Trend Design Studio

In the heart of Chicago’s prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood on North Lake Shore Drive, an extraordinary transformation is underway. The Blair Mansion, a 12,000-square-foot French chateau-inspired marvel, is being reborn! This iconic residence, long celebrated for its architectural splendor, is undergoing a meticulous renovation that promises to restore its former glory while embracing the needs of modern living.

Leading this ambitious project is J. Michael Whitted, a proud Gold Coast resident and senior vice president of corporate development at Hillenbrand Inc. With a vision as grand as the mansion itself, Whitted is converting Blair Mansion back into a single-family home. Bringing this vision to life is an exceptional team, including Trend Design Studio, responsible for reimagining the interiors, and Pawel, the skilled general contractor ensuring that every detail is executed with precision and care. Together, we are committed to making this restoration a true masterpiece.

A Glimpse into History: The Blair Mansion

The Blair Mansion isn’t just a house; it’s a masterpiece of history and design. Built in 1913 for Edward T. and Ruby McCormick Blair, it is one of the few remaining Chicago-area structures crafted by the legendary architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. In 1947, the Tribune celebrated it as “one of the finest examples of Italian architecture in the country.” With an exterior clad in timeless Bedford stone and an interior adorned with imported woodwork and hand-carved Italian marble fireplaces, the mansion exudes opulence from every corner.

The mansion’s story is as compelling as its design. After Ruby Blair’s passing in 1917, Edward T. Blair continued to reside there until his death in 1939. The mid-1940s saw the mansion briefly owned by Joel and Louis Goldblatt of Goldblatt Brothers fame, before it was sold to the International College of Surgeons. Now, after decades of serving as office space, the Blair Mansion is ready to shine once again as a stunning family home.

We believe in honoring the past while embracing the future. The Blair Mansion renovation is a testament to our commitment to preserving historical elegance and integrating modern luxury. We’re dedicated to creating a living legacy that celebrates timeless beauty and innovation.

The Renovation Journey: Challenges and Inspirations

As renovations progress, with work that began in 2021 still unfolding, we’re excited to bring you along on this incredible journey! At Trend Design Studio, alongside Pawel’s team, we’re not just restoring a house—we’re breathing new life into a piece of history. And we want you to be a part of it! We’ll be sharing exclusive before and after images, along with construction progress photos, giving you an intimate look at the painstaking work involved in reviving this architectural gem.

One of the most thrilling aspects of this renovation is the integration of modern-day electrical and plumbing systems. These essential updates are key to ensuring the mansion doesn’t just meet today’s standards but is ready to serve future generations in style. Balancing preservation with innovation is our mission, and we’re dedicated to enhancing the mansion’s functionality while maintaining its timeless allure.

But that’s not all! We’re adding a host of luxurious spaces designed to elevate the Blair Mansion to new heights:

• Theater Room: A state-of-the-art entertainment haven where classic design meets cutting-edge technology for an unforgettable cinematic experience.
• Wine Cellar: An elegant space perfect for showcasing a world-class wine collection, reflecting the mansion’s sophisticated ambiance.
• Mudroom and Laundry: Practical and stylish spaces that cater to modern needs, seamlessly integrated into the mansion’s existing layout.
• Four Ensuite Bathrooms on the Third Floor: These thoughtfully designed ensuite bathrooms
•  will offer enhanced comfort and convenience for the bedrooms on this level, blending seamlessly with the mansion’s historical charm.
• Five Ensuite Bathrooms on the Fourth Floor: Designed to serve the additional bedrooms and living areas on this level, these new ensuite bathrooms will ensure that every space in the mansion is both luxurious and functional.
• Rooftop Terrace: A breathtaking outdoor space offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan, perfect for relaxation and entertainment in one of the most stunning settings Chicago has to offer.

And let’s not forget the carriage house! We’re transforming its second floor into a stylish two-bedroom, one-bath apartment, preserving the carriage house’s charm while enhancing its livability.

As we embark on this remarkable journey of restoring the Blair Mansion, we are not just preserving history—we are creating a legacy that will endure for generations. The careful blend of past and present, of tradition and innovation, ensures that this iconic residence will continue to inspire and captivate. We invite you to stay connected with us as we share the progress, challenges, and triumphs of this extraordinary project. Together with Pawel and his team, let’s celebrate the timeless elegance and enduring spirit of Blair Mansion.