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Polarizing Victorian Sparks Debate

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/16/polarizing-victorian-sparks-debate.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, January 16th 2026 at 12:29 GMT by Time Out

A Unique Design, A Divided Opinion

The home in question, located at 2532 S. Parnell Ave., is a striking three-story Victorian characterized by its distinctive and somewhat unconventional design. It boasts a complex interplay of brickwork, asymmetrical gables, and a prominent turret-like projection. While undeniably unique, this design has proven polarizing, as highlighted by the HGTV segment. The show, known for showcasing homes with unusual aesthetic choices, presented the Parnell Avenue residence as one of the nation's least appealing, sparking a wave of reactions both locally and nationally.

Owner Defends Beloved Home

Michael Bershof, who has owned the home with his wife, Nicole, for approximately 20 years, expressed surprise and amusement at the negative assessment. "It's kind of an insult," Bershof stated. "I find it beautiful. It's quirky, it's unique. It's got character." He emphasized the positive feedback they've received, suggesting that the HGTV feature has, surprisingly, drawn attention to the home's unique architectural qualities. Bershof sees the publicity as a positive, believing it encourages appreciation for older homes and historic neighborhoods - even if the initial exposure was through a less-than-flattering lens.

Chicagoans Rally in Defense

The online response from Chicagoans has been overwhelmingly supportive of the house. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have been flooded with comments defending the home's beauty and celebrating the architectural richness of the Beverly neighborhood. One viewer succinctly declared, "This is NOT an ugly house! It's gorgeous. Chicago is full of beautiful homes." Another highlighted the neighborhood's historical significance, stating, "The Beverly neighborhood is a gem. This house is beautiful and full of history." This demonstrates a strong community pride and a rejection of the HGTV's judgment.

Beyond Aesthetics: A Conversation about Historic Preservation

The controversy surrounding the Parnell Avenue Victorian extends beyond a simple disagreement about taste. It raises broader questions about the value of historic preservation, architectural diversity, and the role of media in shaping public perception. The house's unusual design isn't a flaw; it's a testament to a bygone era of craftsmanship and architectural experimentation. The HGTV segment, while intended to be entertaining, risks trivializing the importance of these historical assets.

HGTV's Role and the Future of the Home

The HGTV episode featured a designer offering suggestions for improvements, subtly implying that the house's appearance could be enhanced with modifications. However, Bershof seems unconcerned about making significant changes. His primary hope is that the attention, regardless of its initial nature, will inspire others to appreciate and protect Chicago's rich architectural heritage. He wants people to see the value in older homes and understand the importance of preserving historic neighborhoods for future generations. While the "Ugliest Homes in America" label might be fleeting, the conversation it has sparked is likely to have a lasting impact on how Chicagoans view their historic architecture and the importance of celebrating unique design.

Ultimately, the debate surrounding the Parnell Avenue Victorian underscores the subjective nature of beauty and the power of community in defending cherished local landmarks.