In Rogers Park, a well-known house is making waves on HGTV. The Candyland House is part of Season 7 of “Ugliest House in America.” Homeowners Joe Bergantino and Ricky Gonzalez recently shared their journey on Block Club.
The couple got a surprise call from HGTV in late 2024 about featuring their home. Once they learned it was for “Ugliest House in America,” they couldn’t help but laugh. “We don’t think the exterior is ugly at all,” Joe said, while admitting the inside could use some updates.
The show’s host, Retta, visits homes deemed “ugly” across the country, selecting one for a $150,000 makeover by designer Alison Victoria. The first episode featuring the Candyland House premiered Wednesday and is now streaming on HBO Max and Discovery+.
Joe and Ricky bought their charming pastel-colored home at 1525 W. Pratt Blvd. in 2022, and they’ve been sharing their restoration progress on Instagram. “We promised the previous owners we’d keep the funkiness,” Ricky said. They intend to maintain the house’s lively character, swearing against dull colors like black, white, or gray.
Originally built in 1891, the Candyland House was a vibrant home for artists Jackie and Don Seiden. They infused every inch of the house with color, using pastel shades and even glittery paint. When the Seidens listed the home for sale in 2021, many locals worried about losing its unique charm.
The episode’s filming took place over 12 hours in June, but the segment will only last about five minutes. Joe speculated that both bathrooms might be featured.
When the news broke, the couple paused their renovation efforts, thinking it would help their chances for the show’s makeover. After a year of constant work on the house, they found themselves with unexpected free time. “We finally had the chance to explore other hobbies,” Gonzalez mentioned. “I’ve been learning to paint, and we both got into 3D printing.”
If they hadn’t been picked for the renovation, Joe and Ricky estimated it could take them a decade to complete their dream renovations. With HGTV’s help, they expect to finish in just six weeks. “Finding a balance between construction and life again would be wonderful,” Joe said.
This story reflects a growing trend in home renovation shows, where ordinary people’s homes become the stars. According to a recent survey by Statista, 73% of viewers enjoy seeing the transformation process, fueling a rise in DIY enthusiasm across America.
The Candyland House isn’t just a unique property; it’s a symbol of how community and individual creativity mix. Joe and Ricky’s commitment to preserving its character resonates with many who cherish local history. As they embark on this journey, they invite viewers to celebrate the quirks that make their home truly special.
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