{"title":"Exterior Building Elements","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"early-20th-century-museum-quality-michael-reese-hospital-gardenesque-exterior-terra-cotta-frieze-fragment","title":"early 20th century museum-quality michael reese hospital \"gardenesque\" exterior terra cotta frieze fragment","description":"c. 1907 exterior \"gardenesque\" terra cotta fragment (two similar fragments from the frieze panel exist in the bldg. 51 museum) salvaged from prairie school style michael reese hospital (old main building). fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta co., chicago, il. contains a speckled black slip glaze finish darkened over time. the terra cotta fragment exhibits a unique interplay between strongly geometric forms, accentuated with gothic style trefoils. the building's ornament was designed by hugh garden, who was greatly influenced by the work of his chicago style contemporaries, wright and sullivan. the south side chicago michael reese hopsital was erected on the ground of the former hospital constructed in 1880. the hospital was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on june 16th, 1907. built at a cost of nearly a million dollars, the hospital was considered the most modern and best equipped in the city during time of construction. the building itself was six stories in height, constructed of solid masonry, steel and tile, with the most approved \"system of heating, lighting and ventilation.\" the interior originally accommodated 240 beds, included sixty private rooms. there were three operating rooms , along with special provisions for isolating patients in the surgical, medical gynecological and maternity departments. the hospital was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt and garden and martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880's, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm's progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden's architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term \"gardenesque.\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669448429866,"sku":"UR-12033-11","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20111115-001m_2.jpg?v=1760323449"},{"product_id":"matching-set-of-original-c-1930-american-art-deco-exterior-calumet-theater-carved-limestone-panels-or-blocks-with-geometrically-designed-rosettes","title":"matching set of original c. 1930 american art deco exterior calumet theater carved limestone panels or blocks with geometrically designed rosettes","description":"two matching c. 1930 american art deco style carved limestone blocks salvaged from the non-extant calumet theater (hammond, in.) demolished in december of 2011. each embossed limestone panel features a \"stepped\" octagonal-shaped rosette with centrally located button, surrounded by pyramdical shaped sun rays. the calumet theater was designed by architect lewis hess with charles n. scott as general contractor or builder. both the cornerstone and facade identify the building owner as h. p. downey. the small venue was built in the art deco or moderne style, with a facade clad in ornamental limestone and a centrally located illuminated marquee positioned above the ticket booth. the two sets of entrance doors are flanked by curvaceous, streamlined style curtain walls containing oversized poster display cases set into the wall. the depilated theater was demolished in december of 2011 after decades of neglect. the two matching blocks contain a mostly uniform and naturally aged surface patina. measures 12 x 12 inches. priced for the pair.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669485654314,"sku":"UR-12413-11","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20111226-20111226-009m_2.jpg?v=1760324448"},{"product_id":"rare-late-19th-century-american-exterior-chicago-bank-building-terra-cotta-figural-lion-head-with-weathered-patina","title":"rare late 19th century american exterior chicago bank building terra cotta figural lion head with weathered patina","description":"very unique and hard to find late 19th century american exterior white glazed terra cotta figural lion head salvaged from the facade of a chicago bank building built around 1890-1900. the highly detailed lion head is finished on all sides, with a hollow cavity interior. the figural building artifact exhibits naturally aged surface characteristics, in the form of allover crazing and sporadic discoloration caused from prolonged exposure to soot, etc. with the exception of the missing lower jaw (lost long ago), the figural lion head remains largely intact. possibly designed and modeled by fritz albert, who for several years was the head modeler at northwestern terra cotta co., chicago, il. founded in chicago in 1878 by a group of investors including john r. true, the northwestern terra cotta company became a major producer of terra cotta ornament used by the construction industry. the studios draftsmen (including the highly skilled fritz albert) transformed architectural blueprints into comprehensive shop drawings that identified exactly where and how each puzzle-like piece would be secured to its supporting structure. by the early 1890's, when northwestern terra cotta employed approximately 500 men, annual sales approached $600,000. by 1910, its large (still extant) plant at clybourn and wrightwood avenues had about 1,000 workers. the popularity of placing terra cotta moldings on building facades peaked in the 1920's, and northwestern terra cotta led the way, in chicago and around the country. around this time, the company opened plants in st. louis and denver. beginning with louis sullivan earlier in the century, prominent chicago architects like frank lloyd wright had extensive contracts with the company. included among the many landmark chicago buildings for which northwestern supplied extensive decorative moldings were the civic opera house, the chicago theater, the wrigley building, and the randolph tower. northwestern's operations in chicago declined alongside the construction industry during great depression and never returned to their 1920's levels. in 1965, northwestern terra cotta co.'s only remaining plant, in denver, closed","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669603029290,"sku":"UR-13390-12","price":1600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120329-007m_2.jpg?v=1760150665"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-michael-reese-hospital-gardenesque-exterior-building-facade-sill-course-terra-cotta-fragment-with-speckled-finish","title":"early 20th century michael reese hospital \"gardenesque\" exterior building facade sill course terra cotta fragment with speckled finish","description":"largely intact early 20th century michael reese hospital \"old main\" building terra cotta sill course fragment featuring two recessed panels containing low-relief volutes paired with angular abstract geometric shapes. the \"gardenesque\" terra cotta fragment contains a speckled black slip glaze finish darkened over time. the building's ornament was designed by hugh garden, who was greatly influenced by the work of his chicago style contemporaries, wright and sullivan. the south side chicago michael reese hopsital was erected on the ground of the former hospital constructed in 1880. the hospital was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on june 16th, 1907. built at a cost of nearly a million dollars, the hospital was considered the most modern and best equipped in the city during time of construction. the building itself was six stories in height, constructed of solid masonry, steel and tile, with the most approved \"system of heating, lighting and ventilation.\" the interior originally accommodated 240 beds, included sixty private rooms. there were three operating rooms , along with special provisions for isolating patients in the surgical, medical gynecological and maternity departments. the hospital was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt and garden and martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880's, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm's progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden's architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term \"gardenesque.\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669663027498,"sku":"UR-13942-12","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120526-009m_2.jpg?v=1760415970"},{"product_id":"very-unique-and-unusual-oversized-c-1907-michael-reese-hospital-exterior-terra-cotta-figural-lion-head-fragment-with-speckled-glaze-finish","title":"very unique and unusual oversized c. 1907 michael reese hospital exterior terra cotta figural lion head fragment with speckled glaze finish","description":"unusual early 20th century michael reese \"old main\" hospital building exterior figural lion head partial fragment with original speckled black slip glaze finish darkened over time. the oversized lion head was the only one of its kind (much smaller heads were found on each end of the window sills). the building's ornament was designed by hugh garden, who was greatly influenced by the work of his chicago style contemporaries, wright and sullivan. the south side chicago michael reese hopsital was erected on the ground of the former hospital constructed in 1880. the hospital was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on june 16th, 1907. built at a cost of nearly a million dollars, the hospital was considered the most modern and best equipped in the city during time of construction. the building itself was six stories in height, constructed of solid masonry, steel and tile, with the most approved \"system of heating, lighting and ventilation.