McCormick Row House District

McCormick Row House District is a historic neighborhood containing 56 residences, including 54 row houses and two free-standing homes built in Queen Anne style. The homes cluster around a private street and central park, creating a unified residential setting that separates the community from the surrounding streets.

The district was built between 1884 and 1889 as an investment property for McCormick Theological Seminary, which operated there until 1975. When the seminary relocated, the land transitioned to private residential use.

After the Seminary Townhouse Association formed in 1974, residents gained a chance to buy their homes through a lottery system when the seminary left the area. This arrangement transformed it into a community where long-time occupants could become owners rather than renters.

The neighborhood is situated between DePaul University's School of Music and Cortelyou Commons, with Chalmers Place serving as the private entry street. Since this is a residential area, visitors should stay on public pathways and respect the private character of the community.

The central park and street system reflects a private planning concept from the 1800s designed to encourage neighbors to interact and shield homes from busy city streets. This approach stands apart from how the surrounding neighborhoods are organized.

GPS coordinates: 41.92444,-87.65056

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45