The familiar Lincoln Park residence, instantly recognizable as the Winslow family home from the beloved 1990s sitcom “Family Matters,” has been officially approved for demolition, marking a bittersweet moment for fans of the show and architectural enthusiasts alike. Located at 1500 block of West Wrightwood Avenue in Chicago, this two-story house, though only featured in the show’s opening credits and exterior shots, became synonymous with the heartwarming family stories and comedic escapades of the Winslows and their unforgettable neighbor, Steve Urkel.
City documents confirm that a demolition permit was granted on Tuesday for the Wrightwood Avenue property. This permit authorizes the complete dismantling and removal of the multi-unit frame house, following a previous permit issued in April for the demolition of the detached garage. The news signals the end of an era for this iconic structure, which held a special place in television history and in the memories of millions who grew up watching “Family Matters.”
According to Lissa Weinstein of Coldwell Banker, who managed the property’s sale, the current owners, Bak Home Development, intend to replace the existing structure with a new three-unit residential building. Speaking to CBS 2, Weinstein explained that the decision to demolish the house came after careful consideration. “Prior to purchasing the property, they [Bak Home Development] evaluated whether saving the house was a possibility and ultimately determined renovating the home wasn’t a viable option,” she stated. However, in a gesture to acknowledge the property’s celebrated past, the developers plan to incorporate framed photographs of the original house and the show’s cast within the entry area of the new building, offering a nod to its legacy.
While “Family Matters” was conceptually set in suburban Chicago, and patriarch Carl Winslow was portrayed as a Chicago city police officer, the actual filming of the sitcom took place in California. Despite this geographical discrepancy, the Wrightwood Avenue house served as the visual anchor, establishing the setting for the Winslow’s family life in the show’s opening sequences and establishing shots. Debuting on ABC in 1989, “Family Matters” enjoyed a successful nine-season run, transitioning to CBS in 1997 before concluding in 1998. Initially centered on the Winslow family – Carl, his wife Harriette, their children Eddie, Laura, and Judy – the show’s trajectory shifted dramatically with the introduction of their nerdy neighbor, Steve Urkel. Urkel’s character quickly captured the audience’s hearts, becoming the breakout star and a central figure throughout the show’s enduring run. The demolition of the “Family Matters” house represents more than just the removal of bricks and mortar; it signifies the changing landscape of a neighborhood and the fading of a tangible link to a beloved piece of television history.
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