\" the interior originally accommodated 240 beds, included sixty private rooms. there were three operating rooms , along with special provisions for isolating patients in the surgical, medical gynecological and maternity departments. the hospital was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt and garden and martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880's, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm's progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden's architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term \"gardenesque.\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669663093034,"sku":"UR-13943-12","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120526-007m_2.jpg?v=1760415987"},{"product_id":"late-19th-century-exterior-reliance-office-building-white-glazed-terra-cotta-fragment-containing-deeply-embossed-floral-quatrefoils","title":"late 19th century exterior reliance office building white glazed terra cotta fragment containing deeply embossed floral quatrefoils","description":"19th century white glazed terra cotta building facade fragment removed from the historically important reliance building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style fragment with deeply embossed quatrefoil floral rosettes, contains a subtle allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. priced for the set. make for ideal bookends. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel. measures 15 x 5 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669747241258,"sku":"UR-14658-12","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120806-015m_2.jpg?v=1760154270"},{"product_id":"pair-of-late-19th-century-exterior-bunham-atwood-cream-colored-reliance-building-gothic-style-terra-cotta-fragments","title":"pair of late 19th century exterior bunham \u0026 atwood cream-colored reliance building gothic style terra cotta fragments","description":"genuine 19th century white glazed terra cotta architrave building facade fragments removed from the historically important reliance building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style fragments contain a subtle allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. priced for the set. make for ideal bookends. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel. measure 12 x 7 x 4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669759430954,"sku":"UR-14803-12","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120821-20120821-007m_2.jpg?v=1760330885"},{"product_id":"original-and-intact-authentic-19th-century-american-painted-pine-wood-fret-sawn-exterior-facade-element-salvaged-from-the-james-charnley-residence","title":"original and intact authentic 19th century american painted pine wood fret-sawn exterior facade element salvaged from the james charnley residence","description":"very rare wood frieze panel removed from the charnley house exterior, during extensive restoration of the building completed in 1986. fabricator unknown. striking incised pattern comprised of abstract geometric formation and gothic style elements. the panel was originally located beneath the inset balcony on the 2nd level of the facade. panel measures 27 x 6 1\/2 x 1. the house was built in 1891 by adler \u0026amp; sullivan, with frank lloyd wright. designated a chicago landmark august 20, 1972. the gothic tracery, geometry, and detailing of louis sullivan with the earliest hint of frank lloyd wright's prairie-style planning and design makes this historic residence a true masterpiece. a compact urban townhouse that takes maximum advantage of its small city lot, it was built for james charnley, a chicago lumber dealer. wright later proclaimed it as \"the first modern house.\" the building was later owned by members of the waller family, who invested in real estate. the house was purchased by the architectural firm of skidmore, owings and merrill in 1986 and subsequently restored. the intact decorative panel contains an older brown paint finish with surface crazing.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670067679530,"sku":"UR-16456-13","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130204-029m_1_2.jpg?v=1760335979"},{"product_id":"massive-c-1921-chicago-prairie-school-wrightesque-style-carved-limestone-bunte-candy-factory-exterior-facade-panel-fragment","title":"massive c. 1921 chicago prairie school \"wrightesque\" style carved limestone bunte candy factory exterior facade panel fragment","description":"original early 1920's oversized \"wrightesque\" style carved indiana (bedford) limestone fragment recovered from the non-extant bunte candy factory demolition site. the exterior facade panel fragment was originally part of an elaborate endcap containing a finely carved spread-winged eagle. the stonework was likely executed by the bedford steam stone works company. the fragment was designed by hugh garden. the bunte candy factory building was considered one of the largest prairie school commercial and\/or factory buildings ever constructed. the massive brick and limestone complex was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the factory was later converted into a high school in 1969, eight years after the bunte candy co. moved out. the entire complex was razed in 2008 to make way for an athletic field and parking area for the new westinghouse college prep built across the street. the two newel posts are comprised of tubular bronze with original polished nickel-plated finish largely intact. the posts each contain graduating ball finials and angular folded and pressed panels affixed tightly against each post. the flanges contain pre-drilled holes for anchoring into the floor. in 1876, ferdinand bunte, gustav a. bunte, and charles a. spoehr started a candy manufactory on state street in chicago. after a few years, ferdinand's son theodore w. bunte took charge of the business. by the 1910’s, when bunte bros. did annual sales of about $2.4 million, the company employed about 1,200 people. as late as the 1950’s, it had over 1,000 workers in its chicago plants. in 1954, bunte brothers candy co. was purchased by chase candy co. of st. joseph, missouri, and a new firm, bunte-chase, was created. in 1961, the firm closed the chicago plant, dropped the bunte name, and returned to st. joseph.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670108246314,"sku":"UR-16930-13","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130320-20130320-003z_2.jpg?v=1760424924"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-exterior-michael-resse-hospital-carved-limestone-pilaster-capital-fragment-designed-by-hugh-garden","title":"original early 20th century exterior michael resse hospital carved limestone pilaster capital fragment designed by hugh garden","description":"early 20th century weathered carved limestone michael reese hospital building facade pilaster capital fragment. the limestone artifact retains ornament designed by hugh garden. the stone fabricator is not known. the south side chicago michael reese hopsital was erected on the ground of the former hospital constructed in 1880. the hospital was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on june 16th, 1907. built at a cost of nearly a million dollars, the hospital was considered the most modern and best equipped in the city during time of construction. the building itself was six stories in height, constructed of solid masonry, steel and tile, with the most approved \"system of heating, lighting and ventilation.\" the interior originally accommodated 240 beds, included sixty private rooms. there were three operating rooms , along with special provisions for isolating patients in the surgical, medical gynecological and maternity departments. the hospital was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt and garden and martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880's, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm's progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden's architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term \"gardenesque.