This 1890 Chicago mansion has a wild history and so much character
I found this massive brownstone in Bronzeville, and it has some serious history. It was built in 1890 for a wealthy grain trader, later served as a hospital, and is now looking for a new owner.
Out front
The exterior details are wild. You just don’t see stonework like this on newer builds.
It stands tall behind a classic fence, fitting right into the historic street.
From the side, you get a real sense of how giant this property actually is. It occupies a massive lot.
There is even a separate entrance on the lower level, which makes sense because the property actually has rental units.
The grand entrance
Open the front doors and you land in a foyer that feels like a time capsule. The original molding and the fireplace right at the entrance set the tone immediately.
The tiled hallway keeps going, showing off the polished floors and massive doorways leading to the rest of the main level.
Incredible woodwork
The wood carving under the stairs is ridiculously detailed. Someone spent a lot of time crafting this paneling.
Then you look up and see the main staircase. The crystal chandelier hanging in the center is absolutely massive.
The window trim and the curving handrails make the whole staircase feel like a work of art.
The main living areas
Off the hallway, the formal parlor features beautiful wood wainscoting. The current setup has a row of seats that makes it look like a private theater.
Next door, there is another living area with a simpler fireplace and massive pocket doors.
The dining room is big enough to host a massive dinner party. The hardwood floors look like they are in great shape.
There is also a smaller sitting room on this floor that feels a bit more casual.
The kitchen and hearth
The kitchen is easily one of the coolest spaces in the house. It has a wood ceiling, brick accents, and a fireplace with a TV mounted above it.
The island is massive, giving you tons of prep space and room for barstools.
Looking back the other way, you can see how the kitchen connects to the rest of the main floor.
Right nearby is this little breakfast nook with its own brick fireplace. It seems like a great spot for morning coffee.
Bedrooms and bathrooms
Heading up to the bedrooms, the main suite is huge. It has a fireplace and plenty of space for a bed.
Having a working fireplace in your bedroom is incredibly cozy.
Another bedroom features giant pocket doors that can close the room off completely.
The bathrooms in this place are just as historic. This one has a clawfoot tub and vintage-style light fixtures.
Then there is this massive bathroom with a glass shower.
This yellow bathroom features a clawfoot tub positioned perfectly in a curved bay window.
There is also a dedicated office space with its own fireplace and curved windows.
The top floor ballroom
The top floor is home to a massive ballroom. It has wood paneling along the lower half of the walls and tons of space.
You could use this space for pretty much anything, from a game room to an art studio.
Off the ballroom, there is another round room with a fireplace.
This floor also has a bold red bathroom with a clawfoot tub.
If you prefer a soaking tub, this other bathroom has a large tub with tile surrounds.
There is even a bonus room with sloped ceilings that would make a great playroom or extra storage.
The extra living spaces
Because this property includes guest quarters and rental units, there are extra kitchens like this one. It makes the whole place a really interesting investment.
