Jens Jensen Summer House and Studio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Jens Jensen Summer House and Studio
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 930-950 Dean Ave., Highland Park, Illinois |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built by | Jensen, Jens |
| Architectural style | Shingle Style |
| MPS | Highland Park MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 91000795 |
| Added to NRHP | June 19, 1991 |
The Jens Jensen Summer House and Studio is a special place in Highland Park, Illinois. It's located at 930-950 Dean Avenue. This site was once the home and workplace of a very famous landscape architect named Jens Jensen. Because of its importance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. This means it's a historic spot that's worth preserving!
The Story of Jens Jensen
Jens Jensen was an immigrant from Denmark. He started his career working for the Chicago Park District. He began as a laborer, doing hands-on work in the parks. Over time, he became the general superintendent. This was a very important job!
In 1908, while still working in Chicago, Jensen decided to build a summer home. He chose a spot in Highland Park. He called his new studio "The Clearing." Jensen spent seven years carefully designing this special place.
Moving to Highland Park
By 1915, his summer house and studio were finished. Jensen slowly started moving his work from Chicago to Highland Park. By 1920, he had left his job with the West Park Commission. He closed his Chicago office completely. From then on, he worked only from his Highland Park estate.
This estate was where Jensen tried out new ideas. One of his most famous designs was the "council ring." This was a circle of stone benches. It became one of Jensen's most popular creations. In 1920, Jensen's daughter and her husband, Marshall Johnson, also moved to the estate.
Jensen's Legacy
Jensen lived at his Highland Park home until the early 1930s. Then he moved to nearby Wilmette, Illinois. He kept working from the Highland Park studio until 1934. After that, he started a new school called The Clearing in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin.
Some other famous houses were designed at his Highland Park estate. These include the Ernest Loeb House and the Harold Florsheim House. Jensen's old Chicago studio was torn down. So, the Highland Park house and studio are the most important places connected to his career. The National Park Service recognized these buildings and the land. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 19, 1991.
