Historic Home
Restoration
Chicago's greystones, two-flats, coach houses, and Victorian-era homes are irreplaceable. We restore and renovate historic Chicago properties with the care, material knowledge, and craftsmanship they deserve — preserving original character while bringing systems and spaces up to modern standards.
Chicago’s Trusted
Historic Restoration Contractor
Most contractors treat a 1905 greystone like a new construction job — and the results show it. We understand historic materials, original construction techniques, and how to work within the constraints of century-old structures without compromising their character. Lee & Sam is a licensed general contractor serving Chicago, the suburbs, and Northwest Indiana.
Our team brings 25+ years of experience with Chicago's historic building stock — greystones, brick two-flats, vintage coach houses, and Victorian-era single-family homes across the city's most architecturally rich neighborhoods.
Serving all 55 Chicago neighborhoods — from Lincoln Park to Hyde Park — plus the North Shore, Western and South suburbs, and Northwest Indiana.
Every Historic Restoration
Service We Offer
Greystone Restoration
Limestone facade restoration, tuckpointing with period-appropriate mortar mixes, lintel repair, and masonry cleaning that preserves the character Chicago's greystones are known for.
Original Millwork Repair & Matching
Damaged crown molding, baseboards, window casings, and door surrounds repaired or matched using the same profiles — preserving the architectural detail that makes historic homes special.
Plaster Repair & Restoration
Traditional three-coat plaster repair, plaster-on-lath restoration, and skim coating over existing plaster — without the hollow-sounding shortcuts that signal poor restoration work.
Historic Window Restoration
Original wood window restoration, weatherstripping, and glazing repair — or period-appropriate replacement windows where originals are beyond saving.
Systems Modernization
Updated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC installed within historic structures — threading modern systems through old construction without destroying original fabric.
Landmark & Historic District Compliance
We work within Chicago Landmark and historic district requirements — preparing documentation, coordinating with the Commission on Chicago Landmarks where required, and ensuring all work meets preservation standards.
Our Historic Restoration
Process
Historic Assessment
We walk your property documenting original materials, identifying deterioration, and assessing what can be restored versus what needs replacement — with a clear recommendation for each element.
Scope & Material Sourcing
We develop a detailed restoration scope and source period-appropriate materials — salvage brick, custom millwork profiles, lime-based mortars, and other specialty materials your property requires.
Restoration Work
Our crew performs all restoration and renovation work with care for the existing structure — protecting original elements during construction and restoring them with appropriate techniques and materials.
Final Documentation
We provide complete documentation of all work performed — useful for insurance, landmark applications, future owners, and your own records of your home's restoration history.
Historic Restoration Across
Chicago & Chicagoland
Historic Restoration Projects
Across Chicago
Historic Home Restoration
FAQs
Have more questions? We're happy to assess your historic property in person.
Call Us NowYour home may be in a Chicago Landmark District, on the Chicago Landmark list, or in a National Register Historic District — each with different implications for renovation requirements. We help you understand your property's status before any planning begins.
If your property is a Chicago Landmark or in a landmark district, exterior changes require approval from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. Interior renovations generally do not require landmark review. We navigate this process on your behalf.
In most cases yes — we source salvage limestone, period-appropriate brick, and lime-based mortars that match original construction. Modern Portland cement mortars are too hard for historic masonry and cause long-term damage.
We repair plaster-on-lath wherever possible rather than replacing with drywall — it maintains the acoustic and structural qualities of original plaster and preserves the authenticity of historic interiors.
Ready to Start Your
Historic Restoration Project?
Get a free, detailed estimate from Chicago's trusted historic restoration contractor.