Trip 90: Valentine's Day on the South Side

Date: February 14, 2011

Trip: 90

Landmarks Visited: 5

Landmarks To-Date: 237

Landmarks Remaining: 116

On a sunny Valentine's Day afternoon I drove to the south side to see four landmarks on Michigan Avenue and one on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology. The drive on South Michigan Avenue was a pleasant surprise because there are more of the original homes remaining than I expected. It wasn't always easy to look at a block and pick out the landmarked building.

1. Griffiths-Burroughs House

2. Eighth Church of Christ, Scientist



3. George Cleveland Hall Branch, Chicago Public Library

4. Pate-Comiskey House

This house is unique both because it combines elements of Prairie Style and traditional design, and because it was the home of a long time owner of the Chicago White Sox.

5. Main Building & Machinery Hall

I have seen these buildings a number of times from the Kennedy Expressway, but because the Illinois Institute of Technology is famous for its Modernist buildings, I wasn't sure if they were part of the campus. The first group of photos is of the Main Building. I'm pleased that I was able to get a shot of the stained glass windows through the front door of the building. I also tried to show the stripped stone that makes up the foundation of the building.

The second group of photos is of Machinery Hall, which is just across 33rd Street from the Main Building.

Machinery Hall

The following pics are of 'non-landmarked' buildings on the campus. I'm guessing that this building is named after the Armour family of meat packing fame.

These photos are of the new student union building. The most interesting aspect is that is was built directly under the L. A tube was built around the L tracks to reduce the noise in the building. The interior of the building utilizes a number of translucent walls. This had given me some ideas for my long-term renovation plan for my condo...

I'm guessing these buildings are dorms, but whatever their purpose, I like the design.