Chicago’s skyline might be a steel-and-glass love letter to modernity, but its historic mansions tell a different story—one of Gilded Age extravagance, Jazz Age reinvention, and the eternal tug-of-war between preservation and progress. Nestled in the city’s most storied neighborhoods, these homes were built by the city’s power players, designed by its greatest architects, and have withstood the test of time.
From Hyde Park’s Collegiate Gothic masterpiece to a Gold Coast townhouse that trades Gilded Age opulence for contemporary cool, each of these four homes embodies the spirit of its neighborhood. Lincoln Park offers a Victorian relic with a modern twist, while Southport Corridor delivers a 19th-century stunner turned award-winning showpiece. Whether clad in limestone, draped in ivy, or boasting rooftop patios worthy of Gatsby himself, these mansions are more than just prime real estate—they’re living monuments to the city’s cultural and architectural evolution. Step inside, and you’ll find echoes of the past meeting the pulse of the present.
1. 1904 Hyde Park Landmark
This 7-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom, 7,000 sq. ft. home, designed by architect James Gamble Rogers in 1904, is located near The University of Chicago and listed for $3,100,000. The Collegiate Gothic-style residence retains original architectural details, including high ceilings, fireplaces, and leaded glass windows, while incorporating modern updates such as new electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and landscaping. The main house features spacious living and dining areas, a sunroom, a library, and multiple outdoor terraces. A renovated two-bedroom coach house with a two-car garage and additional driveway parking for up to five cars is also included.
Where is Hyde Park in Chicago, IL?
Hyde Park, located along Chicago’s South Side between 51st and 60th Streets, is a historically and culturally significant neighborhood that blends academic prestige, progressive activism, and architectural grandeur. Anchored by the University of Chicago, the area has long been a hub of intellectual and political thought, shaping movements from the Chicago School of Economics to mid-century civil rights activism. Bordered by Lake Michigan to the east and Washington Park to the west, Hyde Park is home to world-class institutions like the Museum of Science and Industry, as well as a diverse community that reflects the neighborhood’s legacy of inclusivity and transformation.
Living Room
Exposed wooden ceiling beams contrast with white panels, adding depth to the space. Built-in dark wood bookshelves line the walls, offering ample storage. Large windows and a glass-paneled door allow natural light to brighten the room.
Dining Room
A long wooden dining table with matching chairs sits atop a large patterned rug. Dark wood wainscoting and trim contrast with the white walls, creating a sophisticated look. Multiple chandeliers and wall sconces provide warm lighting throughout the space.
Bedroom
Large upholstered bed sits against a white wall, complemented by wooden trim and flooring. A tufted loveseat and a dresser with a mirror provide additional seating and storage. Natural light enters through multiple windows, softened by sheer curtains and blinds.
Patio
An iron patio table with four matching chairs is placed on a concrete surface. A low brick wall surrounds the area, providing separation from the neighboring greenery. Glass doors lead inside to a living space, allowing easy indoor-outdoor access.
Source: Coldwell Banker
2. Gold Coast Townhouse
This $3,395,000, 5-bedroom, 7-bathroom home in Chicago’s Gold Coast spans 5,500 square feet across four levels with an elevator. The property features a dramatic suspended steel staircase with glass catwalks, multiple entertainment spaces, a custom kitchen, and a rooftop patio with a kitchenette. The primary suite includes a private dressing room, steam room, and soaking tub, while additional bedrooms offer private baths. High-end finishes include quartzite, travertine, marble, radiant heated floors, and advanced mechanical systems, along with a two-and-a-half-car garage and secured outdoor parking.
Where is Chicago’s Gold Coast Historic District?
The Gold Coast neighborhood, stretching along Lake Michigan from Oak Street to North Avenue, is one of Chicago’s most affluent and historically significant districts, known for its Gilded Age mansions, luxury high-rises, and exclusive boutiques. Originally developed in the late 19th century by wealthy industrialists like Potter Palmer, the area became a showcase of Beaux-Arts and Romanesque Revival architecture, still evident in its opulent brownstones and lakefront residences. Positioned just north of downtown and adjacent to the Magnificent Mile, the Gold Coast remains a cultural and economic stronghold, blending historic charm with modern wealth and a vibrant nightlife along Rush Street and Oak Street Beach.
Sitting Area
A tufted sofa and two gray armchairs are arranged around round marble-top coffee tables. A large abstract painting and a circular mirror decorate the white walls. A black metal railing separates the space from the staircase below, allowing natural light to flow in.
Kitchen
Marble island with seating is the centerpiece of the space. Glossy wood-grain upper cabinets contrast with dark lower cabinets and a reflective tile backsplash. Pendant lighting and recessed ceiling lights provide illumination throughout the kitchen.
