“One of Beverly’s most distinguished estates, located at 8844 S. Pleasant Avenue, has hit the market for $1.2 million, offering buyers the chance to own not only an architectural treasure but a home connected to some of the city’s most fascinating historical figures, including infamous Chicago mobster Al Capone.
“Spanning more than 5,000 square feet, the stately residence features five bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two half baths, all set on expansive, park-like grounds in one of Chicago’s most desirable historic neighborhoods.
“Built in 1927 for a General Motors VP, this Chicago home was swept up in the 1928 Great Train Robbery before being bought by Al Capone’s personal banker in 1930.
“Over the years, the estate has been home to Oscar L. Arnold, vice president of General Motors, and John Bain, one of Chicago’s most prominent bankers who famously served as financier to Al Capone.” (Jordan, Chicago Star Media, 7/23/26)
The listing adds further detail. The house was designed by the Hetherington architectural firm, and many of its building materials and architectural details are said to mirror those of the Dodge Mansion in Detroit. The interior retains intricate plasterwork, a sitting room with dramatic arched windows, a wood-burning fireplace in the library, and the original butler’s pantry alongside a walk-in pantry. A private suite above the attached garage is reached by a separate staircase. The grounds are framed by original stone walls, a historic horse-entry gate, mature plantings, and terraces. The property includes an additional side parcel. The Original Rainbow Cone, within walking distance, was also a Hetherington design.
Preservation Chicago encourages a buyer who will value and maintain this remarkable house. Homes of this quality, with this degree of original interior fabric intact, are increasingly rare in Chicago. The leaded glass, plasterwork, ironwork, and millwork represent craft traditions that cannot be replicated at any reasonable cost today, and the original stone walls and horse-entry gate are the authentic historic elements that often disappear during insensitive renovations.
Beverly and Morgan Park together form one of Chicago’s most architecturally distinguished residential communities. The neighborhood’s stock of substantial early twentieth-century houses on generous lots is a genuine civic asset, and each one that finds a good steward strengthens the case for the next.
We encourage the next owner to retain the original interior and exterior features and to explore the protections and incentives available to owners of historic properties.