Errors in the original list were corrected February 6, 2001. There are eight buildings slated for adaptive reuse, three for retention of facades in their original location and ten for relocation. (Click on the links to jump directly to that section of the list.)
Construction dates were compiled from the Recorder of Deeds office for Cook County, the records from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, and the Phase I Archaeological and Historical Evaluation of the Maxwell Street Area, a study funded by UIC. The paragraphs describing the buildings are excerpted from the Phase I Archaeological and Historical Evaluation of the Maxwell Street Area (1994), with relevant updates noted.
1. 1251-1253 S. HALSTED (Adaptive Reuse)
BUILT: 1904; Remodeled storefronts, 1251 - 1950s, 1253 - early 1940s
TYPE: 3-story commercial
MATERIALS: brick and limestone with metal cornice, porcelain enamel,
terrazzo
STYLE: Classical Revival
ARCHITECT: Henry L. Ottenheimer
FORMER USE: "Colby's"?store name embedded in terrazzo entranceway
CURRENT USE: Kids' Outlet, Lucky's Mod Clothing
PHOTO NO.: 15, 16, 41
SIGNIFICANCE: large scale reflects commercial growth within district
This three story
brick Neo-Classical style building was designed by Henry L. Ottenheimer
for the Ostrowsky
Brothers in
1904. The light brick building has a flat roof with a shallow parapet.
Its primary facade is long, with six
single square
windows on both the second and third stories. The windows are divided by
a series of seven
pilasters that
extend from a limestone belt course beneath the second story windows and
a several project bands
of brick courses
above the third story windows. The pilasters have limestone bases and limestone
ionic columns.
Symmetrically
placed at the center of the facade is the doorway leading to the stairway
to the residential levels of
the building,
with an arched transom window. Most of the architectural details of this
entryway have been
covered. The
building's existing storefront at 1253 S. Halsted was added in the early
1940s. It has a deeply
recessed vestibule
and straight windows which were thought to provide better visual access
than the earlier
zig-zag and
other geometric configurations of display windows. The windows curve at
the threshold of the
vestibule. Flush
beneath the windows are porcelain enamel bulkheads. The storefront at 1251
S. Halsted dates to
the mid-to-late
1950s. It has an Open Face Front with straight planes that gently angle
from the doorway. The
display windows
have narrow recessed porcelain enamel bulkheads. Both vestibules have terrazzo
floors, and
1253 S. Halsted
has the name Colby's in the terrazzo. Although recent signage overpowers
the buildings sign
frieze, the
building has good integrity. It would likely be deemed as a contributing
feature to a potential historic
district.
2. 1257-1259 S. HALSTED (Adaptive Reuse)
BUILT: 1883; with modern siding
TYPE: 3-story commercial
MATERIALS: brick with modern metal siding, Joliet limestone,
terrazzo
ARCHITECT: unknown
FORMER USE: Howard's Style Shop; "Howard's"?store
name embedded in terrazzo entranceway, Red Fashion
CURRENT USE: storage
PHOTO NO.: 16, 41
SIGNIFICANCE: portion of siding removed reveals historic facade intact
BUILT: 1927; Remodeled storefronts, 1940s
TYPE: 3-story commercial
MATERIALS: yellow brick and Bedford limestone
ARCHITECT: Oldfest & Williams
FORMER USE: F. W. Woolworth Company, DeKoven's Drug Store, "Lanes"?store
name embedded in terrazzo
entranceway, movie theater, Loyal Drugs, T Q Express
CURRENT USE: vacant
PHOTO NO.: 20, 47
SIGNIFICANCE: building scale and business type reflect the commercial growth within the district
This three story
brick building was designed by Oldfest and Williams for the F.W. Woolworth
Company in 1927.
Oldfest and
Williams were commissioned for a number of Chicago commercial and apartment
buildings in the
1920s including
the 1211 N. LaSalle Blvd. Building, which now has a Richard Haas mural
(Sinkevitch 1993,
167). A $100,000
construction project, the Woolworth's was one of the area's most expensive
buildings. The
building has
a flat roof, and has primary facades on both S. Halsted and W. 13th streets.
It is composed of yellow
brick and Bedford
limestone details, however, most of the details are on the S. Halsted St.
facade, and the first
bay of the W.
13th St. facade extending from the S. Halsted St. corner. These details
include a band course
extending between
the sign frieze and the sills of the second story windows, and a narrow
limestone cornice. At
the second story,
flanking the double windows on the S. Halsted St. facade, and one set of
triple windows on the
W. 13th St.
facade are square limestone details. Within each square ornament is a concave
round plate serving as
the background
for a center applied carved rosette.
Several remnants
of the original Woolworth’s store still exist. Ornamental columns and capitals
and a coffered
ceiling from
Woolworths are in the interior of 1301 S. Halsted St. Details of the original
Woolworths storefront
include pink
granite dados which have limestone piers extending to the sign frieze.
