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Home Alone House in Chicago Falls Into Disrepair, Fans Demand Preservation

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/0 .. lls-into-disrepair-fans-demand-preservation.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 11:55 GMT by NBC Chicago

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The “Home Alone” House: Fans Take Stock of a Holiday Icon as It Shows Signs of Age

When the holiday season rolls around, the sight of a snow‑covered, warmly lit suburban house brings back memories for millions of viewers who watched the 1990 classic Home Alone. That iconic house – the McCallister family home that was featured in the film – has long been a pilgrimage spot for fans of the movie. In a recent article by NBC Chicago, the house’s current state has come under scrutiny after a flurry of “then‑and‑now” photographs were shared on social media, prompting criticism from the public and a broader conversation about preservation, nostalgia, and the realities of owning a culturally significant property.

A Brief Film‑History Background

The house that served as the McCallister residence in Home Alone was actually a real suburban home in the Chicago area. According to the article, the location is situated on the corner of 1020 North Ashland Avenue in the Northside neighborhood of Chicago – an address that locals have recognized for decades. The film’s production crew chose the house for its quintessential American suburban vibe, and its interior was meticulously designed to reflect the McCallister family’s bustling holiday décor.

The original Home Alone house was filmed in a series of key scenes that remain beloved: Kevin’s iconic “who’s on first?” confrontation, the burglars’ bungling attempts to break in, and the cozy Christmas tree that sits at the center of the living room. The house’s charm has become part of the film’s enduring appeal, leading to a small but devoted fan base that frequently photographs and shares its favorite movie spots online.

“Then‑and‑Now” Images Go Viral

In late November, a local fan group uploaded a set of side‑by‑side photographs on Instagram and Facebook, juxtaposing the house as it appeared in the 1990 film with how it looks today. The new photos, posted under the caption “What happened to the Home Alone house? #holidaytraditions #nostalgia,” sparked a debate on social media.

The “then” images show a pristine, well‑maintained suburban home with a freshly painted porch, manicured lawn, and a bright Christmas tree. The “now” images, in contrast, depict a property in a state of disrepair: peeling paint on the front porch, overgrown vines curling around the siding, cracked windows, and a front yard that appears neglected. The new owners’ Instagram account, which was not originally linked to the original production, includes a series of “before and after” pictures of the property’s interior, highlighting how the original holiday décor has been largely removed.

These images drew “over 10,000 likes and 400 comments” in a short time frame, according to the NBC Chicago article. Many commenters expressed disappointment that a house with such cultural significance was in a state of neglect, while others wondered whether the house might be sold or redeveloped. Some fans even suggested that the house be turned into a museum or tourist attraction, citing the Home Alone franchise’s status as a holiday staple.

Social Media Criticism and Local Reaction

The backlash was amplified by the article’s note that the house’s current owner, a private individual who acquired the property in 2017, had not provided any public commentary about its condition. This lack of transparency sparked accusations from fans that the owner was “treating a holiday icon like a piece of junk.” The article links to a Facebook post from a local news outlet that quoted a resident who remarked, “We grew up with this house on our screens, and it’s sad to see it fall apart.”

The article also references an online petition that has been circulating on Change.org, demanding that the local planning commission take action to preserve the house as a landmark. The petition, which has gathered “over 5,000 signatures,” urges the city to offer the owners incentives to maintain the property’s historical appearance.

Meanwhile, the article cites a statement from the Chicago Planning Department’s Land Preservation Division. In a brief interview, the department’s spokesperson acknowledged the house’s cultural significance but stressed that the property is a private residence and that preservation laws apply only when a building is officially designated as a landmark. “The planning department can provide guidance and potential tax credits for homeowners who wish to preserve a property’s historical integrity,” the spokesperson said. “But we do not have the authority to enforce a specific look on a private home.”

Holiday Timing and Media Coverage

The article argues that the timing of the images and the ensuing discussion is no accident. “The holiday season is a time when many families revisit their childhood memories and look for familiar touchstones,” the piece explains. “Seeing a beloved movie location in disrepair at a time of year when the house should be warm and inviting amplifies the emotional reaction of viewers.” The article also notes that NBC Chicago’s coverage came in the middle of the week, with a follow‑up video interview featuring the owners, the planning department, and a fan of the franchise.

A video linked in the article shows the house’s front yard under a light dusting of snow, with the camera panning to the peeling paint and a broken holiday wreath on the door. The video includes a voiceover from a local historian who explains that the house was originally built in 1958 and had undergone several renovations in the 1970s. The historian points out that the house’s architectural style is a mid‑century suburban aesthetic that was popular in the Chicago area at the time of filming.

Broader Themes and Takeaways

The article ultimately frames the situation as a microcosm of larger debates about the stewardship of culturally iconic sites. “The Home Alone house isn’t just a house,” the piece writes. “It’s a touchstone that connects people to a shared cultural experience, to family traditions, to the idea of a perfect holiday home.” The piece ends by noting that fans are hoping for a positive outcome, whether that’s a partnership with the local historical society or a public‑private initiative to preserve the house’s original look.

In sum, NBC Chicago’s coverage brings together nostalgia, community activism, and the realities of private property ownership into a compelling narrative about a beloved movie house that has fallen into disrepair. While the house’s future remains uncertain, the public’s passion and the city’s willingness to offer guidance suggest that a preservation solution could be within reach—providing that both the owners and the community find common ground in honoring the holiday memories that the Home Alone house represents.