HGTV Features Rogers Park Candyland House on ‘Ugliest House in America’

A notable house in Rogers Park, known as the Candyland House, has garnered attention as it appears on Season 7 of HGTV’s “Ugliest House in America.” Homeowners Joe Bergantino and Ricky Gonzalez shared that they were approached by HGTV in late 2024 with an opportunity for their home, though they initially did not know which show was involved.

Candyland House Overview

Located at 1525 W. Pratt Blvd, the Candyland House is a vibrant Victorian property that Bergantino and Gonzalez purchased in 2022. The couple has been documenting their ongoing restoration efforts on social media. This colorful home, built in 1891, was originally inhabited by artists Jackie Seiden and the late Don Seiden. Their influence is evident in the house’s playful pastel colors and whimsical decorations.

HGTV’s Renovation Process

The popular show, hosted by Retta, aims to transform “ugly” houses across the United States. After a rigorous selection process, the Candyland House was marked for a renovation worth $150,000, which will be managed by designer Alison Victoria of “Sin City Rehab.” The episode featuring the Candyland House premiered on a Wednesday and is available for streaming on HBO Max and discovery+.

Restoration Journey

• The episode was filmed in June, shortly after the couple learned about their inclusion in the show.
• BG’s experience was condensed into roughly five minutes of screen time despite a 12-hour filming session.
• Renovation efforts were temporarily halted by Bergantino and Gonzalez to enhance the chances of being selected for the show’s makeover.

Bergantino noted that they are committed to maintaining the Candyland House’s unique aesthetic, emphasizing, “No chance in hell would the renovation ever be black, white, gray, or beige.” Even if renovations alter some features, the couple plans to retain the property’s quirky charm, promising to preserve its colorful essence.

Personal Impact and Future Plans

Before joining the show, Bergantino and Gonzalez dedicated significant time to their house renovations, which left little room for other pursuits. Following the announcement of their house being featured, they found themselves with newfound time to explore hobbies like painting and 3D printing. The couple estimates that without the renovations from the show, they would need about ten years to achieve their desired changes.

In contrast, with the upcoming renovation, they anticipate completing all desired work within six weeks. “Now that we’ve had a taste of free time again, being able to get back to some semblance of balance where not everything is construction, that would be great,” Bergantino stated. Their commitment to restoring the Candyland House illustrates their passion for this iconic property and the vibrant legacy it represents in the Rogers Park community.