From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Preservationists Push for Englewood Mansion Landmark Status
Chicago preservation groups seek landmark status for 125-year-old O'Leary mansion to prevent demolition.
In brief
Chicago preservation groups seek landmark status for 125-year-old O'Leary mansion to prevent demolition. Landmarks Illinois and Preservation Chicago want the O'Leary Mansion at 726 W. Garfield Blvd. to receive preliminary landmark status to protect it from demolition. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Preservationists seek landmark status
Landmarks Illinois and Preservation Chicago want the O’Leary Mansion at 726 W. Garfield Blvd. to receive preliminary landmark status.
“Landmarks Illinois and Preservation Chicago told the Commission on Chicago Landmarks’ Program Committee that the designation is needed to protect the vacant 125-year-old O’Leary Mansion, 726 W. Garfield Blvd., from demolition.”
Mansion in demolition court
The 33-room house is currently in demolition court under a raft of code violations. Inspectors reported the home’s condition as dangerous.
“The 33-room house is currently in demolition court under a raft of code violations. Inspectors reported the home’s condition as dangerous.”
O’Leary mansion history
The historic 125-year-old house was built by James "Big Jim" O’Leary, whose mother was blamed for starting the Great Chicago Fire.
“The historic but dilapidated 33-room, 125-year-old house was the residence of James "Big Jim" O’Leary, whose mother was blamed for starting the Great Chicago Fire.”
Architectural significance
The red sandstone-fronted house is a Renaissance Revival riot with turrets, an ornate circular attic window and two-story bay windows flanking a prominent four-columned front porch.
“The red sandstone-fronted house is a Renaissance Revival riot, with details that include turrets, an ornate circular attic window and two-story bay windows flanking a prominent four-columned front porch.”
O’Leary’s background
James O’Leary grew up to become wealthy after his mother was blamed for starting the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
“Catherine O’Leary became part of Chicago folklore when she was accused of starting the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.”
O’Leary’s legacy
He owned a gambling house and saloon at 41st and Halsted streets that burned down in the 1910 Union Stock Yards fire.
“James O’Leary, who was two years old at the time, grew up to become wealthy. He owned a gambling house and saloon at 41st and Halsted streets that, as fate would have it, burned down in the massive Union Stock Yards fire of 1910.”
Preservationists’ reasoning
Landmarks Illinois Interim President and CEO Frank Butterfield said the designation is needed to protect the house from demolition and preserve its architectural significance.
“We’re looking at a number of factors [as reasons to landmark the house], from the architecture to the architect, to the people connected with this place”
Architect details
The mansion was designed by Zachary Taylor Davis, an architect whose works include Wrigley Field and the old Comiskey Park.
“Built in 1901, according to building permits Butterfield unearthed, the three-story mansion was designed by Zachary Taylor Davis, an architect whose works include Wrigley Field and the old, and dearly missed, Comiskey Park.”
O’Leary’s initials
O’Leary’s initials can be found in the facade’s terra cotta detail.
“O’Leary’s initials can be found in the facade’s terra cotta detail.”
Historic context
The home is one of many surviving examples of high-style homes built along Garfield Boulevard for the well-to-do between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
“The home is one of many surviving examples of the high-style homes and apartment buildings that were constructed along Garfield Boulevard from Wells Street to Western Avenue for the well-to-do between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.”
Ownership status
The 6,200-square-foot house was last listed for sale in 2024 at $450,000, but its owner is absent from the committee meeting.
“The home’s owner was absent from the committee meeting. And who owns the 6,200-square-foot house is murky. It was last listed for sale in 2024 at $450,000, listing details on Redfin show.”
Preservation goals
Preservation Chicago Executive Director Ward Miller hopes to find a steward to adopt the building and restore it for landmark designation.
“We hope to have a good steward come forward to adopt the building and restore it and consent to landmark designation”
Next steps
The Program Committee will forward the O’Leary mansion recommendation to the Department of Planning and Development’s Historic Preservation Division for possible follow-up.
“The Program Committee forwarded the O’Leary mansion and other landmark recommendations from the public to the Department of Planning and Development’s Historic Preservation Division for possible follow-up.”
What happens next
The division could take a pass on the recommendation or prepare a report to grant the house preliminary landmark status to protect it from demolition.
“The division could take a pass on the recommendation, or after researching the building, the staffers could prepare a report that asks the full landmarks commission to grant the house a preliminary designation.”
In short
Landmarks Illinois and Preservation Chicago want the O'Leary Mansion at 726 W. Garfield Blvd. to receive preliminary landmark status to protect it from demolition.
