We have some friends that live in the transportation building (600 S. Dearborn) and always enjoy going over to their place. Yesterday we read a post from YoChicago touching on parts of the buildings history:Despite its location inside the Printers Row District, the 22-story Transportation Building at 600 S Dearborn St didn’t house printing companies. As its name suggests, it was home to businesses that needed close contact with the city’s rail lines.
In the ’80s, the Community Resources Corporation converted the long and narrow building into an apartment complex with 294 units in 14 different floor plans, and features like plush wall-to-wall carpeting, fully equipped kitchens, individually controlled heat and air, electronic key card and intercom systems, and laundry and receiving rooms. For $50 a month, renters could have their home furnished with a bed and bedroom furniture, a sofa or loveseat, and a dining table and chairs, with bedding, linens, housewares, artwork, silk plants, microwaves, televisions, and all-important VCRs available for additional costs.
(Image from Chicagoarchitecture.org)
I have lived in the Transportation Building for 9 years. The REAL history of the building is WAY before the 80's and in the structure itself.
ReplyDeleteYes, people wanted to be close to the train station, especially Capone's people, who had an office in the building, so they could watch the comings and goings.
It was designed by Fred V. Prather, a college of Burham (so I am told),in 1911, which is why the building was saved from the wrecking ball.
There are all sort of quirks and interesting tid bits about the building...all more interesting than wall to wall carpet :P
But thanks for the shout out!
Not too sure about the Capone connection but "Untouchable" Elliot Ness had his headquarters in this building back in the day.
ReplyDeleteMy bad, that is who I meant.
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