The storefront was converted
into two separate
storefronts in the early-to-mid 1940s, when Woolworths probably sold the
building. Both of the
existing storefronts
are the Open Faced Front style, with simple straight display window cases
within a recessed
vestibule. The
1301 S. Halsted St. windows are on porcelain enamel bulkheads, and the
floor is terrazzo and has
the DeKoven
Drug name. The 1303 S. Halsted St. storefront has porcelain enamel bulkheads
and casings around
structural piers.
It also has terrazzo flooring, with the Lane's store name. As the building
has good integrity and
reflects the
trend of chain stores opening in the area, including national chains in
the 1920s, it would be deemed as
a contributing
feature to a potential historic district.
4. 1305-1309 S. HALSTED (Adaptive Reuse)
BUILT: 1907; covered with modern siding
TYPE: 3-story commercial
MATERIALS: brick covered with siding, terrazzo
ARCHITECT: Alexander Levy
FORMER USE: "Goldenberg Furniture Co."?store name embedded in terrazzo
entranceway, Young Discount
CURRENT USE: vacant
PHOTO NO.: 20, 47
SIGNIFICANCE: original facade likely preserved beneath metal siding
This three story
brick building was designed by Alexander L. Levy and constructed in 1907.
Its owner, I. Epstein
was listed as
residing at what is now 1226-28 S. Halsted St. and he may have owned that
building during the
period as well.
Built as store and flats, the building has a flat roof, and its S. Halsted
St. facade is now covered in
metal siding.
The 1307 S. Halsted St. store has a tile vestibule floor that has the Goldenberg
Furniture store name
and may be original.
As it is quite possible that the original facade may be intact beneath
the siding, this building
would likely
be deemed as a contributing feature to a potential historic district.
Note: CHS photographs illustrate intact facade prior to metal siding (copies not appended)
Streets/Maxwell, 1950-59, Folder 5, by M. Mead, 1955
Streets/Halsted, 1000-1600 S., by S. Osty, 1974
5. 1325-1333 S. HALSTED/739-743 W. MAXWELL (Adaptive Reuse)
BUILT: 1899; Remodelled storefronts, 1325 - 1925, 1329
- 1934, 1333 - 1950s
TYPE: 2-story commercial
MATERIALS: brick, limestone details with metal trim
ARCHITECT: Theodore Duesing
FORMER USE: Mr. Leonard's Clothing, Morris', Kapko's
Shoes
CURRENT USE: vacant
PHOTO NO.: 25, 27, 29, 30, 49
SUPPLEMENT D: E, H, I, J
SIGNIFICANCE: multiple storefront design on both Maxwell and Halsted Streets
BUILT: 1926; Remodeled storefront, 1938
TYPE: 2-story commercial
MATERIALS: brick with limestone details, porcelain enamel, terrazzo;
"Kresge" in facade ornament
ARCHITECT: unknown
FORMER USE: S. S. Kresge Company, SK Mart, Peddler Sport Big Barn
CURRENT USE: vacant
PHOTO NO.: 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 37
SUPPLEMENT D: I, J, K
SIGNIFICANCE: business type reflects commercial growth within district;
interior layout is well-preserved as original store
and store offices
This two story
brick building was constructed by the S. S. Kresge Company as a store and
offices in 1926. A
Classical Revival
style building with a flat roof, it is composed of warm brown brick and
limestone details. The
primary facade
has five rectangular windows divided by six applied limestone vertical
panels that extend from a
belt course
at sill level to a limestone frieze beneath the cornice. This flat limestone
frieze is plain except for the
Kresge name,
which is incised above the center window. Applied to this frieze are square
caps extending from the
limestone panels.
The square caps over the four center vertical panels have concave carved
circles. Above and
applied to the
frieze is a shallow moulded cornice. On the brick parapet, above the cornice
are six rectangular
applied limestone
elements, placed directly above the limestone vertical panels and square
caps. Similar to the
caps, the two
outer rectangular limestone elements are unadorned. Each of the four center
rectangular panel
elements serve
as frames to carved classical urns in bas relief. The parapet wall is flat.
Both of the building's two
storefronts
were updated in 1938. Both are identical and intact, however, the 1335
S. Halsted still retains its
double wooden
doors while 1337 S. Halsted does not. These are Arcaded store fronts with
deeply recessed
vestibules and
display windows that have a geometric zig-zag configuration. They both
have porcelain enamel
bulkheads and
terrazzo flooring with three stripes leading to the store's doorway. As
the building has good
integrity and
reflects the trend of chain stores opening in the area, including national
chains in the 1920s, it would
be deemed as
a contributing feature to a potential historic district.
7. 1339-1341 S. HALSTED/732-734 W. LIBERTY (Adaptive Reuse)
BUILT: 1908; Remodeled storefront, 1938
TYPE: 3-story commercial
MATERIALS: limestone, with brick sides and rear
ARCHITECT: Maurice Spitzer
FORMER USE: retail/residential, Universal Life Church
CURRENT USE: Maxwell Market Food Stand, upper story residences
PHOTO NO.: 25, 26, 29, 30. 35
SUPPLEMENT D: J, K
SIGNIFICANCE: extant mixed-use type on Halsted Street
This three story
brick building was designed by Maurice Spitzer and constructed in 1908.
