| Address | An area generally bounded by E. 111th St., the alley east of S. Langley Ave., E. 114th St., the alley east of S. Champlain Ave., the alley north of E. 115th St., S. Forrestville Ave., S. Cottage Grove Ave., and an irregular parcel of land north of E. 111th St. |
|---|---|
| Built | Various |
| Architect | Various |
| Status | Designated Chicago Landmark District |
| Designation Date | June 1, 1972 (Final) |
| Type | Historic district |
Direct quotes from the Chicago Landmark Designation Report
“Also, the Pullman Strike of 1894 signaled a milestone in the continuing development of the labor movement. The town served as a focal point for many of the actions surrounding this event.”
“The "Pioneer" received national acclaim, and Pullman's prominence as a car-builder was established. By the end of 1866, Pullman had 48 cars in operation, with others under construction.”
“When production at the Pullman factory commenced, the demand for more and better rail cars (passenger as well as freight) was satisfied. This fact was in great part responsible for the growth rates experienced by the industry during the decade of the 1880s.”
“This venture was only one of many building-raising projects undertaken by Pullman. By the end of 1858, he had succeeded in amassing $20,000 and was known to many of Chicago's more prominent citizens.”
“After becoming famous for his design, of the company buildings and housing, and with the aid and assistance of George Pullman, Beman was commissioned to design a number of buildings in Chicago's downtown district (the Pullman Building, the Fine Arts Building, Grand Central Station, and others), as well as many residential structures, of which the Kimball House on South Prairie Avenue remains.”
“The years following the establishment of the company found Pullman constantly seeking ways to improve railroad service. In his quest, he developed the dining car, an innovation that made the rolling stock self-sufficient.”
“Later, Pullman was to be instrumental in helping Beman obtain numerous commissions in Chicago, including the Pullman Building (1884), the Chicago Manual Training School (1884), the Studebaker (now Fine Arts) Building (1886), Grand Central Station (1890) -- recently demolished Mines and Mining Building at the World's Columbian Exposition (1892). and the The Town Company and model towns were by no means new.”
“By summer, the first 100 dwellings had been completed, and another 400 were under construction. The hotel was completed in September 1881 and named the "Florence" after Pullman's favorite child.”
“There is physical space and breathing space in South Pullman. And there is a strong sense of community, of belonging, among the residents. The population of approximately 3,000 includes a few remaining residents who came as immigrant laborers in the 1920s.”
“Although the work on the exteriors was halted by cold weather, interior work proceeded throughout the winter. In April 1881, the Illinois Central's Pullman station was opened, and the Corliss steam engine, most powerful in the world, was set into operation.”