A Blackened Steel and Glass House Outside of Chicago Hits the Market for $825K

The home’s interiors echo the dense forest outside its massive windows.

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A modern glass house is up for sale in Downers Grove, Illinois, about 25 miles west of downtown Chicago. Built in 1974, the home was originally designed by local architect Richard Marker as his own family residence. Today, the steel structure retains its original glass facade and wood interior, along with some modern updates and a large basement that nearly doubles the home in size.

Originally the home of local architect Richard Marker, the steel-and-glass home is sited toward the back of a mostly wooded .34-acre lot. A dense section of trees provides additional privacy from the street.

Inside, the home offers original hardwood floors and wood-clad ceilings throughout. The current owners, who purchased the property in 2002, added a fireplace in the living room and completed other renovations.

Offering a main level of just over 2,000 square feet, the home also comes with a partially finished, 1,440-square-foot basement. The open living and dining area is brightly lit by several skylights, which add to the natural light already flooding the home from floor-to-ceiling glass walls along the perimeter. The main level rounds out with four bedrooms and two full bathrooms, along with an office/study area. Downstairs, the basement offers a second living area, a workshop, half bath, and wet bar.

Visible outside the window, the property comes with a detached brick garage that also helps shield views from the street. The neighboring house, which Marker designed as well, features no windows along the side facing this home, creating additional privacy.

Tucked behind the living room fireplace is the kitchen, which was updated by previous owners in the '90s. In total, the home offers over 3,400 square feet of finished/unfinished living space.

Another view of the kitchen shows a tubular light fixture that runs the length of the space. At the opposite end, a sliding glass door provides access to a solarium.

A closer look at the solarium. The glass-enclosed space opens to small decks at both ends.

Offering various commute options to downtown Chicago and surrounding areas, the property is also within walking distance to the center of Downers Grove and the Metra train station. The enchanting Prince Pond park is also just a few blocks away. Keep scrolling to see more of this glassy home, currently listed for $825,000.