\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670118437162,"sku":"UR-17024-13","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130330-021x_2.jpg?v=1760337588"},{"product_id":"very-rare-original-american-depression-era-c-1930-s-wpa-era-ornamental-cast-iron-west-side-elevated-highway-surface-mount-emblematic-rondel-or-plaque","title":"very rare original american depression era c. 1930′s wpa-era ornamental cast iron west side elevated highway surface mount emblematic rondel or plaque","description":"historically important and highly sought after early 1930′s oversized ornamental cast iron works progress administration emblematic rondel or plaque salvaged from the old new york city west side elevated highway torn down during the 1970′s. the impressive well-documented wpa-era plaque features the official seal of the city of new york in very deep relief. the exact foundry or fabricator is not known. the single-sided plaque contains a brushed metal finish treated with a clear coat sealant to prevent surface corrosion. the west side elevated highway (west side highway or miller highway, named for julius miller, manhattan borough president from 1922 to 1930) was an elevated section of route ny-9a running along the hudson river in the new york city borough of manhattan to the tip of the island. it was an elevated highway, one of the first urban freeways in the world, and served as a prototype for urban freeways elsewhere, including boston’s central artery. built between 1929 and 1951, the highway’s narrow confines which could not accommodate trucks and sharp s exit ramps made the highway obsolete almost immediately. when chunks of the highway’s facade began to fall off due to lack of maintenance, and a truck and car fell through it at 14th street in 1973, the highway was shut down, and a debate began whether to renovate it or dismantle it. attitudes about urban planning had changed in the intervening decades, and the decision was made not to repair the decaying structure. a plan for the elevated highway to be replaced by an underground interstate-quality highway, which came to be called westway, had originally been proposed in 1971. in the interim between the closure of the elevated highway and the completion of its dismantling, while debate about westway was proceeding, remaining sections of the old highway structure began to be unofficially utilized as an elevated urban park, for jogging and bicycling. by 1989 the old elevated highway structure was totally dismantled, except for a small portion from 59th street to 72nd street, which, in effect, became the southern extension of the henry hudson parkway. the single-sided surface mount cast iron plaque measures 18 inches in diameter.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670205108522,"sku":"UR-17749-13","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130612-20130612-024a_2.jpg?v=1760427399"},{"product_id":"19th-century-louis-sullivan-designed-exterior-schiller-building-facade-terra-cotta-block-featuring-richly-embellished-and-highly-detailed-foliage","title":"19th century louis sullivan-designed exterior schiller building facade terra cotta block featuring richly embellished and highly detailed foliage","description":"original late 19th century intricately designed and deeply embossed ornamental terra cotta building fragment designed by notable chicago prairie school architect louis h. sullivan for the schiller (later garrick ) building completed in 1891-2. the exterior corner block features a richly embellished leaf in high relief. the original cream-colored finish has darkened considerably due to prolonged exposure to soot and other air pollutants over the decades. the terra cotta fragment was fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago, il. the non-extant late 19th century terra cotta-clad schiller theatre building was designed by architects louis sullivan and dankmar adler of the firm adler \u0026amp; sullivan for the german opera company. at the time of its construction, it was one among the tallest buildings in downtown chicago. The building’s focal point was an elaborately designed 1,300-seat theater noted for its highly organic-themed plaster ornament and remarkable acoustics. opened in 1892, the schiller theater was originally funded by german investors and was projected to be used for german-language operas and cultural events. one of the more tangible references to its german heritage was a series of terra cotta busts of prominent german figures integrated within the second story arcade. the theater changed its name and duties over the following decades. it was briefly known as the dearborn theater from 1898 to 1903, until finally settling on the name garrick theater. after german investors backed out of the project in the late 1890’s, it ceased its german performances, and exhibited touring stage shows. in the 1930’s the theater was acquired by balaban \u0026amp; katz and subsequently used as a television studio and movie theater. after a long decline that began during the depression, the garrick was razed in 1960 and replaced with a parking structure. the demolition instigated a large outcry and is considered to be one of the first wide scale preservation efforts in chicago. photographer and historical preservationist richard nickel spearheaded an effort to document and rescue hundreds of architectural artifacts from the building shortly before and during its demolition. 8\" x 12\" x 12\".","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670409122090,"sku":"UR-17874-13","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130809-051m_2.jpg?v=1760340077"},{"product_id":"elegantly-designed-late-19th-century-ywca-building-exterior-glazed-terra-cotta-entrance-surround-frieze-panel-with-salmon-colored-finish","title":"elegantly designed late 19th century ywca building exterior glazed terra cotta entrance surround frieze panel with salmon-colored finish","description":"distinctive late 19th century american ornamental glazed terra cotta frieze panel salvaged from the non-extant ywca building entrance surround during the winter of 2009. the deeply embossed floriated panel features a rather unusual salmon-colored glazed finish. the terra cotta block has been reconfigured by removing the hollow cavities on the backside to significantly reduce the overall weight and  make it more \"wall-friendly\" and\/or manageable for display purposes. the block is attributed to notable terra cotta fabricator northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. surface wear and residual paint evident. the seven-story red brick and terra cotta ywca hotel (located at 830 south michigan avenue) was designed by chicago architect john m. van osdel ii, nephew of prominent chicago architect john mills van osdel ii. construction of the property was completed in 1895. the late19th century hotel is one of the oldest ywca buildings in the country, and was the first to be built in the city of chicago. the ywca originally used to house working women newly arriving in the city following the 1893 world's fair. located near the illinois central railroad station and within a reasonable distance to the heart of the loop, it was was designed to take advantage of views along michigan avenue and the lake, with projecting triangular bay windows on the top floors and a renaissance inspired loggia dressed in ornamental terra cotta on the second floor. in 1929, the building became  the south michigan hotel. in the 1970's the hotel was purchased by johnson publications and converted into offices. the badly dilapidated and structurally compromised building was essentially abandoned for nearly thirty years. the building finally succumbed to the wrecking ball in 2009. urban remains salvaged much of the exterior and interior ornament prior to, and during demolition.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670616346922,"sku":"UR-18413-13","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140513-015n_2.jpg?v=1760341916"},{"product_id":"group-of-three-late-19th-century-original-ornamental-wrought-iron-exterior-residential-window-guard-scrollwork-fragments-with-black-paint-finish","title":"group of three late 19th century original ornamental wrought iron exterior residential window guard scrollwork fragments with black paint finish","description":"small assortment of original 19th century antique american victorian era ornamental wrought iron scrollwork fragments salvaged from badly damaged window guards. the ironwork is nicely distressed with black paint finish. the three individual decorative pieces were fabricated by or for the prominent f.p. smith \u0026amp; iron works of chicago. priced for the lot.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670635974954,"sku":"UR-18584-13","price":90.