Chicago’s Harriet Rees House Moving Down the Block
Chicago WGN news reports the Historic Harriet Rees House is moving down the block. The landmark house is moving to make way for Mayor Emanuel’s plan to build an entertainment district around McCormick Place.
The Landmark Harriet Rees House was built in 1888 and that makes her over 120 years old. She is being relocated from 2110 S Prairie Ave to one block down at 2107 S. Prairie Ave. Prairie Avenue used to be an affluent residential area where neighbors were the likes of Marshall Field.
According to reports on WGN: “The cost of the move is 56 million dollars! Per Historian Bill Tyre who has written about the house, it is important to preserve the Rees house since Chicago lost almost 90 mansions on Prairie Ave and only 7 remain today including the Harriet Rees House.”
Here she is packed up and starting the one block trip to her new address.
This is the spot where the house stood for 120 years.
The Harriet Rees House as it glides down the street. I think the house put on quite the show as residents looked out their windows.
This is the spot where the house will now stand. WGN reports the owner’s son Anthony calls this “Chicago style parallel parking.” Anthony said “The house is completely remodeled. It has all the original wood and has 9 gorgeous fireplaces. The house still has a Historic feel with big pocket doors.”
“Remote control is used to back the 762-ton mansion into its spot. They are going to “back it in, jack it down, and it will even have a full basement.”
Here’s a look at the Harriet Rees House before it was moved down the block.
I’ve seen houses being moved before, but not a tall mansion like this Rees House. The moving company did an amazing job and a landmark mansion has been saved for future generations to appreciate.
Photos: WGN News screenshot.
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