Background
Francis M. Whitehouse was born in 1848 in New York, United States.
Francis M. Whitehouse was born in 1848 in New York, United States.
Seeking work as draftsman in that city, Mr. Whitehouse obtained a position with Architect Edward Burling, and a few years later became junior partner in the firm of Burling & Whitehouse. In that position he was largely responsible for the design of the Epiphany Episcopal Church, Adams Street and Ashland Avenue, built in 1885; the first National Bank Building, Dearborn and Monroe Streets; the Yerkes House; a re-modelling of the Cudahy residence at 23rd Street and Michigan Ave. for use as Hotel; and finally, Choral Hall, built prior to 1893 at the World’s Columbian Exposition of that year.
Withdrawing from the partnership in 1889, Mr. Whitehouse carried on work alone a few years, turning his attention to domestic architecture, and in that field of design his contribution to the finer types of residence work was outstanding. Distinctive among the mansion-type homes on Lake Shore Drive were three built from his designs between Burton Place and Division Street for his clients, General McClurg, Barbara Armour and Colonel Loomis, and others for equally prominent Chicago families. While still in the prime of life Mr. Whitehouse retired from practice in 1893.