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130921-023m_2.jpg?v=1760342506"},{"product_id":"george-grant-elmslie-designed-thomas-a-edison-school-building-snowflake-terra-cotta-exterior-ornament-with-red-slip-glaze-finish","title":"george grant elmslie-designed thomas. a edison school building \"snowflake\" terra cotta exterior ornament with red slip glaze finish","description":"resized 1936 natural beige clay ornamental single-sided terra cotta panel salvaged from the non-extant thomas a. edison school located at calumet ave. \u0026amp; 170th street in hammond, in. the \"sullivanesque\" style exterior terra cotta frieze panel was originally located along the upper band course of the school building's facade cornice. the symmetrically-arranged terra cotta block consists of strong geometric designs combined with intricate organic elements. the unique and distinctive \"snowflake\" design element was used above the school's entrance, in the form of a perforated ornamental cast aluminum grille. fabricated by the midland terra cotta company, chicago, il. the school's principal architect was william hutton, with george grant elmslie designing the decorative elements. the clay modeler was fritz albert. the \"snowflake\" cornice panel contains a muted red slip glaze finish, with crazing and surface evident. the hallowed cavities on the backside have been removed to make the terra cotta block more manageable for display purposes. measures 27 x 23 1\/2 x 3\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670652719402,"sku":"UR-18744-13","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20131031-007m_2.jpg?v=1760255606"},{"product_id":"early-1890-s-documented-antique-american-exterior-reliance-building-white-glazed-terra-cotta-curtain-wall-fragment-with-quatrefoil","title":"early 1890's documented antique american exterior reliance building white glazed terra cotta \"curtain wall\" fragment with quatrefoil","description":"historically important 19th century white glazed terra cotta exterior building facade fragment removed from the downtown chicago extant reliance building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style fragment contains a single quatrefoil. the allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670659764522,"sku":"UR-18810-13","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20131113-022swe_2.jpg?v=1760343496"},{"product_id":"two-original-early-20th-century-american-frank-lloyd-wright-designed-sun-purple-ornamented-luxfer-prism-tiles","title":"two original early 20th century american frank lloyd wright-designed \"sun-purple\" ornamented luxfer prism tiles","description":"pair of  highly sought after early 20th century antique american \"flower\" pattern prism-light glass tiles designed and patented in 1897 by notable architect frank lloyd wright for the luxfer prism co., chicago, il. of the 41 frank lloyd wright patented designs submitted, the \"flower\" pattern was the only one manufactured by luxfer. the highly stylized tiles exhibit a light purple hue (also known as \"sun-purple\"), caused by a reaction between the manganese oxide's prolonged exposure to natural sunlight. prism glass tiles contain lightly embossed concentrically-arranged ornament consisting of geometric design motifs on one side, and the \"saw-tooth\" prisms on the other side. the tiles date to 1905-10. the tiles were fabricated by the luxfer prism tile co., chicago. prismatic glass, which was a highly successful building material in the united states between the turn of the century and the 1920s, promised to refract daylight from the facades deep into a building and thus would help to save energy, create healthier working environments, and contribute to the development of a new modern architecture. the luxfer prism companies were the inventors and most prominent producers of this material. luxfer contributed to the contemporary architectural debate by promoting the small-scale pattern of its glass installations as a competing vision of architectural modernity to that of the emerging aesthetic of steel and glass facades. in the early 1930's prismatic glass finally lost the competition with electrical lighting and new structural day lighting devices such as hollow glass blocks. priced for the pair. each one measures approximately 4 x 4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670660780330,"sku":"UR-18838-13","price":300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20131118-039n_2.jpg?v=1760167426"},{"product_id":"matching-lot-of-four-original-early-20th-century-american-frank-lloyd-wright-designed-geometric-flower-pattern-transom-panel-prism-tiles","title":"matching lot of four original early 20th century american frank lloyd-wright designed geometric flower pattern transom panel prism tiles","description":"four matching early 20th century antique american \"flower\" pattern prism-light glass tiles designed and patented in 1897 by notable architect frank lloyd wright for the luxfer prism co., chicago, il. of the 41 frank lloyd wright patented designs submitted, the \"flower\" pattern was the only one manufactured by luxfer. the highly stylized tiles exhibit a light purple hue (also known as \"sun-purple\"), caused by a reaction between the manganese oxide's prolonged exposure to natural sunlight. prism glass tiles contain lightly embossed concentrically-arranged ornament consisting of geometric design motifs on one side, and the \"saw-tooth\" prisms on the other side. the tiles date to 1905-10. the tiles were fabricated by the luxfer prism tile co., chicago. prismatic glass, which was a highly successful building material in the united states between the turn of the century and the 1920s, promised to refract daylight from the facades deep into a building and thus would help to save energy, create healthier working environments, and contribute to the development of a new modern architecture. the luxfer prism companies were the inventors and most prominent producers of this material. luxfer contributed to the contemporary architectural debate by promoting the small-scale pattern of its glass installations as a competing vision of architectural modernity to that of the emerging aesthetic of steel and glass facades. in the early 1930's prismatic glass finally lost the competition with electrical lighting and new structural day lighting devices such as hollow glass blocks. priced for the lot. each one measures approximately 4 x 4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670661533994,"sku":"UR-18852-13","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20131118-034n_2.jpg?v=1760167457"},{"product_id":"wall-friendly-original-american-19th-century-exterior-cream-colored-reliance-building-terra-cotta-fragment-with-rear-cavity-removed","title":"\"wall-friendly\" original american 19th century exterior cream-colored reliance building terra cotta fragment with rear cavity removed","description":"single late 19th century white glazed terra cotta architrave building facade fragment removed from the historically important reliance building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style fragment contain a subtle allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. the lightweight fragment has been altered by removing the rear cavity that created additional weight and \"dead space.\" the fragment can be easily hung flush against the wall. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel. measures approximately 5 1\/2 x 5 x 12 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670669070634,"sku":"UR-18897-13","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20131125-004n_2.jpg?v=1760343871"},{"product_id":"frank-lloyd-wright-designed-original-exterior-sun-purple-prism-glass-transom-tiles-with-geometric-flower-design-motif","title":"frank lloyd wright designed original exterior \"sun-purple\" prism glass transom tiles with \"geometric flower\" design motif","description":"set of matching early 20th century antique american \"flower\" pattern prism-light glass tiles designed and patented in 1897 by notable architect frank lloyd wright for the luxfer prism co., chicago, il. of the 41 frank lloyd wright patented designs submitted, the \"flower\" pattern was the only one manufactured by luxfer. the highly stylized tiles exhibit a light purple hue (also known as \"sun-purple\"), caused by a reaction between the manganese oxide's prolonged exposure to natural sunlight. prism glass tiles contain lightly embossed concentrically-arranged ornament consisting of geometric design motifs on one side, and the \"saw-tooth\" prisms on the other side. the tiles date to 1905-10. the tiles were fabricated by the luxfer prism tile co., chicago. prismatic glass, which was a highly successful building material in the united states between the turn of the century and the 1920s, promised to refract daylight from the facades deep into a building and thus would help to save energy, create healthier working environments, and contribute to the development of a new modern architecture. the luxfer prism companies were the inventors and most prominent producers of this material. luxfer contributed to the contemporary architectural debate by promoting the small-scale pattern of its glass installations as a competing vision of architectural modernity to that of the emerging aesthetic of steel and glass facades. in the early 1930's prismatic glass finally lost the competition with electrical lighting and new structural day lighting devices such as hollow glass blocks. priced for the pair. each tile measures 4 x 4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670673789226,"sku":"UR-18959-13","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20131205-030n_2.jpg?v=1760256487"},{"product_id":"very-distinct-and-highly-detailed-american-19th-century-northwestern-railway-lake-front-depot-building-exterior-red-terra-cotta-grotesque-corbel","title":"very distinct and highly detailed american 19th century northwestern railway \"lake front\" depot building exterior red terra cotta grotesque corbel","description":"highly unique and exceptionally detailed american 19th century exterior slip glaze red terra cotta figural grotesque face corbel salvaged from the chicago and northwestern railway \"lake front\" depot prior to demolition in the late 1960's. built in 1889–1890 by the chicago and north