Historic Chicago Bathhouse Transformed into Luxury Home

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A historic public bathhouse in Chicago built in the late 1800s has been transformed into a luxurious 9,740-square-foot home, now on the market for $5.75 million. The former Lincoln Public Bath features modern amenities like rainfall showers and smart toilets, while preserving original architectural details like exposed brick and classical pilasters that nod to its storied past.

Why it matters

This property represents the collision of Chicago's history and modernity, as one of only four remaining public bathhouses from the early 1900s that have been repurposed for residential use. It raises questions about the value of preserving historic structures and whether a multi-million dollar price tag is justified for a piece of the city's past, no matter how luxurious the modern transformation.

The details

The home sits on an oversized 62.5-by-125-foot lot, with much of the space dedicated to an outdoor patio area complete with a kitchen, bar, and mini basketball court. Inside, the 6-bedroom, 6-full and 2-half bath home features a 60-foot-long great room with double-height ceilings and massive windows, as well as a primary suite with a den, walk-in closet, fireplace, and sculptured soaking tub. The lower level includes two separate 2-bedroom, 2-living room suites, ideal for in-laws or guests.

• The Lincoln Public Bath was built between 1894 and 1920, when Chicago constructed dozens of public bathhouses to meet the hygiene needs of residents.
• The historic bathhouse-turned-home has been on and off the market since June, and was most recently relisted in January 2026 with a $5.75 million price tag.