Tucked away on Calumet Avenue in the Historic Prairie Avenue District is the Wheeler-Kohn Mansion. I stumbled across this hideaway while speed walking one morning. Passing the Army National Guard Chicago armory and some newly built townhouses, the mansion suddenly appeared, existing since 1870, so out of place in the 21st century. I stopped dead. I couldn't believe the house was still there. It was truly breathtaking! Designated a Chicago Landmark on February 5, 1998 the Wheeler-Kohn Mansion is now a bed and breakfast owned by Historic Real Estate. Boasting over 10,000 square feet of usable space, the old house has quite a history dating back to before the Great Chicago Fire. It once was occupied by a publishing company and a distribution warehouse before it was purchased by its current owner in 1997. Calvin T. Wheeler, former banker and President of the Chicago Board of Trade, recruited Otis Wheelock to design the Second Empire style home in the mid-1880's. This is truly a treasure sitting in the midst of Chicago, the architectural giant of the world. Anyone visiting Chicago should take time to visit or spend a night at the mansion at 2018 S. Calument Avenue.
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