On a quiet secluded court, appropriately named

Rainbow Lane

can be found a “One of a Kind Treasure.” It is a “Work of Art” envisioned by Carl Mortier, a former cement contractor.

He had found the nearly 2 acres of untouched forest land rich with majestic towering Red Oaks and Shag Bark Hickory trees, and numerous wild flowers like May Apple, Soloman Seal, and Wake Robin Trillium. He saw, in his minds eye, the home he wished to build nestled between two separate creek bottom washes, or ravines; and, made this decision definite when, having been on the land after a rainstorm, he heard the rush of water over the few small falls. He imagined himself standing on one of the two small bridges planned with his wife, Patricia.

The project was to build a Castle-like Renaissance Tudor style manor; and, he knew that just to amass the proper materials would take time. He wanted the home to be brick throughout, yet to have various creative statements – whether outside or within – from the staggered handhold decorative brick effect on the outside (included on the towering living room fireplace chimney) to the many arched doorways and passageways within, plus the arched brick fireplace in the dinette off the

kitchen.

Each task seemed meant to be. For example, the acquisition of the great amount of special brick needed occurred because a project for another gentleman requiring brick not only for a large house and garage, but also for a stable, fell through; and, the gentleman no longer wanted the brick. Luckily, the brick suited Carl’s requirements. Then, he was working at the Ludeman Center in Park Forest, Illinois, on a building project which included a large chapel which would be built with the use of massive 8” x 12” x nearly 40’ long solid Oak beams. It was discovered that the center had over purchased these special beams; and, Carl was able to acquire these extras. There were enough beams to stand as support for his home.

Also, since he and his wife were actually involved in the antique business, they had been slowly acquiring stained glass from numerous churches and lodges across the country. It was decided these beautiful-stained-glass windows would be featured throughout the home. The only “new” stained glass window would come from a friend who was a monk and wished to make an original window a gift for their little “chapel”.

The project was increasing in size due to the changes in materials available. There were now materials to construct a home nearly 9,000 sq. ft. when finished. Also, since he was in the concrete business, he realized he had the knowledge to use radiant, multiple zoned heating, and, use it throughout – on all levels, including the basement and the oversized three car garage. Thus, scaffolding was built to wheel-barrel the concrete up to the second floor. The task itself would be a treacherous one since the walk-way would start on the other side of one of the creek beds.

With the enormity of the project now looming ahead, Carl knew he would need help, and he knew from whom he would seek it. Help that would be able to envision, with him, all that was needed - - help that could achieve Carl’s expectations and even, possibly, go beyond. That help came from the senior Mortier, who not only worked in the family concrete business, but who also had been a journeyman woodworking craftsman in Germany, from where he emigrated. The senior Mortier then engaged the help of his best friend, Bill, also an immigrated journeyman carpenter from Germany; and, he additionally engaged the services of another retired gentleman whom he had befriended - -Chester Sable, a former shipbuilder from Poland. Chester’s principal tasks would entail the circular stairway, with compound radii railing, and all cabinets and decorative pieces involving curved surfaces, or build-ins. These men, along with Carl, started the great task of “Art, Love & Caring” that was to be the gift for Carl’s wife, Patricia.

The massive solid oak beams were notched and pegged to stand as firm supports. Planks were purchased to become the tongue and grooved ceilings. A balconied loft was constructed to overlook the 28’ high Cathedral ceiling living room where the massive charcoal-colored hand laid rock, boulder and masonry fireplace was built. Multiple bricked walls with numerous arched doorways and passageways were constructed, including the aforementioned fireplace, and an arched brick enclosure for the oven. They constructed an oversized brick and tile island in the huge kitchen. Cedar shake was used to offset the kitchen cabinetry. A fourth bedroom/study with a hand laid earth toned rock; boulder and masonry fireplace was added. A small, enclosed courtyard was added off the bathrooms so the outside could be enjoyed while still maintaining privacy. One of the bathrooms has a claw foot tub with all faucets and other plumbing hardware being gold-plated. (Note – the bathrooms were laid out to be private from each other.) Off the family room, in addition to a patio, one of the walls was specially constructed so a swimming pool could be ultimately added without sacrificing any of the integrity of the outside brick construction. Carl also added 3 large outside lights of antique copper, converted from gas, which had been used as street lights in old Elmhurst.

When the Mortier’s were about through with the outside construction, but halfway through the internal construction and finishing, they decided to leave this treasure to seek a future in the New England States, within the “primitive” antique business. Thus, they sold the home to the McCarthy’s (Robert & Sharon) who brought the home to its present state of completion of approximately 5300 sq. feet. (Note – there is still considerable space for the next creative phase within the home’s construction.)

The home includes 13 closets, 2 central air-conditioning units, a private well and Cavitet, a new three old Hallmark shingled roof, a new hot water boiler for the radiant heat, a new hot water heater, a new cedar deck and 2 bridges crossing the creek beds (a completion of one of Carl’s dreams) into the wooded area adjacent to a huge forest preserve.

The home is approximately 25 – 30 years of age (initial completion time is sketchy); and, it is only just under 45 minutes, via a near expressway, to the Chicago Loop.

As a remembrance to Carl’s vision,

the side door knocker bearing the Mortier name still remains.