30 Aug sound the alarm? big jim o’leary’s mansion is boarded up and abandoned.

the o’leary mansion, distinguished by its red sandstone and brownstone façade, stands at 726 w. garfield boulevard in chicago, illinois. designed by prominent chicago architect zachary taylor davis—best known for wrigley field and comiskey park—it was completed in 1901, though some property records and historical databases point to foundations or early plans dating to 1890. the mansion is an imposing example of renaissance revival design, featuring an oval œil-de-bœuf window, balanced composition, intricate stonework, and corner finials.

the estate was built for james “big jim” o’leary, a prominent south side gambling figure and son of catherine o’leary, who was famously—and wrongly—blamed for the great chicago fire of 1871 after her cow was said to have kicked over a lantern.

reflecting the family’s connection to fire, the 33-room mansion featured unusual safeguards, including two large walk-in vaults and a dedicated property fire hydrant.

“big jim” o’leary’s well-known saloon and gambling resort at 4183 s. halsted street stood near 41st street in canaryville, across from the old union stock yards. the lavish gambling destination was destroyed in 1934 when a major fire swept through the union stock yards area and burned eight city blocks. james “big jim” o’leary, son of catherine o’leary of great chicago fire lore, later became a powerful gambling boss and political figure in chicago.

images courtsy of eric john nordstrom and the bld. 51 archive. all rights reserved. 2026.