“The first time an Art Deco design garnered significant attention was in 1922 when the Chicago Tribune held a worldwide competition for its new headquarters on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue. The first prize for the new Tribune Tower was awarded to a Gothic Revival design; however, architect Eliel Saarinen’s second prize quickly became the latest architectural trend as Art Deco dominated the 1920s and beyond, with Art Moderne gaining prevalence from 1930 through the 1940s. The latter style emphasized simple geometric massing and stripped-down, austere forms. Cut short by World War II, houses in this specific style are difficult to find; although we are fortunate that the Chicago area has numerous examples from single-family residences to multi-unit buildings.
“Less than a block from Lake Shore Drive In Chicago’s Gold Coast stands a striking condo building that blends International Style and Art Moderne with its corner windows, glass blocks, and streamlined stucco facade. Thanks to architectural historian Max Chavez for providing the history of the building’s remodeling: In 1938, it was announced that Harry A. White and his wife, both attorneys, would alter the early 20th-century structure (no architect was specified) into what was the new modern style of that time period. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom duplex penthouse offers an open, light-filled interior, an updated kitchen, a spacious rooftop deck, and reasonable HOA fees for the area at $562.”