Medinah Temple Chicago

Medinah Temple

This building was constructed by the Shriners in 1912. It is a colorful Islamic themed building with pointed domes

It is located at 600 N. Wabash Avenue. The architects were Huehl and Schmidt.

Originally, this was an ornate auditorium with seating for 4200 on three levels. There was an Austin Pipe Organ. Shows at this venue included Shrine Circus and the 25th Anniversary Bozo Show.

Over the years, the building slid into decline. The Friedman Properties, the city of Chicago, the State of Illinois and Federated Department Stores entered into a partnership to rennovate the property. The exterior of the building was restored. The interior was gutted and reconstructed for retail use. Large cornices and intricate balcolnly railings were restored. The two 10,000 pound copper domes were restored.

Bloomingdale’s Home and Furniture opened in the retail space in 2002. Recently, the building was put up for sale. There is a current proposal to operate a fitness and life center at this site.

Medinah Temple

Medinah Temple

Medinah Temple

Medinah Temple

Medinah Temple

Medinah Temple

Gauler Twin Houses

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The Gauler Twin Houses are two identical adjacent residences located in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago at 5917 and 5921 North Magnolia Avenue.

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Informative Signage Twin Houses

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Image of Twin Houses

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Image of Twin Houses

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Same as above

One

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One of Twin Houses

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Same as above

Posterior View Twin Houses

Belle Shore Apartment Hotel

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Belle Shore Apartment Hotel

This is an eight story apartment building located in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago at 1062 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue.  The building permit was issued in 1928

It was built in 1929 as an apartment hotel. It was designed by Nathaniel Koenigsberg and Leon Weisfeld. They were influenced by the Egyptian Art Deco Movement. The building was named for Max Malter’s (developer) wife Belle. The exterior is decorated with green and cream terra cotta from from Northwest Terra Cotta Company. In the lobby, there are mural scenes from the Old Testament. The building was originally designed to have a mixture of studio and one bedroom accomodations.

Over the years, the building declined and had the reputation of a flop house. Fortunately, the building was acquired by a developer the Holsten Real Estate Development Corporation. This Company began a massive rennovation.of the Belle Shore. Involved in the project was : 1) external masonry repair; 2) window restoration; 3) new roofing; 4) new roof top boiler room; 5)new plumbing and electric; 6) new elevators; 7) lobby and apartment rennovation; 7) development of new ground level commercial retail. The developer sought to main the mix of studio and one bedroom apartments.

     This building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995!

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Front Signage Belle Shore Apartment Hotel

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Hotel Signage

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Front Door Lobby

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Belle Shore Apartment Hotel

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Same as above

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Belle Shore Apartment Hotel

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Belle Shore Apartment Hotel

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Belle Shore Apartment Hotel

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Belle Shore Apartment  Hotel

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Belle Shore Apartment  Hotel

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Belle Shore Apartment Hotel

DSC_4082Front Entrance Apartment

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Biblical Mural Lobby

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Biblical Mural Lobby

 

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Biblical Mural Lobby

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Biblical Mural Lobby

 

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Biblical Mural Lobby