A rare piece of Chicago's history, the Thompson House at 915 N. Dearborn stands as one of the Gold Coast's original architectural treasures. Designed in 1888 by Cobb & Frost, the renowned architects behind the Newberry Library and University of Chicago, this grand residence was among the first to define the Gold Coast neighborhood after the Great Chicago Fire. For the next century, it was owned and used by the Scottish Rite. The property was meticulously restored by its current owner beginning in 2009, blending 19th-century grandeur with modern luxury. The Thompson House is now a nationally registered Historic Landmark. This masterpiece preserves its rich past while offering a remarkably livable floor plan where history, elegance, and everyday comfort coexist effortlessly. Constructed from refurbished exterior sgraffito walls and granite mosaic, this 5-bedroom, 4.2-bathroom home spans 13,400 square feet, with an additional 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom carriage house above the 3-car garage. This home showcases exceptional craftsmanship with one-of-a-kind finishes and details throughout. Some of the elements include a refurbished original mosaic floor, custom millwork, hand-carved marble fireplaces from Italy, and custom stained glass. Throughout the home, all wood features, including beams, doors, and trim, are custom made from solid Honduras Mahogany, with intricate touches such as paneling and carving. The staircase, also Honduras Mahogany, was hand crafted to mimic the home's original balusters. Modern features include an elevator servicing all levels, a Control4 system, integrated audio and speaker systems, smart HVAC controls, and full smart home capabilities, making this home as functional as it is beautiful. Enter the home to a large parlor paneled in mahogany. The details greet you right away - hand carved columns, custom stained glass windows and doors, marble floors imported from Turkey, and a hand carved marble fireplace. The adjacent great room is full of natural light from the large, curved windows and south and west exposures. The great room has earned its name sake with a Swarovski crystal chandelier, a hand-carved, book-matched onyx fireplace from Pakistan, and exquisite mahogany woodwork with in-wall cabinetry. Silk wall coverings and marble flooring add to the grandeur. On the opposite side of the foyer you will find the kitchen overlooking the walled courtyard with fountains and fireplace. The kitchen area features two dining areas, high-end appliances, a large island, custom cabinetry, and a laundry room tucked away. The second level landing showcases a stunning library framed by an intricate hand carved arch. You will also see the custom stained glass dome skylight up above. The second floor features the luxurious primary suite, complete with a wet bar, and en-suite bath, and a second bedroom or office with an en-suite bath. You will also find a screened in 3-season porch. On the top floor, there is a sitting room, three additional bedrooms, including two rooms sharing a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, and a third large bedroom with its own en-suite bath. The lower level is designed for relaxation and entertainment, featuring two seating areas, a bar, and a spa. The media area includes a hand-carved Italian Botticino marble fireplace and marble floors with bronze inlay. The galley bar offers an in-wall wine display, and the spa features a sauna, jacuzzi, steam suite, spa dressing rooms, a massage and zen room, and an additional laundry area. A Murano glass mural with an integrated waterfall and glass-blown ceilings add unique artistic elements rarely found in modern homes. Across the courtyard, you will find the cozy coach house, perfect for guests or additional living space. The home includes a heated 3-car garage. The Thompson House is more than just a home; it's a timeless work of art that embodies elegance, craftsmanship, and luxury living in the heart of Chicago.
Rush & Division, located between the Magnificent Mile and Old Town, is a nightlife and retail Chicago neighborhood with high-rise living and late-night energy. The neighborhood’s character concentrates at the Rush Street and Division Street intersection, where steakhouses, cocktail lounges, and sidewalk patios set a fast-moving street scene. Architectural cues shift from glassy towers to classic Gold Coast brick and limestone walk-ups on quieter side streets. Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse, the original Tavern on Rush, and the historic Charnley-Persky House serve as local touchstones. Oak Street’s designer storefronts add a polished retail corridor, while nearby lakefront paths and beaches shape daily routines. CTA Red Line service at Clark/Division keeps the area connected day and night.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Market insights
915 N Dearborn St · $18,500,000
DAYS ON MARKET
523 days
The average home goes pending in 51 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
100.6%
Most homes are selling 1% above list price.
LIST PRICE
$18,500,000
Median list price in this area is $389,841. (98% lower than this home)
PRICE DROP
0 price drops
14% of homes in this area have had a price drop in the past month.
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Dining
Interior features
Hot tub
Elevator
Finished basement with exterior entry and daylight exposure
Security system
CO detectors
Sump pump
Five fireplaces with wood-burning and gas log/gas starter options
Window treatments throughout
Fourteen total rooms
Bedrooms
Six bedrooms total
Primary bedroom on the second level (18 x 20)
Additional bedrooms on second and third levels (examples: 16 x 18; 17 x 20; 12 x 25; 11 x 15; 12 x 14)
Bathrooms
Five full bathrooms
Two half bathrooms
Bath features include whirlpool, separate shower, steam shower, double sinks, full-body spray, double shower and soaking tub
Basement includes bathroom facilities
Kitchen
Marble-floored kitchen
Double oven
Cooktop
Range
Range hood
Microwave
Dishwasher
High-end refrigerator
Freezer
Garbage disposal
Trash compactor
Wine refrigerator
Bar refrigerator
Laundry & utility
Main-level laundry room
Washer and dryer included
Multiple laundry locations
Flooring
Hardwood flooring in many bedrooms, library, family room and other rooms
Marble flooring in foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen, media/bar areas and laundry
Stone flooring on the screened porch
Heating & cooling
Natural gas heating with forced air and radiant systems
Multiple heating systems (2+), zoned heating and radiant floor heating
Central air conditioning with zoning
Exterior features
Deck and patio
Screened porch (17 x 16) with stone floor
Fire pit
Fenced lot
Landscaped corner lot (approximately 39 x 150)
Home design
Detached single-family home
Three stories with coach house
Fee simple ownership
Originally built over 100 years ago, rehabilitated in 2013
Slate roof
Rehab completed (2013)
Parking
Detached garage with three garage spaces
Heated garage with garage door opener
Garage is owned
Security
Security system
CO detectors
Construction
Stone construction
Concrete perimeter foundation
Slate roof
Built before 1978
Utilities
Lake Michigan and public water service
Public sewer
Electric service with circuit breakers and 400 amp (or greater) service
HOA & community
Monthly association fee ($200) covering exercise facilities and pool
Community features include park, curbs, gated access, sidewalks, street lights and paved streets
Financial info
Special service area not required
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home