Old Irving Park in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

John and Clara Merchant House

George E. Woodward, architect; circa 1872

— Chicago Landmark —

John and Clara Merchant House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 9, 2026

1. John and Clara Merchant House Marker

Inscription. The John and Clara Merchant House is a handsome Second Empire-style building and an early example of "pattern book architecture"—building designs sold by mail-order. The house is noteworthy for its high-profile mansard roof and original detailing, including its oversized window hoods, finely-carved cornice and window brackets. Located near rail lines, the Merchant House represents the Irving Park neighborhood's development as an early "railroad suburb" of Chicago.

Designated on October 8, 2008
Richard M. Daley, Mayor

Erected by Commission on Chicago Landmarks, City of Chicago.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.

Location. 41° 57.088′ N, 87° 44.29′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Old Irving Park. It is on North Kostner Avenue south of West Byron Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is embedded into the ground in front of the home. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3854 North Kostner Avenue, Chicago IL 60641, 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 2 miles of this marker

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, measured as the crow flies: Stephen A. Race House (approx. ¼ mile away); Charles N. Loucks House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Carl Schurz High School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Villa District (approx. 0.8 miles away); Florsheim Shoe Company Building (approx. one mile away); Henry V. Peters House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.2 miles away); Portage Park (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Regarding John and Clara Merchant House. Clara Merchant's father, John Gray, was a one-time Cook County sheriff who founded a settlement in Jefferson Township called Grayland, where this home is located. Before subdividing the land, Gray allotted land to his six children and their families, and in the summer of 1872, Clara and John Merchant, a salesman and former town clerk for Jefferson Township, were deeded 13 acres of land. This home is believed to have been completed that year.

Also see . . . Landmark Designation Report (PDF): John and Clara Merchant House.

Excerpt: “The Merchants needed a substantial-sized house for their growing household. Their first child was born in 1860, but by 1872 there were six surviving children in the family; they had ten children all together. John and Clara Merchant opted
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 9, 2026

2. John and Clara Merchant House
to use Design No. 2, a Second Empire-style 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.”

(Submitted on March 14, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 14, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.