The owner, A.
Warsawsky was
the mason for the construction. The building, which has a flat roof, is
located on the northeast
corner of S.
Halsted St. and W. Liberty St. Its S. Halsted Street facade and one bay
of the W. Liberty St. facade
are clad with
limestone. The building is classically inspired. A set of long vertical
pilasters flank the window
groupings of
the S. Halsted St. facade and the one bay of double windows on the W. Liberty
St. facade that is
clad with limestone.
The rectangular pilasters extend from a band course at sill level to the
cornice line. Beneath
the pilasters
are ornately carved modillions. The pilasters have plain capitals and bases.
The limestone facades
have rounded
arched windows on the third story. The windows have limestone crowns with
keystones resting on
rectangular
limestone pilasters that frame the windows. The pilasters have square bases
resting on the entablature
above the second
story windows. This entablature includes a narrow moulded cornice, with
soffits of
egg-and-dart
moulding. Beneath this is a plain frieze and architrave over the second
story windows. The original
architectural
treatment to the buildings parapet has been altered. There is now infill
light brick at the upper level of
the facade.
There is little evidence of the historic storefront. In spite of these
changes, the building conveys its
historic form,
character and most of its details, and it would likely be deemed as a contributing
feature to a
potential historic
district.
8. 733-737 W. MAXWELL (Adaptive Reuse)
BUILT: 1920; Remodeled storefront, 1940s
TYPE: 2-story commercial
MATERIALS: white glazed terra cotta with ornamentation
ARCHITECT: Merritt J. Morehouse
FORMER USE: Gabel's Clothing Store, Allen's Clothing Store, R&G
Fashion Shoes, Rand Discount, Johnny Dollar, City
Cloak Clothes
CURRENT USE: vacant
PHOTO NO.: 42, 45, 46, 49
SUPPLEMENT C: F
SUPPLEMENT D: C, E, H, J, K
SIGNIFICANCE: type reflects commercial growth on Maxwell Street in the 1920s
This two story
brick commercial building was designed by Merritt J. Morehouse and constructed
for L. Klein in
1920. Morehouse,
who had practiced architecture in Chicago since 1895 was trained at the
University of Illinois
and in Paris.
The attractive primary facade that he created for this building is suggestive
of Art Deco, though the
style did not
fully emerge in Chicago until several years later. The facade is clad with
cream colored terra cotta
square tiles.
It has a flat roof, and a flared terra cotta band serves as a simple frieze,
flush with the roof line. There
are four Chinese
inspired applied terra cotta ornaments symmetrically placed on the frieze.
At the soffit of this
frieze, there
is a course of simple of small terra cotta tiles that create a dentil-like
band. Above the lintels of the
second story
windows, there is and applied moulded band of the same terra cotta tile
panels that are used
throughout the
facade. These tiles are also used on applied terra cotta pilasters that
divide the three second story
windows, and
are beneath the applied moulded band. The pilasters have simple rectangular
bases and stylized
lotus capitals.
On the terra cotta tile lintels above each of the three second story window
openings there are two
symmetrically
placed simple medallions with X shaped motifs. A similar element is used
on the sign frieze. The
second story
windows are currently covered with boards. Historic photographs reveal
that each of the three
opening has
a set of triple windows, and an upper muntin bars creates a transom above
each window. A
storefront update
in the 1940s created straight display windows on angle from the three storefront
doors, and also
brought the
windows down to floor level. The building reflects the commercial growth
of the area in the early
1920s. As it
also continues to reflect is historic form and details, it would likely
be deemed as a contributing
feature to a
potential historic district.
1. 1311-1313 S. HALSTED (Facade Retention at Original Location)
BUILT: 1913
TYPE: 2-story commercial; rear demolished with facade intact
MATERIALS: brick and terra cotta, "1311" in facade ornament
ARCHITECT: Henry L. Newhouse
FORMER USE: Sherman's General Store, Sherman Building, Wholesale House,
dentist's offices, real estate offices
CURRENT USE: vacant
PHOTO NO.: 15, 16, 41
SIGNIFICANCE: intact historic facade
This two story
brick building was designed by Henry L. Newhouse for T. B. Fienberg in
1913. The building's
facade is completely
clad in horizontal metal siding. Photographs from the late 1930s reveal
that the building's
facade was clad
with terra cotta, has applied belt courses above and below the second story
windows. The
current application
of the siding reveals the existence the curved parapet, and two bands of
siding project over
what are likely
to be existing terra cotta details on the facade underneath. As this provides
evidence that there may
be an intact
historic facade underneath the siding, this building would likely be deemed
as a contributing feature to
a potential
historic district.
Note: A 1997 fire in a neighboring building caused the removal of metal
siding and exposed an intact terra cotta facade with the
year 1913 cast into the center.
