Kaufmann Store and Flats

“Accordingly, the style and placement of ornament on his buildings reflect his ideas on the metaphysical relationship between ornament and structure. As a rare survivor from the early period of Adler and Sullivan's partnership, the Kaufmann Store and Flats illustrates many of the essential qualities that established their role in the development of modern architecture.”

“The office of William Le Baron Jenney, where Burnham, Root, and Sullivan had all been employed at various times, had already designed the First Leiter Building in 1879, and was about to undertake plans for the Home Insurance Building for which permits were issued in the spring of 1884.”

“He was laid off in the autumn of 1873 as a result of the national economic panic. Sullivan left that city for Chicago to join his parents and brother who had previously settled here.”

“Arches were always round, never pointed, but minor elements such as columns and cresting seem medieval in inspiration. Sullivan's architectural ornament was also stylistically cohesive during this period and, like the architecture, began to change only in 1883 at about the time of full partnership.”

“Adler worked with Kinney, and subsequently his son, through January of 1871 when he left to form a partnership with Edward Burling. Like other firms, Burling & Adler was instrumental in the rebuilding of Chicago after the Fire of 1871.”

“The 1887 addition mirrors its earlier counterpart in the simple iron-and-glass storefront, masonry and millwork detailing, and the protruding brick and stone piers at the northern end of the street facade.”