“A new Chicago Landmark plaque tells the history of the Phebe and John Gray House in Old Irving Park, but the homeowners decided there was more of the story to tell.

”Kris and David Cloud commissioned a second bronze plaque to accompany the city-issued marker at their circa-1856 home, 4362 W. Grace St. The second plaque adds details about the Grays’ antislavery views and civic contributions, as well as neighborhood lore linking the house to the Underground Railroad.

”’This [house] is a window to our past,’ Cruz said. ‘And how do we preserve history for future generations to come? Both of you are doing this. Thank you for not allowing somebody to demolish this house and bring other properties here, but, rather, retaining that history.’

”The Clouds began seeking landmark recognition after learning about the property’s historical significance from friends and neighbors. It was the only house in the immediate area when it was built, and residential development grew around the original farmstead as Irving Park developed into a railroad suburb. It remains the oldest residence in Old Irving Park.

”The Clouds started the landmarking process in 2022, leading to City Council granting the status in 2024. In remarks at the gathering, David Cloud credited William Tyre and Keith Bringe with helping guide the couple through the process.

”Both plaques are 18-inch-square bronze plates mounted at an angle on concrete foundations. The official plaque describes the Italianate-style farmhouse, the Grays’ arrival as early settlers from New York and John Gray’s service as Cook County’s first Republican sheriff. It also highlights the home’s likely pattern-book design and original architectural features remaining intact including its three-story tower and wood trim molding.

”The second plaque’s additional historical context relates John Gray’s antislavery views and mentions a contemporary account praising his treatment as sheriff of men jailed for antislavery actions. It also addresses unconfirmed rumors connecting the house to the Underground Railroad and describes the Grays’ contributions of land for a township hall, church and railroad, as well as their role in developing the Grayland suburb.

”’(John Gray) apparently was an antislavery guy, and so, in a sense, he was a participant in that struggle nationally,’ Cloud said. ‘I mean, he was not a major cog, he was just a guy, but I think that’s worth remembering.’

”Bringe said the previous owner wasn’t interested in having the property landmarked. The large parcel also could have made the property attractive for redevelopment.

”’The incredible gift that Kris and Dave have given is that this house, if the laws remain the same, will be protected in perpetuity and remain a cornerstone and a touchstone for the community,’ Bringe said.

”Neighbor Laird Larsen said he was among those who asked about the Clouds’ plans for the property when they moved in because he valued its presence in the neighborhood. At the gathering, he thanked them for protecting it.

”’Walking past this house, it’s one of the largest parcels in our neighborhood, it brings a sense of peace and calm to us,’ Larsen said. ‘It’s been more than just a house. As a gardener, it’s just a beautiful garden; it’s a refreshing place to be in.’” (Brinckerhoff, Nadig Newspapers, 8/2026)

”The oldest home in the Old Irving Park neighborhood was designated as an official Chicago landmark by City Council today.

”The Phebe and John Gray House at 4362 W. Grace St. was built in approximately 1856 by John Gray, who served as the first Republican sheriff of Cook County from 1858-1860. The Italianate-style, wood-frame home consists of two main floors and a third-story cupola.

”Designed by an unknown architect, the house originally anchored a large farmstead outside of Chicago’s city limits prior to the area’s annexation in 1889. The Grays were among its early settlers, having moved to Illinois from upstate New York.

”The house’s landmark designation protects its exterior elevations and rooflines from significant alteration or demolition.” (Department of Planning and Development, City of Chicago, 3/20/24)

Preservation Chicago congratulates Kris and David Cloud for this wonderful achievement. We also recognize William Tyre of Glessner House and Keith Bringe, who played a meaningful role in the Chicago Landmark Designation process between 2022 and 2024, and Ald. Ruth Cruz for her support throughout the effort.

Read the full story at Nadig Newspapers

• Old Irving Park residents obtain landmark status for their home, where two plaques tell its history, Christopher Brinckerhoff, Nadig Newspapers, 8/2026
• Historic Gray House to receive Chicago Landmark plaque, Nadig Newspapers
• Historical John Gray House In Irving Park Is Now A Chicago Landmark, Block Club Chicago, 3/20/24
• Irving Park’s Phebe and John Gray House Earns Landmark Status; Department of Planning and Development, City of Chicago, 3/20/24
• Preliminary landmark approved for Phoebe and John Gray House, Urbanize Chicago
• WIN: 1850s Phoebe and John Gray House Receives Chicago Landmark Designation; Preservation Chicago, 12/2024
• WIN: 1850s Phoebe and John Gray House Receives Preliminary Landmark Designation; Preservation Chicago, 2/2024