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

Allan Miller House

John Van Bergen, architect; 1916

— Chicago Landmark —

Allan Miller House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 17, 2026

1. Allan Miller House Marker

Inscription. This house is an excellent example of Prairie-style architecture, which evokes the imagery of the midwestern prairie through its horizontal form and integration with the landscape. It is the city's only surviving building designed by John Van Bergen, a former member of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture firm. Allan Miller, an advertising firm executive, commissioned the house.

Designated on December 1, 1993
Richard M. Daley, Mayor

Erected by Commission on Chicago Landmarks, City of Chicago.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.

Location. 41° 45.931′ N, 87° 34.277′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in South Shore. It is on South Paxton Avenue south of East 71st Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker is embedded into the grass near the home's driveway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7121 South Paxton Avenue, Chicago IL 60649, United States

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of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Chicago’s South Side. It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in 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 of this marker: South Shore Cultural Center (approx. 0.4 miles away); South Shore Nature Sanctuary (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named South Shore Nature Sanctuary (approx. 0.6 miles away); Jackson Park Highlands (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Jackson Park Highlands (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Jackson Park Highlands (approx. 0.7 miles away); a different marker also named Jackson Park Highlands (approx. 0.7 miles away); a different marker also named Jackson Park Highlands (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. When spotted

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 17, 2026

2. Allan Miller House Marker

during an October 2026 visit, a good portion of the marker was covered by grass, which made it hard to read.

Regarding Allan Miller House. John Van Bergen was born and raised in Oak Park, a suburb to the west of Chicago, where Frank Lloyd Wright had set up his studio in 1889. While Van Bergen's homes are rare in Chicago, he is responsible for many in the suburbs, first in Oak Park and River Forest to the west and later on the North Shore. In the 1950s, he and his wife moved to Santa Barbara, California, where he continued his architectural work. In 1964, his home was destroyed by wildfires, and nearly all of the drawings and records from his career were lost. He died in 1969 in California.

Also see . . .
1. John Van Bergen (1885-1969). A biography by the Highland Park Historical Society. Van Bergen moved to that North Shore community after World War I and stayed there until moving to California in the 1950s.

Excerpt: "Unlike many important architects, Van Bergen is not known for designing mansions or tall buildings. Instead his best works are schools and a series of modestly sized, single family homes. His work shows
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 17, 2026

3. Allan Miller House
that brilliant, innovative design can accompany affordability and livability. His excellent sense of proportion and use of stratified stonework resulted in structures, which are so visually striking that they are often mistaken for the work of better known Prairie architects. The importance of Van Bergen’s work is just beginning to be appreciated and Highland Park is fortunate to have so many good examples of his mature style."

(Submitted on October 19, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. Allan and Helen Miller Residence - 1915. A history of the home.

Excerpt: "Allan Miller (1181 - 1984) and his wife Helen Reeves Miller (1184 - 1973) were both born in Aurora, Illinois. They met and were married in Chicago. The Millers had two daughters, Marian and Ruth Ruggles who grew up in the house. The family moved away in 1923, after Mr. Miller died in a hunting accident. The lot for this house was chosen by Mrs. Miller because she liked the large golden willow tree at the back of the property. The house was one of the first in this south side Chicago neighborhood, just south of Jackson Park and 71st Street."

(Submitted on October 19, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 19, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.