Historic Gilded Age Mansion That Once Housed the Scottish Rite Hits the Market on Chicago’s Gold Coast for $18.5 Million

One of Chicago's grandest Gilded Age mansions that is replete with extraordinary history has hit the market for $18.5 million, having spent more than 100 years serving as the stronghold of the Scottish Rite.

Built in 1888, the striking estate has since been renovated for modern living and lavish entertainment, but it still retains many of the lavish features that would not be out of place on the set of the hit HBO Max series about that glittering era.

The historic estate was among the first to define Chicago's ritzy Gold Coast neighborhood after the Great Chicago Fire. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the neighborhood is the equivalent of New York City's Upper East Side, and is filled with some of the city's poshest mansions, row houses, and high-rise apartments.

The stately Thomas House holds its own among the other grand residences in the area. It was designed in 1888 by Cobb & Frost, the renowned architects behind the Newberry Library and University of Chicago.

Constructed from solid red rock, the estate features a lavish, six-bedroom, seven-bathroom, three-story mansion, and an additional one-bedroom, one-bathroom carriage house above a three-car garage. Combined, the two structures total 13,400 square foot square feet of living space.

Nationally registered as a Historic Landmark, the mansion has a fascinating history. Originally built for an attorney by the name of John H. Thompson, for over a century it was owned by the Scottish Rite, a fraternal organization within the context of Freemasonry.

In 2009, James "Jimmy" Dremonas, founder of the Pete’s Fresh Market grocery chain, purchased the house from the Scottish Rite for $3.1 million, with the goal of restoring it for his wife and children. It had not been used as a family residence for over 100 years, so there was substantial work to be done.

It's estimated that Demonas spent around $7 million on the restoration, aimed at preserving its historic charm and as many original features as possible. The restoration took years, and by the time it was complete, the children were grown and gone, and the estate seemed too spacious for two people.

However, finding a buyer with lofty enough aspirations—and deep enough pockets—to take over stewardship of the home has proven to be something of a difficult task.

Dremonas first listed the mansion in 2018 for $21.9 million, and it has been on and off the market ever since. At one time the carriage house alone was listed for rent at $4,000 per month. Its current $18.5 million asking price comes out at about $1,380 per square foot.

It's widely acknowledged that Dremonas did a spectacular job on the renovation, carefully blending 19th-century grandeur with modern luxury. Among the beautifully restored original features are a mosaic floor, custom millwork, hand-carved marble fireplaces from Italy, and custom stained glass.

Throughout the home, there are exquisite wood elements that hearken back to the original features, including custom beams, doors and trim, made from solid Honduras mahogany. The staircase, also hand-crafted from Honduras mahogany, was inspired by the mansion's original balusters.

Unobtrusive modern features include an elevator servicing all three levels, state of the art HVAC system, an integrated audio system, and full smart home capabilities.

The home is entered through a grand foyer, paneled and coffered with Honduras mahogany, and full of hand-crafted columns, custom stained glass windows and doors, marble floors imported from Turkey, and one of several hand-carved marble fireplaces.

The foyer leads to a massive great room with a Swarovski crystal chandelier, a hand-carved, book-matched onyx fireplace from Pakistan, more mahogany woodwork with in-wall cabinetry, silk wall coverings, and marble flooring.

The main floor also includes a spacious kitchen overlooking a walled and covered courtyard with fountains, dining space, and a fireplace. The kitchen area is extremely spacious, featuring two dining areas, high-end appliances, a large dining and prep island, all surrounded by custom cabinetry.

The second level is punctuated by an impressive library with more ornate woodwork and a spectacular crystal chandelier.

In addition, the primary suite is located on the second floor. It's highlighted by a wet bar and a luxurious bath, and a screened in, three-season porch. An en-suite office or second bedroom is also located on the second floor.

Three additional bedrooms and a relaxing sitting room are located on the top floor.

But it's the lower level that truly dazzles. Designed for relaxation and entertainment, it features two luxe lounge areas, a paneled, gentleman's pub room with an ornate bar on one side, and an extensive in-wall wine display on the other.

There's also a lavish media area with a hand-carved Italian Botticino marble fireplace and marble floors with bronze inlay.

Then there's the spa, which puts those in most upscale health clubs to shame. Among its highlights are a sizable sauna and jacuzzi, a "steam suite," spa dressing rooms, a massage room and a "zen" room. A Murano glass mural with an integrated waterfall and glass-blown ceilings add unique artistic elements to the space.

The carriage house is equally well appointed., with more custom wood paneling, vaulted ceilings, wood floors, and an open kitchen with a large dining island and marble countertops.

Gold Coast denizens have been driving by the Thompson House and wondering about it for generations. Today it has a substantial social media following.

"One of the first posts I’ve seen where the owner did an impeccable job in the restoration and decor," one fan wrote on Facebook. "The combo of making it appropriate for modern day while honoring the past is lovely."

"Definitely worth every penny!" another added, while a third remarked: "The wood!!!! Stunning."