Chicago:
Lincoln Square - Chicago IL
The Krause Music Store was the very last design completed by Louis Sullivan, a true architectural genius who was never fully appreciated during his lifetime. His organically inspired ornamental details, as seen on the façade of this store front, are a lasting legacy of a bygone era of beauty, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
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ART PRINT
Uptown - Chicago IL
The Aragon opened its doors during the height of Uptown's prominence as an entertainment district in the 1920s. This beautiful ballroom has played host to countless pieces of musical history, and the moorish inspired architecture within only adds to the nostalgic escapist experience.
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ART PRINT
The Loop - Chicago IL
You might recognize the distinct patterns on this stonework from your last trip to Venice. Although Michigan Avenue is slightly less tranquil than the Grand Canal, I'd highly recommend taking a moment to pause and admire such a stunning piece of Chicago history, for which this illustration pays tribute.
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ART PRINT
Uptown - Chicago IL
This print of the Uptown's original lobby entrance & marquee showcases a marvelously executed terra cotta façade. A Frank Zappa concert in 1981 was the very last show performed at this venue, but because the building still stands, we hold out hope that the theatre will find new life again one day soon.
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The Loop - Chicago IL
This building is a complete masterpiece and a favorite of many Chicagoans. Built in 1886 by Burnham and Root, it is arguably the oldest standing high rise in Chicago, with a re-design of the interior completed in 1905 by Frank Lloyd Wright.
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Logan Square - Chicago IL
Originally opened as the Paramount Theatre in 1915, the Logan Theatre has been a family owned business for over 100 years. A community focused operation makes the iconic Logan sign quite appropriate as an emblem of the neighborhood from which the theatre takes its name.
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James A. Garfield Park - Chicago IL
In the late 1800s and early 1900's, Chicago invested vast resources into the development of the park systems and boulevards, and this field house is a beacon of beautiful civic architecture, with a distinctive gold-leaf dome that anchors the center of Garfield Park.
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Bridgeport - Chicago IL
Roughly translated from Lithuanian, this 'serene place' opened in 1929 with insanely beautiful ornamental detailing designed to resemble a Spanish courtyard. Having been closed since the mid 80s, the Ramova is another recent success story from which this illustration was inspired. Purchased from the city for just $1 in 2017, an investment group took on extensive renovations leading to the rebirth of this treasured neighborhood theatre in 2023.
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ART PRINT
Lake Michigan - Chicago IL
Originally constructed for the World's Fair in 1893, the Chicago Lighthouse was re-located to it's current location in 1919 when the Breakwater surrounding the harbor was re-configured and upgraded. A sunset view over the skyline from this vantage point is a beautifully serene experience.
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Wrigleyville - Lake View - Chicago IL
The Northside Auditorium Building was originally a Swedish Community Center when it was built in 1927. In more recent history, the Metro has been the quintessential venue for emerging artists touring through Chicago.
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The Loop - Chicago IL
Anchoring the historic intersection of Michigan Avenue & Wacker Drive, this angled city block lends a unique geometric beauty to the structure and façade of this storied office tower. The London House Hotel currently operates within the building with a rooftop bar frequented by many for its stunning views of downtown and the Chicago River.
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Pilsen - Chicago IL
18th Street and the surrounding area is home to a completely unique district distinguished by Czech immigrant influence in the late 19th century, including Thaila Hall. Recently this venue has been lovingly restored and you'll find some of the best intimate shows at this old-world concert hall with over 120 years of history within its walls.
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ART PRINT
Printer's Row - South Loop - Chicago IL
Still anchoring the south end of Printer's Row, Dearborn Station (aka Polk Street Depot) was built in 1883 by the Chicago & Western Indiana Railroad. An imposing 12 story clock tower rises above this structure that originally had a beautifully distinctive pitched roof. Though no trains have entered the station since the 1970s, thankfully the building survives. It now serves as retail and office space, and the former rail yards are occupied by Dearborn Park.
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River North - Chicago IL
Subtly hidden amongst high rises and the upward urban changes that have taken place in River North over the last 120 years, the music temple has not only survived, but has also recently been restored and renovated. Built in 1901 as the headquarters and showroom of the Bush and Gerts Piano Company, this architectural treasure carries beautiful french renaissance accents portrayed in this illustration.
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Lakeview - Chicago IL
Originally Built in 1929, this beautiful theatre in the Southport Corridor represents a local movie house that's been operating in a film-centric capacity for all of its lifespan. Currently, you can catch repertory screenings, independent films, or cult classics depending on the night. Furthermore, the Music Box has become a deeply beloved neighborhood institution by new residents and long time locals alike.
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ART PRINT
Wrigleyville - Lake View - Chicago IL
The style of this particular building and corner bar represents a quintessential turn of the century Chicago tavern and apartment block. Additionally, Sheffield's has an incredibly pleasant side yard & beer garden known for an unassuming, low-key atmosphere compared to the hectic Clark Street scene adjacent to Wrigley Field.
