Chicago police investigating Swift Mansion fire as arson; CFD battles hotspots

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police are conducting an arson investigation after a fire inside a historic South Side mansion Sunday.

The Chicago Fire Department returned to the scene of the Swift Mansion Monday morning after a hotspot reignited.

The Swift Mansion has been around since 1892 and it is rich with history.

The fire department said the fire broke out in a rear stairwell Sunday after 11 a.m. in the Swift Mansion located in the 4500-block of South Michigan Avenue.

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Built back in 1892, the original owners were connected to Chicago’s meatpacking industry. Later, it was home to several other families and then served as a funeral home.

The mansion was also once the headquarters for the Chicago Urban League, which is now next door, and the Inner City Youth and Adult Foundation.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 the building is now undergoing rehab work.

The greystone building is an icon in his community, 3rd ward Alderwoman Pat Dowell said the loss is extremely sad for Bronzeville.

Police officially classified the fire as arson. No one was injured and no one is in custody.