Lincoln Park’s luxury mansions are often constructed at the expense of the neighborhood’s dwindling supply of 19th century workers cottages. However, this notable Fremont Street property offers all the features of a modern home behind the historic masonry facade of a quintessentially Chicago style structure. The unique North Side residence listed this month for $2.9 million and went under contract in just 8 days.

Known as the Martin Schnitzius Cottage, the original structure was designed by architects Bettinghofer & Hermann in 1892 and “exemplifies, at a very high quality of design, craftsmanship, and historic physical integrity, the importance of such small-scale residential buildings to the history of Chicago’s working- and middle-class neighborhoods,” said a 2012 City of Chicago landmark report.


In 2017, the once-humble cottage underwent a full custom overhaul overseen by Foster Design Build. The result is essentially a new four-bedroom home that preserves the historic street-facing facade of the rare cottage.


“The property has the highest quality finishes and all the modern amenities,” said agent Karen Iantorno of Dawn McKenna Group Chicago, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury. “The build-out added smart home features and the basement was dug out to create a luxurious lower level with radiant heated floors and high ceilings.”

Given the property’s unique blend of historic architecture, modern convenience, and a desirable Lincoln Park location, it’s perhaps not surprising that the $2.9 million listing lined up a buyer in little over a week after hitting the market. The actual sale price, however, will be made available if and when the deal closes.