Cicero is a densely populated community directly west of Chicago, known for its strong cultural identity and historic working-class neighborhoods. The town features rows of classic Chicago-style brick bungalows and two-flats, many dating from the 1920s and 1930s.
Cicero's dense urban setting funnels cold winter winds between buildings, creating wind-tunnel effects that exploit gaps in aging window frames. Temperatures routinely fall below 0F in January and February.
Cicero's predominantly brick bungalow housing stock from the 1920s-40s often retains original single-pane windows that are major sources of drafts and heat loss. Replacing these aging units with modern triple-pane windows dramatically improves insulation while preserving the architectural character of these classic homes.
the Hawthorne Works site and Cicero Community Park
Our brick two-flat in Cicero had the original 1928 windows. Panes replaced every single one and our tenants immediately noticed the difference. Heating costs dropped significantly and the street noise from Cermak Road is practically gone. — Elena V., Grant Works