Stunning c.1905 Illinois Home For Sale With Original Elements $60K – The Barr House
OHU50K Notes $75,000 Reduced to $60,000
Built in 1905 with bricks from the owner’s clay brick company, this Illinois home for sale with six bedrooms and three baths deserves a buyer with the time and money to make this beauty shine again. So many wonderful original elements!
Realtor Comments
Step into a piece of history with the distinguished Barr family residence, an architectural gem brimming with potential and timeless character. Spanning approximately 3, 500 square feet, this 2-story grand home proudly showcases much of its original craftsmanship, including intricate woodwork, solid wood doors, built-ins, hardwood flooring, stained glass, and countless details that speak to its rich past. A commanding full brick exterior and an expansive wrap-around front porch offer striking curb appeal, while inside, you’ll find 6 spacious bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a large kitchen, a formal dining room, an elegant sitting room, a cozy family room with a fireplace, and a full basement with tall ceilings and exterior access. With its unique charm and intact features, this one-of-a-kind mansion is ready to be restored and brought back to greatness once-again. Experience the history and potential for yourself!
- 6 bed
- 3 bath
- Build date 1905
314 S Monroe St, Streator, IL 61364 $75,000 reduced to $60,000
- Contact Realtor: Patrick Chismarick
- Google Map
- Niche
Family History
This was the home of Cary Barr (1851-1931) and his wife Mary Urban Barr (1852-1914). The couple married in 1878. They had no children but lived in the home with a servant.
“Cary Barr was born in White Co., Indiana. He came to Streator when he was 41, attracted by the railroads which were here. He invested in the clay deposits and acquired 100 acres of land in the south part of town. He went on to produce building and paving bricks of high quality. He saw the future for the use of paving bricks as the automobile came into the transportation scene.
Barr Clay Company began in 1892 and continued as such until 1923. Some of the structures made with Barr brick included the Civic Opera House and Palmer House Hotel in Chicago. Some bricks were shipped to Panama to be used in connection with the building of the Panama Canal. Many streets in Streator were paved with Barr bricks. Some streets still remain. His early interest in railroads led to his involvement in Streator’s streetcar system. He was a Trustee of Riverview Cemetery Association. Funds were acquired from a bequest by him to build the Mary Urban Barr Memorial Building at Riverview Cemetery in memory of his wife.” – Per Find-A-Grave
-Riverview Cemetery: A self guided tour, 2nd ed. p 13.
His home was built of the brick manufactured from his company.
Pros
1. Affordable Cost of Living
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Overall cost of living is ~14% below U.S. average, with housing nearly 50% lower
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Median home price hovers between $69 K–$100 K; median rent around $563–$779 .
2. Small‑Town Community & Historic Charm
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Friendly and close-knit community praised by residents
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Downtown features historic buildings, 17+ murals, family-owned eateries, and a revitalizing main street
3. Safety & Low Crime
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Violent crime rate (~106 per 100k) and property crime significantly below national averages
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AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout rank it well compared to similar-sized towns
4. Parks, Recreation & Events
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Multiple parks (City Park, Spring Lake Park), golf course, Vermilion River access plus proximity (~23 mi) to Starved Rock
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Hosts annual festivals, art programs, theater, food truck events, and farmers markets
5. Stable Local Employers
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Key employers include Vactor, Owens-Illinois, U.S. Foodservice—centered around manufacturing
Cons
1. Limited Job Market & Lower Income
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Employment opportunities are scarce; unemployment (~8.6%) is above state average
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Per capita and household incomes lag behind Illinois averages
2. Fewer Amenities & Retail Options
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Residents note a lack of entertainment, shops, and restaurants – especially after-hours
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Many daily needs require driving to nearby Ottawa or Peru.
3. Education & School Performance
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Public schools receive mixed reviews; lower standardized test scores and ratings
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Niche grades schools as average‑below average (C+)
4. Older Infrastructure & Services
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Some residents report underperforming healthcare, potholes/roads, and limited public transit
5. Mixed Perceptions on Crime
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While crime statistics are low, perceptions vary; 67% of locals surveyed by AreaVibes say they feel unsafe at night
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Niche reviews mention drug issues and occasional violence
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