western railway, the lake front train depot was located near the shore of lake michigan at the end of east wisconsin avenue, by today's milwaukee county war memorial. the structure was designed and built by charles sumner frost in the romanesque style, and had a tallclock tower which reached 234 feet  the depot cost $200,000 to build at the time, and eventually served 98 trains per day. charles sumner frost worked for the firm of peabody and stearns in boston after graduating from the massachusetts institute of technology. he moved to chicago in 1882, where he began a partnership with henry ives cobb. together, they established the firm cobb and frost, which was active from 1882 to 1898. after the partnership ended, he worked alone, and eventually partnered with alfred hoyt granger to form the firm of frost and granger. frost and granger were known for their designs of train stations and terminals. after frost and granger dissolved, frost continued to work independently, designing such structures as chicago's navy pier, minneapolis great northern depot, milwaukee road depot and milwaukee road passenger depot to name a few.chicago and north western owned the depot until 1946 when milwaukee county bought the structure and surrounding land for $7 million, with the intent to use the land for park purposes and a freeway. c\u0026amp;nw continued to use the depot until may 15, 1966 when trains were moved to the new union station (now the milwaukee intermodal station) after it was built by the chicago, milwaukee, st. paul and pacific railroad (milwaukee road). the milwaukee road had itself vacated its old everett street depot the previous year. the depot succumbed to the wrecking ball in 1968. the sinister-looking grotesque contains a nicely aged surface finish, with the red turning to black due to prolonged exposure to weather and air pollutants (i.e., coal, etc.). the corbel was likely fabricated by either the american or northwestern terra cotta company of chicago, il. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e the terra cotta fabricator is not known. the depot was demolished in the 1960's.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670684504362,"sku":"UR-19066-13","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130807-002n_2.jpg?v=1760256935"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-american-exterior-building-facade-transom-sun-purple-tinted-luxfer-prism-sawtooth-glass-patent-tile","title":"original early 20th century american exterior building facade transom sun-purple-tinted luxfer prism sawtooth glass patent tile","description":"single early 20th century american antique exterior building facade transom prism patent tile fabricated by the luxfer prism tile co., chicago, il. the single embossed letter tile exhibits a light purple hue (also known as \"sun-purple\"), caused by a reaction between the manganese oxide's prolonged exposure to natural sunlight. the opposite side of the tile features the patented \"sawtooth\" prisms. the tile belonged to a larger transom assembly accentuated with frank lloyd wright-designed \"geometric flower\" tiles. prismatic glass, which was a highly successful building material in the united states between the turn of the century and the 1920's, promised to refract daylight from the facades deep into a building and thus would help to save energy, create healthier working environments, and contribute to the development of a new modern architecture. the luxfer prism companies were the inventors and most prominent producers of this material. luxfer contributed to the contemporary architectural debate by promoting the small-scale pattern of its glass installations as a competing vision of architectural modernity to that of the emerging aesthetic of steel and glass facades. the luxfer tile company dates back to 1881, when james g. pennycuick, a british-born inventor living in boston, massachusetts, receives a usa patent for “a new and useful improvement in tiles for illuminating purposes in pavements, vault-covers, and in other situations.” his new glass tile design features a pattern of light-refracting prismatic ridges to direct sunlight into dark areas. in 1885 pennycuick expands his prismatic tile idea to include 10-centimenter-square tiles that can be joined together to form windows; he receives another patent. the same year, he receives a patent for another invention: a method of creating screw threads in glass insulators used on power poles. pennycuick has difficulty finding investors to finance manufacturing of his prism tiles, but after four years, he secures financing to purchase a glassworks factory in sandwich, massachusetts, to make his glass insulators. in 1889 pennycuick founds the electrical glass corporation and the following year begins manufacturing glass insulators at his newly acquired factory. however, the business fails in less than a year, and lenders foreclose on the factory—but other manufacturers adopt pennycuick’s design. in 1895 pennycuick moves to toronto, canada, and enters into a partnership with thomas w. horn, a canadian businessman. in february 1896, horn founds the prismatic glass company of toronto to produce pennycuick’s tiles. however, the method of bonding tiles together into windows proves problematic; using soldered lead or zinc strips, standard glazing materials at the time, produces heavy windows prone to joint leakage. a major breakthrough occurs when pennycuick meets william winslow, an american inventor from chicago, illinois. winslow has invented an electro-glazing process using thin copper strips and an electrolytic bath; his new method bonds pennycuick’s tiles into strong, rigid window panels that are both leak-proof and lightweight. in chicago a year later, pennycuick and horn found the radiating light company with winslow as a shareholder. winslow introduces pennycuick and horn to a number of prominent chicago businessmen and investors who buy shares in the new company, including john meiggs ewen, a leading building engineer. ewen becomes the chief shareholder and first president of the company, which is renamed the semi-prism glass company in december 1896. in march of 1897, the new company undergoes yet another—and propitious—name change, becoming the luxfer prism company. the name “luxfer” appears for the first time in legal documents related to the name change; early luxfer advertisements explain that the name is a combination of two latin words: “lux” (light) and “ferre” (to carry or bear)—so “luxfer” means “light bearer.” the well-financed new company opens its first factory in chicago and begins producing prismatic tiles that quickly become known as “luxfers.” the company invests heavily in marketing and promotion, advertising in building and architectural publications throughout north america and coining the term “daylighting” to describe the use of luxfer prisms. the product is immediately successful, receiving accolades from numerous architectural journals, such as the prestigious inland architect magazine, in which this statement appears in 1897: “to characterize this new prism as one of the most remarkable improvements of the century in its bearing on practical architecture, is to speak but mildly. in the opinion of some of the foremost architects of this country, the luxfer prism is destined to work an entire revolution in planning and necessitate very extensive changes in construction.” later in 1897, luxfer hires an aspiring young architect named frank lloyd wright to design decorative patterns for tiles (one of which, his flower” pattern, is now a popular “collectors’ item). wright also designs a 10-story skyscraper with a façade composed almost entirely of luxfer prisms. (although the structure was never built, wright’s drawings of it are considered by some historians to be important precursors of modern architectural design.) luxfer also hires two prominent experts on the behavior of light, physics professor and spectroscopist henry crew of northwestern university (chicago) and his assistant, olin h. basquin, to help optimize tile performance. basquin conducts unprecedented experiments to measure sky brightness at various times and uses the results to calculate the best angles for luxfer prisms to maximize interior light in various locations. by the early 20th century millions of luxfer glass tiles are produced in north america and europe, and the company’s product line expands to include a large selection of pavement lights (installed in sidewalks), floor lights and cellar lights; dome lights and skylights; and decorative and ornamental tile designs. early in the new century, luxfer begins producing metal casements for windows—its first metal products and a harbinger of the future. in 1926 the american luxfer prism company merges with a competitor, the american 3-way prism company, to form the american 3-way luxfer prism company. by the 1930's demand for prism tiles declines as the use of electric lighting spreads and load-bearing, hollow glass blocks provide a less-expensive way of “daylighting.” in england, luxfer begins manufacturing ready-glazed windows and adding new metal products, including sheet-steel shelving, cabinets and office furniture, to its product line. by the end of the