"The Sears House" in Chicago

5637 N. Nottingham, Chicago.

Sears Hamilton from the Modern Homes catalog.

Another angle from Google Streetview.

Neighbors in Norwood Park call this house "The Sears House". And the moniker is absolutely correct.

This picture-perfect, authenticated Sears Hamilton was built in the fall of 1927. Longtime residents recall the building materials arriving by truck—one of several delivery methods Sears used in the Chicago area, along with rail and boat.

The original owners were Elsie and Albert Sandrock. He was a bill collector for a utility company. Albert built the house with the help of his father, and they began work on Labor Day 1927.  Nearly a century later, the home remains in the Sandrock family, a rare and remarkable thread of continuity for a Sears kit house.

And the Hamilton is not alone — Norwood Park has a whole constellation of Sears homes, including:

• Sears Modern Home No. 229 — A well‑preserved example of one of Sears’ early designs.
• Sears Modern Home No. 135 — A very early modern home, offering a glimpse into Sears’ pre‑bungalow era.
• A Phoenix Rises in Norwood Park — A testimonial Sears house, designed by White & Christie.
• Authenticating the Sears Hazelton — A deep dive into confirming a Hazelton model through architectural and documentary evidence.
• The Sears Alhambra — A striking Mission‑style design and one of the most recognizable models in the Sears line.