Elbridge G Keith House, Chicagoland Travel Guide

Step back in time at the Elbridge G. Keith House, a landmark of Chicago's 'Millionaires' Row' and a stunning example of Second Empire architecture.

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Elbridge G Keith House

The Elbridge G. Keith House, located on Chicago's historic Prairie Avenue, is a testament to the city's Gilded Age. Built in 1870-1871, this Second Empire-style mansion was home to Elbridge Gerry Keith, a prominent banker and civic leader, and is one of the few remaining mansions from the era when Prairie Avenue was known as 'Millionaires' Row'.

A brief summary to Elbridge G Keith House

1900 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, Prairie District, Illinois, 60616, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Elbridge G Keith House.

Explore the Prairie Avenue Historic District to see other remaining mansions and learn about the families who lived there.
Check out nearby cultural attractions such as the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, easily accessible from Prairie Avenue.
Consider a guided architectural boat tour on the Chicago River for a unique perspective on the city's historic buildings.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From downtown Chicago, take the CTA Red Line to the Cermak-Chinatown stop. From there, walk east on Cermak Road, then south on Prairie Avenue to reach the Elbridge G. Keith House. The total trip takes approximately 20-30 minutes. A single ride on the CTA Red Line costs $2.50.
Walking

If you are already in the Prairie District or near the McCormick Place area, walking to the Elbridge G. Keith House is a viable option. From McCormick Place, head north on Prairie Avenue for about a mile. The walk offers a chance to appreciate the architecture and neighborhood ambiance. Note that the walk is approximately 20 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Chicago. A taxi or ride-share from downtown Chicago to the Elbridge G. Keith House typically costs between $10 and $20, depending on traffic and demand.

Discover more about Elbridge G Keith House

The Elbridge G. Keith House, situated at 1900 S Prairie Ave in Chicago, stands as a remarkable survivor from the city's opulent past. Constructed between 1870 and 1871 for Elbridge Gerry Keith, a prominent figure in Chicago's banking and civic circles, the house is a prime example of Second Empire architecture. Keith, along with his brothers, made significant contributions to the city, with Elbridge himself being a founder of the Metropolitan National Bank (later part of the First National Bank of Chicago) and active in various civic roles.Prairie Avenue, once dubbed 'Millionaires' Row,' was the exclusive residential address for Chicago's elite in the late 19th century. The Keith House is one of the few remaining mansions that evoke the grandeur of this era. The house's design, originally by John W. Roberts, features a three-story limestone facade and a distinctive mansard roof, which was added in the 1880s. This architectural style was popular among the wealthy residents of Prairie Avenue during that time.Over the years, the Elbridge G. Keith House has served various purposes. After the Keith family moved out in 1920, it was used as office space for publishing companies. In 1974, it was purchased by architect Wilbert Hasbrouck and his wife Marilyn, who opened the Prairie Avenue Bookshop, a renowned architectural bookstore. Later, in 1978, journalists Steven Pratt and Joy Darrow acquired the house and undertook extensive restoration work. Today, the Keith House stands as a reminder of Chicago's golden age and the families who shaped the city's history.