2. 727 W. MAXWELL (Facade Retention at Original Location)
BUILT: 1890; Third story, 1912
TYPE: 3-story commercial/residential storefront
MATERIALS: brick and limestone details
ARCHITECT: J. T. Fortin, addition and brick facade
FORMER USE: A. Fogel Clothing, residence
CURRENT USE: vacant
PHOTO NO.: 31, 42, 44, 46
SUPPLEMENT D: C, E, F, G, J, K
SIGNIFICANCE: mixed-use type retains historic character of Maxwell Street
This was originally
a brick two flat building constructed by Mrs. Anna McNulty in 1890. In
1912, then owner, A.
Brady, who also
owned the building next door, added one story and a new brick facade to
the building. The
remaining original
part of the 1890 building can still be seen at east facade. As in the construction
of 725 W.
Maxwell St.,
which was undertaken one year earlier, Brady hired architect J.T. Fortin
to design the addition to
this building.
Composed of yellow brick with limestone details, the three story building
has a flat roof, and flat
parapet. A moulded
cornice divides the second story from the parapet. At the soffit of the
cornice there is a band
of dentils.
The second and third stories each have two window openings. One has a slightly
convex triple window,
and the other
is a simple rectangular double hung window. Patterned brickwork forms a
band that frames the
second and third
story triple windows, and the same treatment framing the two single windows.
There is also a
simple brick
patterned rectangular frame element at the spandrel between the two stories
of triple windows. Two
solid rectangular
light brick elements pierce the lower line of the brickwork frame, over
the second story window.
The second story
triple window opening is intact, however, a double window replaces the
original triple window.
There is a moulded
limestone belt course between the second story and the sign frieze. At
the first story, there is a
storefront and
a side entry to the stairway that leads to the upper stories. This doorway
is flanked by two square
pilasters with
carved limestone capitals. These pilasters are identical to those the Fortin
designed for 725 W.
Maxwell St.,
next door. The storefront has its historic configuration, with a recessed
symmetrically placed
vestibule. Its
bulkhead, however, has been filled in with brick. In spite of this, the
building has good integrity, and
as it also relates
to the area's social history, it would likely be deemed as a contributing
feature to a historic
district.
3. 729 W. MAXWELL (Facade Retention at Original Location)
BUILT: 1888; Remodeled storefront, 1950s
TYPE: 3-story commercial/residential storefront
MATERIALS: brick and Joliet limestone details
ARCHITECT: unknown
FORMER USE: Maxwell Music, Kelly's Sports Goods (Kelly Mages Store),
bakery, "Ja Mar"?store name embedded in
terrazzo entranceway
CURRENT USE: vacant
PHOTO NO.: 31, 42, 46, 49
SUPPLEMENT D: C, G, F, E, K
SIGNIFICANCE: mixed-use type retains historic character of Maxwell Street;
site of one of several storefronts operated by
Morrie Mages on Maxwell Street in his early career his three story
brick building was constructed by V. Hulka as flats in 1888.
The vernacular building has a simple, but eclectic combination of Italianate
and Queen Anne style elements. It has a low pitched
gable roof, and a pedimented parapet extending above the gable end.
The second and third stories have Joliet limestone belt
courses above the sill and below the lintels of three rectangular window
openings on both the second and the third stories. The
lintels are rectangular with rounded corners. They have center carved
rosettes flanked by curly incised ornamentation. In
addition to the limestone details, the facade has texture created by
horizontal and vertical projecting brickwork. This includes a
brick cornice with crown and soffit dentils. Extending beneath the
cornice are four vertical elements. Two of these are outer
pier elements that enframe the facade including the storefront at the
first story. The other two are decorative elements that
divide the three third story windows, extending only to the level of
the second story lintels, where the brick courses step down
to T shape edging. Extending horizontally between these brick pier
elements and beneath the sill of the center third story
window is a band of brickwork with rhythm created by brick header voids.
The first story
was probably converted to commercial use at the early part of this century.
By the late 1930s, the
building housed
a bakery. During the 1950s the storefront was updated. It has asymmetrically
configured display
cases with recessed
bulkheads composed of small black and gold mosaic tiles. As the building
relates to the area's
social history
and conveys its historic form, character and details, it would likely be
deemed as a contributing
feature to a
potential historic district.
Note: Morrie Mages, a successful commercial entrepreneur in Chicago,
rented several storefronts on Maxwell Street
throughout his early career, prior to becoming a well-known success
in the sporting goods business.
1. 1200-1208 S. HALSTED/801-803 W. ROOSEVELT RD. (Facade Removal / Relocation)
BUILT: 1916; Remodeled storefront, late 1940s or 1950s
TYPE: 2-story commercial block
MATERIALS: brick with stone and terra cotta details;
black pigmented architectural glass
ARCHITECT: J. T. Fortin
FORMER USE: "Turner Brothers"?store
name embedded in terrazzo entranceway, "Lichtenberg"?store
name embedded in terrazzo entranceway, doctor's office(s)
CURRENT USE: Adam Josephs Men's Clothes
PHOTO NO.: 1, 5, 6, 8
SUPPLEMENT C: O
SIGNIFICANCE: type reflects historic business character of district (clothing store); second generation family business
2. 1212 S. HALSTED (Facade Removal / Relocation)
BUILT: 1920 (rear); front facade rebuilt, 1928
TYPE: 3-story commercial storefront
MATERIALS: brick and terra cotta, metal grillwork, marble bulkhead,
"1212"?street address embedded in terrazzo
entranceway
STYLE: Art Deco with classical ornament
ARCHITECT: Dubin & Eisenberg, rear addition; Joseph W. Cohen, 3-story
front addition
FORMER USE: commercial
CURRENT USE: Alan's Clothing
PHOTO NO.: 7, 8, 9, 51
SIGNIFICANCE: Chicago Historic Resources Survey, Commission on Chicago
Landmarks, 1983-92; second generation
family business
This handsome
Art Deco style facade was constructed in 1928 onto an existing building.
