Mid North District

“The northern boundaries of the Chicago Fire are included in the Mid-North District. As the turning point in the city's history, the Fire was a significant event which marked the beginning of modern Chicago. 4.”

“This type of construction eventually did much to enable the settlement of America's West. Many structures in Mid-North employ standardized building parts and ornament which were marketed by catalogue, another innovation in the art of building which occurred during the nineteenth century. 9.”

“In fact, it is the age of Mid-North which gives it a vitality and interest which are, unfortunately, missing from many of Chicago's newer residential neighborhoods. The purpose of designating the Mid-North District as One of the most striking features of Mid-North is the quality of its architecture. a "Chicago Landmark" is not to isolate it from the mainstream of Chicago's development and change.”

“Mid-North has many fine examples of each of these styles. The earliest residences in Mid-North were built by middle-class families for their own use; the "Chicago cottages" and early town houses of Mid-North were generally owner-built and -occupied.”

“The following discussion of buildings of special interest in Mid-North has of necessity been limited to the most notable examples of a style or period. The Bellinger Cottage Probably the most famous single structure in Mid-North is the Bellinger cottage at 2121 Hudson Avenue.”

“The earliest structures in Mid-North were single-family dwellings of frame construction, generally in the cottage style. These were later translated into brick. As Mid-North became more urban, town houses and apartment buildings were added.”

“The lintel or arch over the door opening is aligned with the window openings of the first floor. Doors Double doors were often used in Mid-North. Usually of solid wood, they were often panelled in geometric patterns or had panels of glass in the upper half.”

“Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represent a significant architectural innovation. The "balloon-frame" structures in Mid-North represent one of the most significant architectural innovations of the early nineteenth century.”

“The first elevated cars began serving the North Side with the opening of the Northwestern Elevated Railroad in 1900, hinting the decline of Mid-North. By 1912, these trains were serving the northern suburbs all the way to Wilmette.”

“The earliest houses in Mid-North were of wood and had Italianate details. No frame buildings were built after 1874, when the city building code forbade all wood construction within the city limits.”