Near South Side in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
John J. Glessner House
Henry Hobson Richardson, Architect
| — | 1887 | — |
October 19, 2013
1. John J. Glessner House Marker
Erected by Commission on Chicago Historical and Architectural Landmarks.
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.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 41° 51.464′ N, 87° 37.254′ W. Marker was in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It was in the Near South Side. It was at the intersection of South Prairie Avenue and East 18th Street, on the right when traveling south on South Prairie Avenue. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1800 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in the American Midwest. Globally,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: John J. and Frances M. Glessner House (here, next to this marker); Outside the District (a few steps from this marker); A Heritage Preserved (a few steps from this marker); Lost Houses of Prairie Avenue: 1600-1700 Blocks (a few steps from this marker); Prairie Avenue Historic District (a few steps from this marker); Beginnings 1812-1871 (within shouting distance of this marker); Lost Houses of Prairie Avenue: 1800-1900 Blocks (East Side) (within shouting distance of this marker); George Pullman (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
More about this marker. This marker has been replaced by a newer one that includes John Glessner’s wife Frances in the title of the building. The text of the new marker is otherwise
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 5, 2012
2. John J. Glessner House Marker
& National Historic Landmark Plaque
& National Historic Landmark Plaque
Has been designated a
National Historic
Landmark
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior
October 19, 2013
3. John J. Glessner House
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 5, 2012
4. John J. Glessner House Romanesque Door
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 29, 2015
5. H. H. Richardson
This 1886 painting of H. H. Richardson by Hubert von Herkomer hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC.
“Born St. James Parish, Louisiana, Trained in Paris at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Henry Hobson Richardson became America's leading architect in the late 1800s. He designed a wide range of structures, including churches, railroad stations, department stores, courthouses, libraries, and private homes. Best known today for Trinity Church in Boston, Massachusetts, Richardson fused the Romanesque style of medieval France with the picturesque style popular in England and the United States. In this portrait, British artist Hubert von Herkomer found his sitter's girth, accentuated by the rounded pitcher in the background, an ideal metaphor for his character. During the sittings, Herkomer noted that Richardson was 'as solid in his friendship as in his figure. Big-bodied, big-hearted, large-minded, fullbrained, loving as he is pugnacious.' This painting remained in the subject's family until its acquisition by the National Portrait Gallery in 2009.” — National Portrait Gallery
“Born St. James Parish, Louisiana, Trained in Paris at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Henry Hobson Richardson became America's leading architect in the late 1800s. He designed a wide range of structures, including churches, railroad stations, department stores, courthouses, libraries, and private homes. Best known today for Trinity Church in Boston, Massachusetts, Richardson fused the Romanesque style of medieval France with the picturesque style popular in England and the United States. In this portrait, British artist Hubert von Herkomer found his sitter's girth, accentuated by the rounded pitcher in the background, an ideal metaphor for his character. During the sittings, Herkomer noted that Richardson was 'as solid in his friendship as in his figure. Big-bodied, big-hearted, large-minded, fullbrained, loving as he is pugnacious.' This painting remained in the subject's family until its acquisition by the National Portrait Gallery in 2009.” — National Portrait Gallery
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 14, 2026
6. John J. and Frances M. Glessner House
The pedestal housing the plaque is visible in the background (just in front of the deliveryman). The original plaque has been replaced by a newer one that includes John Glessner's wife Francis in the name of the building.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2013. This page has been viewed 889 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 21, 2013. 2. submitted on November 24, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3. submitted on October 21, 2013. 4, 5. submitted on November 24, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6. submitted on August 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.
