From the moment you arrive at the wrought iron gate of 1319, the experience begins, unfolding through the front door into a dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass-encased vestibule. At the heart of the home is a spectacular newly designed chef's kitchen that seamlessly combines beauty and functionality. A stunning oversized porcelain-topped Amish-crafted island serves as the centerpiece, surrounded by a suite of luxury appliances including Thermador, Wolf, Sub-Zero, Miele, Dacor, and Fisher & Paykel. Thoughtful details such as a walk-in pantry, wraparound window seating, coffered ceilings, and herringbone hardwood flooring elevate the space even further. The second level preserves the soul of the original home with rich rosewood-paneled walls and ceilings, offering warmth and authenticity rarely found today. Three ensuite bedrooms provide exceptional comfort, including a tranquil primary suite with sweeping views of the fountain and pool. Designed with entertaining in mind, the lower level delivers an entirely unique experience. A recreation room with original stone fireplace and wide-plank flooring sets the stage for gathering, while the custom bunk room-with four built-in bunks featuring integrated lighting, storage, and charging stations-creates an unforgettable guest retreat. The spa-inspired locker room with dual showers, double vanities, custom lockers, and striking circular tile detail was thoughtfully designed for effortless indoor-outdoor living after long summer days by the pool. Beyond the interiors, the grounds rival those of a private resort. A magnificent circular pool surrounded by tiered natural stone terraces becomes the focal point for entertaining and relaxation, offering a setting unlike anything else on the North Shore. This is more than a home-it is an experience. Rich in history, once owned by legendary toy designer Marvin Glass who created Lite Brite, Operation, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em and other childhood favorites, an architectural pedigree, and thoughtful design, this one-of-a-kind residence offers a rare opportunity to own one of Evanston's most distinctive and unforgettable properties.
Single-familyProperty Type
1918Year Built
0.38 acresLot Size
$764Price/Sq.Ft.
3 spacesParking
Listed by Megan Leadbetter• Coldwell Banker Realty
Lakeshore, located between Northwestern University and the Wilmette border, is a residential and lakeside Evanston neighborhood with a blufftop shoreline and a quiet grid of tree-lined streets. The neighborhood’s character concentrates around Sheridan Road at Central Street, where coffee counters, small grocers, and low-key storefronts meet steady lakefront foot traffic. Landmark theaters and galleries at the Block Museum of Art and the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts set a cultural baseline nearby. Brick courtyard buildings and classic single-family homes define the streetscape. Dawes Park and the Lake Michigan path frame daily routines with open water views.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Market insights
1319 Forest Ave · $3,499,999
SALE-TO-LIST
100.6%
Most homes are selling 1% above list price.
LIST PRICE
$3,499,999
Median sale price in this area is $413,643. (88% lower than this home)
PRICE DROP
0 price drops
14% of homes in this area have had a price drop in the past month.
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Dining
Interior features
Special millwork
Skylights
Separate dining room
Finished daylight basement
Basement full bath(s)
Walk-in closet(s)
First-floor bedroom
First-floor full bath
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms (plus an additional possible 5th bedroom)
One bedroom located in the basement (17 x 18, hardwood)
Bathrooms
5 full bathrooms
2 half bathrooms
Kitchen
Eating area with table space
Kitchen island
Walk-in pantry / pantry
Custom cabinetry
Granite counters
Solid-surface counters
Updated kitchen
Laundry & utility
Basement laundry room (10 x 12)
Sump pump
Flooring
Hardwood flooring throughout main living areas and bedrooms noted
Heating & cooling
Natural gas heating
Forced air
Multiple (2+) separate heating systems/zones
Central air conditioning
Zoned cooling
Exterior features
43 x 10 main-level deck
Circular driveway
Lot dimensions approximately 122 x 137
Property sits on roughly 0.25–0.49 acre
School bus and commuter bus service available
Home design
Detached single-family home
2-story design
Fee simple ownership
Property age: 100+ years
Tile roof
Stone construction
Parking
Parking for 3 vehicles
Circular driveway
Construction
Stone exterior
Tile roof
Built before 1978
Utilities
Water from Lake Michigan and public supply
Public sewer
HOA & community
No master association fee required
Other
Living area reported by assessor
Total finished area reported approximately 5,502
Lower level, main level and upper level finished area breakdown provided
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
The R1 single-family residential district is intended to provide for single-family development at the lowest density within the City, and to preserve the present physical character of that area while allowing for infill development.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Housing-Single unit
Housing-Multiple units
Housing-Senior
Educational/school
Neighborhood center
Park & open space
Mar 19, 2019 • Active
Interior remodel - residential for single-family homes, townhomes, and 2-unit residential buildings only
Remodel the basement of a residential building.
Remodel
Feb 5, 2019 • Final
Demolition - interior
Perform interior demolition in the basement and remove a kitchen countertop.
Demolition
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
2/10 Fire Factor
0.00% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
2/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 100° expected this year, 13 days in 30 years
2/10 Wind Factor
1% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
4/10 Air Factor
5 unhealthy days expected this year, 6 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Evanston, IL • 60201
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
30
17
38
23
54
34
60
43
66
49
80
62
84
69
80
65
77
61
67
51
51
39
37
24
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
86/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
This home ranks in the top 24% for direct sun exposure in Evanston. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
8.9 hrs
4.4 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 1319 Forest Ave
We cannot show automated home-value estimates for this home.
Nearby homes have recently sold between $1,850,000 and $2,200,000.
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 3 recent nearby sales, priced between $1.9M to $2.2M.