You’ve probably seen it. If you’ve walked through Lincoln Park, specifically that quiet, leafy stretch of Burling Street, it’s impossible to miss. It isn't just a house. It’s a statement. Most people call it the "Burling Mansion," but the official address is 1932 Burling St Chicago IL. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop walking, tilt your head, and wonder who on earth actually lives like that.
It’s massive.
Honestly, calling it a house feels like a bit of an understatement. We’re talking about a 25,000-square-foot limestone behemoth that sits on eight city lots. In a neighborhood where people fight over a single extra foot of side-yard space, owning eight lots is basically the real estate equivalent of wearing a crown in public.
But here’s the thing: 1932 Burling St Chicago IL isn't just famous because it’s big. It’s famous because it represents a specific era of Chicago wealth that feels both legendary and, frankly, a little bit untouchable.
The Reality Behind the Limestone Walls
When Richard and Michele Parrillo decided to build this place, they weren't looking for a "fixer-upper" or a standard luxury build. They spent years—and roughly $65 million—crafting something that looks like it was plucked out of a French countryside and dropped into the middle of the 60614 zip code.
The architecture is strictly Beaux-Arts.
If you aren't a total nerd for architecture, that basically means it’s heavy on symmetry, grand arches, and enough French limestone to make a quarryman retire early. It’s got that "Old World" vibe that stands in total contrast to the glass-and-steel modern boxes popping up everywhere else in the city.
What’s actually inside?
People speculate wildly about the interior, but the records tell a pretty specific story. There are six bedrooms. That sounds like a normal amount for a big house, right? Well, then you realize there are 11 full bathrooms.
Eleven.
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You could spend a week there and never use the same toilet twice.
The house also features a 5,000-bottle wine cellar, which is curated with a level of precision that would make a Michelin-star sommelier sweat. Then there’s the "pavilion"—a separate space designed specifically for entertaining. It’s got a terrace that overlooks some of the most meticulously manicured gardens in the Midwest. We aren't talking about a few hostas and some mulch. These are formal gardens inspired by the grounds of Versailles, featuring fountains and paths that look like they require a full-time staff just to prune the hedges.
Why 1932 Burling St Chicago IL Keeps Hitting the News
The house isn't just a local landmark; it’s a fixture in the "most expensive" lists. It first hit the market years ago with an asking price of $50 million.
People gasped.
Then it sat. Then the price shifted. Then it sat some more.
This is where the nuance of the Chicago ultra-luxury market comes into play. When you’re dealing with a property like 1932 Burling St Chicago IL, you aren't looking for a buyer who wants a "nice house." You’re looking for one of the few dozen people on the planet who want this specific level of grandeur in the Midwest rather than, say, a penthouse in Manhattan or a villa in Malibu.
Real estate experts like Matt Laricy or the teams at @properties often discuss the "trophy property" phenomenon. These homes don't follow the standard rules of "comps" (comparable sales). You can't compare 1932 Burling to the five-bedroom down the street because the five-bedroom down the street doesn't have a custom-wrought iron grand staircase that cost more than most people's entire mortgages.
The "Burling Corridor" context
It’s worth noting that Burling Street itself is a bit of an anomaly. It’s often referred to as "Billionaire’s Row."
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- It’s tucked away from the noise of Clark Street.
- The lots are deeper than average.
- The neighbors include titans of industry, tech moguls, and philanthropists.
Living at 1932 Burling St Chicago IL means you’re part of an ecosystem where privacy is the ultimate currency. The house is built to be a fortress of luxury. You’ve got high walls, sophisticated security, and a layout that ensures nobody is peeking in through the kitchen window while you’re eating your cereal.
The Design Philosophy: Love it or Hate it?
If you talk to architectural critics, you’ll get two very different stories about this place.
Some see it as a masterpiece of craftsmanship. They point to the hand-carved details, the quality of the limestone, and the way it anchors the neighborhood with a sense of permanence. It’s a throwback to the Gilded Age, reminiscent of the Potter Palmer mansion or the historic estates of the Gold Coast.
Others? They think it’s a bit much.
