Rogers Park's Iconic 'Candyland House' Captures National Spotlight on HGTV Show
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Rogers Park ·
A colorful Rogers Park landmark is getting its moment in the national spotlight as the neighborhood's famous 'Candyland House' was featured on HGTV's 'Ugliest House in America' this week. The pastel-colored Victorian home at 1525 W. Pratt Blvd., owned by couple Joe Bergantino and Ricky Gonzalez, appeared in Season 7 of the show, which follows host Retta as she tours unique fixer-uppers across the country before one is selected for a
The couple, who purchased the vibrant property in 2022, have been documenting their restoration journey on social media, promising previous owners they'd 'keep the funkiness' of the house. Built in 1891 and known for its distinctive pastel colors and glitter-specked paint, the Victorian home has become a beloved neighborhood icon that captures Rogers Park's artistic spirit. Without the show's intervention, Bergantino and Gonzalez estimated completing their renovation plans would take approximately ten years, while winning the renovation would compress that timeline to just six weeks. 'Now that we've had a taste of free time again, being able to get back to that some sort of semblance of balance where not everything is construction, that would be great,' Bergantino said.
Rogers Park residents and architecture enthusiasts can follow the Candyland House's journey on HBO Max and discovery+, where the first episode featuring this unique neighborhood gem is now streaming. For those inspired to explore more of Rogers Park's distinctive architecture, the neighborhood offers numerous examples of creatively preserved historical homes that showcase the community's artistic character and commitment to preserving its unique heritage.
Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/08/rogers-parks-candyland-house-featured-on-hgtvs-ugliest-house-in-america/
2. https://cashwalklabs.io/news/rogers-parks-candyland-house-on-hgtvs-ugliest-house-in-america
3. https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2026/01/09/chicago-rogers-parks-candyland-house-lands-on-hgtv/