2017 on our Most Endangered list, and this year, has released renderings to show a reuse concept for the irreplaceable building.

Second Church of Christ, Scientist (Photograph: Landmarks Illinois)

Second Church of Christ, Scientist — Chicago 
 This classically inspired church, built in 1898 and part of a National Register Historic District in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, is the oldest continually operating Christian Science church in the city. It was designed by S.S. Beman, perhaps best known as the architect behind the Pullman Company Town in Chicago. The National Register district does not provide landmark protection, unfortunately, and the congregation’s marketing of the building in a desirable real estate area leaves it vulnerable.

Chautauqua Auditorium (Courtesy of Landmarks Illinois)

Chautauquas & Tabernacles — Des Plaines, Freeport and Shelbyville Three structures related to the Chautauqua and Camp Meeting movements in Illinois are included: the Waldorf Tabernacle in Des Plaines, the Oakdale Tabernacle in Freeport, and the Chautauqua Auditorium in Shelbyville. These structures all require maintenance and repairs in order to serve the community once again. They represent a unique part of Illinois’ history in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with large gathering spaces in natural settings for the public to hear sermons or educational lectures.

Coliseum Building (Courtesy of Landmarks Illinois)

State Fairgrounds — Du Quoin and Springfield Illinois’ two state fairgrounds, Springfield and Du Quoin, are both home to numerous structures that have suffered from deferred maintenance as the State of Illinois lacks the capital required for such projects. In Springfield, Barn 13 required emergency repairs this year and the Coliseum remains closed due to deterioration, while the Grandstand building in Du Quoin is in need of a new roof. Over a dozen buildings at both fairgrounds need significant repairs and new roofs, but funding sources have not been secured.

Varsity Theater Block (Courtesy of Landmarks Illinois)

Varsity Theater Block — Evanston The 1700 block of Sherman Avenue is one of the last remaining historically intact blocks in downtown Evanston and is unprotected. Historic structures on this block, like the 1926, J.E.O Pridmore-designed Varsity Theater, contribute to the city’s downtown character and are vulnerable teardown targets to make way for future new developments.

Nite Spot Cafe (Photograph: Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway)

The Nite Spot Café — Fairmont City This former restaurant along Route 66 features an iconic mid-century, neon sign outside that continues to remind passersby of a bygone era when families and tourists hit the “Mother Road” – the historic highway from Chicago to Los Angeles. The Nite Spot Café closed in 1984 and remains vacant. The building is threatened with condemnation and demolition by Fairmont City, despite the owner’s plans to complete the necessary structural repairs this year.

Central Congregational Church (Photograph: Thomas Foley/Foley Photo Studio)

Central Congregational Church — Galesburg Built in 1898 and designed by C.E. Gottschalk and Beadle Architects, this historic church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been host to prominent figures like Galesburg native Carl Sandburg, who celebrated his 75th birthday and the release of his autobiography at the church. Lack of funding, however, has led to deferred maintenance of the structure and an inability to complete significant repairs. The church congregation needs new partners, funding sources or possibly to sell the historic church in order to secure a long-term preservation solution.

Mill Race Inn (Photograph: Rich Hayhurst)

Early Settlement-era Buildings — Geneva Two specific sites built within the first two decades of Geneva’s founding are included in this listing: the Amasa White House and the Mill Race Inn. These sites represent both commercial and residential development during Geneva’s early settlement years, are humble in nature and exhibit the vernacular architecture being constructed by Geneva’s first Eastern United States and European settlers. Mill Race Inn faces demolition and Amasa White House remains vacant with no use.

Kincaid Mounds (Photograph: Mike Walker, Kincaid Mounds Support Organization)

Kincaid Mounds — Massac and Pope Counties 
 A rare, archeological site built by settlers in the Middle Mississippian period more than a thousand years ago. The site, which spans Massac and Pope Counties, is a National Historic Landmark. However, with no full-time staff dedicated to Kincaid Mounds, a local nonprofit organization is concerned that limited funding, deteriorating interpretation, farming practices and soil erosion threaten the proper care and long-term survival of the mounds. Just nine of the original estimated 19 earthen works exist today.

Old Nichols Library (Photograph: Charlie Wilkins)

Old Nichols Library — Naperville This building, constructed in 1898 and designed by architect M.E. Bell, was Naperville’s first public library. It features rusticated limestone quarried in Naperville and is locally landmarked and in a National Register district. However, the landmark status only protects the structure’s main façade, and a developer has plans to demolish the remainder of the building for a new development.

