In some of the Chicago neighborhoods the 2 story homes are called cottages. Typically it was a single family home. All of these have the 1st floor of the home partially below street level. The drains into the sewer system in this area is excellent which allows people to live below street level with no problems.
The first 2 homes have exterior stairs added to the separate entrance of these homes. The third picture shows the entrance below street level and looks like a single family home.
This final cottage home on a raised street has 3 mailboxes so I am not sure how they divided it. From the exterior it looks like 2 apartments but it must be hiding something. I may have to go back and take a second look. #thursdaydoors
kathy70 