In 1896, a magnificent mansion arose in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. This was no ordinary house. This was the Theurer-Wrigley House, a testament to the city’s burgeoning wealth and architectural prowess. Joseph Theurer, the beer baron behind the Schoenhofen Brewing Company, envisioned a home that would reflect his success. He commissioned architects Richard Schmidt and possibly Hugh Garden, future stars of the Prairie School movement, to design his dream residence. The result was a stunning blend of Italian Renaissance and Craftsman styles, a sprawling 13,000-square-foot masterpiece. The Theurer-Wrigley House boasted nine bedrooms, a grand ballroom perfect for lavish parties, and even a carriage house. Its exterior was adorned with ornate baroque terra cotta, believed to be an early work of the Northwestern Terra Cotta Co., the same company that later embellished the iconic Wrigley Building.
The Theurer-Wrigley House’s story took a turn in 1911. William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum magnate, purchased the mansion. The Wrigley family occupied the home for years, adding another layer of history to its walls. However, the mansion’s grandeur couldn’t shield it from the harsh realities of the Great Depression. The Wrigley family left the residence vacant during this tumultuous period, a time when such opulent homes became targets for crime. Sadly, the original Tiffany light fixtures, once glittering symbols of the mansion’s elegance, were sold off in estate sales in the 1980s and early 1990s.
The Theurer-Wrigley House faced further trials as it changed hands multiple times. It underwent renovations and served various purposes, including hosting lavish events. Despite its tumultuous journey, the Theurer-Wrigley House remains a significant landmark. It stands as a symbol of Chicago’s rich history and architectural legacy. Today, designated as a Chicago Landmark, the Theurer-Wrigley House stands proudly at 2466 N. Lakeview Ave. It serves as a reminder of a bygone era of beer barons and chewing gum tycoons, a tangible link to Chicago’s vibrant past.