The Kenison House, located at 4705 Prince Street (formerly 117 Prince Street) in Downers Grove, is a significant example of Second Empire architecture, immediately recognizable by its defining mansard roof. Built in 1891 by E. H. Prince, its primary historic significance comes from its architectural distinction as a “Second Empire” style home. The Kenison House is the first documented “Second Empire” home approved by the Historic Home Program. To put “Second Empire” into historical context:

From Wikipedia:  “Second Empire” architecture is of French origin developed from Paris’s urban rebuilding under Emperor Napoleon III (the “Second Empire” in France). It was adopted by American architects and became a symbol of modern sophistication, especially popular after the American Civil War.”

The house is named for the Kenison family whose residency spanned a remarkable 77 years, from 1892 to 1969. The generations of Kennisons began with T. H. Kenison and continued with Dr. Sameul J. Kenison, a chiropodist.

For those interested, the house is pictured and described on page 23 of the Downers Grove Architectural and Historical Survey commissioned by the village of Downers Grove in 2013. See here to access the document.

Special thanks to Jeffrey and Dana Gross who researched their home and applied for the Historic Home Program status in 2025. The Grosses received their initial information about how to apply for the Historic Home Program status after attending the Downers Grove Historical Society’s “Preserving Your Home and Its History” presentation held at the local Alter Brewing. There they learned “where to begin” researching the fascinating history of their home.

See the Historic Home Program application for The Kenison House here

Research Assistant Felicia Camacho