William McCallum House

The William McCallum House is an Italianate residence in Valparaiso defined by deep eaves, thick wooden cornices, protruding arched brick window lintels, and a two-story bay window. The roughly 5,000-square-foot interior has undergone various renovations and uses over time.

The house was built in 1887 for Canadian immigrant William McCallum, a dry goods merchant, and designed by architect Henry Lemster. It represents the substantial construction projects that wealthy business owners undertook in the region during that period.

The house reflects the architectural preferences of affluent merchants from the late 1800s who chose Italianate designs to display their social standing. Visitors can see these stylistic choices in the building's details, which speak to the elegance and prosperity of that era.

The building features an English bond brick exterior and a Colonial Revival porch supported by two Tuscan columns, both clearly visible from the street. Visitors should expect these exterior features to showcase the original design elements and define the house's character.

The house retains its original English bond brick walls and was designed by Henry Lemster, an architect who oversaw several notable projects in the region. This combination makes it a valuable example of architectural development in Valparaiso during the late 1800s.