Bronzeville in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Sidney A. Kent House

Burnham and Root, architects; 1883

— Chicago Landmark —

Sidney A. Kent House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 11, 2025

1. Sidney A. Kent House Marker

Inscription. The generous window openings and the sculpted qualities of the materials are a precursor to the firm's later works, such as the Rookery and Monadnock Building. Built for one of the founders of the Chicago Union Stock Yard Company, this is one of the few remaining mansions on this section of South Michigan Avenue. The second owner was John "Bet A Million" Gates, who was as well known for his gambling exploits as for his business skills in the barbed wire industry.

Designated on March 18, 1987
Harold Washington, Mayor

Erected by Commission on Chicago Landmarks, City of Chicago.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 41° 50.442′ N, 87° 37.418′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Bronzeville. It is on South Michigan Avenue 0.1 miles north of 31st Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is affixed to the wrought-iron fence in front of the home. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2944 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker: John Simpson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Paul Laurence Dunbar (approx. 0.2 miles away); Votes for Women (approx. 0.2 miles away); Unity Hall (approx. ¼ mile away); Dr. Mae Jemison (approx. 0.3 miles away); John “Jack” Johnson (approx. 0.4 miles away); Corneal Davis (approx. 0.4 miles away); Margaret Goss Burroughs (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Regarding Sidney A. Kent House. Sidney Kent was born and died in Suffield, Conn., but he spent most of his adult life as a prominent businessman in Chicago, where he was active as an investor, as a member of the Chicago Board of Trade, and as a board member for many banks. He died in 1900 and is buried in the Bronx. John Gates, who also lived here, died in Paris at age 56 and is buried in New York City.

The home also, between 1913 and 1926, served as a campus for National Louis University. The school today is located in downtown Chicago.

Also see . . .
1. Southside Chicago Michigan Avenue hideaway: Burnham and Root's Sidney A. Kent House (1882). A photographic look at the home from Urban Remains Chicago. (Submitted on October 15, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. John Warne Gates: The Barbed Wire Tycoon and Oil Pioneer. The Texas State Historical Society looks at the life of John Warne Gates, who was born on the outskirts

Sidney A. Kent House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 11, 2025

2. Sidney A. Kent House

of Chicago and became a noted barbed wire salesman, oil tycoon and gambler.

Excerpt: "Early in 1911, ill with kidney ailments and diabetes, Gates developed a malignant growth in his throat. He went to France in July, but doctors operated too late. He died on August 9, 1911. His funeral in the grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel in New York City was conducted by Rev. Wallace McMullen of Madison Avenue Episcopal Church and Rev. J. W. LaGrone of Port Arthur. Flags in Port Arthur and on the Texas Company vessels flew at half mast, and crepe was displayed on the locked doors of other Gates interests. Gates left his fortune to his wife, their son, and selected others. His charity contributions included Mary Gates Memorial Hospital in Port Arthur and St. Charles Home for Boys. Mrs. Gates later gave funds to establish Gates Memorial Library in Port Arthur, the forerunner of Lamar University at Port Arthur."

(Submitted on October 15, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 11, 2025

3. Sidney A. Kent House

John Warne “Bet A Million” Gates (1855-1911) image. Click for full size.

Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)

4. John Warne “Bet A Million” Gates (1855-1911)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 15, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.