Larson, Mads C., House
Why it's listed
This 1-1/2 story frame bungalow at 318 South 1st Avenue in Maywood combines Arts and Crafts and Prairie School design. The lot was owned by members of the Nichols family, connected to the Maywood Company, from 1883 to 1896, and Mads C. Larson bought it in 1909. Larson took out the first mortgage and probably built the house. The L-shaped building rests on a stone foundation and has dark stained board and batten siding below the sill line and narrow weatherboards above. A shallow hip roof with broad overhangs, a geometric brick chimney and a glazed sun room give the exterior its horizontal, geometric look. Inside, wide wood moldings, square posts with geometric detail, a nine-panel dining room ceiling, built-in cabinets and a brick fireplace reflect Arts and Crafts ideas. The architect is unknown, though the floor plan closely resembles a 1910 Tallmadge and Watson house in Maywood. A recent garage is noncontributing. The house was listed for its architecture and its excellent integrity.
Significance in brief: The house is significant under Criterion C for architecture. It combines Prairie School and Arts and Crafts influences in a modest bungalow. The exterior shows Prairie School horizontality and geometry, while the interior shows stronger Arts and Crafts features. Its dark stained exterior is unlike other Maywood bungalows, which tend to be stucco with wood banding.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 92000490, listed May 22, 1992. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 318 S. 1st Ave., Maywood |
|---|---|
| County | Cook County |
| Listed | May 22, 1992 |
| Reference number | 92000490 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1909 |
| Architect / builder | Unknown (Mads C. Larson probably built the house) |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and Early 20th Century American Movements: Prairie School; Bungalow/Craftsman |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in excellent condition and recently renovated, with floor plan and historic detailing intact; some dormer alterations. Historic and current use is single dwelling. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.88466, -87.83470 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 92000490.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q104849280
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.