Heimback Residence
Blue Island
Designed by Bertrand Goldberg in 1939, this small-scale building is an early example of the architect’s work. Commissioned by Dr. Aaron Heimbach, the house featured both residential living space and an office for the owner’s medical practice. After Dr. Heimbach’s death in 1980, subsequent owners made numerous changes to Goldberg’s design. The current owners purchased the home in 1997 and, in 2004, they embarked on a four-year, multi-phase restoration effort. Work included tuckpointing and masonry replacement, reconstruction of the second floor terrace, reglazing of over 90 windows and a full upgrade of the house’s heating and electrical systems, which required tearing out and repouring the concrete slab throughout the entire first floor. The awards jury praised the owners, saying “the extent of the work and the visibility of this house make it a model for Blue Island preservation.” The Heimbach house is one of only six surviving residential designs by Goldberg, and is now protected by local landmark status.