In a city known for the Chicago School of architecture and pioneers like Louis Sullivan or Frank Lloyd Wright, a French-inspired palace can feel slightly out of place to the purists. But honestly, when you’re the one writing the checks for an eight-lot assembly in Lincoln Park, you get to decide what "in place" looks like.
A Lesson in Real Estate Patience
The saga of the listing price for 1932 Burling St Chicago IL is basically a masterclass in the high-end market's volatility.
The price has fluctuated. It started at $50 million, dropped to $45 million, and has been on and off the market as the owners wait for the right "unicorn" buyer. This highlights a reality about Chicago: while our luxury market is strong, it doesn't always have the "flash" of the coasts. A $45 million home in LA sells because a tech founder wants a party pad. A $45 million home in Chicago sells because a family intends to stay there for thirty years.
It’s a different kind of wealth. It’s quieter. It’s more deliberate.
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What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common rumor that the house is "empty" or just a tax write-off. That’s not really the vibe. The Parrillos built this as a home. It was designed for their lifestyle—one involving grand events, family gatherings, and a genuine appreciation for classical aesthetics.
Another misconception is that it’s the "biggest" house in Chicago. While it’s certainly one of the largest single-family homes, there are some suburban estates in places like Lake Forest or Barrington that might give it a run for its money in terms of pure acreage. However, within the city limits, 1932 Burling St Chicago IL is essentially the heavyweight champion.
The Practical Side of 1932 Burling St Chicago IL
If you’re ever lucky enough to walk past during the holidays or in the peak of summer, take a look at the landscaping. The way the greenery interacts with the stone is actually a great lesson for anyone interested in urban gardening.
- Vertical Interest: They use heights perfectly to create privacy without needing a literal wooden fence.
- Symmetry: Even if you don't live in a mansion, the symmetrical planting style used here can make a small Chicago "postage stamp" backyard look way more expensive.
- Material Choice: Using light-colored stone (like that limestone) helps reflect light, making even a shaded street feel brighter.
The property also pays a staggering amount in property taxes. We are talking hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. That money goes back into the city's coffers, supporting local schools and infrastructure, which is the often-overlooked side of having ultra-wealthy residents in a neighborhood.
How to See It (Respectfully)
You can't just walk in, obviously. It’s a private residence.
However, if you want to see the "Burling Mansion" for yourself, the best way is a simple architectural walk.
Start at the intersection of Armitage and Burling. Walk north. You’ll pass some incredible homes, but when you hit the 1900 block, you’ll feel the shift. The scale changes. The air feels a bit more "Gold Coast." 1932 Burling St Chicago IL sits there as the anchor of the block.
Don't be the person taking photos on the doorstep—that’s weird. But viewing it from across the street gives you a real sense of the scale and the sheer ambition it took to assemble that much land in one of the most densely populated cities in America.
Actionable Takeaways for the Curious
If you’re fascinated by 1932 Burling St Chicago IL, there are a few things you can do to dive deeper into the world of Chicago’s "Mega-Mansions."
- Check the Cook County Assessor records: It’s public info. You can see the actual tax history and the exact square footage of the lots. It’s a reality check on what it costs to own a "trophy."
- Follow Luxury Brokers: Keep an eye on the digital portfolios of brokers like Jameson Sotheby’s or Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. They often post high-res video tours of similar (though usually smaller) properties that give you a sense of the finishes used in these builds.
- Read "The Insiders": Look into the history of the Parrillo family and their impact on Chicago business. Understanding the people behind the house often explains the "why" of the architecture.
- Walk the "Mansion Loop": Don't just stop at Burling. Head over to Orchard Street and Howe Street. You’ll see the evolution of Lincoln Park from a working-class neighborhood to an area with some of the most expensive dirt in the world.
Whether you think it’s a beautiful monument to success or an over-the-top display of excess, 1932 Burling St Chicago IL isn't going anywhere. It’s a permanent part of the Chicago skyline—well, the low-rise skyline, anyway. It remains a testament to the fact that in Chicago, if you have the vision (and the bank account), you can truly build anything.