In 1975, Tom and Irene DeCaro purchased the house and began a diligent restoration with the aid of architect John Tilton.
 However, work was abruptly halted in 1976 when a fire devastated much of the structure.
Cleaning fluids and paint fumes ignited by an electric sander on the second floor were determined to be the cause of the blaze.
Irene DeCaro was injured in the fire when she returned to the burning home to search for her pet cat.
The entire second and third floors were completely destroyed and the first floor was badly damaged.
Despite the extensive destruction, several of the first floor built-in furnishings and both fireplaces survived the fire.


 
Following a neighborhood fundraiser in May 1976, Mr. and Mrs. DeCaro resumed their extensive reconstruction.
 The restoration returned the front elevation to its 1906 design yet retained most alterations made by the Hills towards the rear, including the enclosed porches and enlarged kitchen wing.
 In cases where blueprints differed from historic photographs, the owners chose to follow Wright's plans.
 For instance, the main chimney was known to have always been exposed brick, yet was stuccoed in the reconstruction per Wright's original plans.
 Inside, some changes were made to accommodate the DeCaro's modern lifestyle.
 On the main level, an updated kitchen replaced the breakfast room and pantry.
 On the second floor, several walls were moved to widen the hallway and to create a master suite in place of two front bedrooms (see post-reconstruction plans at right).
 On the third floor tight servants quarters were exchanged for a single bedroom suite.
For their part in the restoration, the Oak Park Landmarks Commission voted in 1977 to rename the completed structure as the Hills-DeCaro House.
In 1975, Tom and Irene DeCaro purchased the house and began a diligent restoration with the aid of architect John Tilton.  However, work was abruptly halted in 1976 when a fire devastated much of the structure. Cleaning fluids and paint fumes ignited by an electric sander on the second floor were determined to be the cause of the blaze. Irene DeCaro was injured in the fire when she returned to the burning home to search for her pet cat. The entire second and third floors were completely destroyed and the first floor was badly damaged. Despite the extensive destruction, several of the first floor built-in furnishings and both fireplaces survived the fire.

 
Following a neighborhood fundraiser in May 1976, Mr. and Mrs. DeCaro resumed their extensive reconstruction.  The restoration returned the front elevation to its 1906 design yet retained most alterations made by the Hills towards the rear, including the enclosed porches and enlarged kitchen wing.  In cases where blueprints differed from historic photographs, the owners chose to follow Wright's plans.  For instance, the main chimney was known to have always been exposed brick, yet was stuccoed in the reconstruction per Wright's original plans.  Inside, some changes were made to accommodate the DeCaro's modern lifestyle.  On the main level, an updated kitchen replaced the breakfast room and pantry.  On the second floor, several walls were moved to widen the hallway and to create a master suite in place of two front bedrooms (see post-reconstruction plans at right).  On the third floor tight servants quarters were exchanged for a single bedroom suite. For their part in the restoration, the Oak Park Landmarks Commission voted in 1977 to rename the completed structure as the Hills-DeCaro House.
Edward R. Hills House