12900 Maple Avenue (built 1878)

Albert Roche was the son of Walter P. Roche and a stockbroker in Chicago. Albert married Alice Kile, a pioneer settler and daughter of Village Board President Merrill Kile, the year this home was built.

The Albert Roche House has been expertly maintained, and is a wonderful expression of how 19th century architecture was able to unite very simple features into a pleasing, interesting whole.

The groups of windows at the front of the home provide a well lighted and ventilated parlor for the family. A planar hood molding provides protection for the windows and a bit of architectural interest. The second floor windows sport a unique octagon “arch.” The entryway is a classic of the period: long divided sidelights, a glazed and paneled door, topped with a transom window. Homebuilders today could learn much from the balance and economy of this home’s design.