Historic "Bobby Franks" Mansion in Chicago to Finally be Renovated

CHICAGO, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- After completing the challenging project of rehabbing the home next door to the Hyde Park residence of President Obama, Foster Design Build has just earned another high-profile project. The Chicago based General Contracting firm will be completely renovating the historic residence located at 5052 South Ellis Street. Known as the "Franks Residence," the house was once home to Bobby Franks and is located just around the corner from the Obama's Chicago home. Franks was the chosen victim in the high-profile kidnapping and murder committed by Leopold and Loeb in the 1920s "Crime of the Century."

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111129/AQ12955)

This landmark home is steeped with history and intrigue due to the notoriety of the Leopold and Loeb trial. Fascinating to many was the fact that the two criminals had, themselves, been residents of the wealthy Kenwood neighborhood. The trial was a media spectacle, drawing the spotlight to a neighborhood filled with stately mansions and elite residents. Now, the historic home at 5052 S. Ellis is the newest project that has been awarded to Foster Design Build.

"We are looking forward to restoring this landmark home and to tackling this renovation project that has many levels of complexities," said Robert Berg, President of Foster Design Build.

The project consists of a complete renovation of approximately 10,000 square feet, including the adjacent coach house and garage. The boarded-up mansion has been in a state of disrepair for the last decade, with challenging conditions such as a leaking roof, broken windows and water pipes.

Berg says the most significant challenge with this renovation project will be restoring all of the individual components of the home so it appears as it was 100 years ago: "As was the case with our project next door to President Obama's, we are again working on the details of this new project with the neighborhood group in Kenwood and the City of Chicago's Department of Landmarks and Preservation."

Foster Design Build focuses on client service and construction management. They pride themselves on managing exceptional projects like the 5052 S. Ellis home and are committed to environmentally-friendly building practices.

About Foster Design Build, LLC

A leading construction management and general contracting authority in Chicago, Foster Design Build, LLC is a team-based practice of intensive construction management that prioritizes client service and satisfaction. Through a collaborative strategy, Foster Design Build assembles talented engineers, architects, interior designers and subcontractors necessary to complete each project, while managing and monitoring the entire process from the initial meeting to the finished home. Whether it's a luxury custom home, extensive historical restoration, kitchen remodel or light commercial office building, Foster Design Build meticulously handles each and every detail in a timely, cost-effective and professional manner to produce results that always exceed expectations.

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Wendy Berg
312-445-9564

SOURCE Foster Design Build