Tour Stop 4: 270 East 3rd Ave.
Owner: Jody Dierksheide

Jody purchased the lot of this custom build in early 2014 and received his occupancy permit in June 2016. The home is approximately 2,600 feet (1,850 sq. ft. above ground with an 800 sq. ft. finished basement with an outdoor entrance). Having lived in a cottage in the Italian Village for 8 years, Jody was looking for a cleaner, modern design and architecture for this 3-bedroom, 3.5 bath home. He kept a photo of a similar home bookmarked on his computer, and, like Oprah after reading “The Secret,” made that dream a reality. He used that photo when working with architect Brenda Parker, who also designed the backyard deck and yard layout.

Upon entering the front door, you are greeted by a life-size hanging art piece, a collaboration created by Jody and two other friends. The art is mounted on a modern sliding rail revealing the 1/2 bath. The first floor is an open plan that reveals a 10 ft. x 15 ft., two-story opening in the center of the home. The staircase with open risers is also a custom design. The wall unit comprising walnut shelving and brass-support shelving in the parlor area is custom-built by Opus Woodworking.

Continuing into the kitchen and dining area, you will find a large island extended by an overlapping, custom-build table also by Opus Woodworking. Hidden behind a piece of art in the kitchen is a television so Jody can watch “The Barefoot Contessa” to help channel his inner Ina Garten. You will find the family room in the rear of the home.

Walking to the lower level, you will see the mother-in-law suite with full kitchen, laundry, living room, gas fireplace and separate entrance. Head outside and you’ll find a clear and modern backyard, and Jody opted to install a 16′ wide glass garage door facing the yard to both expand the backyard when needed and keep an open and airy feel of the outdoor space. Jody is an accomplished hairstylist (he designed Farrah Fawcett’s famous feather flip and created Mia Farrow’s pixie cut*) and worked in the world of interior design in Chicago.