Gajewski

505 Elgin Ave

Built: 1904 Purchased: 2021

The original home was built in 1904 and has undergone many changes since. The top floor at some point was removed and built larger, creating the current three floor structure that has rental space. In 2021, Joe and Cynthia Gajewski bought the property, removed two trees and painted the home to create their own personal oasis. Living on the 2nd and 3rd floors, Joe and Cynthia spend many hours in the garden area.

When the home was bought in 2021, the garden was established, but neglected and overgrown. Cynthia worked to get the garden under control and planted prolife pollinators in the yard. “Gardening is like therapy; it keeps me grounded. I think my garden style is creative expression and layering, I will move plants around, however my husband Joe wants things to stay where planted, so we compromise.”

The homes etched glass in front of the home and the views of the garden from the rear of the home makes Cynthia think the home is “magical.” Joe and Cynthis reside on the 2nd and 3rd floors, ask and maybe a tour of their living space can be arranged, but don’t go into the 1st floor unit, the renter may not appreciate your walk through the home. While in the 505 Elgin garden, look for the resilient native wildflower, Baptisia (or also known as False Indigo), this is an easy-care perennial that brings gorgeous flowers to the Gajewski Home.