Building History

The Swift house was built in 1892 or 1893 during the period leading to the Columbian Exposition when the south side of Chicago was experiencing a rapid expansion.  The new Chicago World's Fair promised to bring heightened attention to the growing metropolis and a swell of activity; cultural and economic to the area.  Many large dwellings were built along major boulevards between the sites of the Exposition buildings for a prosperous merchant class eager for positions of prominence amid the new built environment. This profusion of residential design was significant arena for the leading architects of the day.

The first owners were Mr. and Mrs. Edward Morris.  Mrs. Morris was the daughter of the late Gustavus F. Swift, founder of the Swift and Company.  Mr. Morris was the president and treasurer of Morris and Company, one of the three leading meat packers in the world along with Armour and Swift.  The residence is noteworthy as the home of immediate family members of two of the most prominent families in Chicago society, who took an active role in the city's business and cultural affairs.  Upon his death Mr. Morris left an estate worth in excess of $40 million.

The style of the dwelling is Richardsonian in that it exhibits a massive stone exterior combining large curved and cylindrical forms with castle-like motifs reminiscent of H.H. Richardson, a celebrated architect of the period.  Richardson's Glessner house is a similar example, located close by on South Prairie Avenue.  The interior of the main building remains virtually unchanged from the original layout and design.  It features large parlour rooms on the first floor and a large open stairwell leading to the second and third floors.  The entry, first floor parlours and the stairwell contain a number of original wood mantels and built in shelves as well as an extensive array of woodwork and paneling from the initial construct.

The design, however, is believed to be the work of an architect other than Richardson, possibly Willett & Pashley, another of the successful and well-known firms at that time, and one which was particularly productive in the area.  The coach house section (west) was constructed around 1917 in a style closely sympathetic to the main structure, but with smaller stonework.  This portion of the property has undergone several alterations to render the interior usable as offices and classrooms.

Prior to its current use, the house has served as a residence for several owners over the years and as a funeral home.  It was designated a landmark building on the National Register of Historic Places in 1968 and as an Illinois Historic Structure in 1972.