Hansen House Mansion

By: Jon Andersh

For the second year in a row, The Centennial Houses of Lincoln Park has donated a one-night stay in their Hansen House Mansion.

One of Chicago’s premiere bed and breakfast destinations, The Hansen House Mansion is a Victorian home nestled on a quiet yet convenient street, steps from the south end of Lincoln Park and the north side of Old Town.

In 1886, architect Harald M. Hansen designed and built a row of townhouses along the north side of West Eugenie St., and chose to live in Number 164. Once known as “Pill Row” due to the large number of doctors living and working in the Hansen homes, it now retains only five of the original twelve due to “modernization” movements.

Fortunately, The Hansen House Mansion stands as one of these originals, and is in much the same, exquisite state as it was during the 19th century, as Hansen’s daughter lived in and kept up her father’s home until 1960.

Now labeled a Historically Significant Building, the home’s door is open to guests throughout the year, many or whom have chosen to return multiple times.  The Hansen House has also been utilized in many television shows, documentaries, and photo shoots due to its accurate representation of Victorian life and architecture.

The home’s Parlour Suite, featuring a kitchenette, rooftop deck, and two separate bedrooms, encompasses the house’s top floor. The Architect Quarters, the larger room on the second floor, has original ornate woodwork and stained glass. Across the hall, the Celestial Chamber also contains many of the home’s original architectural and design elements. All rooms throughout the house are also furnished with 19th century antiques.

The Hansen House Mansion not only features the vintage charm associated with its Victorian heritage, but also features modern amenities such as central air, house-wide Wifi, and a fully functional kitchen featuring reproduction Victorian appliances to match the character of the original home.

In addition to their generous silent auction donation, Fran and her husband Quincy Stringham have offered discounts to CLHOF guests visiting Chicago for the Nov. 30 induction ceremony. Last year, several members of Harriet Monroe’s family utilized this offer and were treated not only to the splendid accommodations, but a spectacular brunch.

Jon Andersh is a Junior at DePaul University where he is majoring in English and minoring in Journalism.  He is currently interning with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame where he has spearheaded an effort to create a literary map of Chicago. Andersh is also traveling to London this upcoming fall to spend a semester at the University of Westminster where he will study British literature and travel writing.