The house was built in 1896 by Adolph Cudell and Arthur Hercz for brewer Francis J. Dewes.

[2] The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 14, 1973 and designated a Chicago Landmark on June 12, 1974.

A pair of Chicago Landmark plaques for each home can be found on a pedestal in front of the Francis J. Dewes house.

[5][6] Past owners and residents include Chuck Renslow and Dom Orejudos, the latter of whom housed his art studio on the third floor.

[7][8][9] Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley invited Renslow to a 1974 ceremony to celebrate the building's landmark designation.