Pullman District

“These are the only two civic and industrial buildings in North Pullman remaining from the era of its original development. The boundaries were drawn to include the most concise grouping of historic buildings.”

“Pullman, both north and south, is the result of plans developed by landscape architect Nathan Barrett and architect Solon S. Beman. Though little is known of Barrett's work, Beman is recognized as an important individual in the history of Chicago architecture, not only for Pullman but for such structures as the Fine Arts Building and a series of Christian Science churches.”

“In recounting the development of Pullman, the architect Irving K. Pond, who was Solon Beman's chief draftsman for the Pullman project, stated "there is no attempt in Pullman to produce sophisticated architecture." While the intent was not to produce individually distinctive dwellings, the result of the planning and construction is a handsome architectural ensemble forming block after block of visually harmonious streetscapes.”

“North Pullman shares the same social and economic history that prompted the designation of South Pullman as a landmark in 1972. Pullman was a model planned industrial community, combining industry, housing, and public spaces.”

“George M. Pullman was the founder of the railway car company bearing his name. It was the premier manufacturer of luxury coaches in the United States for more than half a century.”

“North Pullman Residential development in Pullman was driven by industry. The location of the factory of the Pullman Palace Car Company, the largest single employer in the area, just north of 111th Street, provided the impetus for the building of the principal residential area immediately south.”

“They are devoid of the more elaborate corbelled ornamental orange-and-black brickwork used in the earlier construction. Relatively simple with flat red-orange face brick facades, the buildings are notable for the way they are stepped back on their sites to conform to the angle of the street.”

“The flats and houses on the block are grouped in pairs. Except for the three-flats at 10409-11, all of the buildings are two stories tall. As compared with other designs, these have significantly more detailing, including in some cases the orange and black trimmed brick that is characteristic of the initial construction.”

“What distinguished this block was its informal status as the shopping arcade for the district. Shops were mixed in with residences in the northern third of the block.”

“The Allen Paper Car Wheel Company Area ► The 10700-Block of South Cottage Grove Avenue The design of the buildings on this block follows the practice of placing more substantial looking structures in highly visible locations.”