'French House' Sold For Less Than $600K

CHICAGO, IL - The historic "French House" that was built for the original secretary and director of the Art Institute of Chicago was sold earlier this month, according to a report from Crain's Chicago. The 19th century home that last changed hands in 2002 went for $581,000, lower than the $785,000 that sellers Ophelia Guillermo and Elvis Deanes paid for it 16 years ago.

The home at 9203 S. Pleasant Ave. in what locals refer to as "North Beverly" was built for William M.R. French, who was director at the Art Institute from 1879 to 1914. The five-story colonial house is a city landmark, complete with a brown historic sign on the property near the street.

French's brother, Daniel Chester French, sculpted the home's fireplace mantel, Crain's reported in their story. He's known most by historians as the one who sculpted the statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Since 2002, the most recent owners updated the kitchen, replaced the roof and had other improvements completed as well. ALSO ON PATCH: Historically Significant 'French House' Has Updated Features

The property was sold on Jan. 11, but the buyers have yet to be publicly listed.

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Photo via Realtor.com