Think New York Real Estate
One of Chicago’s great Prewar buildings: 1301 North Astor Street
By Megan McKinney
Here is the web’s Prewar definition: “Prewar apartment is a term you’re likely to see if you’re apartment hunting in New York City. It’s one of those little details that can be buried among other property features, like hardwood floors or high ceilings. For some, Prewar apartments are highly desirable, and landing one—especially in a competitive rental market like NYC—can feel like winning the lottery.” Furthermore, we learned that, in this context, the Prewar years officially span 1900 through 1939.
Another vew of 1301 North Astor Street
Above is a full view of 1301 North Astor Street, designed by Architect Philip Maher and built in 1929. Although this exquisite Art Deco building is a condominium, with eleven full floor units, a few may be available for rent. Also, pet owners should know that their beloved dog is welcome if he or she weighs no more than 25 pounds.
Reportedly, the 1301 Astor marketing strategy in the late 1920’s—a time when virtually all Gold Coasters lived in houses—was to hold a party to present plans for a sleek, elegant residential building, designed by Mr. Maher, to be built at the north east Astor-Goethe Street corner. Architect Maher himself “recalled every floor being sold within 24 hours of a cocktail party” and no one has ever contradicted him. A descendant of a guest at the now notable party, recently said to me, “My grandmother told me she and my grandfather had never heard the term cocktail party, but they went. It was 1929 and suddenly everyone wanted to live in an apartment. Many were at the party”
One more of Chicago’s great Prewar buildings: 1260 North Astor Street
Diagonally across the stunning intersection of Astor and Goethe Streets is another Philip Maher building—the entrance is shown above and full view below.
Another look at 1260 North Astor
Across a street from each of Mr. Maher’s Astor/Goethe buildings is the delightful Goudy Square Park for children.
A favorite Gold Coast Prewar condominium building is the fourteen-storied Astor-Banks Condos at 1325 North Astor.
Possibly Chicago’s most distinguished Prewar residential building is 1500 North Lake Shore Drive, the city’s only Co-op designed by the great New York architect Rosario Candela. Depending on the source, construction of this building was begun in 1927 and completed between 1928 and 1931. It was certainly Prewar.
Block after block of stately residential structures line the west side of Lake Shore Drive, including 1448 North Lake Shore, which faces 1500 across Burton Place. Fourteen-forty-eight, above, was designed by Frank A. Childs and William Jones Smith, who were inspired by the glorious Château at Blois, France.
credit:structae.net
Is the Palmolive Building a Prewar residential building? Yes and No. The 37 story structure at the corner of Walton Place and North Michigan Avenue was designed by Holabird & Root for the Colgate-Palmolive-Peet company in 1929, definitely Prewar. However, it did not become a residential building until 2001 when it converted to such from the third floor through the highly publicized triplex penthouse. In the meantime—from 1965 until 1989—919 North Michigan Avenue gained fame as the Playboy Building.
Author photo: Robert F. Carl