Rock Island County Courthouse (Photograph: Landmarks Illinois)

Rock Island County Courthouse — Rock Island The Spanish Renaissance or Roman-style building was designed by Fredrick C. Gunn and Louis S. Curtis and built in 1897. The courthouse served as the county seat since 1897, but today faces demolition following the completion of a new Justice Center in late 2018. The Public Building Commission has called for the demolition of the historic structure after courthouse operations move to the new center next door. Public support to seek reuse options has been strong, but the final decision resides with the Rock Island County Board.

Stran-Steel House (Courtesy of Landmarks Illinois)


Stran-Steel House — Wilmette This unique home built of steel and baked iron enamel was featured at the “Homes of Tomorrow” exhibit at the 1933 Century of Progress Fair in Chicago. It was designed for the Stran-Steel Corp. to feature modern home design and was relocated to Wilmette after the Fair. It has no landmark protection and faces a demolition threat by its current owner who plans to build two new homes on the site. The owner has offered the home to anyone who can move it from its current location by this summer.

from Chicago Architecture https://www.chicagoarchitecture.org/2018/04/25/illinois-most-endangered-buildings-2018-edition/

[carol38banks]

Illinois’ Most Endangered Buildings: 2018 Edition

Architecture and history advocacy group Landmarks Illinois is out with its annual list of the most endangered buildings and places in Illinois.

The group has been putting out the lists for a while now and seems to be earning a bigger and bigger voice in the public discourse about what gets praised and what gets razed in the land of Lincoln.

In honor of Illinois’ bicentennial, this year’s list includes several items that were pivotal, or at least important, in the state’s history.

To that end, the unlucky 2018 Most Endangered nominees are:

The Forum (Photograph: Terry Tatum)

The Forum — Chicago A former assembly hall built in 1897 in the Bronzeville neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side attracted musical greats like Nat King Cole and Muddy Watters and served as the site of important civil and labor rights meetings. The Forum today requires significant rehabilitation. Funding has been difficult to secure, and the City of Chicago continues to threaten demolition of the site.

The Thompson Center

James R. Thompson Center — Chicago Chicago’s best example of grandly-scaled, Postmodern architecture. Designed by Helmut Jahn and built in 1985, the building faces a demolition threat as its current owner, the State of Illinois, pursues a possible sale that may not require reuse of the existing structure. LI listed the Thompson Center in 2017 on our Most Endangered list, and this year, has released renderings to show a reuse concept for the irreplaceable building.

Second Church of Christ, Scientist (Photograph: Landmarks Illinois)

Second Church of Christ, Scientist — Chicago 
 This classically inspired church, built in 1898 and part of a National Register Historic District in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, is the oldest continually operating Christian Science church in the city. It was designed by S.S. Beman, perhaps best known as the architect behind the Pullman Company Town in Chicago. The National Register district does not provide landmark protection, unfortunately, and the congregation’s marketing of the building in a desirable real estate area leaves it vulnerable.

Chautauqua Auditorium (Courtesy of Landmarks Illinois)

Chautauquas & Tabernacles — Des Plaines, Freeport and Shelbyville Three structures related to the Chautauqua and Camp Meeting movements in Illinois are included: the Waldorf Tabernacle in Des Plaines, the Oakdale Tabernacle in Freeport, and the Chautauqua Auditorium in Shelbyville. These structures all require maintenance and repairs in order to serve the community once again. They represent a unique part of Illinois’ history in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with large gathering spaces in natural settings for the public to hear sermons or educational lectures.

Coliseum Building (Courtesy of Landmarks Illinois)

State Fairgrounds — Du Quoin and Springfield Illinois’ two state fairgrounds, Springfield and Du Quoin, are both home to numerous structures that have suffered from deferred maintenance as the State of Illinois lacks the capital required for such projects. In Springfield, Barn 13 required emergency repairs this year and the Coliseum remains closed due to deterioration, while the Grandstand building in Du Quoin is in need of a new roof. Over a dozen buildings at both fairgrounds need significant repairs and new roofs, but funding sources have not been secured.

Varsity Theater Block (Courtesy of Landmarks Illinois)

Varsity Theater Block — Evanston The 1700 block of Sherman Avenue is one of the last remaining historically intact blocks in downtown Evanston and is unprotected. Historic structures on this block, like the 1926, J.E.O Pridmore-designed Varsity Theater, contribute to the city’s downtown character and are vulnerable teardown targets to make way for future new developments.

Nite Spot Cafe (Photograph: Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway)

The Nite Spot Café — Fairmont City This former restaurant along Route 66 features an iconic mid-century, neon sign outside that continues to remind passersby of a bygone era when families and tourists hit the “Mother Road” – the historic highway from Chicago to Los Angeles. The Nite Spot Café closed in 1984 and remains vacant. The building is threatened with condemnation and demolition by Fairmont City, despite the owner’s plans to complete the necessary structural repairs this year.

