Founded in September 2000 by Mayor Richard M. Daley and inspired by former 19th Ward Alderman Virginia Rugai, the Chicago Bungalow Association (CBA) was created to protect and preserve the city’s iconic bungalow homes. These 80,000 one-and-a-half-story homes, which have shaped Chicago’s neighborhoods and family lives for over 100 years, remain essential to the city’s architectural heritage and community fabric. CBA is here to help you maintain, preserve, and modernize your older home while retaining its historic charm.

But first, what exactly is a Chicago bungalow?

The Chicago Bungalow: A Century-Old Icon

For more than a century, the Chicago bungalow has been a defining feature of the city’s streetscape. Stretching from the far north to the southernmost neighborhoods, bungalows became synonymous with the early 20th-century expansion of Chicago. As the city’s population surged, so did the need for homes that offered more space, light, and access to the outdoors—features that bungalows provided in abundance.

Born from a modest California cottage design in the late 19th century, the bungalow style quickly made its way to Chicago, where architects adapted it to suit narrow city lots and the Midwest’s challenging climate. Soon, entire subdivisions of bungalows emerged, forming what is now known as Chicago’s “Bungalow Belt.” Today, these homes make up nearly one-third of the city’s single-family housing stock, with over 80,000 still standing.

A Style Rooted in History

The Chicago bungalow wasn’t just a stylish housing choice—it represented opportunity. As the city expanded rapidly, bungalows offered affordable homeownership with modern amenities that were once out of reach for most people. These homes brought with them the promise of a more comfortable, spacious, and less stressful urban lifestyle.

Rooted in the Arts & Crafts Movement, bungalows were designed to harmonize with nature. Large windows filled rooms with light, creating a connection between indoor spaces and the natural environment. This thoughtful design helped make the bungalow an ideal home for Chicago families, and its enduring popularity stands as a testament to its timeless appeal.

How the Chicago Bungalow Association Can Help

The CBA, a non-profit delegate agency of the City of Chicago, offers a range of free resources to help homeowners preserve and enhance their bungalows or other older homes. As a member, you can:

• Solve common issues affecting older homes
• Preserve and protect your home before costly damage occurs
• Redesign your space to fit modern needs while maintaining its historic character
• Improve energy efficiency, saving money and extending the life of your home
• Membership is free; with it, you’ll gain access to expert guidance and valuable resources to help you care for your home.

Join the Chicago Bungalow Association today and be a part of preserving this iconic piece of the city’s history—while keeping your home beautiful, functional, and efficient for generations to come.

The Driehaus Bungalow Awards:

Created in 2005 by the Chicago Bungalow Association with the generous support of The Driehaus Foundation, the Driehaus Bungalow Awards are our annual juried competition honoring the creativity and efforts of homeowners like you.​ Be inspired by past winners, and submit your own home improvement project for a chance to win up to $1,500 in seven award categories, including interior and exterior renovations, restoration, and landscape design! **PROPS TO MY WIFE FOR WINNING!**

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