CHICAGO — If you’re considering a local real estate purchase, perhaps the chance to live in something inextricably tied to the city’s history could make your search all the more meaningful.

From one-bedroom condo units that start in the $300,000 range to massive, 10,000-square-foot mansions in the millions, these pieces of Chicago history could be yours (depending on your mortgage approval).

Check out historical properties that are up for sale:

Marina City — Near North Side

• Address: 300 N. State St., Apt. 3209
• Price: $318,000
• Square Feet: 725 

The two distinct apartment towers of Marina City — a.k.a. “the corncobs” — are among the most recognizable and iconic buildings in Chicago. The mid-century modern complex was designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg with two 65-story residential towers, offices and an auditorium along the Chicago River. The buildings have long been depicted in imagery invoking Chicago, including posters, albums and paintings. Marina City’s unique shape offers wedge-shaped balconies with incredible views of Downtown (and one of the most unique parking garages ever designed).

It was completed in 1967 and became a designated Chicago landmark in 2016. Today Marina City is home to condos, the House of Blues, Hotel Chicago, restaurants and a bowling alley. 

For those who want their own kernel of history, a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit “considered one of the best buildings” that “does not come along often” is available for an asking price of $318,000. The unit includes a living room with wood floors and a small platform, a kitchen with wood cabinets, a breakfast nook and granite countertops, and views looking southeast. The listing on real estate site Zillow pitches buyers the opportunity to buy and combine an adjacent unit to create an extra-large two-bedroom layout.

Edgewater Beach Apartments — Edgewater

• Address: 5555 N. Sheridan Road, Apt. 316
• Price: $449,000
• Square Feet: 1,800

Another Chicago architectural gem, the pink Edgewater Beach Apartments, has units available for sale on the Far North Side just a few blocks from Lake Michigan. The well-known art deco building was designed by architect Benjamin H. Marshall and completed in 1928 in a light shade of “sunset pink” to match its former sister building, the Edgewater Beach Hotel, which was painted a “sunrise yellow” and demolished in the late ’60s.

The building is shaped like a Maltese cross and boasts an ornate wooden lobby with a chandelier, ground-floor shops, a large deck and yard with a gazebo, a pool and over 300 units across 20 floors. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 and sits within the bounds of the Bryn Mawr Historic District. 

Edgewater Beach Apartments is a co-op building, meaning buyers own shares of the property based on the size of the unit, where it is in the building and other factors, like window views and sun exposure. A two-bed, three-bath unit is available for $449,000 with “treetop views,” hardwood floors, original wall moldings, a galley kitchen with a walk-in pantry and adjoining dining room as well as en-suite bathrooms in both bedrooms. The only drawback for pet-owners: No dogs allowed. 

Mathis House — Beverly

• Address: 10455 S. Bell Ave.
• Price: $545,000
• Square Feet: 2,194

Head to the Southwest Side for this three-bed, two-bath Art Moderne home built in 1937 by architect Albert F. Heino, formerly an architect for United Airlines. Known as the William J. Mathis House, the Beverly Hills home has been recognized by the Ridge Historical Society for its architectural significance, with many original design elements indicative of the home’s steamline moderne style still intact. 

The house includes an original basement bar with its own staircase out to the backyard, an original wood-burning fireplace, hardwood floors throughout and original custom doorways. Walk up the statement hallway staircase to an open layout on the second floor where there’s a whirlpool tub, and take in views of the yard and neighborhood from the updated galley kitchen, breakfast nook and separate dining room.

Marshall Field Jr. Mansion — Prairie District

• Address: 1919 S. Prairie Ave., Apt. 5
• Price: $825,000
• Square Feet: 2,302

A two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom condo in the historical Marshall Field Jr. Mansion is seeking a buyer for $825,000. The unit is within the stunning 25,000-square-foot home, built on “Millionaire’s Row” in 1883 next to the residence of famous business magnate Marshall Field.

The massive Queen Anne-style home sits on a cul-de-sac on a tree-lined Prairie Avenue, once home to some of the wealthiest families of the Gilded Age. Originally designed by Solon Spencer Beman, it was later expanded upon by architects from Daniel H. Burnham’s firm, according to the Tribune. It’s part of the Prairie Avenue Historic District and was owned by the Field family until 1905, when Marshall Field Jr. shot and killed himself inside in what was ruled an accidental death. 

