Chicago cops will tell you Roseland, on Chicago’s Far South Side, is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city.
Yet its residential architecture tells a different story — one of a community that was once thriving and full of promise. Take, for instance, this Sears Osborn. It is in rough shape today, but until recently it was a cozy Craftsman bungalow.
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602 W. 115th St., Chicago. House in the mid-2000's. Still looking good! Photo courtesy of Jerry Pittman's Chicago.
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Sears Osborn. Sears said that the Osborn "will appeal to the lover of nature" because of the three porches (one on the rear of the house).
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This Sears Osborn was built in 1918 or 1919 by Henry Heath, a local carpenter, and his wife, Maud. The Heaths lived in the house until at least 1923.
By 1928, the residents were Ralph H. and Isabelle Coe. When Ralph listed the Osborn for sale in 1943, the real estate ad called it "Roseland's most distinctive bungalow."
The house changed hands a few times in subsequent years. Dr. Angelo Ravasi, a noted surgeon, and his wife Rosa owned the house from the mid-1950's until 1976 when Rosa passed away.
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| Photo of the house taken during an architectural survey in the early 1970's. The Osborn was designed by architect Andrew F. Hughes. |
Around 1979, Carolyn Glass moved into the house. She lived there until 2006 when she sold, fearing for her safety, according to Jerry Pittman's Chicago website.
Update in 2021!
Things have gotten worse for the Osborn, and the latest real estate photos tell the tale.
Update in 2026!
The Osborn was sold in 2024 and someone rehabbed it! After years of neglect, the Osborn is finally getting a second chance.
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| Yes! (Google Streetview) |
Copyright Disclaimer: All photographs in this post (unless otherwise noted) are from real estate aggregate Redfin.com and are used in this post for the purposes of education, consistent with 17 USC §107.
3 comments:
So sad. Such a solidly-built house with lovely features that are not utilized in today's modern structure, unless you pay a pretty penny to have them custom made. Not to even mention the fact that the home had seen better days in a thriving community neighborhood. Has the house been vandalized, or is the interior damage due to roof deterioration, do you know, Lara? In this day and age of such a great need for low-cost housing, just think of what could be done with these wonderful homes, if they are still structurally sound. Philanthropists could do so much good by repairing them, making them fit for use for one of the desperate homeless families. However, the criminal activity in the area would have to be completely eliminated before families with children could acquire these homes. Neighborhood stores would need to be repaired, cleaned up, and stocked with affordable goods, and would need to be situated within walking distance of homes. Neighborhood schools would certainly need to be structurally repaired, and the school district would need an influx of eager, young teachers plus experienced educators with excellent reputations. No nepotism like we have here in Luzerne County, PA. No hiring of incompetents because of connections. You might shudder to realize how many teachers and administrators in the school systems do not even like children! I think that we would need a total revamping of current educational and sociological systems to accomplish my dreams of creating decent homes and neighborhoods for those who would truly value them! This vision of mine could become a reality if the right folks put the future of the next generation, who are the very future life blood of our beloved country, at utmost priority! I did not intend to write such a lengthy message, but my heart is aching when I see photos of run-down, but once proud, Sears kit homes, and juxtaposed, photos of parents who only want a safe, decent life for their precious children! Thank you, Lara, for permitting me to voice my dreams. Peace be with you and yours! Fondly, Elaine P. Lessack
Just a shame!
I Bought an Osborne a couple of years ago in Wesr Virginia. The woodwork inside is so beautiful but they had the old yellow/green carpet but I took it up and the floors through most of the house look really good. I’m curious as to where the safe is lol for real though? :)
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