North Shore Health purchases the “Bunk House”
Aug 23, 2025 07:53AM ● By Editor
Reprinted with permission
By Brian Larsen of the Cook County News Herald - August 23, 2025
North Shore Health made an offer of $380,000, which was accepted for the former Cavallin Funeral Home at 120 W. 2nd Street.
The former funeral home/house was converted years ago into lodging for J-1 visa workers, a program that brings in international students to fill job openings in various local establishments during the busy tourist season.
The house was owned by Dan and Melody Riddle, who were long-time owners of Blue Water Café, which they sold two years ago. Since the sale of their restaurant, the Riddles have advertised what they named “The Bunk House” for sale.
North Shore Health will utilize the property to house temporary workers who come for a specified period and fill openings before relocating to a new location to work, or find permanent housing and deciding stay here.
In addition to the sale, North Shore Health set aside $30,000 to replace the roof and address other maintenance needs on the Bunk House.
As many as a dozen foreign workers lived in the Bunk House at any time during summer and fall. The Riddles charged very little in rent to these college students who come from countries all across the globe for four months. So, while the hospital has filled a need, a hole will open up next summer when it comes to finding housing for these lower-paid J-1 workers who take on job openings that are hard to fill with our small local labor force.
By Brian Larsen of the Cook County News Herald - August 23, 2025
North Shore Health made an offer of $380,000, which was accepted for the former Cavallin Funeral Home at 120 W. 2nd Street.
The former funeral home/house was converted years ago into lodging for J-1 visa workers, a program that brings in international students to fill job openings in various local establishments during the busy tourist season.
The house was owned by Dan and Melody Riddle, who were long-time owners of Blue Water Café, which they sold two years ago. Since the sale of their restaurant, the Riddles have advertised what they named “The Bunk House” for sale.
North Shore Health will utilize the property to house temporary workers who come for a specified period and fill openings before relocating to a new location to work, or find permanent housing and deciding stay here.
In addition to the sale, North Shore Health set aside $30,000 to replace the roof and address other maintenance needs on the Bunk House.
As many as a dozen foreign workers lived in the Bunk House at any time during summer and fall. The Riddles charged very little in rent to these college students who come from countries all across the globe for four months. So, while the hospital has filled a need, a hole will open up next summer when it comes to finding housing for these lower-paid J-1 workers who take on job openings that are hard to fill with our small local labor force.