decade, metal products comprise the majority of the british business, and the other glass product businesses in north america and europe have ceased production. measures approximately 4 x 4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670686208298,"sku":"UR-19087-13","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20131205-019a_2.jpg?v=1760168168"},{"product_id":"original-and-intact-early-20th-century-american-frank-lloyd-wright-designed-exterior-building-geometric-flower-glass-prism-transom-tiles","title":"original and intact early 20th century american frank lloyd wright-designed exterior building \"geometric flower\" glass prism transom tiles","description":"group of four all original early 20th century antique american \"flower\" pattern prism-light glass tiles designed and patented in 1897 by notable architect frank lloyd wright for the luxfer prism co., chicago, il. of the 41 frank lloyd wright patented designs submitted, the \"flower\" pattern was the only one manufactured by luxfer. the highly stylized tiles exhibit a light purple hue (also known as \"sun-purple\"), caused by a reaction between the manganese oxide's prolonged exposure to natural sunlight. prism glass tiles contain lightly embossed concentrically-arranged ornament consisting of geometric design motifs on one side, and the \"saw-tooth\" prisms on the other side. the tiles date to 1900-10. the tiles were fabricated by the luxfer prism tile co., chicago. prismatic glass, which was a highly successful building material in the united states between the turn of the century and the 1920's, promised to refract daylight from the facades deep into a building and thus would help to save energy, create healthier working environments, and contribute to the development of a new modern architecture. the luxfer prism companies were the inventors and most prominent producers of this material. luxfer contributed to the contemporary architectural debate by promoting the small-scale pattern of its glass installations as a competing vision of architectural modernity to that of the emerging aesthetic of steel and glass facades. in the early 1930's prismatic glass finally lost the competition with electrical lighting and new structural day lighting devices such as hollow glass blocks. priced for the lot. each tile measures 4 x 4 inches.\u003cbr\u003e-","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670716518698,"sku":"UR-19291-14","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140120-20140120-072m_2.jpg?v=1760257842"},{"product_id":"elegantly-designed-original-c-1900-s-exterior-building-facade-geometric-flower-pattern-luxfer-prism-glass-tile-with-purple-hue","title":"elegantly designed original c. 1900's exterior building facade \"geometric flower\" pattern luxfer prism glass tile with purple hue","description":"all original early 20th century antique american \"flower\" pattern prism-light glass tile designed and patented in 1897 by notable architect frank lloyd wright for the luxfer prism co., chicago, il. of the 41 frank lloyd wright patented designs submitted, the \"flower\" pattern was the only one manufactured by luxfer. the highly stylized tile exhibits a light purple hue (also known as \"sun-purple\"), caused by a reaction between the manganese oxide's prolonged exposure to natural sunlight. the prism glass tile contains lightly embossed concentrically-arranged ornament consisting of geometric design motifs on one side, and the \"saw-tooth\" prisms on the other side. the tile dates to 1900-10. prismatic glass, which was a highly successful building material in the united states between the turn of the century and the 1920's, promised to refract daylight from the facades deep into a building and thus would help to save energy, create healthier working environments, and contribute to the development of a new modern architecture. the luxfer prism companies were the inventors and most prominent producers of this material. luxfer contributed to the contemporary architectural debate by promoting the small-scale pattern of its glass installations as a competing vision of architectural modernity to that of the emerging aesthetic of steel and glass facades. in the early 1930's prismatic glass finally lost the competition with electrical lighting and new structural day lighting devices such as hollow glass blocks. measures 4 x 4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670740341034,"sku":"UR-19425-14","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140208-20140208-010n_2.jpg?v=1760345675"},{"product_id":"remarkable-all-original-late-1920-s-american-art-deco-style-polychrome-terra-cotta-richman-brother-building-figural-roofline-ornament","title":"remarkable all original late 1920's american art deco style polychrome terra cotta richman brother building figural roofline ornament","description":"single historically important and highly unusual art deco style exterior polychrome terra cotta figural richman brothers building roofline figural bird, exhibiting combined characteristics of a hawk, “phoenix” bird and “huxwhukw” (man-eating bird). the slightly faded but largely intact polychrome enameled terracotta finial was carefully salvaged from the extant richman brothers downtown clothing store (formerly known as the bee hive dry goods store constructed in 1884 by the architectural firm of adler and sullivan). traces of the original facade were wiped away when in 1929, when the building underwent an extensive remodel or “facadectomy” consisting of a glazed polychrome enameled terra cotta curtain wall and\/or facade fashioned in typical art deco design motifs. two identical figural endcaps rested along the building’s roofline which also contained uniquely designed deco style owls, stylized leafage and flowing scrollwork or volutes. the entire terra cotta cornice was removed by urban remains after the discovery of structural instability and\/or severe corrosion of steel support members. the surface wear and discoloration or darkened surface areas were caused by prolonged exposure to air pollutants. the oversized figural bird was possibly fabricated by either the american terra cotta company or midland terra cotta company - both based in chicago at the time. the single remaining bird resides in the bldg. 51 museum collection. great overall condition, considering age.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670776877354,"sku":"UR-19643-14","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140309-20140309-027x_2.jpg?v=1760170276"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-original-historically-important-michael-reese-hospital-old-main-speckled-terra-cotta-sill-course-panel","title":"early 20th century original historically important michael reese hospital \"old main\" speckled terra cotta sill course panel","description":"historically important early 20th century michael reese hospital \"old main\" building terra cotta sill course panel replete with an unusual combination of flowing volutes or scrollwork and abstract rigid geometric design motifs. the \"gardenesque\" terra cotta symmetrical panel contains a speckled black slip glaze finish that has darkened considerably over time. the building's ornament was designed by hugh garden, who was greatly influenced by the work of his chicago style contemporaries, wright and sullivan. the south side chicago michael reese hopsital was erected on the ground of the former hospital constructed in 1880. the hospital was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on june 16th, 1907. built at a cost of nearly a million dollars, the hospital was considered the most modern and best equipped in the city during time of construction. the building itself was six stories in height, constructed of solid masonry, steel and tile, with the most approved \"system of heating, lighting and ventilation.\" the interior originally accommodated 240 beds, included sixty private rooms. there were three operating rooms , along with special provisions for isolating patients in the surgical, medical gynecological and maternity departments. the hospital was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt and garden and martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880's, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm's progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden's architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term \"gardenesque.