In 1880, a frame
structure was
built on the site, and in 1912 a one story brick barn was built in the
very back of the lot. In 1920,
then owner Julius
Rosenberg hired Dubin and Eisenberg to build a large addition at the rear
of the original frame
structure. In
1926, the front frame structure was demolished, and in 1928, Rosenberg
commissioned architect
Joseph W. Cohen
to design new three story front extending 25 feet from the 1920 addition.
The reason that
Rosenberg hired
Cohen instead of Dubin and Eisenberg is unknown, however, he may have been
impressed with
J.W. Cohen's
Congregation Anshe Roumania synagogue, built southwest of the project area
two years earlier.
The front facade
of this brick building is clad with cream colored terra cotta. A shallow
parapet wall extends
above the building's
flat roof. The facade has classically inspired fluted pilasters, vertically
dividing the second and
third story
windows, topped with abstract geometric square ornaments in lieu of capitals.
The lintels and sills of all
the second and
third story windows have chevrons and other Deco motifs. There are three
terra cotta floral
medallions,
each placed symmetrically on the spandrel between the second and third
story windows.
The building
retains much of its original 1928 storefront, as well as evidence of minor
changes dating to
approximately
1940. It sited just south of an alley, and the 1928 front addition wrapped
the facade around the
northern corner
to give the building a finished appearance. Many of the elements of the
original 1928 storefront
are intact on
that northern corner of the facade. This includes remnants of the original
green marble bulkhead, and
original Art
Deco style metal grillwork in the windows. Remnants of the 1928 storefront
also include cream
colored granite
piers extending vertically from the outer section of the bulkheads, framing
the display windows.
These granite
elements still exist at both the northern corner and the primary Halsted
Street facade. It is evident
that the Arcaded
style storefront, including the geometrically configured display cases
and recessions for interior
case reflector
lighting, also date to the 1928 storefront. Changes to the doorway and
the display case area at the
left side of
the doorway to make the vestibule area appear asymmetrical are likely to
have been made in the late
1930s or early
1940s. At this date the porcelain enamel bulkhead and ceramic tile vestibule
floor are likely to
have also been
added. The building's long history of additions and alterations are consistent
with a broader
context for
the area. Additional research on the commercial history associated with
structure could shed light on
the reasons
for the major alterations, particularly the 1928 facade addition. As the
building continues to strongly
convey its appearance
from that period, it has good integrity and would likely be deemed as a
contributing feature
to a potential
historic district.
Note: The family business started out on the 700 block of Maxwell Street and "moved-up" to Halsted St.
3. 1226-1228 S. HALSTED (Facade Removal / Relocation)
BUILT: ca. 1880; Front facade, ca. 1930, Remodelled storefront (1226),
1941
TYPE: 3-story commercial
MATERIALS: brick, stucco, Bedford limestone, cast iron storefront,
ceramic tile, marble bulkheads, frosted glass,
"1228"?street address embedded in terrazzo entranceway
ARCHITECT: unknown
FORMER USE: "Maremont"?store name embedded in terrazzo entranceway
CURRENT USE: Paul's Men's Wear, Stacey Adams Shoes
PHOTO NO.: 7, 8, 10, 51
SIGNIFICANCE: retains original Bedford limstone and cast iron storefront
components from original construction, and Art
Deco details influences from 1940s alterations; second generation family
business
While only minimal information about this building was revealed through
archival documentation field analysis indicates that it is
a structure that went through a transformation similar to 1222 S. Halsted
St., next door. Remnants of Bedford limestone and
remaining cast iron storefront details reveal that this building was
originally constructed in the 1880s. In the 1910s, its existing
three story brick facade was constructed with a center entry door to
the stairway leading to residential section of the building.
The building has a flat roof, and historically had a cornice which
no longer exists. The storefronts were converted to a double
Arcaded Front in the 1920s or early 1930s. Today 1228 S. Halsted St.
retains its historic 1920s or 30s Arcaded storefront. It
retains much of its historic fabric, including the rough stucco vaulted
ceiling, symmetrically placed deep vestibule with
geometrically configured display windows, and ceramic tile vestibule
floor. Many of the joints of the display windows are still
exposed glass without mullions. The bulkheads are green marble. Within
the display cases there are recessions for interior case
reflector lighting. There are also some remnants of frosted glass with
Art Deco motifs. The 1226 S. Halsted Street storefront
was altered again in 1941. Its open streamlined design reflects the
transition of storefront design into the Open Faced Front
style. The terrazzo vestibule floor has the name of the store in this
location when the 1941 storefront alteration was made,
Maremont, and a simple linear arrow. If the storefront updates are
considered as significant alterations, the building has good
integrity and would likely be deemed as a contributing feature to a
potential historic district.
