| Address | 8935 S. Commercial Avenue, Chicago, IL |
|---|---|
| Built | 1925 |
| Architect | Hermann V. von Holst & George Grant Elmslie |
| Status | Designated Chicago Landmark |
| Designation Date | April 16, 1996 (Final)City Council Journal of the Proceedings |
| Neighborhood | South Chicago |
| Type | Store and market |
| Landmark ID | L-164 |
Direct quotes from the Chicago Landmark Designation Report
“Associated with Louis H. Sullivan for twenty years, beginning as a draftsman and design associate for many of Sullivan's greatest works, including the Schlesinger & Mayer Store in Chicago (1899/1902-03) and the National Farmer's Bank in Owatonna, Minnesota (1906-08), George Elmslie was one of Sullivan's most devoted proteges and was one of the few to thoroughly grasp the basic philosophical significance of Sullivan's work.”
“Of the three buildings, the Irving Park and South Chicago offices still survive as significant examples of Elmslie's contributions to Chicago's creative architectural movements as exemplified by the Chicago School of Louis H. Sullivan and the Prairie School of Frank Lloyd Wright.”
“Of the three executed Elmslie-designed facilities, the Irving Park store was the only structure to be owned outright by Peoples Gas, the others having been erected by private owners under lease agreements.”
“In contrast to the elaborate finishes of the interior of the Irving Park store, the South Chicago store was relatively simple in treatment with no custom ornament or decorative finishes.”
“In materials and color, the South Chicago store closely related to much of Elmslie's earlier commercial work, being of light yellow-brown wire cut brick with ornamental terra cotta of a matching color.”
“In marked contrast to the earth-toned brick and terra cotta which is often associated with Elmslie's commercial designs, such as the South Chicago store, the Irving Park facade is unusual in its use of grey/buff Bedford limestone as the primary cladding material.”
“Sited in the Commercial Avenue business district of the far southeast side community of South Chicago, the building was custom-built in 1925 for Peoples Gas under a long term lease agreement with Edward Weinberg, the fee simple owner of the property.”
“Born in Germany, von Holst received his architectural training at M.I.T. and after working in the Chicago office of the Boston firm of Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge, he launched his independent architectural practice, specializing in residential projects.”
“Brightly colored art glass was also used for the parapet sign panel which was intended for night illumination by concealed electric lights. The ground floor interior was originally planned as a large showroom for the demonstration and sale of a wide variety of gas appliances offered by Peoples Gas.”