Central Congregational Church (Photograph: Thomas Foley/Foley Photo Studio)

Central Congregational Church — Galesburg Built in 1898 and designed by C.E. Gottschalk and Beadle Architects, this historic church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been host to prominent figures like Galesburg native Carl Sandburg, who celebrated his 75th birthday and the release of his autobiography at the church. Lack of funding, however, has led to deferred maintenance of the structure and an inability to complete significant repairs. The church congregation needs new partners, funding sources or possibly to sell the historic church in order to secure a long-term preservation solution.

Mill Race Inn (Photograph: Rich Hayhurst)

Early Settlement-era Buildings — Geneva Two specific sites built within the first two decades of Geneva’s founding are included in this listing: the Amasa White House and the Mill Race Inn. These sites represent both commercial and residential development during Geneva’s early settlement years, are humble in nature and exhibit the vernacular architecture being constructed by Geneva’s first Eastern United States and European settlers. Mill Race Inn faces demolition and Amasa White House remains vacant with no use.

Kincaid Mounds (Photograph: Mike Walker, Kincaid Mounds Support Organization)

Kincaid Mounds — Massac and Pope Counties 
 A rare, archeological site built by settlers in the Middle Mississippian period more than a thousand years ago. The site, which spans Massac and Pope Counties, is a National Historic Landmark. However, with no full-time staff dedicated to Kincaid Mounds, a local nonprofit organization is concerned that limited funding, deteriorating interpretation, farming practices and soil erosion threaten the proper care and long-term survival of the mounds. Just nine of the original estimated 19 earthen works exist today.

Old Nichols Library (Photograph: Charlie Wilkins)

Old Nichols Library — Naperville This building, constructed in 1898 and designed by architect M.E. Bell, was Naperville’s first public library. It features rusticated limestone quarried in Naperville and is locally landmarked and in a National Register district. However, the landmark status only protects the structure’s main façade, and a developer has plans to demolish the remainder of the building for a new development.

Rock Island County Courthouse (Photograph: Landmarks Illinois)

Rock Island County Courthouse — Rock Island The Spanish Renaissance or Roman-style building was designed by Fredrick C. Gunn and Louis S. Curtis and built in 1897. The courthouse served as the county seat since 1897, but today faces demolition following the completion of a new Justice Center in late 2018. The Public Building Commission has called for the demolition of the historic structure after courthouse operations move to the new center next door. Public support to seek reuse options has been strong, but the final decision resides with the Rock Island County Board.

Stran-Steel House (Courtesy of Landmarks Illinois)


Stran-Steel House — Wilmette This unique home built of steel and baked iron enamel was featured at the “Homes of Tomorrow” exhibit at the 1933 Century of Progress Fair in Chicago. It was designed for the Stran-Steel Corp. to feature modern home design and was relocated to Wilmette after the Fair. It has no landmark protection and faces a demolition threat by its current owner who plans to build two new homes on the site. The owner has offered the home to anyone who can move it from its current location by this summer.

from Chicago Architecture https://www.chicagoarchitecture.org/2018/04/25/illinois-most-endangered-buildings-2018-edition/

[topestatesmedia]

Real estate photography is way more tricky than it looks. A lot of real estate agents ignore the significance of professional real estate photography services and end up getting a backseat in the competition.

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[topestatesmedia]

Importance of Hiring Professional Real Estate HDR Photography Service

In today’s highly competitive real estate market, selling properties is no child’s play. You have to ensure that your real estate listing stands out and has the potential to compete in the market. With the advent of technology and the availability of high tools, one can now capture high-quality images. Scrap out the old or traditional non-captivating photos from your listings and upgrade your listings with premium HDR photographs of your real estate.

It’s suggested to hire a professional real estate photography chicago service for real estate and refrain from DIY practices. Having adequate knowledge and the right set of skills is crucial to getting the desired results.

Considerations While Hiring Real Estate HDR Photography Service

Experience Before you hire any real estate HDR photographer, you must check the experience they hold. Hire someone highly skilled in real estate HDR photography, as this service requires a specialized set of skills to get the desired output.

Credibility Along with experience, you can verify the reputation of the company. With the help of reviews or feedback provided by previous clients, you can understand how the company operates, the quality of service it delivers, and does it provides services worth the amount you are paying or not. Good reviews and positive testimonials by past customers tell about the level of services you can expect.

Benefits of Adding Real Estate HDR Photographs to Listings

Improved Listings Adding real estate HDR photographs to listings can significantly transform your entire portfolio, helping captivate the attention of potential buyers. These enhanced listings also indicate to buyers, the quality and professionalism with which your company works.

