History
The Story of 516 Greenwood Street
Built in 1891 and designed by Asa Lyon, 516 Greenwood Street is one half of a rare Evanston double house with lasting architectural and neighborhood significance.
Origins
A Landmark With Local Roots
516 Greenwood Street stands within Evanston’s historic architectural story as a documented Asa Lyon-designed property. Lyon is widely recognized as Evanston’s first architect, giving the house a notable place in the city’s built heritage.
The residence forms one half of the matched 516–518 Greenwood Street double house, originally conceived for multi-family living. That paired composition remains one of the property’s defining features, expressing both domestic elegance and practical urban design from the late nineteenth century.
A rare named-architect residence that connects everyday domestic life with Evanston’s architectural legacy.
Evanston architectural record
Today, the house is being thoughtfully restored with respect for its historic character while preparing it for a new chapter as a private residence and remote base for consulting and wellness work.
Significance
Why The House Matters
Beyond its age, the importance of 516 Greenwood Street lies in its documented authorship, its role within a historic double-house composition, and its setting within the broader Lakeshore Historic District context of Evanston.
Its preservation story is not only about maintaining a beautiful exterior. It is also about carrying forward a piece of local architectural memory and adapting it carefully for contemporary residential and professional use.
Timeline
Past, Present, Next
The history of 516 Greenwood Street continues through stewardship. Its current restoration honors the home’s original identity while preparing it for renewed daily life as a residence and remote work setting.
1891 construction
Asa Lyon design
Historic double house
Thoughtful restoration today