Want to live like Chicago royalty? The Goodman and Armour houses are for sale

Chicago’s historic charm is up for grabs! The Goodman and Armour Houses are now on the market. A lucky investor or homeowner will have the chance to own an iconic estate steeped in rich legacy and luxury.

The Armour house at 325 W. Wellington Ave., in the Lakeview neighborhood, is a landmark of historic elegance. For sale for the first time in nearly a century, the mansion is a stunning estate that reflects the opulence of the Gilded Age (1870-1900).

Architect George W. Maher originally designed the home for the Armour family, who made their fortune in the meatpacking industry.

The family resided in the home for many years, using it for both private family gatherings and grand social events. The mansion remained in the family’s hands until it was sold in the mid-20th century. Many of its owners were among some of the more prominent in Chicago’s business and philanthropic circles.

One of its more notable owners was Elizabeth Ward, the sister of the founder of Montgomery Ward & Co. She used the mansion as her primary residence, and it became a center for social gatherings among the city’s elite.

The estate is a perfect example of neoclassical architecture featuring elegant details and a historic charm that has been carefully preserved. With its grand marble staircase, expansive rooms, and a three seasons room designed to capture the breezes of Lake Michigan, the home is a significant part of Chicago’s architectural and social history.

As the property is now up for sale, it represents more than just a real estate opportunity. It is a piece of Chicago’s legacy, offering potential buyers the chance to own a unique piece of history.

The Goodman house. Photo courtesy of Zillow

Also up for grabs is the Goodman house located at 1355 N. Astor St. in Chicago. Built in 1912 for William and Erna Goodman, the house reflects the wealth and status of the family. William Goodman, known for his successful ventures in real estate and the lumber industry, was also deeply committed to the arts and social causes in Chicago. His wife, Ida Goodman, was actively involved in cultural events and charitable endeavors, helping to elevate the family’s standing in the city’s elite circles.

The Goodman family’s influence extended beyond their residence on North Astor Street, their most notable contribution being the establishment of the Goodman Theatre, founded in 1925 through a donation of $250,000 to the Art Institute of Chicago. The theater was built in memory of their only son Kenneth, who passed away at the age of 35 from influenza.

The home represents a unique investment opportunity. There is a 10,000- square-foot main residence with breathtaking lake views and Italian marble throughout. The estate also encompasses six additional rental units, all currently under lengthy lease contracts. The 80-foot-wide property is marked by a grand courtyard with fountains and impeccably landscaped gardens.

Although the Goodman House has passed through different hands over the years, it remains a testament to the family’s enduring impact on both Chicago’s social fabric and its rich cultural landscape.