Wood St. Case STudy

Written By Valentine Ike

6839 S Wood Street: Turning a Boxy Six-Bed into a Modern 4BR/3BA Jewel Box

Project type: Full gut renovation + basement conversion
Neighborhood: Chicago (South Side)
Status: ~70% complete

In December 2023 we first walked 6839 S Wood Street—a tired 6-bed, 2-bath that felt chopped up and boxy. The bones were solid, the layout wasn’t. Over the next six months we closed on the property and iterated the floor plan and design several times until the vision clicked: a modern 4-bed, 3-bath home with smart flow, a bright front kitchen, and a true owner’s suite.

The Big Move: Kitchen Up Front, Suite in Back

Most homes on the block keep the kitchen tucked away. We flipped that script:

  • Kitchen to the front of the house for natural light and connection to the living space.

  • The old kitchen area becomes the primary suite—now with a private ensuite bath and private deck for morning coffee or evening wind-downs.

  • Two cozy fireplaces anchor the main living zones.

  • A Blue Eagle–designed, custom-built entertainment wall ties storage, media, and millwork into one clean feature.

Basement: Real Bedrooms, Real Function

We fully converted the basement into two legal bedrooms, a full bathroom, laundry area, and utility closet. It’s not just extra square footage—it’s livable space that expands how a family can use the home (guests, office, teen suite, or multi-gen living).

What Buyers Will Feel

  • Modern flow from entry to kitchen—no more dark, disconnected rooms.

  • A true owner’s retreat with privacy, deck access, and a spa-leaning bath.

  • Two fireplaces for warmth and focal points.

  • Thoughtful storage and custom entertainment built-ins.

  • A bright, finished lower level that actually works day-to-day.

Project Timeline

  • Dec 2023: First walkthrough

  • Dec 2023 → Jun 2024: Closing process + floor plan & design development

  • Construction: Ongoing, currently ~70% complete (framing, MEPs, drywall, and trim progressing; finishes next)

The Numbers (Transparent by design)

  • Acquisition: $10,000

  • Construction budget: $125,000

  • Planned list price: $285,000 (subject to market conditions)

We share numbers because it keeps everyone aligned—neighbors, agents, and future buyers see the craft and care behind the transformation.

Why This Layout (Even If It’s Uncommon Here)

Moving the kitchen to the front and creating a private decked primary suite in back isn’t typical in the area—but it solves how people actually live: light where you gather, privacy where you rest, and a lower level that’s more than storage. We believe the market will appreciate the upgrade when they step inside a clean, 4BR/3BA modern jewel box.

Blue Eagle Builders — design-build GC specializing in basement conversions and 4BR/3BA gut renovations across Chicago.
Questions or want a tour once we hit finishes? Call 312-709-0873 or request a 48-hour scope & budget range.

Valentine Ike