Let’s pretend. It’s January 1, 2047, and time to submit new nominations for the National Register of Historic Places.
What was built in Chicago in the 25 years prior to January 1, 1997 that qualifies for inclusion? Review the summary criteria before making your nomination.
My nominee: the Embassy Club — patterned after 18th and 19th century London residences and built on a 7-acre site north of Wrightwood between Southport and Greenview. The developer was Dan McLean’s MCL Companies. The site planner and principal architect was Pappageorge Haymes. See YoChicago’s Embassy Club photos at Flickr.
The Embassy Club extended the accepted mid-80s boundaries for luxury housing in Lincoln Park deep into west DePaul. It set new standards in masonry construction and harmonious yet varied architecture. Most important, it stopped in its tracks the tendency of fringe-area Lincoln Park developers to build walled fortresses that disrespected and disrupted the urban fabric. It’s difficult to overestimate the Embassy Club’s influence on subsequent developments in the area.
Let’s hear your nominations, and your comments on the Embassy Club and the importance of its architect and developer.