Cornell, a successful lawyer, businessman and real estate speculator, purchased  of Lake Michigan lakefront land between 51st and 55th Streets in Hyde Park Township (six miles south of  downtown Chicago). The land was also adjacent to the Illinois Central Railroad.
Cornell, a successful attorney, entrepreneur, and real estate investor, purchased land along Lake Michigan's shore between 51st and 55th Streets in Hyde Park Township, six miles south of downtown Chicago. This property was situated near the Illinois Central Railroad.