Renovations are underway for the three-story terra cotta Hudson Motor Building located at 2222 S. Michigan Avenue. Designed by Chicago architect Alfred Alschuler in 1922, the building has a wonderfully ornate terra cotta façade including arched windows, twisted columns, decorative cornice, and “H” medallions representing the Hudson Motor Car Company.

Two retired Chicago Bears, defensive ends Israel Idonije and Julius Peppers, are the developers leading the live-work-play styled redevelopment and project completion is scheduled for late 2019. Idonije was the developer behind the Workvault co-working space located at 1420 S. Michigan that opened in 2015. Preservation Chicago applauds the development team for their commitment to Bronzeville, recognizing the potential of these magnificent buildings, and their leadership for actualizing a highly creative use of a Designated Chicago Landmark.

This represents one of the most significant redevelopments in the Motor Row District since it was desginated a Chicago Landmark District in December 13, 2000. The district includes 55 buildings. This collection of commercial buildings on Chicago’s Near South Side is considered to be the largest, intact early “automobile row” in the country. At its peak, as many as 116 different makes of automobiles were being sold on Motor Row including Ford, Buick, Fiat, Cadillac, Hudson, Locomobile, Marmon, and Pierce-Arrow.

In December 2015, Richard H. Driehaus purchased the historic former Marmon Motor Car Company Building located at 2232 S. Michigan Avenue to showcase his extensive historic car collection. Preservation Chicago applauds him for his commitment to this Chicago Landmark District. The 38,800 square foot Spanish-revival building was also designed by architect Alfred Alschuler in 1922 is immediately adjacent to the Hudson Motor Building.