Some places in stories are more than just background—they feel alive. They carry secrets, support us in tough moments, and hold memories. 1305 Foster is one of those places.
Located in the lively Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago, this three-flat building is more than an address. It’s a home, a stage, a place where lives change in surprising ways. From the bright patio garden to the quiet basement apartment, every part of 1305 Foster has its own story. Let’s take a look inside.
The Quarters: Where Strangers Become Friends (and Sometimes More)
The first floor isn’t just a space—it’s an open invitation.
Called The Quarters on Foster, this guest suite/bed and breakfast mixes style and comfort. The living room feels cozy, decorated with Mark’s bold abstract paintings, colorful and full of life. A big sectional invites you to relax, while the kitchen shines with marble and stainless steel under soft lights. The bathrooms offer a touch of luxury with double sinks and powerful showers.
The bedrooms hold the real charm. The king suite is a peaceful retreat wrapped in soft linens and warm sunlight. The queen room has a special twist: its bed frame can be changed to hold ropes or cuffs, for guests who want a little adventure. (And yes, in Andersonville, everyone respects privacy and freedom.)
Here, guests often arrive as strangers but leave as friends, their laughter still filling the air long after they go.
Second Floor: Mark and Mike’s Space — Art, Love, and Everyday Life
Up the stairs is where Mark Steward-Fuller, an artist full of energy, lives with his partner Mike, who keeps order in their life.
This floor shows their balance perfectly. Mark’s colorful, bold artwork mixes with Mike’s neat, mid-century furniture. The living room is both an art gallery and a cozy space. The kitchen is where Mark’s paintings and Mike’s spreadsheets share the counter, blending creativity with practicality. Their bedroom, with soft linens and shelves full of books, looks out to the backyard, where sunlight shines like a blessing on their wedding rings.
This is where dreams meet plans, where their love—quiet, strong, and deeply connected—sets the tone for the whole building.
Third Floor: The Studio and Office — A Place for Creation
Step up higher to the third floor, filled with the smell of paint and possibility.
On one side is Mark’s art studio, a busy, colorful room with paintings in progress and tools scattered about. Big windows let in just the right light for his work. On the other side is Mike’s office, simple and neat, with a desk and a photo of the couple on their wedding day. Even here, creativity lives as the walls are adorned with a collection of photos of their lives together.
This floor is where ideas come to life, whether Mark’s next art series or Mike’s plans to help the neighborhood grow.
The Backyard and Rooftop Deck: A Hidden City Oasis
Outside, the city sounds fade into sunshine and fresh air.
The patio garden is a green retreat filled with herbs and flowers Mark cares for lovingly. String lights glow softly over a table where neighbors share summer meals and laughter.
Up on the rooftop deck, above the coach house, is a private spot where tenants relax surrounded by plants. It’s even a place for nude sunbathing thanks to a series of vine covered privacy fences. The deck carries the smells of nearby grills and the distant rumble of the city train.
The Basement Apartment: Where Conner and Kyle’s Story Begins
Downstairs, the basement apartment holds fresh beginnings and messy possibilities.
It’s home to Conner, a bartender with a sharp edge but a soft heart, and Kyle, a literature graduate still finding himself. Both young men have been hired by Mike and Mark to help with the running of the Quarters. The space is a mix of thrifted furniture and unpacked boxes. Their living room has a “vintage” couch and a large TV and a gaming console. The small kitchen is where paper plates and take out cutlery are the norm; along with a copious amount of protein mixes, ramen packs, and granola bars.
1305 Foster is more than a place. It’s a living part of the story—a home where love, friendship, and art grow. It has held joyful moments and quiet strength. Here, queer joy isn’t just welcome; it’s a way of life. The walls have heard every secret, the deck has held every sunlit truth, and the basement has said, “You’re safe here.”
Come inside. Stay awhile. The door is always open.
https://www.amazon.com/author/evhaller
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