John and Clara Merchant House

“As a pattern-book house, the John and Clara Merchant House exemplifies this important housing design phenomenon. The John and Clara Merchant House, built ca. 1872 from a pattern in Woodward's National Architect (1869), is a handsome Second Empire-style building near the corner of Kostner and Byron avenues.”

“The Merchant House is a handsome example of residential architecture in the Second Empire style, an architectural style of great significance in the history of Chicago and the United States.”

“In 1972, the Merchant House was purchased by James and Elizabeth Reetzke. The Reetzkes worked towards restoring the house to its original 1869 appearance. In 1995 and 2000, respectively, the covered porch and front bay window were restored to their original appearance, based on the drawings in Woodward's National Architect (1869) as well as historic photographs.”

“Its low cost, coupled with the wide variety of stylish, low-cost designs it featured, made the book a success, selling all of the 5,000 copies printed. By 1878, George was joined by his brother Charles in “Palliser, Palliser and Co." which became the first large mail-order-plan business.”

“One of the most prolific writers who established himself in the pattern-book tradition after the war was New York architect George E. Woodward (1829-1905). Unlike his contemporaries, Woodward produced high-priced publications, complete with presentation drawings, elevations, sections, and carpentry, masonry and plumbing specifications.”

“John and Clara Merchant opted to use Design No. 2, a Second Empirestyle house featured in the 1869 publication, Woodward's National Architect. Considered a distinguished architectural style for the time period, the design would have been ideal for a member of the prominent Gray family, yet differentiated from the numerous Italianate-style homes that were being built in nearby Irving Park.”

“Other handsome exterior features are the house's paneled double doors, porch and one-story bay window. Some alterations to these features occurred in the mid-20th century but have been restored according to the original 1869 design.”

“Upon their return, the Merchants began holding religious services in the house, and in 1886 formed the First Baptist Church (later called Irving Park Baptist Church). John Merchant died in the house in 1913 and Clara Merchant, who had later moved from the house, died in 1927.”

“In the 1950s the land was subdivided to permit two small brick homes to be built on either side of the house (The Merchant House had been situated in the center of a large double corner lot.) In the process, the south bay was modified to accommodate the new building.”

“Integrity Criteria The integrity of the proposed landmark must be preserved in light of its location, design, setting, materials, workmanship and ability to express its historic community, architectural or aesthetic interest or value.”