The 1890s saw massive population growth in Chicago with new residents and visitors flooding the city looking for work and entertainment, including the famous World’s Columbian Exposition that took place in 1893.

Throughout this busy and fast-paced decade, Mercy Home’s founder, Fr. Mahoney, struggled to keep the mission afloat but was determined to continue providing a safe home for the influx of homeless boys in the city. He worked tirelessly to gather support for the mission. By 1901, Mahoney knew what would keep the home going: a permanent new building.