19th-century Lincoln Park combined row houses sold for $5.5 million

A pair of 19th-century row houses in Lincoln Park recently sold for $5.5 million, making it the most expensive real estate transaction this year. The twin red brick homes — which have been combined into a single 9,120 square foot house — features seven bedrooms and seven baths. 

In 1985, the north home was bought for $322,500 and the south home was sold ten years later for $805,000 by the same couple: John and Mary Willis. Mr. Willis is said to have started his own private-equity firm in 1995 before winding down the company in the late 2010s, prior to the home being put on the market. During that time, the company invested in several big-name businesses, such as Ziff Davis and Petersen Publishing, Jays Food, and Lincoln Snacks.

The property was first listed for sale in April 2020 and was taken off the market in 2021 before selling in March 2023 for the full asking price. The buyers have not yet been identified.

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