A Restored Midcentury With an 1,800-Square-Foot Addition Seeks $740K in Illinois

Originally designed by renowned University of Illinois architecture professor and architect Jack Sherman Baker in 1968, the four-bedroom home features double-height glazing, three fireplaces, and multiple outdoor spaces.

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Dwell Staff

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The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home at 1111 Williams Boulevard in Springfield, Illinois, was designed by renowned University of Illinois architecture professor and Champaign architect Jack Sherman Baker in 1968. Overlooking the city’s 150-acre Washington Park—with direct access to its walking trails and botanical gardens—the compound-like dwelling received an 1,800-square-foot addition designed by local architect Charles Joseph Pell in 2007, which was built to complement the original structure.

The residence at 1111 Williams Boulevard in Springfield, Illinois, was designed by renowned University of Illinois architecture professor and Champaign architect Jack Sherman Baker in 1968. — The residence at 1111 Williams Boulevard in Springfield, Illinois, was designed by renowned University of Illinois architecture professor and Champaign architect Jack Sherman Baker in 1968.

Inside the 4,314-square-foot home, which is currently listed for $739,900, tall windows and skylights usher in ample light and abundant views of the surrounding greenery. On the ground level, a spacious chef’s kitchen features custom cabinetry, Italian terrazzo floors, a large central island with quartz countertops. Dramatic, double-story glass panels connect the space to a rear patio.

The chef’s kitchen features custom cabinetry, Italian terrazzo floors, a large island with quartz countertops.

On the ground level, double-story glass panels usher in ample natural light.

While the residence is equipped with three fireplaces across its two levels, a floor-to-ceiling fireplace with an oversize hearth takes center stage in the main living room. From the ground floor, which also hosts the primary bathroom and en suite bath, a black spiral staircase leads to the upper level with three additional bedrooms and a study.

A floor-to-ceiling fireplace with an oversize hearth takes center stage in the main living room.

A black spiral staircase leads to the upper level of the 4,314-square-foot dwelling.

The contemporary addition to the redwood-clad home holds an office space with panoramic views of the yard. Outdoor entertaining areas—including a front floating deck, living rooftop, and landscaped garden with sculptures by late artist Brother Mel Meyer—are accessible from every side of the home. Fittingly, the current owners said that living in the 1968 residence at 1111 Williams Boulevard has been the "privilege of a lifetime."