Nov 17, 1977
Sydney Kent House - National Register of Historic Places
Statement of Significance: As one of the very few earl y residences by the famous architect John Root still standing in Chicago, the house is of great significance. Its excellent condition and few changes, make it also a model of prestige architecture i n the best neighborhood of the city during the 1880's. The house is also distinguished as a very early example of true urban Queen Anne architecture in Chicago. Its historical Associations with three of Chicago's millionaire families is also worthy of note. HISTORY Since the completion of this splendid house in 1883, it has been the exclusive residence of three wealth yard prominent Chicago families. In 1929 it became a religious institution. The first occupant was Sydney Kent and it is his initial s that are seen in the terra-cotta on the from dormer. In 1897 he soles the house to John "Bet-a-million " Gates. He was the most socially prominent inhabitant. Financier, Founder of American Steel & Vilre Co., and a man in pursuit of social acceptance, he lived here until his death i n 1911, when the house was sold to M.D. Spades. The decline of this residential area known as Douglas Park began in 1906 when Michigan Avenue between lath and 26th Street became the automobile sales center of Chicago. At the time Spades sold the house and property in 1929, the house had not been live d in for several years. Frank J . Lewis, a Chicago manufacturer, philanthropist t and Catholic leader bought the house i n 1929 and donated it to the church t subsequently became a Catholic Youth Organization Home. During the depression it served as a temporary transient hotel housing 270 young men and boys. Many thousands of men were guests at the house until they" could secure jobs and support themselves. By 1950 the house was officially occupied by the sister of the St. James Parish, who continue to use the Sydney Kent house as a residence. John Wellborn Root of Burnham and Root was architect of the Sydney Kent house. As a partner of the architectural fire of Burnham and Root until his death in 1891, he remains one of Chicago's most famous and noted architects. Among the important commercial buildings designed by him are the Monadnock Building and the Rookery. These commercial structure s and the Sydney Kent house share in common the use of red brick, terra-cotta and stone. The neighborhood in which the house is located has undergone considerable change. From being part of the Gold Coast of Chicago it has decayed in the thirties and forties int o slums and then been treated to a massive urban renewal scheme in the fifties. The house is now surrounded with low-income projects, a middle-income project. South Commons, that remains of the automobile showrooms, and the Illinoi s Institute of Technology.
Sydney Kent House - National Register of Historic Places
Statement of Significance: As one of the very few earl y residences by the famous architect John Root still standing in Chicago, the house is of great significance. Its excellent condition and few changes, make it also a model of prestige architecture i n the best neighborhood of the city during the 1880's. The house is also distinguished as a very early example of true urban Queen Anne architecture in Chicago. Its historical Associations with three of Chicago's millionaire families is also worthy of note. HISTORY Since the completion of this splendid house in 1883, it has been the exclusive residence of three wealth yard prominent Chicago families. In 1929 it became a religious institution. The first occupant was Sydney Kent and it is his initial s that are seen in the terra-cotta on the from dormer. In 1897 he soles the house to John "Bet-a-million " Gates. He was the most socially prominent inhabitant. Financier, Founder of American Steel & Vilre Co., and a man in pursuit of social acceptance, he lived here until his death i n 1911, when the house was sold to M.D. Spades. The decline of this residential area known as Douglas Park began in 1906 when Michigan Avenue between lath and 26th Street became the automobile sales center of Chicago. At the time Spades sold the house and property in 1929, the house had not been live d in for several years. Frank J . Lewis, a Chicago manufacturer, philanthropist t and Catholic leader bought the house i n 1929 and donated it to the church t subsequently became a Catholic Youth Organization Home. During the depression it served as a temporary transient hotel housing 270 young men and boys. Many thousands of men were guests at the house until they" could secure jobs and support themselves. By 1950 the house was officially occupied by the sister of the St. James Parish, who continue to use the Sydney Kent house as a residence. John Wellborn Root of Burnham and Root was architect of the Sydney Kent house. As a partner of the architectural fire of Burnham and Root until his death in 1891, he remains one of Chicago's most famous and noted architects. Among the important commercial buildings designed by him are the Monadnock Building and the Rookery. These commercial structure s and the Sydney Kent house share in common the use of red brick, terra-cotta and stone. The neighborhood in which the house is located has undergone considerable change. From being part of the Gold Coast of Chicago it has decayed in the thirties and forties int o slums and then been treated to a massive urban renewal scheme in the fifties. The house is now surrounded with low-income projects, a middle-income project. South Commons, that remains of the automobile showrooms, and the Illinoi s Institute of Technology.
Nov 17, 1977
Posted Date
Apr 01, 2022
Historical Record Date
Nov 17, 1977
Source Name
United States Department of Interior - National Park Service
