There are certain buildings that will always have a home in your heart.
For Jim and me, this one always will.
As we begin a new year, it feels right to start by sharing one of the buildings that shaped our path forward. In 2017, we purchased the apartment buildings at 428–432 Park Boulevard in Glen Ellyn, marking our first investment in the western suburbs. At the time, we didn’t know just how meaningful this property would become, but we knew it felt special from the start.
A Building Rooted in Glen Ellyn’s Early Growth
Built in 1928, this Tudor-style courtyard apartment building came to life during a formative period in Glen Ellyn’s history. As the village evolved from a seasonal destination into a true commuter town, thoughtfully designed apartment buildings began to appear near downtown and the train line.
These buildings were intentionally modest in scale, rich in character, and built to last. The Tudor Revival architecture, with its brick façade, symmetry, and old-world detailing, was chosen to convey warmth, permanence, and pride of place.
Nearly a century later, that intention is still felt the moment you step into the courtyard.
Why This Building Continues to Be Loved
One of the things that brings me the most joy about this property is that it is consistently fully occupied and often has a waiting list.
People love it for its location, its walkability, and its undeniable vintage charm. There is something about the scale, the layout, and the character that simply resonates. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not, and that authenticity is exactly why it works.
Why We Fell in Love with It
When Jim and I first toured the building, what stood out immediately was how much of its original character remained intact.
The hardwood floors.
The coved ceilings and detailed trim.
The arched openings between rooms.
Even the cast-iron radiators, still doing their job decades later.
As someone who leads interior design for our renovations, I see details like these as the foundation. They are not something to cover up, but something to build upon.
This building didn’t need reinvention.
It needed care.
Designing with History in Mind
When we began renovations, my guiding principle was simple.
Honor the building’s history, then thoughtfully update it for how people live today.
We avoided trendy finishes that would feel out of place or dated quickly. Instead, we focused on timeless selections that complement the original architecture rather than compete with it.
Bathrooms: Clean, Classic, and Considered
In the bathrooms, we kept the palette light and classic. Clean white tile reflects natural light and feels appropriate for the era, while subtle mosaic accents add quiet detail.
One of my favorite choices was preserving the original radiators. Rather than removing them, we refreshed them, allowing these pieces of history to remain part of everyday life in the apartment.
Living Spaces: Letting the Architecture Lead
The living rooms speak for themselves.
Refinished hardwood floors, preserved ceiling detailing, and traditional trim create warmth and balance. We chose soft, neutral wall colors that enhance the wood tones and allow the architecture to shine.
These are rooms that feel calm, grounded, and welcoming. Exactly what a home should feel like.
Kitchens: Blending Old and New
The kitchens were where modern functionality mattered most, but even here, responsibility was key.
White shaker cabinetry keeps the look timeless. Granite countertops add texture without feeling flashy. Stainless steel appliances provide everyday convenience.
And the arched openings connecting spaces stayed. They soften transitions and quietly remind you that this building has a story worth preserving.
Why This Building Still Matters to Us
As we step into 2026, this building feels like a meaningful place to pause and reflect.
It represents more than a historic apartment renovation. It represents the beginning of our western suburbs journey and the foundation of what we continue to build today.
At 10 West, we don’t just renovate properties. We care for them thoughtfully, balancing preservation with progress so they can continue to be loved for generations to come.
Nearly 100 years after it was built, Park Boulevard still does exactly what it was designed to do. It offers character, stability, and a true sense of home.
And for us, it will always be where this chapter began.
