Chicago Home Demolished for $7.2M McMansion Sparks Outrage

A historic Queen Anne-style home in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood has been demolished to make way for a $7.2 million mansion, drawing criticism from local residents who deem the new structure a "cookie-cutter" imitation.

The two-toned brick house at 2018 North Seminary Avenue was razed in June, making way for a three-story limestone home featuring tall, narrow windows, a design some compare to the fictional home of Tony Soprano.

Online reactions expressed dismay, with one user stating, "Depressing. More rich people with bad taste and no love of the rich history of architecture of Chicago." Another noted that the renderings appeared to be identical to other properties listed by the same agency, suggesting a repetitive construction pattern.

Rendering of the new build show a limestone home with modern mixing, completely different from the older buildings surrounding it. The planned residence includes seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, an attached breezeway, a three-car garage, and a roof deck. According to the building permit, the new construction was exempt from a landmark review.

The original home was classified under Chicago's 'orange' category in a 1995 survey, indicating it held some historical significance. However, this designation was reportedly released in March, permitting the demolition and subsequent construction to proceed.

Listing agents described the property as "architecturally significant" in its listing, noting that the final appearance might vary based on the seller's choices. The home is currently listed for $7.2 million and boasts amenities such as Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, which the listing claims are "rarely found in the city."