Note: The family business started out on the 700 block of Maxwell Street and "moved-up" to Halsted St.
4. 1235 S. HALSTED (Facade Removal / Relocation)
BUILT: 1876; Remodeled storefront, 1931
TYPE: 4-story commercial
MATERIALS: brick and limestone, terrazzo
ARCHITECT: unknown
FORMER USE: "Liberty Style Shop," store name embedded in terrazzo entranceway,
Swarm Brothers General Merchandise
CURRENT USE: Jesse's
PHOTO NO.: 11, 40
SIGNIFICANCE: earliest masonry type on Halsted Street within the district
This four story
brick building was constructed by David Hummell in 1876. It is an Italianate
style structure which
has a flat roof,
but is missing its original cornice. Each of the three upper stories is
divided by a limestone belt
course. The
second story windows have rectangular ornate limestone crowns with keystones
and incised details.
These crowns
rest on simple square capitals on projecting brick piers, framing the windows.
The piers rest on a
secondary brick
belt course that runs horizontally above the heavier limestone belt course,
under which several
bands of receding
brick courses extend. The third story windows are divided by four pilasters,
which form three
rounded arches
at the fourth story. The third story windows are not framed as those of
the second story are,
however, they
have pedimented limestone crowns. The pilasters have engaged square brick
bases, smooth
projecting rectangular
brick shafts, and square brick and limestone capitals. Symmetrically placed
within each of
the four rounded
arches is a square window. An Arcaded storefront was added in 1931. It
has a geometric
zig-zag configuration,
of clean planes without mullions.The building conveys its historic appearance,
and has good
integrity. It
is likely that it would be deemed as a contributing feature to a potential
historic district.
5. 1245 S. HALSTED/735-741 W. O'BRIEN STREET (Facade Removal / Relocation)
BUILT: 1922; Remodeled storefront, 1938
TYPE: 3-story commercial/residential
MATERIALS: brick and limestone, pigmented architectural glass
ARCHITECT: Levy & Klein
FORMER USE: Max Hoffman store and flats
CURRENT USE: Sandy's Clothing, Carlo's Tailor Shop, upper story residences
PHOTO NO.: 13, 16, 41
SIGNIFICANCE: type reflects historic business character of district
(clothing store); extant mixed-use building type on Halsted
Street; second generation business ownership
This three story
brick building was constructed by Max Hoffman as store and flats in 1922.
Designed by Levy
and Klein, the
handsome Tudor Revival style building has limestone details that contrast
against the chocolate
brown brick.
The building is located on the corner of S. Halsted St. and O'Brien St.,
and has a primary facade on
both streets.
The second and third story window bays are divided by limestone quoins
which extend from
horizontal limestone
belt courses beneath the second story windows and above the third story
windows. The bays
have groupings
of three windows each. In the spandrels between the second and third story
windows, there are
limestone elements
that follow the vertical pattern of the mullions. In the outer square brick
panels formed by these
vertical elements
are square limestone elements with strapwork ornamentation. Extending above
the belt course
that separates
the fourth story from the parapet, additional limestone elements follow
the vertical pattern
established
by the quoins. These culminate in paired pinnacle-like engaged finials
on the parapet. Between the
each pair of
these vertical elements are three symmetrically placed small square limestone
elements. The doors
leading to the
stairways to the residential levels of the building are framed in limestone,
and have carved shield and
foliage ornamentation.
In 1938, the existing storefront was added to the first floor. It has a
deeply recessed
vestibule and
a symmetrically placed double door entryway. The storefront display windows
have a geometric
zig-zag configuration
that curves at the threshold of the vestibule. The display windows have
narrow bulkheads of
pigmented architectural
glass. The vestibule floor has a multi-colored pattern of inverted Vs.
The building has
good integrity
and would likely be deemed as a contributing feature to a potential historic
district.
6. 1247-1249 S. HALSTED (Facade Removal / Relocation)
BUILT: 1929
TYPE: 2-story commercial
MATERIALS: polychrome terra cotta and terrazzo
ARCHITECT: Dubin and Eisenberg
FORMER USE: Edelman Brothers
CURRENT USE: Jerry's (clothing)
PHOTO NO.: 13, 16, 41
SUPPLEMENT A: A1, A2
SIGNIFICANCE: Chicago Historic Resources Survey, Commission on Chicago Landmarks, 1983-92
This two story
Art Deco style store and loft building was designed by Dubin and Eisenberg
and constructed by
the Edelman
Brothers in 1929. It is a brick structure with a flat roof, and its primary
facade is entirely clad with
beige terra
cotta, and green terra cotta trim. It is an excellent high style example
of Art Deco, during the period in
which it was
reaching popularity, just before the Great Depression. Unlike the more
traditional commercial
buildings of
the area, its stories and window groupings are not divided by band courses,
pilasters, panels or
quoins. The
second story has a long horizontal center window flanked by two rectangular
windows, and the
building has
an arched opening at the first story with an arcaded storefront. The building's
face is a clean plane
with applied
ornamentation. It has a cornice and lintel over the long center second
story window providing two
prominent sculptural
bands of terra cotta. Both of these horizontal elements have combined stylized
geometric
chevron forms
with foliated tendril motifs. The storefront is a classic example of the
Arcaded type that was
popularized
during the 1920s. It has a deeply recessed vestibule a symmetrically placed
double entry with vaulted
ceilings. The
display windows have a geometric zig-zag configuration and a hexagonal
center island window.
