Window Film in Old Town, Chicago

Window Film for Old Town Triangle Historic Homes

Much of the Old Town Triangle, north of North Avenue and west of Clark, is a Chicago landmark district, with the tower of St. Michael's Church rising over its streets. Many houses here date to the years after the 1871 fire, and owners have spent real money restoring them. Exterior changes on designated properties are reviewed, which is one reason we keep to films that do not show from the sidewalk.

Clear UV film is the most common request. It protects restored floors, period furniture and art from fading and is close to invisible on the glass. Clear low-e film helps with winter comfort near tall, single-pane front windows. Both go on the inside face and come off cleanly if a future owner wants them gone.

We pass on reflective, mirrored and dark films for these houses. They change the way a historic facade looks from the street and are the kind of alteration that draws attention from preservation staff. Clear films keep the conversation simple for everyone involved. They also hold up well in a district full of careful neighbors.

Old Glass and Window Film: What We Check in Old Town

Some Old Town houses still have old, slightly wavy glass in original sash. Film can usually go on sound old glass, but the inspection matters more than on a modern window. We look for hairline cracks, loose or missing glazing putty, and panes that rattle in the frame. Any of those needs repair before film goes on.

If a window has historic glass that the owner wants to keep untouched, there are alternatives. Interior storm panels can carry UV or low-e film instead, leaving the original glass alone. We are glad to talk through that option when it fits. It costs more than film alone, but for a house with rare glass it is the safer path.

• Check for cracked panes and loose glazing putty
• Confirm glass type on any newer replacement units
• Match film to the room: UV, low-e or frosted
• Consider interior storm panels for irreplaceable glass

Privacy Film for Old Town Cottages Close to the Sidewalk

Workers cottages in Old Town were built small, and many sit right at the lot line with a front window a few feet from the sidewalk. Some sit lower than the street, so people walking by look down into the front room. During Old Town Art Fair weekend or a busy summer evening, that can mean a constant stream of faces at the glass.

A frosted film on the lower sash, or a decorative pattern that suits a 19th century house, keeps the room private without curtains closed all day. Light still reaches the room, which matters in a small cottage with only a few windows. Frosted film can also be cut to leave a clear border, which looks more like traditional etched glass.

Storefront and Theater Window Film on Wells Street

Wells Street has restaurants, bars, boutiques and comedy theaters, including The Second City near North Avenue. Lobby and storefront glass along the street faces east or west. Businesses on the east side of Wells take the afternoon sun straight through the front, which heats lobbies and washes out window displays.

A light solar control film reduces the heat and glare while the storefront stays visible from the sidewalk. Clear UV film protects posters and merchandise in display windows. For bars and restaurants open late, security film on the lower panes holds glass in place if it is struck. Theater lobbies sometimes add decorative film to interior glass doors as well.