CHICAGO — A historic South Side property in Kenwood has changed hands. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago has sold a nine-bedroom, 12-room mansion to a University of Chicago surgeon for $1.15 million, according to Cook County property records.
The home, located across from President Barack Obama’s former residence, was initially listed at $1.4 million in October 2024, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. Though no public price cut was announced, the property officially sold in late March 2025, after the buyer reached a private agreement in February.
Architectural Significance With Presidential Neighbors
Designed in 1905 by noted Chicago architect Jarvis Hunt, the home was originally built for Homer A. Stillwell, a top executive at Butler Bros. It combines several architectural influences including Renaissance Revival, Colonial Revival, and Italianate elements. One standout detail includes a Gothic Revival-style oriel window.
The nearly 7,000-square-foot mansion retains most of its original plaster, millwork, wood doors, and interior layout. It includes a spacious library, 3.5 bathrooms, and a porte-cochère, all nestled within a 0.73-acre lot.
Located directly across the street from the Obama family’s longtime home, the mansion’s placement adds historical and political interest to the property.
Religious Ownership And Sale Background
The Archdiocese of Chicago purchased the property in 1966 and used it to house members of the Focolare movement, a Catholic community focused on unity and shared spiritual life. The organization lived there for nearly 60 years, according to the Chicago Tribune, until the Archdiocese quietly listed the property in 2024.
Although agents involved in the deal — Pasquale Recchia and Catherine Rosenberg — have not provided public comment, records confirm the closing price of $1.15 million.
Real Estate Movement In Kenwood
This sale reflects broader real estate trends in Kenwood, a neighborhood known for its mix of historical mansions and civic significance. The demand for architecturally preserved homes in proximity to the University of Chicago and Hyde Park remains high.
Observers note that religious institutions across Chicago have increasingly begun selling legacy properties as part of long-term asset reallocation strategies.
What’s your take on religious organizations selling off historic homes? Should they be preserved by the public or repurposed privately? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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