Beneath the
display windows are molded green terra cotta bulkheads. The flooring is
terrazzo with tri-colored
geometric motifs.
Within the interiors of the display windows there are recessions for interior
case reflector
lighting, and
ornamental plaster cove molding with Art Deco detailing. The building retains
very strong integrity and
would likely
be deemed as a contributing feature to a potential historic district.
7. 1302 S. HALSTED (Facade Removal / Relocation)
BUILT: ca. 1890; Front facade, 1919; Remodeled storefront, 1933
TYPE: 3-story commercial
MATERIALS: brick and limestone details, terrazzo
ARCHITECT: J. L. Stern (1919)
FORMER USE: "Chatsman-In"?(incomplete) store name embedded in terrazzo
entranceway
CURRENT USE: MJ Sports, Manny's Tailor
PHOTO NO.: 17, 51
SIGNIFICANCE: building type retains historic character of commercial street
This three story
brick building was originally an 1890s two story structure. In 1919, the
owners, Stressan and
Becker hired
architect J. L. Stern to build an additional story and new facade. The
simple yellow brick
commercial building
drew inspiration from the Classical Revival style. The second and third
story windows are
divided into
a center larger window flanked by two narrow rectangular windows. Two vertical
panels capped by
simple bracket
forms extend from the bottom of the second story to the top of the third
story, acting as divisions
to the windows.
The building's roof is flat, and facade has a parapet that steps up at
the center. At the top center
area of the
parapet, there is a limestone relieve shield ornament. At the top of the
outer lower part of the parapet
wall there is
a classical urn finial at each end. The building's storefront was updated
in 1933 with a recessed
vestibule that
has a symmetrically placed doorway. The ceramic vestibule entry floor remains,
but the bulkheads
and windows
have been altered. As the building conveys its historic form, character
and details, it would likely be
deemed as a
contributing feature to a historic district.
8. 717 W. MAXWELL (Facade Removal / Relocation)
BUILT: 1883; Third story and rear addition, 1909
TYPE: 3-story residential storefront with rear building
MATERIALS: brick with limestone details
ARCHITECT: David Klafter (1909 alterations and addition)
FORMER USE: Maxwell Street Meat Market, Frank's Lamp Shop, fish market
("F & W" [Farber & Wittenberg] inscribed in stone at peak of
parapet)
residence
CURRENT USE: vacant
PHOTO NO.: 35, 36, 37, 42, 43, 46, 49
SUPPLEMENT C: P
SUPPLEMENT D: C, D, G, K, L
SIGNIFICANCE: mixed-use type and double building occupancy on single
lot retains historic character of Maxwell Street; a
well-crafted masonry facade
Originally constructed
as a two story brick dwelling in 1883, this building was altered in 1909
when it was
converted to
a three story factory and storage. At that time it was owned by William
H. Farber and Hyman
Wittenberg.
They hired architect David S. Klafter to design the addition and alterations.
The result was an eclectic
but well crafted
W. Maxwell Street facade. The three story brick facade has a pedimented
parapet with a
limestone shield
shaped element that has the F & W, Farber and Wittenberg initials.
On the west side
of the facade there is a set of pilasters that extend from the sign frieze
to the lintel level of the
third story.
The pilasters frame a triple window at the third story. There is also a
single rectangular window on the
east side of
the facade. That window opening is now filled in with brick. Both the single
rectangular window
opening and
triple window opening on the second story are also now filled in with brick.
Above the third story
window openings,
at what would be the lintel line, there is a limestone belt course with
moulded coping. Above
this is a frieze
of patterned brickwork. Above this is a pediment with limestone coping
over the bay framed by the
pilasters. At
the flat east side of the facade, the limestone coping of the pediment
extends to a belt course
separating the
frieze above the third story from the parapet above it. The pilasters are
square with simple
limestone bases
and capitals, on and below the capitals there are carved limestone foliage
ornaments. Within the
spandrels between
the second and third stories there are two patterned elements of small
squares limestone and
brick. This
detail forms a square between the single windows, and a rectangle between
the triple windows. There
is a thin limestone
belt course beneath the second story windows, and a band of similar limestone
squares beneath
this, extending
horizontally across the sign frieze area. The building may not have historically
had a storefront. The
existing storefront
appears to be a more recent modification. In spite of this change and the
in fill brick in the
window openings,
the building has good integrity and would likely be deemed as a contributing
feature to a
potential historic
district.