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ART PRINT
The Loop - Chicago IL
Originally the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre, this Neo-Baroque French-revival style Movie Palace was once the flagship location of a chain of grand theatres throughout the midwest. This rendering pays tribute to the six-story tall triumphal arch motif on the State Street façade.
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ART PRINT
(FRONT VIEW)
The Loop - Chicago IL
As the centerpiece theatre in a city that was once full of neighborhood cinemas and movie palaces, the iconic vertical Marquee of the Chicago Theatre, as portrayed in this print, stands as an icon and emblem of the city to this day.
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(ANGLE VIEW)
Lake View - Chicago IL
Built by the Schlitz Brewery in 1912, Schubas is one of the better known surviving Tied Houses in the city of Chicago and retains much of her original decorative elements and beauty. Beyond that, the back room stage has played a critical role within Chicago's indie music scene over the last 35 years.
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ART PRINT
The Loop - Chicago IL
Arguably the most beautifully designed car-centric building in the world, this gorgeous structure originally housed a car elevator that served the first 23 floors. Built with the purpose of safely guarding tenants (and their goods) from thieves of 1920s gangland Chicago, it was the tallest auto garage in the world at the time. That said, this print was rendered to highlight the exquisite exterior ornamentation on the upper sections of this Chicago gem.
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ART PRINT
Englewood - Chicago IL
Located in Englewood on the south side of Chicago, the Yale was originally built in 1892 as luxury apartments in anticipation of the World's Columbian Exposition (World's Fair) held in relatively nearby Jackson Park. Hidden within, this building has an incredible seven story interior atrium with a skylight that allows sunlight to filter in and showcase an inviting airy space with surrounding walkways leading to individual apartments.
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The Loop - Chicago IL
This beautiful french renaissance theatre was built in the early 1900s adjacent the infamous Blackstone Hotel, which still stands next door. Currently operated by Depaul University as the Merle Reskin Theatre, this particular print was carefully illustrated to accentuate the original Beaux-Arts architectural elements of the entrance and façade.
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ART PRINT
The Loop - Chicago IL
"Stately, perfectly proportioned, pure in outline and exquisite in tint, it rises at the southeast corner of Dearborn and Van Buren streets." - Joseph and Caroline Kirkland - The Story of Chicago - 1894.
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South Loop - Chicago IL
It's incredible to ponder the amount of train routes that made their way into Chicago at one point in time. Beyond that, the resources put into the grandeur of these stations in that era is astonishing. The interior columns of Chicago's Grand Central were styled after Norman Castles with intricate carvings and the waiting room floor was even laid with Vermont Marble. To top off the clock tower, a 5 ton bell tolled every hour. Heartbreakingly, The 'Père Marquette' route to Grand Rapids was the last train to depart this station in 1969.
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Kenwood - Chicago IL
In Kenwood, on the south shore of Chicago, T.B. Blackstone had this beautiful library built as a gift to the city in which he had made his fortune. Browsing stacks of books amongst the bronze accents, carved marble, and glass block floors floors is a thoroughly endearing experience at this neighborhood branch of the Chicago Public Library.
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River North - Chicago IL
While we rarely pay tribute to modern buildings, this illustration of Marina City makes the exception. The urbanist ideals of Bertrand Goldberg combined with the organically inspired aesthetic beauty make these apartment towers a treasured focal point on the Chicago River.
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ART PRINT
The Loop - Chicago IL
The Chicago Board of Trade was the first commercial building in Chicago to have electric lighting, and the tallest in the city when it originally had a large clock tower in 1885. As it turns out, the ground wasn't stable enough for this imposing structure, and the building was eventually demolished in 1929.
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Uptown - Chicago IL
Some of the most unique architectural structures exist on awkward triangle shaped lots, and this beauty was originally crafted and executed with decorative detailing that remind you of Uptown's glamorous boom in 1920s Chicago as an entertainment district.
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Lincoln Park - Chicago IL
Originally opened as the Fullerton Theatre in 1912, this venue took on many variations during its lifetime. The '3 Penny Cinema' operated from 1964-2006 showing second-run films and midnight movies, but more recently the venue took its current form as Lincoln Hall, an artist-friendly and versatile intimate venue known for its superior acoustics.
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Downtown - Chicago IL
The Wrigley building is an architectural icon in the heart of Chicago at the intersection of Michigan Avenue & the Chicago River. The façade is still covered with the traditional glazed white terra-cotta which makes the building glow when it's lit up at night to show off its beautiful ornamental details.
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Ukrainian Village - Chicago IL
Although less ornate than some other building exteriors we've featured, this historic corner on Western Avenue embodies the glass blocked Chicago dive bar atmosphere, and this intimate venue is arguably the most respected and authentic emerging indie music stage in the city.
