Chicago neighborhood garners national attention with listing on National Register of Historic Places
The commercial district of Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of cultural assets worthy of preservation.
"We are honored to receive National Historic District recognition," said Ellen Shepard, executive director of the Andersonville Development Corporation and Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. "National Historic District status showcases the importance of Andersonville's Swedish development, its historic architecture, and its acclaimed unique, local businesses."
The Andersonville Commercial Historic District is located between 4900 and 5800 N. Clark Street, adjacent side streets, and select buildings on Ashland Avenue. The designation was bestowed based on two criteria:
• The district is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
• The district embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction.
The Andersonville Commercial Historic District is closely associated with the Swedish community that moved to the neighborhood following the Chicago Fire. The district contains fully intact turn-of-thecentury commercial buildings that represent the popular architectural styles of the time. Many Swedishrun companies, theaters, retail shops, bakeries and banks thrived in the area, and the district's historic character remains today. A total of 116 properties within the district are considered historically significant.
In recent years, Andersonville has gained acclaim for its commercial district comprised almost entirely of local, independent businesses and for its commitment to environmental sustainability. In 2007, Natural Home Magazine named Andersonville one of the country's "Top Ten Eco-Communities," based on its local businesses and high walk-ability. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, properties listed can include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. Due to this status, commercial properties can qualify for federal income tax credits by utilizing the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits. By spending money on a permitted rehabilitation, owners can receive a one-time credit against federal income taxes owed which is equal to 20% of the cost of the rehabilitation.
Significant structures & businesses in the Andersonville Historic District include:
Trumbull School, 5200 N. Ashland
Built August 10, 1908
Architect: Dwight Perkins
This unique building designed by Dwight Perkins, the most famous architect to have built in Andersonville, is a great example of a large, Prairie-style brick school. Perkins was appointed the Chief Architect for the Chicago Board of Education in 1905. He was responsible for the design of 40 public schools. The American Institute of Architects has recognized the building as an example of the Prairie School architectural movement and notes the structure's "…power and purity of form."
Erickson Jewelers Building, 5304 N. Clark Street
Built September 7, 1905; remodeled late 1930s
Architect: unknown
The distinctive black pigmented structural glass façade of the Erickson's building is a product of a Great Depression government subsidy for storefront improvement. The Art Moderne/Deco style was encouraged. The American Institute of Architects notes, "Fragments of these storefronts survive in many shopping districts; few are as well preserved as this example. The black-glass background still sets off the brushed metal name and the diamond ring, almost two feet in diameter — enticing us to stop, look . . . and buy." The façade and its projecting sign remain intact, unique among retail storefronts that undergo countless remodels.
Calo Theater Building, 5402-5418 N. Clark Street
Built: April 7, 1915
Architect: George H. Borst
Two theaters served the Swedish-American community in early Andersonville; the Calo Theater and the Temple Theater. The Calo Theater and complex ( 5402-5416 North Clark ) was one of a chain of movie houses owned and operated by the Calo Theatre Co. It was opened in 1915 for the Ascher Brothers circuit and originally seated about 800 people. The theater has been used for various forms of entertainment, including a bowling alley, and was most recently the home to the Griffin Theatre Company, which performed live theater. The exterior is notable for its elaborate terra cotta work. Today, the building houses a multitude of the unique, local businesses for which Andersonville is known. The Calo Restaurant ( 5343-45 North Clark Street ) , a former building occupant, still bears the Calo name.
5357 N. Ashland — ( currently GreenSky & Sunburst Flowers )
Built: September 6, 1898
Architect: Chas. A. Strandel
Owner: Nicholas Schlitz
One of the oldest commercial structures in Andersonville, and one of the classic corner storefront buildings for which Chicago's neighborhoods were known. It is notable as an intact example of the Late Victorian style mixed-used building with its octagonal corner turret, multiple second floor bay windows, decorative cornice and various brick and stamped metal motifs, depicting everything from clay roof tiles to oak leafs, to the waves of Lake Michigan.
Simon's Tavern, 5210 N. Clark Street
Built: March 1907
Architect: unknown
Simon's is one of Andersonville's oldest establishments. Founded in 1934 by Simon Lundberg, it has been a favorite community haunt for decades, including a notable stint as a speakeasy during prohibition. Current proprietor Scott Martin grew up in the neighborhood and has been a staunch supporter of Andersonville community events and other activities. The interior is a classic period tavern, with its bar and murals, typical of prohibition days.
Lind Hardware building, 5211 N. Clark Street ( currently Swedish American Museum )
Date: August 1905
Architect: Andrew E. Norman
This three story Classical revival façade, comprised of 2 story fluted pilasters and a balustrade cornice, was originally designed to house the Swedish, Lind Hardware Store. Decades later, Kurt Mathiasson, owner of Svea Restaurant, recognized the importance of carrying on the Swedish culture in Andersonville, and was the lead proponent of establishing a museum to keep that culture alive. In 1976, the first Museum opened as a small storefront log cabin in which family histories were collected. His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, officially opened the Museum in its original location. In 1988, the Museum moved to its current location. The King of Sweden returned to celebrate the new beginnings of the Swedish American Museum Center. In 2001, the Museum opened its renowned Children's Museum of Immigration on the third floor. The Swedish American Museum remains the heart of the Swedish community in the Midwest. Its celebrations of traditional Swedish holidays draw visitors from all over the country.
Swedish American Bank building, 5400 N. Clark Street ( currently Hamburger Mary's )
Date: January 13, 1913
Architect: Ottenheimer, Stern and Reichert This two story high Classical/Beaux Arts building is unique in that it is totally clad in white glazed terra cotta. The second floor terra cotta piers and stylized paired classical pilasters flank the building's corners.The second-story wall surface is largely filled with a semi-circular tripartitie window including very thin vertical accent strips capped with foliate details and decorative keystones . The keystone portrays the Chicago municipal "Y" symbol with a stylized eagle. The entablature's organic rounded forms, cartouches, cornucopias with fruit, all makes this the most distinctive piece of architecture in Andersonville.
5517-5523 N. Clark Street ( currently Los Arcos Restaurant )
Date: April 5, 1905
Architect: Ronnenberg, Pierce and Hauber
This one-story Spanish Revival building is clad in brick with limestone detailing. The façade is divided into four storefronts. The parapet wall is heavily decorated with soft yellow & blue terra cotta, with a bas-relief border. This course accented with eight circular stained glass medallions and octagonal towers anchor the corners. A most unusual, single story, retail structure.
Capital State Bank building ( currently Philadelphia Church ) , 5423-5437 N. Clark Street
Date: February 11, 1921
Architect: A.V. Frisen
The large, Neo- Classical building is two stories high, fully clad in limestone. Simple pilasters articlate the entire façade while flanking the central entrance with its two main doors. A limestone cornice with dentil moulding and a stepped parapet cap off this once-stately bank. Today, it is the home of the Philadelphia Church, anchored by a highly photographed "Jesus Saves" 1940/50's marquee.
Plus many more historic buildings and businesses.
The Andersonville Commercial Historic District research and application was created by Thom Greene, local architect, and Kristy Menas, under the auspices of the non-profit Andersonville Development Corporation, with assistance from the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Edgewater Historical Society, and Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
