The Unseen History: 5 Shocking Facts About 1826 Home Avenue In Berwyn, Illinois

The unassuming multi-family property at 1826 Home Avenue in Berwyn, Illinois, has unexpectedly become one of the most scrutinized residential addresses in suburban Chicago. While on the surface it appears to be a classic example of the area’s beloved architectural heritage, its recent history—and, crucially, its current ownership—has transformed it from a quaint, vintage dwelling into a flashpoint of national controversy. As of late 2024, the property remains a focal point for media attention and local community discussions, largely due to its association with a highly polarizing political figure. This article dives deep into the property's unique structure, its place in Berwyn's history, and the shocking events that have made this address infamous.

Built in 1929, this large, multi-unit structure is a prime piece of Berwyn real estate, but its true value today lies not just in its bricks and mortar, but in the intense public interest surrounding its occupant. The story of 1826 Home Avenue is a perfect blend of Chicago-area architectural history and a modern political drama, making it a unique and continuously evolving subject in the Illinois property landscape.

Property Profile: 1826 Home Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402

The residence at 1826 Home Avenue is a significant piece of the local architectural fabric, located in a desirable section of Berwyn known informally as the "Gold Coast" area. Its historical and structural details are impressive, even before factoring in its controversial modern history.

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• Address: 1826 Home Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402
• Architectural Style: Jumbo Octagon Bungalow (often referred to as a three-flat or multi-unit)
• Year Built: 1929
• Property Type: Multi-Family (2-4 Units)
• Total Square Footage: Approximately 4,300+ square feet of living space (sources vary, reflecting the total building size)
• Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 7 Bedrooms, 3.5 to 4 Bathrooms (across all units)
• Last Sale Date: November 18, 2020
• Last Sale Price: $389,900
• Neighborhood Designation: Berwyn's Gold Coast
• Property Taxes: Approximately $11,909 per year (at time of last sale)

1. The Architectural Rarity: A Jumbo Octagon Bungalow

One of the most compelling, non-controversial facts about 1826 Home Avenue is its distinctive architectural style: the Jumbo Octagon Bungalow. This is a specific and beloved variation of the classic Chicago Bungalow style, a type of housing that dominates many of the city's suburbs, including Berwyn.

A Vintage "Three-Flat" Design

Unlike a traditional single-family bungalow, the property at 1826 Home Avenue is a large, three-unit building (a three-flat) built in the shape of an octagon. This design maximizes natural light and living space, resulting in over 4,300 square feet spread across the structure. The term "Jumbo" is used to denote its larger-than-average size for a bungalow, making it an imposing and vintage beauty within the neighborhood.

The Berwyn "Gold Coast" Context

The home is situated in a sought-after area of Berwyn known as the "Gold Coast." This informal designation refers to a section of the suburb prized for its well-maintained, historic homes and convenient access to local amenities and transportation. The presence of such a large, multi-family structure in this area highlights the diverse nature of Berwyn's real estate market, which includes everything from modest single-family homes to these grander, vintage multi-units. The home's 1929 construction date places it squarely in the suburban expansion boom of the early 20th century, a time when Berwyn was developing rapidly.

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2. The Controversial Buyer: Nicholas Joseph Fuentes

The property's quiet architectural history was shattered in late 2020 when it was purchased by far-right political commentator and activist, Nicholas Joseph Fuentes. This single transaction immediately drew national attention to the otherwise unremarkable suburban address.

A Strategic Purchase

The purchase of the multi-family home was a significant step for Fuentes, who had previously been known to reside in his parents' home in nearby La Grange Park. The Berwyn property, which has been cited as a "pricey apartment building," serves as a base of operations and a primary location for his online activities, including his live streaming show, which is the core of his political influence.

The sale price of $389,900 for a seven-bedroom, multi-unit building in 2020 was a notable local transaction, but it was the identity of the buyer that made it newsworthy. The property's function as a multi-unit building has allowed it to be used as both a residence and a central hub for his associates and activities, transforming a classic Berwyn three-flat into a private political headquarters.

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3. The Center of Conflict: Swatting and Confrontations

Since the property at 1826 Home Avenue became associated with Nicholas Fuentes, it has been the site of multiple high-profile incidents, turning it into a locus of local and national controversy. These events have made the address a recurring feature in local news reports, far exceeding the typical attention given to a suburban residential property.

The Pepper Spray Allegation

One of the most serious incidents occurred in 2021 when a woman accused Fuentes of pepper-spraying her during a confrontation outside the Berwyn home. The incident led to a court appearance for the far-right influencer, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the property.

Swatting Incidents

The address has also been the target of multiple "swatting" incidents, where false emergency calls are made to law enforcement to provoke a large, armed police response. Police reports confirmed that Fuentes, who lives in Berwyn, has been the victim of these dangerous pranks, further cementing the home's status as a site of ongoing conflict and security concerns.

4. The $1.2 Million Valuation Claim

In a bizarre twist that mixes real estate speculation with political drama, the home has been the subject of exaggerated claims regarding its value. Some reports have cited the property as a "$1.2 Million Nick Fuentes House." This figure is significantly higher than its 2020 sale price of $389,900 and its estimated market value, which is closer to $500,000 to $550,000 in the current Berwyn real estate market.

This inflated valuation likely stems from a combination of the property's use as a political symbol and a misunderstanding of local multi-family home values. While Berwyn is a growing market, the $1.2 million figure is an extreme outlier, but it contributes to the home's notoriety and the constant curiosity surrounding the source of the funds used for its purchase and maintenance.

5. An Ongoing Symbol of Local Tension

The presence of a controversial figure at 1826 Home Avenue has created a unique tension in the otherwise quiet, working-class suburb of Berwyn. The community, known for its diversity and strong local pride, has been forced to grapple with the national spotlight cast upon one of its residential streets.

The property is no longer just a vintage Octagon Bungalow; it is a symbol of the intersection between local residential life and the national political landscape. The ongoing news coverage, the security issues, and the local awareness of the home's occupant ensure that 1826 Home Avenue will remain a noteworthy and closely watched address in the Chicago Metro Area for the foreseeable future. The story of this single multi-family home is a microcosm of the challenges faced by local communities when national controversies land on their doorsteps.