Whimsical Chicago Home Will Fascinate You

Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhoods have come a long way from their woods, grasslands and quicksand stretching along the coastline of Lake Michigan.

Since the early 1800s as downtown Chicago grew, so did Lincoln Park’s character change. In the 1920s and 30s, it was the scene of mobster murders including John Dillinger gunned down by FBI agents.  In 1968, it was the scene of yippie demonstrators against the Democratic National Convention that turned into a violent confrontation with police.

The 1950s, 60s and 70s saw ongoing civil unrest, but by the mid 2000s, the area had become one of the wealthiest and most expensive communities in the Chicago area, populated mostly by young urban professionals. Burling Street is on the most expensive block in Lincoln Park today and also contains the most expensive mansion in the state. Located on the same street is a wonderfully whimsical mansion that has just come on the market.

With average home prices starting at just over a million, this 7,800-square-foot manse is on the high end at $8.95 million, and though enjoying a sense of fun, its architectural presence speaks to the best in contemporary design with exposed brick and industrial metalwork throughout.

The brick-and-metal theme is carried out into the very private walled garden and beyond to the brick-floored attached three-car garage which also houses coach house-style guest quarters above and a full kitchen. The main house also has a recreation room with sauna and a 900-bottle wine and tasting room. This posh five-bedroom, seven-bath Lincoln Park contemporary has just hit the market and is priced at $8.95 million.