John and Clara Merchant House

The John and Clara Merchant House is a handsome Second Empire-style building and an early example of ¿pattern book architecture," or building designs sold by mail-order. The house's design was published as "Design #2" in Woodward's National Architect. The house is noteworthy for its high-profile mansard roof and original detailing, including its oversized window hoods, finely-carved cornice and window brackets. Located near rail lines, the Merchant House represents the Irving Park neighborhood¿s development as an early ¿railroad suburb¿ of Chicago.