\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670788215082,"sku":"UR-19689-14","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140317-20140317-143z_2.jpg?v=1760259625"},{"product_id":"original-early-1870-a-american-victorian-era-exterior-hand-carved-decorative-sanstone-springer-block-building-window-lunette-or-header","title":"original early 1870'a american victorian era exterior hand carved decorative sanstone springer block building window lunette or header","description":"rare early chicago exterior hand carved solid sandstone window lunette salvaged from the springer block building prior to demolition by three oaks wrecking in 1990. the fanciful american victorian era window header or lunette was carved or sculpted by james legge in 1872 for the springer block, constructed shortly after the great chicago fire. the four-story loft style commercial building was a typical example of post-chicago fire architecture, where abstract plant forms were often incised in sandstone keystones, lunettes, cornices and the like. the springer block building was designed and built by the chicago partnership of carter, drake and wight. the lunette was located above the windows on the fourth floor of the loft building. an identical lunette is on permanent display at the art institute of chicago museum. the stone lunette measures 38 x 19 x 6 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670822752554,"sku":"UR-19852-14","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20090308-20zz_2.jpg?v=1760171306"},{"product_id":"original-19th-century-american-antique-y-w-c-a-building-exterior-salmon-colored-glazed-terra-cotta-panel-with-meander-or-greek-fret-design","title":"original 19th century american antique y.w.c.a. building exterior salmon-colored glazed terra cotta panel with meander or greek fret design","description":"museum-quality late 19th century american ornamental salmon-colored lazed terra cotta frieze panel salvaged from the non-extant y.w.c.a. building entrance surround during the winter of 2009. the simple, yet elegant panel features a meander or greek fret design motif with a grooved line field pattern. the unusually colored terra cotta block has been reconfigured by removing the hollow cavities on the backside to significantly reduce the overall weight and make it more \"wall-friendly\" and\/or manageable for display purposes. the block is attributed to notable terra cotta fabricator northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. surface wear, allover crazing and residual paint evident. the seven-story red brick and terra cotta ywca hotel (located at 830 south michigan avenue) was designed by chicago architect john m. van osdel ii, nephew of prominent chicago architect john mills van osdel ii. construction of the property was completed in 1895. the late19th century hotel is one of the oldest ywca buildings in the country, and was the first to be built in the city of chicago. the ywca originally used to house working women newly arriving in the city following the 1893 world's fair. located near the illinois central railroad station and within a reasonable distance to the heart of the loop, it was was designed to take advantage of views along michigan avenue and the lake, with projecting triangular bay windows on the top floors and a renaissance inspired loggia dressed in ornamental terra cotta on the second floor. in 1929, the building became the south michigan hotel. in the 1970's the hotel was purchased by johnson publications and converted into offices. the badly dilapidated and structurally compromised building was essentially abandoned for nearly thirty years. the building finally succumbed to the wrecking ball in 2009. urban remains salvaged much of the exterior and interior ornament prior to, and during demolition. the decorative neoclassical style panel measures 17 x 13 1\/4 x 3 3\/4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670825079082,"sku":"UR-19860-14","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140410-20140410-035x_2.jpg?v=1760348322"},{"product_id":"late-19th-century-original-exterior-reliance-building-interlocking-facade-curtain-wall-white-glazed-terra-cotta-panels-accentuated-with-beads-or-buttons","title":"late 19th century original exterior reliance building interlocking facade curtain wall white glazed terra cotta panels accentuated with beads or buttons","description":"completely documented and all original late 19th century american white glazed terra cotta curtain wall building facade vertically aligned interlocking panels removed from the historically important reliance commercial building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style terra cotta curtain wall section contains surface wear and an allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. hairline cracks and general surface wear attest to the fact that the facade was not well-maintained throughout much of its existence. only after exhaustive documentation and restoration of the facade was the level of damage fully realized. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. the multi-panel section contains rear cavities that have been hallowed to reduce the overall weight. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670836908330,"sku":"UR-19944-14","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140423-021x_2.jpg?v=1760171726"},{"product_id":"original-19th-century-museum-quality-schiller-theater-later-known-as-the-garrick-building-sectional-terra-cotta-slip-glaze-geometric-flower-border-panel","title":"original 19th century museum-quality schiller theater (later known as the garrick) building sectional terra cotta slip glaze \"geometric flower\" border panel","description":"museum-quality 19th century all original and unrestored deep relief exterior slip glaze terra cotta border segmented or sectional panel salvaged from the schiller building's (later known as the the garrick theater) central tower during demolition of the building in 1960. the massive exterior panel is comprised of four equally-sized sections with the loose morar and brick removed from the rear cavities (also known as \"webbing\", which substantially strengthened the load-bearing capacity of the hollow terra-cotta block without greatly increasing its weight). the \"geometric flower\" pattern panel was thought to have been designed by draftsman (at the time) frank lloyd wright - who later occupied the 16th floor in 1893. the original cream or buff-colored glazed finish has darkened considerably due to prolonged exposure to soot and other air pollutants over the decades. the terra cotta fragment was fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago, il. the non-extant late 19th century terra cotta-clad schiller theatre building was designed by architects louis sullivan and dankmar adler of the firm adler \u0026amp; sullivan for the german opera company. at the time of its construction, it was one among the tallest buildings in downtown chicago. The building’s focal point was an elaborately designed 1,300-seat theater noted for its highly organic-themed plaster ornament and remarkable acoustics. opened in 1892, the schiller theater was originally funded by german investors and was projected to be used for german-language operas and cultural events. one of the more tangible references to its german heritage was a series of terra cotta busts of prominent german figures integrated within the second story arcade. the theater changed its name and duties over the following decades. it was briefly known as the dearborn theater from 1898 to 1903, until finally settling on the name garrick theater. after german investors backed out of the project in the late 1890’s, it ceased its german performances, and exhibited touring stage shows. in the 1930’s the theater was acquired by balaban \u0026amp; katz and subsequently used as a television studio and movie theater. after a long decline that began during the depression, the garrick was razed in 1960 and replaced with a parking structure. the demolition instigated a large outcry and is considered to be one of the first wide scale preservation efforts in chicago. photographer and historical preservationist richard nickel spearheaded an effort to document and rescue hundreds of architectural artifacts from the building shortly before and during its demolition.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670837104938,"sku":"UR-19946-14","price":8500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20100526-20100526-023z_2.jpg?v=1760260916"},{"product_id":"historically-important-recovered-oversized-solid-indiana-limestone-exterior-michael-reese-old-main-hospital-deeply-incised-letter-facade-name-plaque-fragment","title":"historically-important recovered oversized solid indiana limestone exterior michael reese \"old main\" hospital deeply incised letter facade name plaque fragment","description":"original unrestored early 20th century historically-important chicago building fragment in the form of a solid oversized name plaque fragment recovered from the michael reese hospital demolition site. the weathered and worn stone artifact is comprised of indiana limestone quarried from bedford, indiana. the section contains two deeply incised hand-carved letters that were apart of the centrally located panel (there were three altogether) that contained the word \"resse.\" together, with all panels combined, the building facade name plaque contained the words \"michael reese hospital\", which rested above the hospital's main entrance way columns. the fragment was possibly fabricated and\/or carved by the bedford steam stone works, bedford, ind. the south side chicago michael reese hopsital was erected on the ground of the former hospital constructed in 1880. the hospital was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on june 16th, 1907. built at a cost of nearly a million dollars, the hospital was considered the most modern and best equipped in the city during time of construction. the building itself was six stories in height, constructed of solid masonry, steel and tile, with the most approved \"system of heating, lighting and ventilation.