The Hinsdalean - Community journalism the way it was meant to be

A little bit of France - This home at 314 N. Lincoln St. was built for William D. Gates, founder and president of American Terra Cotta Company. Not surprisingly, the entire exterior was constructed of terra cotta. According to Sandy Williams book, "Images of America - Hinsdale," the design was inspired by a Loire Valley chateau and built by the Chicago architectural firm of Jennery & Mundie. To support the weight of the structure, the basement was divided into rooms matching those of the floor above. The adjacent lot featured gardens and a terra cotta fountain but has since been redeveloped.