Monthly Archives: September 2008

Saint John Bosco Catholic Church

Posted on September 29, 2008 by

I’m a sucker for a good Midcentury Modern church, especially if it’s really over-the-top. So when I learned that the guy who did the St. Joseph Hospital chapel (Edo J. Belli) had done a church on the west side, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Midcentury churches, Midcentury Modernism | 3 Comments

Berwyn National Bank

Posted on September 29, 2008 by

After a while, you know the look — the ancient boards, the removal of the surrounding plants, the fence. You look at a building, and you know… it’s coming down. That was my impression upon seeing the old Berwyn National … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Third time’s a mystery

Posted on September 28, 2008 by

It’s already been explained to me that the gleaming while terra cotta buildings are former Jewel Grocers from the 1930s. But what could these have been?W. Belmont Avenue W. Bryn Mawr Avenue Devon Avenue They’re all variations on the same … Continue reading →

Posted in Commercial strips | 6 Comments

Central and Belmont

Posted on September 28, 2008 by

I love setting out on long, aimless bike rides with my camera. The thrill of discovery awaits, particularly as I venture further and further from the familiar areas around Rogers Park. I went on such a ride this afternoon, voyaging … Continue reading →

Posted in Art Deco | 4 Comments

Glass block hunt

Posted on September 28, 2008 by

Some fine results this afternoon from a lengthy ramble out Foster and Bryn Mawr, then south along Central Avenue: Still no progress on finding out who manufactured these things, and how they wound up being so prolific throughout 1960s Chicago.

Posted in architectural ornament, Midcentury Modernism, Sculptured glass block | 2 Comments

1325 N. Dearborn

Posted on September 27, 2008 by

When you have a ten mile commute across solid city, there’s a lot of ways you can go. Daily I discover different routes, new places I’ve never seen before or always wanted to find again. One such trip home this … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The long view

Posted on September 23, 2008 by

Oh, Chicago! It’d take a lifetime to know you through’n’through. Details and delights continue to unfold around me on a daily basis. Unnoticed ornament, secret pathsways, hidden spaces… the city’s wonders, charms and quirks are endless. Today I noticed this … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in Chicago, The Loop | Leave a comment

Rambling thoughts from a rambling ride

Posted on September 22, 2008 by

At the end of an afternoon of wandering across the city’s south side with bike and camera, I made my way east on 47th Street, seeking the Red Line as the sun dropped behind me. Suddenly I heard a strange … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in Chicago | 2 Comments

Robie House to close for renovation

Posted on September 4, 2008 by

Frank Lloyd Wright’s landmark Robie House is slated to close for extensive interior renovations starting in November, as announced publicly in a neighborhood newspaper today. New Era for Robie House The house is currently open daily for volunteer-led tours. Renovation … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments