Step Inside This Historic Chicago Home Once Owned By A Titanic Survivor
The tragedy of the RMS Titanic has long captured the hearts and fascination of millions around the world since its untimely and "impossible" sinking during the early hours of April 15, 1912, off the coast of Newfoundland in the North Atlantic after sideswiping an iceberg. More than 1,500 of the total 2,240 passengers on board the luxury steamliner's maiden voyage lost their lives in the famous disaster, per History. Since the initial discovery of the location of the wreckage and subsequent recovery dives beginning in 1987, National Geographic reports that approximately 5,500 artifacts have been recovered from the ill-fated ocean liner, most of which are displayed in museums around the world.
Fascination with the wreck of the RMS Titanic only increased with the release of the 1997 Oscar-winning movie, "Titanic," starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, reigniting questions and fascination regarding the mystery and history behind the sinking of the Titanic and the hubris that ultimately led to her demise.
A piece of Titanic and Chicago history
Given the extreme value and rarity of all recovered artifacts from the Titanic, the opportunity to own a piece of Titanic history rarely comes around if you aren't a museum curator. However, history buffs now have a rare chance to do just that and own a home that once belonged to a Titanic survivor.
The Chicago row house, located at 2700 N Lakeview Avenue, was built for Emily Maria Ryerson, an American first-class passenger who survived the sinking along with her three children, Suzette, Emily, and John, according to New York Post. Her husband, Arthur, tragically perished in the tragedy after refusing to board a lifeboat until all women and children did. The couple had actually been traveling back to America from Europe on board the ship to attend the funeral of their son, Arthur Jr., who had been killed in a car crash.
Architects Henry Corwith Dangler and David Adler designed the mansion between 1915 and 1917 as part of four Georgian-style residences, according to Chicago's Historic Preservation Society. The row homes were some of the first in Chicago to feature modern and luxurious amenities commonly found in luxury high-rise apartments along the city's lakefront. Since Ryerson lived there, the mansion has been split into two luxury residences, which were both recently listed for a combined $13.3 million.
First-class luxury and elegance
Of the two units, unit number one is regarded as being the most historically preserved, with the second being much more contemporary, according to Wendy Berg, the listing agent of the property according to New York Post. Much of the original crown moldings, staircases, and columns were preserved in the first unit.
Commonly referred to as Residence One on the Lakeview Avenue Row House District, the five-bedroom, six-bathroom estate spans over 6,400 square feet and two stories. The first level of Residence One features a grand foyer upon entry with marble checkered floors, restored original columns, and the restored original grand staircase. It also features two mudrooms, a spacious family room, a full and a half bathroom, and two of the home's bedrooms. Access to the large three-car garage is also granted via the main floor. Ascend the grand staircase (or take the elevator -– your choice) to reach the expansive second floor.
Original preservation with modern amenities
A stunningly beautiful and spacious dining room can be found on the second floor of Residence One, as well as one of a kind views of the park; which can be enjoyed from inside the restored living room, which houses one of the home's two original fireplaces, or from the private terrace, per the listing.
The home's large eat-in kitchen can also be found on the second floor, which is the room that perhaps best combines the beauty of authentic American history with modern amenities and conveniences. The kitchen features a state-of-the-art 48-inch oven range, refrigerator, dishwasher, and beverage fridge, while the huge 14 x 8-foot pantry houses an additional freezer and dishwasher. The refurbished marble checkered floor also spans the breathtakingly beautiful, restored rotunda, serving as the gateway to yet another terrace where you can enjoy views of the park and the popular Lincoln Park neighborhood, as well as the gateway to the master suite and two additional en-suite bedrooms.