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Oak Park - Chicago IL
Built in 1895 in the traditional Tudor Style, the Moore House was an early work of the infamous Frank Lloyd Wright. The exterior decoration in this illustration pays tribute to the architects re-design of the house after a devastating fire in the 1920s allowed Wright to implement some of his trademark pattern work in the re-build, creating a striking intersection of architectural styles.
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The Loop - Chicago IL
This was an unbelievably gorgeous structure that once stood at the corner of LaSalle and Monroe streets, associated with the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. Sadly, the temple didn't even survive the 1920's, but you can celebrate a bygone era of high rise office tower splendor inspired by the Chateau's of France with this completely unique graphic print.
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ART PRINT
Lake View East - Chicago IL
Built in 1925, the Diversey Theatre was located on Clark Street just north of the busy Clark-Diversey-Broadway intersection, where the structure has taken on many forms over the years. As the mall craze swept the country in the late 1970s, the theatre was actually gutted and turned into an urban shopping center. Despite the various awkward modifications and additions, much of the original façade can still be appreciated today as you stroll up Clark Street.
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Lake View East - Chicago IL
Behind the stone exterior of this landmark lies one of the most beautifully constructed interiors in the city. The atrium of steel supported glass-blocked walkways is a masterpiece of architectural ingenuity and aesthetics. Moreover, the Brewster is also home to our studio and print shop where many of these illustrations have taken form.
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New York:
Boerum Hill - Brooklyn NY
Entering this corner tavern lets you step back into a living piece of Brooklyn past. The dimly-lit tin ceilings, wood accents, and rustic fixtures mix perfectly with the low-key, unpretentious vibe at the Brooklyn Inn. In operation since 1885, The Inn has managed to perfectly balance the intersection of a traveler friendly and locally beloved neighborhood bar.
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Flatiron District - Manhattan NY
The grand upward view towards the Flatiron Building is unmistakable. The intersection of Broadway and 5th Avenue shape this unique triangular block from which the building's design takes its iconic shape. Having played the backdrop to countless pieces of New York history, this vertical palazzo has also become a centerpiece and symbol of Manhattan's architectural history in its own right. This illustration pays tribute to the grandeur of the structure and gives a glimpse into the surrounding street scene at the turn of the century when the skyscraper was originally constructed.
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Flatbush - Brooklyn NY
The re-opening of the Kings Theatre in 2015 was another encouraging story of preservation, bringing back to life this lavish movie palace that had been closed since 1977. Hosting a variety of events, the theatre has re-emerged as a neighborhood focal point and cultural landmark of Brooklyn. This illustration pays tribute to the beautifully rehabbed façade and entry way along Flatbush Avenue.
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Prospect Park - Brooklyn NY
In September of 1964, the New York City Parks Department was within forty-eight hours of demolishing the Boathouse in Prospect Park. Thankfully, preservationists stepped in and the building was eventually designated a New York City Landmark in 1975. The marble exterior and decorative elements reflected on the Lullwater is a beautifully serene blend of history and nature.
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Midtown - Manhattan NY
The underground expansion of this New York centerpiece is a wonderful example of rail terminal design and modern adaptation at its best. After the demolition of Penn Station in 1963, the passenger experience was seemingly irrelevant to urban planners, but arriving by rail at Grand Central is an incredible rider experience both functionally and aesthetically. This print pays tribute to a living monument of Midtown's energy, history, ingenuity, and beauty.
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ART PRINT
Philadelphia:
North Philadelphia PA
In the golden age of baseball, many ball parks were integrally placed within the neighborhood, and Shibe Park was a quintessential snapshot of city life and Americana in the early 1900s of North Philadelphia. This viewpoint captures the ornate details of the original structure as it existed in the time of the Philadelphia Athletics.
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Chinatown - Philadelphia PA
The intimate space within this historic venue has served many variations in its lifetime. From opera to burlesque and vaudeville, the Trocadero came to be one of the city's most iconic live music venues, playing a central role in the Philadelphia music scene both geographically and metaphorically.
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Glenside PA
Opened in 1928 as a silent movie palace, the Keswick Theater's design had a particular focus on acoustic optimization, which attracted many well known live acts in the later decades of the century. Despite multiple renovations, the theatre has managed to preserve much of its original architectural character and beauty.
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Upper Darby Township PA
Another beloved movie palace turned music venue is the iconic Tower Theater. The notoriously well designed acoustic space lends itself to live recordings, and there is a deeply rooted history of infamous rock shows going back to the 'Midnight Sun Concerts' of the 1970s. This illustration was created to pay tribute to the tower structure and marquee anchoring the neighborhood intersection of 69th & Ludlow.
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These illustrations were born from our love of urban exploration & the stunning beauty of historic buildings. Every print is carefully rendered (by a human) to accentuate the ornamental details of these architectural treasures and neighborhood institutions. We especially love the craftsmanship and attention to detail common in the era at the turn of the twentieth century.
All items are crafted & printed on-site at our studio in Lake View East - Chicago.
