| Address | 5804 W. Race Avenue, Chicago, IL |
|---|---|
| Built | 1887 |
| Architect | Frederick Schock |
| Status | Designated Chicago Landmark |
| Designation Date | January 20, 1999 (Final)City Council Journal of the Proceedings, p. 87983 |
| Neighborhood | Austin |
| Type | House |
| Landmark ID | L-225 |
Direct quotes from the Chicago Landmark Designation Report
“This house, which was built by Schock's aunt, Catherine Schlect, demonstrates the creativity and richness of the architect's work during this period.”
“Rather than repeating the popular success of his own house the year before, he takes the Queen Anne style in a different direction.”
“Instead of outlining the building with trim and corner boards, as was typical with Queen Annes, Schock abstracted the forms by wrapping them with shingles.”
“The manner by which these broad wall surfaces are highlighted with a handful of features, such as the hooded, third-floor balcony on the west elevation, gives this building its drama.”
“As with his own home, Schock took advantage of the prominent corner site by giving each side a striking facade design.”
“Indeed, he provides two prominent entries, one facing Race (south) and the other Menard (east).”
“As with the other residences profiled in this report, the Schlect House has changed little from its original appearance.”
“Even in a neighborhood known for its high-quality residential architecture, these buildings stand apart for their unique styles and gracious settings.”
“These four houses by architect Frederick Shock are among the city's best surviving examples of the Shingle Style-a rare style for Chicago and the Midwest.”
“Of the 23 Schock-designed buildings identified in the Chicago Historic Resources Survey as having high architectural significance, 16 are located in Austin.”
“In fact, in a gesture unique among Chicago neighborhoods, the local community group includes an architect's name in their identification: the Austin Schock Neighborhood Association.”
“There is also evidence that Schock's work influenced Frank Lloyd Wright, during that famed architect's early years in the suburb of Oak Park.”
“As such, the houses served as advertisements for the pastoral residential style that developer Henry Austin was promoting for his new development.”
“A century later, the four houses remain as focal points in the community, and are frequently featured in its annual architectural house tour.”