Bungalow Expansion Project Offers Alternatives To Pop-Tops

CHICAGO, IL - The Chicago Bungalow Association has unveiled their Bungalow Expansion Project, a response to second-story “pop-top” additions on bungalows. Six addition ideas are outlined as ways for bungalow owners in the city to keep their home's historical value while also adding space and convenience.

The project, unveiled on Tuesday, is the result of two years of work that began around the time the #StopThePop campaign was trending on social media in the summer of 2016. In #StopThePop, bungalow owners and lovers urged homeowners against hiring developers who would construct pop-top additions by tearing off the entire upstairs levels and replacing them with full second stories.

READ MORE: Bungalow Additions Called Destructive In #StopThePop Campaign

In the mean time, the CBA partnered with the American Institute of Architects to create a collection of what they say are "practical" designs that those looking to add space can use as models.

“Because there are sensible alternatives, we believe pop-tops and all of their consequences are preventable,” Chicago Bungalow Association Executive Director Mary Ellen Guest said.

Six schemes were released as part of the Bungalow Expansion Project. From the Chicago Bungalow Association:

Systems Upgrade Design

The first step in preparing your home for future projects is to assess the longevity and efficiency of the existing systems. No rooms are remodeled at this time, except for subsequent items affected by the system upgrades.

Finished Basement Design

Before: 2 bed, 1 bath bungalow; After: 3 bed, 2 bath bungalow w/ basement suite and remodeled first floor kitchen.

Rear Addition

Before: 2 bed, 1 bath bungalow; After: 2 bed, 1 bath bungalow w/ remodeled kitchen and new adjacent family/mudroom & deck.

2nd Floor Living Space with Dormers

Before: 2 bed, 1 bath bungalow; After: 3 bed, 2 bath bungalow w/ new open-concept kitchen/family room combo.

2nd Floor Addition with Front Setback (option A)

Before: 2 bed, 1 bath bungalow; After: 4 bed, 2 bath bungalow w/ enlarged remodeled kitchen. Setting an addition about 20 feet back from the front of the house is a win-win alternative to pop tops. Homeowners have spacious upstairs rooms and a beautiful iconic bungalow, while the view of the block remains cohesive and attractive to visitors, neighbors, and prospective neighbors.

2nd Floor Addition with Front Setback (option B, more affordable)

Before: 2 bed, 1 bath bungalow; After: 4 bed, 2 bath bungalow w/ remodeled kitchen

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Bungalow Association