Francis J. Dewes House, a Chicago landmark, part 1

Earlier today I spent an hour walking through and marveling at the Francis J. Dewes House in Lincoln Park.

The home was one of the most lavishly detailed and decorated homes in Chicago when it was built in the 1890s, and remains in that category today. It's a Chicago landmark, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The home has undergone a 6-year restoration and renovation, and is expected to be on the market soon, priced at $9.9 million.

Many thanks to Koenig & Strey's Mary Bennett for arranging access to the home for me.

In this first part of my tour I take a brief look at the limestone exterior and the surprisingly large outdoor patio.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Chicago
• mansion
• landmark
• National Register
• architecture
• historic
• home
• Francis J Dewes
• Dewes House
• YoChicago
• Mary Bennett

[thestines1]

OK, fair enough - lets see how you appreciate my 'review'... 'One of Chicago's most progressive and aspiring communities is along Superior and Huron between Orleans and the River. It is, however, brought down by generic industrial / loft architecture typified by buildings such as 363 West Erie, an un-creative converstion of a remnant of the neighborhood's commercial past.

Point made.

Just now off the phone with a K&S Sr. Mgr. who is speaking with their CEO. Expect a call from them soon.

[YoChicago1]

@thestines1 I'd agree that 363 W Erie is "an uncreative converstion [sic] of a remnant" of River North's commercial past. But those remnants are which give River North much of its character.

363 was our office address until several months ago. We've moved our offices to 357 W Erie, which is equally uncreative.

[thestines1]

YoChicago1: as a current Koeng and Strey client, I have written to their management asking they request that this video segment be taken down. Your site exists solely to help firms sell real estate. It does not help their efforts when you disparage other properties they are also selling and renting, regardless of your personal opinions - VERY poor professional judgement. Also, it impresses no one that you run a sales website - anyone can do that for next to nothing in investment.

[YoChicago1]

@thestines1 Sorry that you're so upset, but have you considered whether you're overreacting to my not-so-disparaging comment on your building?

It's rather rich that you're commenting on my professionalism while trashing, for no apparent reason, one of your neighbors.

[thestines1]

I own a unit in the "totally undistinguished condo" across the street as descibed in the video's introduction. Will separately post 3 thoughts due to this website's charachter limitation. The 1st:

1. this insulting and wholly incorrect personal opinion has no place in a public video and reflects poorly on the judgement of the pretentious supposed professional who stated it (twice). Also a poor reflection on 'Yo Chicago' who employed him and the home's realty firm who allowed it.

[YoChicago1]

@thestines1 So tell us why the building you own in is not "totally undistinguished." I can think of less charitable ways to describe it, if you'd prefer, and I think the vast majority of people would agree with me in that case.

Your take reflects poorly on your homework - a bit of that would tell you that this "pretentious supposed professional" founded YoChicago and is its principal owner.

[Bruce99100]

what a jewel and how wonderful that it is preserved....i think Chicago should purchase it and make it the mayor's official home.

[osamawife6]

@YoChicago1 just leave the real estate troll be, I`m sure you have better things to do with your time like masturbate or taking a shit. Great videos, very few updated masterpieces like this are still around to admire.

[YoChicago1]

@thestines1 What has the owner got to do with the merits / history of the home?

[thestines1]

3. If one wants to talk about undistinguished, consider the owner of the Dewes mansion. Failing financially and in dire straights, divorced by his wife (supposedly for good reason), and owning the 'distinction' of being pardoned by Blagojovich on his last day in office for check fraud. Guess this didn't merit a mention in the video from the 'classy' salesman / commentator.

[thestines1]

2. To anyone - come visit 2700 N. Hampden and you will see and experience an exceptional building and one who - unlike the Dewes mansion's owner - serves as a good neighbor active in the community.