Bedroom
Large upholstered bed with wall sconces is placed against a neutral-colored wall. Multiple windows allow natural light to enter, complementing the soft-toned furniture and rugs. A contemporary chandelier and a built-in fireplace add style and warmth to the space.
Deck
L-shaped wicker seating with cream cushions and red accent pillows surrounds glass-top tables. A wooden dining table with benches sits nearby, offering space for outdoor meals. Greenery and trees create a natural backdrop against the surrounding brick buildings.
Source: Coldwell Banker
4. Renovated 1886 Lincoln Park Home
This $3,650,000, 5-bedroom, 7-bathroom home in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood spans 6,400 square feet and features a preserved 1886 facade with modern interior updates. The open-concept main level includes a living room, dining area with a wet bar, family room, and an ensuite guest bedroom, while the second floor offers a great room, a designer kitchen, and access to a 1,200-square-foot deck with a pergola and pool. The top level has four bedrooms, including a primary suite with a custom walk-through closet and spa-like bath, and the basement includes a wine cellar, recreation area, gym, and additional storage. Additional features include three fireplaces, a two-car garage, and proximity to Oz Park, Lincoln Park, and Lake Michigan.
Where is the Lincoln Park Neighborhood in Chicago?
Lincoln Park, stretching along Lake Michigan from North Avenue to Diversey Parkway, is one of Chicago’s most historically rich and architecturally diverse neighborhoods, blending Gilded Age mansions, brownstones, and sleek modern developments. Anchored by the sprawling 1,200-acre Lincoln Park, home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum, and Conservatory, the neighborhood has long been a cultural and recreational hub for the city. Bordered by the Gold Coast to the south and Lakeview to the north, Lincoln Park is both a historic enclave and a modern destination, known for its theater scene, boutique-lined Armitage Avenue, and thriving DePaul University campus.
Living Room
Neutral-colored furniture is arranged around a dark wood coffee table. A black fireplace with a mirror above serves as a focal point between two large windows with flowing curtains. A white staircase with black railing leads to the upper level near the entrance.
Bedroom
A dark upholstered bed with patterned pillows sits against a neutral wall. Floor-to-ceiling windows with gray curtains allow natural light to enter. A plush area rug and a white armchair with an orange throw add warmth to the space.
Deck
Wicker sectional seating with cream cushions and patterned pillows is arranged around a small coffee table. A pergola provides partial shade over a dining table with six woven chairs. Lattice fencing and built-in planters create privacy while adding greenery to the space.
Pool
A rectangular pool is surrounded by wooden decking and enclosed by lattice fencing. A pergola provides shade over a dining table with woven chairs. Built-in planters and outdoor lighting add greenery and ambiance to the space.
Source: Coldwell Banker
4. Award-Winning Gem
This $3,800,000, 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home, originally built in 1898, sits on a 37.5-foot-wide lot in Chicago’s Southport Corridor and has been fully renovated with high-end finishes. Designed by Claire Staszak of Centered By Design, the home features a Control4 automation system, custom cabinetry, a gourmet kitchen with quartzite countertops, and multiple fireplaces. The primary suite includes two walk-in closets, a steam shower, sauna, and freestanding tub, while the lower level offers radiant heated floors, a rec room, and a guest suite. Outdoor amenities include a built-in grill, firepit, and a solar-ready roof, with an attached heated 2.5-car garage for convenience.
Where is the Southport Corridor in Chicago?
The Southport Corridor is a vibrant commercial district centered around Southport Avenue between Belmont Avenue and Irving Park Road in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, known for its upscale boutiques, historic theaters, and trendy dining spots. Once a modest residential stretch, the area flourished with the expansion of the CTA Brown Line, transforming into a sought-after destination blending early 20th-century charm with modern urban energy. Positioned just west of Wrigley Field, the corridor attracts both locals and visitors, serving as a cultural crossroads between the sports-centric Wrigleyville, the residential streets of West Lakeview, and the artistic influence of the nearby Music Box Theatre.
Living Room
A black marble fireplace serves as the focal point, framed by two mirrors and abstract artwork. A large arched window with black trim allows natural light to fill the space. Neutral-toned seating, a textured rug, and a glass-top coffee table complete the design.
Dining Area
Black round dining table is surrounded by four upholstered chairs. Large windows with white Roman shades allow natural light to enter the space. Crystal chandelier hangs above, complementing the neutral tones and wood flooring.
Bedroom
Large black-framed windows bring in natural light and offer a city view. A four-poster bed with white linens is positioned against a soft-toned wall with matching drapes. Two plush armchairs with a small side table create a cozy sitting area near the window.
Patio
Outdoor seating with neutral cushions surrounds a low coffee table on a paved patio. A stainless steel grill is built into a counter along the side for cooking. Wooden privacy panels separate the space from the neighboring brick apartment buildings.
Source: Coldwell Banker
