The Chicago Fire of 1871 burned for two full days and razed 3.3 square miles of Chicago, destroying countless homes and businesses—and leaving the city in ruins. Displaced by the fire, Chicago’s wealthiest families fled the city to pristine and clear Geneva Lake in nearby Wisconsin. Thus began a golden age of lakefront building. Grand mansions were constructed around the lake to accommodate Chicago’s captains of industry and their families. 

After the train ride from Chicago on what was known as the Millionaires’ Express, the 19th century residents arrived at their lakefront mansions via private steam yacht. From their piers, they would continue on to the expansive front entry porches of their estates.

Very few of these original mansions are still standing. Glen Arden II will be a connection to this treasured past in a community that is built on its glorious history.