This building is located at 5948–5960 N. Broadway in the Edgewater Neighborhood of Chicago.  It was built in the 1920’s as an upscale Chrysler Showroom for the North Broadway Auto Row. The architect was Richard Bernard Kurzon.

     It features 20 foot ceilings with plaster and ornamental gold leaf.  There are ornamental metal chandeliers.  There are leaded glass arched windows.  The exterior facade features ornamental terra cotta.  The style was described as Venetian Gothic.

     During the 1940’s–1950’s, the building housed the M.P. Masse Furniture Store.  During the 1960’s–1970’s, it was occupied by the Chicago Art Galleries.  This was an antique store and a decorative art auction house.  This closed in 1976.

     The next occupier of the building was the Broadway Bank.  It was in this location until 2010.  It was closed by the federal government because of financial irregularities.  M B Bank was next at this location until 2014.

     The building was designated an historic landmark by the City Council Commision on Chicago Landmarks

     This area near the Lincoln Park Zoo was originally built in 1889 as an ornate, Victorian style garden.  Its pool was artificially heated.  Over the years, it was overrun with frogs and invasive species of plants.

     In 1936, Alfred Caldwell was hired by WPA to restore the overgrown, neglected garden. His plan was to create a natural Midwest ecosystem on this 2.7 acre site.  It was to resemble a lush area of the Illinois Valley.  After his budget was cut, he used his personal money to complete the project.  He imported native plants from Sauk County, Wisconsin.

     By the 1950’s, migratory birds had claimed the area.  The Lincoln Park Zoo converted the area into a rookery.  The area became overrun.

     The Lincoln Park Conservatory decided to restore the area to Caldwell’s original plan.  The Lily Pool was reopened in 2007.

 

Belden