Tour Newly Renovated Historic Colvin House Before It Opens

EDGEWATER — After decades of neglect, Edgewater's historic Colvin House mansion on Sheridan Road is gearing up for its revival. 

The home at 5940 N. Sheridan Road, built in 1909 and designed by George Maher, has been undergoing renovations and repairs to become a second Creative Coworking space, owned by Evanston resident Angela Valavanis. 

More than 4,200 people visited the home in the fall as part of Chicago Architecture Foundation's annual Open House Chicago tours, making it the third most popular neighborhood site.

Luckily for those who missed it, there's another chance.

The Edgewater Historical Society and Oak Park-based Pleasant Home Foundation will hold a "walk and talk" tour that specializes in Maher's prairie-style homes from 2-4 p.m. April 9 at the house.

The $20 tour will give outsiders a rare sneak peek into home and Chicago landmark before it opens later this year after renovations. The home is one of the last few remaining Sheridan Road mansions exhibiting Maher's unique style. 

After Colvin House, the tour will proceed on Sheridan Road where more of the neighborhood's historical lakefront mansions are clustered, such as Loyola University's Piper Hall and structures at nearby Berger Park.

Colvin House's pre-renovation look was also highlighted in a music video shot by local artist Eiren Caffall, who was able to produce the project before the transformation began 1½ years ago.

See more pictures of the home before its renovations below and in our slideshow.  

^{Looking north from one of the main front rooms. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Owner Angela Valavanis said she's going to do all she can to preserve the historic details of the house, while giving it a much-needed lift into modernity. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{The second floor and chandelier. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Looking south toward Thorndale Avenue from the foyer. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Stained glass leading out to the front porch. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Two porch partitions will become a work space with desks that face out the large windows. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{A second-floor bathroom is tiled a light purple, and is one of the most unique rooms in the house. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Finely detailed radiator covers provide original details. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}