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Chicagoland mansion formerly owned by R. Kelly, Rudolph Isley, up for sale. See inside

​​​​​​​View Date:2024-12-23 16:02:41

A Chicagoland mansion formerly owned by R. Kelly and recovered by one of The Isley Brothers is up for sale.

The home is gargantuan, measuring more than 21,000 square-feet atop a 3.7 acre lot. It was listed in early January by Alex Wolking of Keller Williams ONEChicago for $3.5 million.

Its most recent owner, Rudolph Isley who sang on hit songs including "Shout," "It's Your Thing," and "This Old Heart of Mine," died in October 2023, leaving behind wife Elaine. Wolking declined to comment on why she is selling the home.

"It's a large house for a large personality," Wolking told USA TODAY in an interview.

More:A suburban Florida castle with fairy-tale flair: Go inside this distinct $1.22M home

Home foreclosed under R. Kelly ownership, renovated by Isleys

Located at 1 Maros Lane in Olympia Fields, the home was built by once-famed R&B singer, turned convicted sex offender, R. Kelly, Crain's Chicago Business reported. He bought the property in 1997 after "I Believe I Can Fly" became a hit song, but the property was foreclosed on in 2011, according to Crain's.

He was already being investigated for several allegations of sexual abuse against minors at that time. According to CNN, the home was also the site of Kelly's studio called the "Chocolate Factory" from 2004 until 2010, and witnesses who testified against Kelly in the sex trafficking case said those who lived, worked or visited there were under Kelly's tight control.

Wolking said the house had been uninhabited for a couple of years and crumbled into a state of disrepair before the Isleys bought it in 2013. The new owners put in a kitchen, which had been missing completely, and redid the basement, which was damaged due to flooding. They also resurfaced the sport courts (basketball, pickleball, tennis), and refreshed the landscaping, he said.

High ceilings and acoustics fit for a musician

The home includes a gated entry, a six-car garage, an elevator, a theater and a jungle-themed indoor pool room.

Wolking said neighbors from the village have called to congratulate him on the listing and wish him well. Further, the abutting Olympia Fields Country Club has hosted several PGA Tour stops.

Wolking knows it will take a very "specific buyer" who wants that much space and privacy while still being roughly 45 minutes outside of Downtown Chicago.

He wouldn't be surprised if another musician takes over, as he said the acoustics in the great room are gorgeous thanks to the high ceilings.

"The way it fills that house with music is absolutely stunning," Wolking said.

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