Optimistic View Real estate listings are initiating points of sales, so it’s very crucial to have a positive impression right from the start. With real estate HDR photography service, you can create a killer first impression on potential buyers, ultimately increasing the chances of sales.

You can contact Top Estates Media for highly professional photographers in wood dale. Areas served by Top Estate Media are Addison, Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Elk Grove Village, Glendale Heights, Hanover Park, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Roselle, Naperville, and many more. For any queries or details, you can contact us at +7734950077. Hire premium HDR photography service today.

[topestatesmedia]

IMPROVE YOUR PROPERTY LISTINGS WITH REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY'S ASSISTANCE

Absolutely, incorporating professional real estate photography into property listings can significantly enhance their appeal and attract more potential buyers. Here are some ways real estate photography can improve property listings:

First Impressions

Highlighting Features

Increased Engagement

Emotional Connection

Stand Out from the Competition

Faster Sales

Online Visibility

Reputation Boost

Agents and sellers may build dynamic listings that garner greater attention and interest, culminating in successful sales, by utilizing the skills of professional real estate photographers.

Transform your property listings from ordinary to extraordinary with the expert assistance of Top Estates Media. Elevate your listings with stunning, professional photography that captivates potential buyers and sets your properties apart from the competition. Don't settle for mediocre images – partner with Top Estates Media today and showcase your properties in the best possible light. If you need real estate photographer bartlett then schedule a consultation now to take your listings to the next level!

Call now!

[mcmansionhell]

50 States of McMansion Hell: Douglas County, Colorado

Hello Friends! Apologies for the lateness. As you can see, I’ve been pretty irregular with my Thursday posts. Unlike last semester, I have class on Thursdays. This is not working out so well. As a result, I have decided to move Thursday posts to Wednesdays instead from here on out. 

This brings us to our current post in Douglas County, Colorado.

Before I continue with this post, I’d like to feature a quote from renowned architect and architectural theorist Rem Koolhaas to prepare you for what you’re about to see:

(If anyone is wondering, that’s a line from “The Generic City” in his book S,M,L,XL [p.1260] I highly recommend reading it, if you’re into the tone/ideology of this blog.)

This explosion of beige, built in 2001 features 6 bedrooms and 5 baths. It can all be yours for just under $800,000 USD. 

The Lawyer Foyer

I unironically irl gave myself a pat on the back for the Stairway to Heaven joke. 

The Great Room

I’m assuming that the rug is actually made from real zebra. 

Dining Room

Nothing says yee-haw like reclaimed wood.

Also, I was 100% thinking about Kate Bush when writing that curtain joke. 

I want to be her omg. 

KITCHEN™®

Congrats on being a stereotype, I guess.

Master Bedroom

I wish I had enough room in my bedroom for a daydreaming zone. (looks wistfully out of window, but not too close because the radiators are pretty hot.)

Master Bath

You bet I played the Sims. One of these days I’m going to have a Sims McMansion Contest. The people inside have to be achingly stereotypical suburbanites.

Cheryl moved from Naperville to Colorado, apparently. 

Also holy cow, “Shoes” came out TEN YEARS AGO WHAT THE HECK

Boy Room™

My family couldn’t afford Pottery Barn® Teen™ :( 

Bathroom 2

I’m not googling “tongue disease” to confirm whether or not this color is accurate.

Girl Room™

My room is blue, what does this MEAN???

? Room

“yeah, whatever, accident number two.”

Music & Dance Room

1. I wanted to somehow make a Kingdom Hearts II joke re: “dance water dance” (my roommate has 2.8 and I AM GOING TO CRY) because before I wrote McMansion Hell, I wrote Kingdom Hearts II fanfiction (when I was 12) also Demyx would be so *&$%ed if he existed in Dune lol I would read that

2. Architectural Acoustics 101: putting fiberglass panels on a wall does not equal INSTANT ACOUSTICS™ In fact, I doubt this configuration does anything at all.

Recreation? Room

You can use “Beleaguered Salmon” for your Cake cover band, I guess. 

Exterior

(DISNEY VILLAIN LAUGH) DID YOU REALLY THINK I WOULD HAVE FORGOTTEN ABOUT THIS?!:

(photo via François BERNARDIN CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Victor Horta! swoons

Well, that does it for this week’s Certified Dank™ McMansion. Stay tuned for Sunday’s bit on Irish McMansions, and of course BASED Connecticut next Wednesday. Have a good week!

If you like this post, and want to see more like it (plus get sweet access to things like stickers and behind the scenes stuff), consider supporting me on Patreon! Not into recurring donations? Check out the McMansion Hell Store - 30% goes to charity.

Copyright Disclaimer: All photographs in this post are from real estate aggregate Zillow.com and are used in this post for the purposes of education, satire, and parody, consistent with 17 USC §107.