The renovated unit for sale inside the stately red brick building features crown molding, hardwood herringbone floors, a built-in speaker system and a private terrace. A chef’s kitchen includes an eat-in island, white lacquered cabinets and a separate formal dining room. The main bedroom boasts a walk-in closet and a private bathroom with a double vanity and marble tile flooring. The home also offers a laundry room, attached garage parking and storage space. 

Reuben P. Layton House — Beverly

• Address: 10324 S. Longwood Drive
• Price: $900,000
• Square Feet: 7,935

Located in Beverly’s Longwood Drive Historic District is the Reuben P. Layton House, a three-story shingle-style residence built in 1887 with five bedrooms and eight bathrooms. The district consists of 12 hilly blocks that were often called the “blue island” by early settlers for being covered in blue mist from Lake Michigan. The stretch features a number of architectural styles, including shingle, Italiante, Queen Anne, prairie school, renaissance revival and carpenter Gothic.

Set behind large trees, this large home is mostly gutted down to the studs — though features like a spindle staircase and two fireplaces are still easy to spot. A large porch wraps around the home’s front, wide bay windows offer natural light and stained glass is found throughout. The main level includes a dining room, pantry, library, kitchen, living room and exercise room, while all five bedrooms are found on the second floor. The third floor consists of a full attic.

According to its listing on Zillow, the home’s foundation was been repaired, it has new windows and architectural renderings have been approved by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. 

Edward H. Turner Residence — Kenwood

• Address: 4935 S. Greenwood Ave.
• Price: $1,470,000
• Square Feet: 5,600

The Edward H. Turner Residence in Kenwood is a seven-bedroom, six-bathroom brick home designed in 1888, also by Beman. Later, it was owned by National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) co-founder Adolphus W. Green. It blends several architectural styles, though its two-story Queen Anne turret is a distinguishing feature. 

“Mr. Turner’s house … furnishes a sound basis for any social scheme,” said an 1891 newspaper article in The Inter Ocean describing a party at the residence. “It is one of the prettiest and best appointed in Kenwood.”

The home showcases a grand entry hall, original mosaic floor, glass doors, a round family/music room, and two original marble fireplaces. A mahogany-paneled library with carved heads, a decorative ceiling and built-ins is found on the second floor and leads to a large sun room.

According to the listing, many of the home’s original details remain, like fine woodworking, alcoves, tile art, a ballroom, wainscoting, light fixtures, doors, toilets with gold leaf, a clawfoot tub, leaded glass windows and marble sinks. It also offers a number of unique features, including a secret passageway, brass call buttons, a dumbwaiter, a hidden shower and an original panel supposedly painted by Chicago-born artist Aaron Bohrod. 

Edwin J. Mosser House — Uptown

• Address: 750 W. Hutchinson St.
• Price: $2,999,000
• Square Feet: 10,000

In Buena Park’s Hutchinson Street Historic District is the 1902 Prairie Style Edwin J. Mosser estate, designed by architect George W. Maher. The district spans the 600-900 blocks of Hutchinson Street and was originally called Kenesaw Terrace.

According to the city of Chicago’s website, the street “contains one of the city’s best collections of prairie-style residences.” The large properties are just steps from the lakefront and offer privacy with well-established trees and lush landscaping. At least five of the homes were designed by Maher, several of which have long struggled to sell — including this one. It last sold in 1986 for $575,000 and has been on and off the market since 2016, where its peak asking price was $4,595,000. 

The five-bedroom, seven-bathroom property at 750 W. Hutchinson St. was designed for attorney Edwin J. Mosser and sits on six city lots, with potential for “grand scale entertaining,” according to its listing. It boasts “museum-quality details” such as a whopping eight fireplaces with mahogany mantels and glass tile mosaics, a “palatial” attic room, porte cochère, wood carvings and high ceilings. Gourmet cooks may enjoy the commercially equipped kitchen, while gardeners can take in the city sounds from the secluded backyard.

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