“Whether an individual landmark or part of a local historic landmark district, the following properties for sale in Chicago are all legally protected from demolition. While not every homeowner is interested in taking on the stewardship of such buildings, there are preservation-minded people out there who want to protect a piece of the past”….which includes an 1893 Charles Dornbusch-designed row home in Kenwood’s Historic Landmark District, the Prairie School King-Nash House, as well as a top-floor loft inside the ‘Donohue Building and Annex, the first large factory in the city to be repurposed into residential use back in 1979.
“While not every homeowner is interested in taking on the stewardship of such buildings, there are preservation-minded people out there who want to protect a piece of the past. Tourists from all over the world come to visit the city, which is renowned for its influential architecture, having been the birthplace of the skyscraper and the hometown of numerous prominent architects. Let’s review five landmark properties currently on the market, including an architectural masterpiece that is one of the best examples of prairie style in the city that once was home to two important political figures.
“Our first property for sale is a five-bedroom, two-bathroom brick residence located in the picturesque Kenwood Historic Landmark District. This 2,800-square-foot home with formal rooms and a screened porch off the kitchen was originally built for Clara Turner in 1893. According to Chicago’s Historic Hyde Park, architect Charles H. Dornbusch, who taught at the Illinois Institute of Technology, resided here starting in 1953 and undertook renovations of the structure. On the market for the first time since 1987…
“Right in the middle of the city’s historic Printing House Row District stands the Donohue Building and Annex, the first large factory in the city to be repurposed into residential use back in 1979. Designed by architect Julius B. Speyer and built in 1883 for a children’s book publisher, the structure is full of original details including a vintage iron cage elevator that takes you to this top floor unit. It comes with numerous built-in bookcases (fitting, considering its history) as well as a deck right off the kitchen, a perfect space for taking in views of the city.
“When it comes to the iconic Marina City, only parts of the complex were designated as a Chicago Landmark in 2016. The recognition was long overdue, considering that this unique design began construction in 1960 and has since come to define our skyline. This condo is located in the highly sought-after 32nd and 33rd tiers, giving it fantastic eastern and southern views of downtown and the Chicago River. The 1,450-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo feels brighter and more open, likely because it combines two separate smaller units — and I suspect that the second kitchen has been turned into a laundry area. But I do like that the property features three, pie-shaped private balconies.” (Freundt, Chicago Magazine, 10/21/24)
Read the full story at Chicago Magazine
- Five Landmark Properties for Sale; Owning and maintaining one of these landmarked properties — once home to politicians, car showrooms, and more — are great ways to help preserve the city’s architectural history, Rachel Freundt, Chicago Magazine, 10/21/24
- 1893 Charles Dornbusch-designed row home in Kenwood’s Historic Landmark District, 1354 E 49th St, Chicago Listing
- Top-floor loft inside the Donohue Building and Annex, 727 S Dearborn St APT 911 Listing
- Marina City Double Unit, 300 N State St Unit 4432-4433 Listing