WICKER PARK — A turn-of-century Romanesque mansion in the heart of Wicker Park's historical Landmark District — featuring purple-trimmed windows — is up for sale, asking $2.2 million.
"It's beautiful now but could be an amazing trophy for someone who can restore it to its original grandeur," said Realtor Edward Waszak, who put the home up for sale last Sunday.
Located one block west of Damen Avenue, the 7,000-square-foot sandstone and brick mansion, with windows that match a flowering redbud tree in the lush front yard, was built in 1894 for Paul Benson, a major clothing merchant at the time, according to "Wicker Park, from 1673 Thru 1929 and Walking Tour Guide" by Elaine Coorens.
Waszak said the home's current owner has lived there for 40 years and he suspects the purple windows is related to the owner's "artistic vibe."
"He has always loved the art scene, the vibe, the music in Wicker Park. He's lived in the neighborhood through so many changes and he's ready to downsize. It was a family home that he's lived in for a large chunk of his adult life," Waszak said.
Waszak said the mansion is currently being used as a multi-unit home, with a few of the rooms informally rented out. But the best use would be as a single-family home for someone in the startup or tech industry, or a couple who love architecture, he said.
Waszak said that a proposed floor plan by Christian Ramanauskas of Project Control Inc., includes an elevator, if the new buyer would want that amenity. View Ramanauskas's 1st floor suggestions here.
The 2.5-story home has nine bedrooms, four non-working fireplaces and a working dumbwaiter.
The home's living room and staircase. [Edward Waszak/Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage]
A 1987 report by the Commission on Chicago Historical and Architectural Landmarks, provided by Waszak, says that the home is noteworthy due to its "overall design and excellence in stone work."
Much of the original woodwork and structure remains intact such as pocket doors, and inlaid floors, Waszak said.
2024 W. Pierce Ave. in Wicker Park [Edward Waszak/Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage]
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