9. 723-725 W. ROOSEVELT (Facade Removal / Relocation)
BUILT: 1923; Second story, 1925
TYPE: 2-story commercial
MATERIALS: brick, terra cotta ornamentation, cast iron balconettes
STYLE: Classical with Spanish Revival details
ARCHITECT: Dubin and Eisenberg
FORMER USE: Pollack & Son Men's Clothes, Harry Goodman's Coffee
Shop, 2nd floor
CURRENT USE: vacant
PHOTO NO.: 1, 2, 3, 4
SUPPLEMENT C: O
SIGNIFICANCE: Chicago Historic Resources Survey, Commission on Chicago Landmarks, 1983-92
This two story
brick building was originally a one story coffee shop designed by Dubin
and Eisenberg for M.
Goodman and
constructed in 1923. Two years later, M. Goodman hired Dubin and Eisenberg
to enlarge the
building into
a two story brick commercial building. That project probably included the
construction of the existing
facade. The
building is an example of the Baroque Revival style more commonly used
in the design of palace
movie theaters
which had achieved popularity at the time.
The brick building
has a flat roof, and its facade is enlivened by cream colored terra cotta
details. The most ornate
part of the
building is a fanciful symmetrically placed applied terra cotta surround
that extends from the center
doorway beyond
the second story and projects several feet above the parapet. This surround
element has an
ogee arch above
the door's rounded lintel, another ogee arch over a single arched second
story balcony window,
and the parapet
element is square flanked by twisted pilasters, and topped by a pointed
finial. The entire three
story terra
cotta element is covered with applied ornamentation including swags, garlands,
and wreath and other
floral motifs.
One of the most interesting elements of the terra cotta surround element
is a pair of cherub-like
figures used
as brackets or supports to the doorway's arched lintel.
The second story
of the building has two sets of triple arched balconette windows. These
have cream colored
terra cotta
surrounds, and metal grillwork faux balconies. A terra cotta belt course
separates the second story
from the parapet.
On the parapet wall, flanking the terra cotta surround element is a pair
of oval ornaments with a
ruffled edge
treatment. There are twisted pilasters flanking the outer edges of the
parapet wall. These are topped
with pointed
finials. Beneath these pilasters are square projections from the belt course,
and beneath this is
another set
of pilasters. These pilasters are square and extend down to the level of
the floors of the balconettes,
where they rest
on squared bases. These bases extend down to a belt course at the sign
frieze line of the building
and beneath
this is a set of the cherub-like figures identical to those applied to
the entrance door surround. The
storefront has
been altered, however, the building retains good integrity and would likely
be deemed as a
contributing
feature to a potential historic district.
10. 729 W. ROOSEVELT (Facade Removal / Relocation)
BUILT: 1917; storefront
TYPE: 3-story commercial
MATERIALS: brick with terra cotta details
ARCHITECT: Alexander L. Levy
FORMER USE: Auto Supply, restaurant
CURRENT USE: vacant
PHOTO NO.: 1, 2
SUPPLEMENT C: O
SIGNIFICANCE: reflects use of early Sullivanesque stock terra cotta ornament
This three story
brick building was designed by Alexander L. Levy for B. Hirschfinkle and
constructed in 1917.
Constructed
one year after the building at 707-09 W. Roosevelt Rd. and designed by
the same architect, this
owner may have
wanted a that would be similar to, but more ornate than the structure located
a few lots to its
east. This three
story red-brown brick building also has a flat roof and parapet trimmed
with white terra cotta.
This building,
however, has an ornate Sullivanesque cluster focus-piece symmetrically
applied to and projecting
slightly above
the flat parapet. On the parapet wall, beneath and flanking the focus-piece,
there are two rows of
six small square
ornaments. Flanking these small ornaments at the outer corners of the parapet
wall are a pair of
larger square
ornaments, each with an interior squared floral ornament. These Sullivanesque
stock details were
made by the
Midland Terra Cotta Company. This is a fairly early use of this type of
ornamentation, which became
most popular
in 1922 or 1923 (Garner 1991, 162-182). There are some additional simple
terra cotta details
including frames
around the second and third story windows, and rectangular panels in the
spandrels between the
windows of those
upper stories. There is also a terra cotta trim frame around the storefront.
The storefront itself
has been recently
altered. In spite of this, the building conveys its historic form, character
and most of its details,
and would likely
be deemed as a contributing feature to a potential historic district.
Return to the Maxwell St. News Update page.
Return to the Maxwell St. page.
Return to Chuck Cowdery's home page.
Go to the Maxwell Street Historic Preservation Coalition home page.
Contact Us
TO REACH US VIA EMAIL:
Chuck Cowdery, President (cowdery@21stcentury.net)TO REACH US VIA THE USPS:
Steve Balkin, Vice President (mar@openair.org)
Maxwell Street Historic Preservation Coalition
P.O. Box 6435
Evanston, IL 60204