\" the interior originally accommodated 240 beds, included sixty private rooms. there were three operating rooms , along with special provisions for isolating patients in the surgical, medical gynecological and maternity departments. the hospital was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt and garden and martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880's, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm's progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. approximately 26 inches x 7 inches x 21 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670849786154,"sku":"UR-20045-14","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20110513-20110513-20110513-016cc_2.jpg?v=1760437071"},{"product_id":"historically-important-late-19th-or-early-20th-century-original-exterior-white-glazed-terra-cotta-schlesinger-mayer-department-store-building-stringcourse-panel","title":"historically important late 19th or early 20th century original exterior white glazed terra cotta schlesinger \u0026 mayer department store building stringcourse panel","description":"original late 19th or early 20th century museum-quality exterior white glazed terra cotta stringcourse panel or block removed from the schlesinger \u0026amp; mayer department store during extensive renovations of the building's facade - which included the dramatic return of a newly-created 12th floor colonnade and cornice. the terra cotta block was designed by louis h. sullivan and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company under the direction of master or chief sculptor. the rectangular-shaped block contains curvaceous lines surrounded by bursts of intricate leafage. the terra cotta block contains surface wear, loss of glaze, discoloration - all consistent with age or prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the rear cavities or \"webbing\" have been removed. the schlesinger \u0026amp; mayer building (later known as the carson, pirie, scott and company building) is an extant commercial building designed by architect louis sullivan for the retail firm schlesinger \u0026amp; mayer. in 1898, schlesinger and mayer decided to demolish the original building located on state and madison streets and replace it with a new structure designed by sullivan. the architectural plans drawn up by sullivan consisted of both a nine and twelve-story proposal. they eventually started with a nine-story portion of the building that was made on the madison street side next to the original portion of the adler and sullivan renovations executed years earlier. in 1902 schlesinger and mayer came back to sullivan wanting a twenty-story building on state and madison, eventually settling for the final twelve stories. the madison street portion that was added earlier did not structurally support twelve stories so it was left as is. sullivan came up with a three-stage plan to finish the new building and allow schlesinger and mayer to keep their business running during the christmas season. the building is remarkable for its steel-framed structure, which allowed a dramatic increase in window area created by bay-wide windows, which in turn allowed for the greatest amount of daylight into the building interiors. this provided larger displays of merchandise to outside pedestrian traffic creating the idea of the sidewalk showcase. in between the windows were lavish bands of terra cotta that replaced the earlier plan for white georgia quarries because it was light weight and inexpensive. another reason for the change in what type of marble they would use in construction was that stonecutters were having a strike in 1898 during the time of construction. the lavish bronze-plated cast-iron ornamental work above the rounded tower was also meant to be functional because it was to be as resilient as a sheet of copper. both the use of bronze and terra cotta was important to setting the building apart from others because it was essentially fire resistant. it created a sense of monumentality. sullivan thought the building would be an asset to the city for a long period of time. to ensure this great building would last and be resilient against the threat of fire, there was a 40 ft. water tower installed on the roof to supply the sprinkler system with enough water, after the city of chicago had the great fire. sullivan designed the corner entry to be seen from both state and madison, and that the ornamentation, situated above the entrance, would be literally attractive, which would give the store an elegant unique persona important to the competitiveness of the neighboring stores.the building is one of the classic structures of the chicago school. the ornate decorative panels on the lowest stories of the building are now generally credited to george grant elmslie who was sullivan's chief draftsman after frank lloyd wright left the firm. these ornamental additions originated from the influence of celtic metalwork. the way this technique was used by elmslie on the lower floors of the building were so elaborate that it used the natural lighting and shadows to seem almost as if it were magically floating above the ground. the top floor of the 1899 and 1904 sections of the building were recessed to create a narrow loggia topped by an intricately detailed cornice that projected beyond the facade of the building. this was removed around 1948 and the 12th floor redesigned to replicate the lower floors. subsequent additions were completed by daniel burnham in 1906 and holabird \u0026amp; root in 1961. the downtown chicago building has been used for retail purposes since 1899, and has been a chicago landmark since 1975. it is part of the loop retail historic district.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670850769194,"sku":"UR-20061-14","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140513-016m_2.jpg?v=1760261296"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-unrestored-historically-important-exterior-cast-concrete-midway-gardens-diminutive-building-panel-fragment-with-exposed-rebar","title":"original early 20th century unrestored historically important exterior cast concrete midway gardens diminutive building panel fragment with exposed rebar","description":"documented c. 1914 diminutive exterior cast concrete frieze block fragment salvaged from the non-extant midway gardens complex designed by architect frank lloyd wright. the fragment was likely apart of a larger concrete geometric designed block, which are almost always found in various states of disrepair (i.e., broken sections, fractures, damaged surface, etc). the fragment has surface wear and discoloration consistent with age. exposed bent steel rebar evident. midway gardens (opened in 1914, demolished in 1929) was a 300 ft. square indoor\/outdoor entertainment facility in the hyde park neighborhood on the south side of chicago. it was designed by architect frank lloyd wright, who also collaborated with sculptors richard bock and alfonso iannelli on the famous “sprite” sculptures adorning the facility. under wrights supervision. iannelli and bock designed all but two of the sprites, and craftsman\/cement expert, ezio orlandi, cast them. designed to be a european–style concert garden with space for year-round dining, drinking, and performances, midway gardens hosted notable performers and entertainers, but struggled financially year after year until october of 1929 when the structure was demolished. midway gardens was opened on the site of the former sans souci amusement park on the southwest corner of cottage grove avenue and east 60th street. edward c. waller commissioned frank lloyd wright to design and build the gardens in 1914. construction was completed very quickly, and the complex opened in june of 1914. the modernist architecture of the gardens was based on strict geometrical forms designed by wright. a large, open–air central area, filled with tables and chairs, was ringed by a series of three–story buildings with indoor spaces for dancing and other activities, as well as cantilevered balconies with overhanging roofs. there were terraced gardens, pools, and a music pavilion and stage.the building itself was made of yellow brick and patterned concrete block. it featured highly intricate ornament and many geometric sculptures, which frank lloyd wright named “sprites” and were co-designed with alfonso ianelli. in keeping with wright's style, the building also featured rows of art glass and hidden entries. the interior was likewise intricately ornamented and filled with wright designed furniture and accoutrements, right down to the napkin rings. midway gardens was an indoor\/outdoor entertainment center intended to act as a beer hall and concert\/dance hall which featured bands including the midway gardens orchestra. the large area (equivalent to a city block) offered entertainment to a wide variety of people in a german-style meeting place. the gardens included restaurants, saloons, newspaper and cigar stands, and arcades. when prohibition was passed, the gardens lost part of their entertainment value. when it opened, midway gardens was an upscale entertainment venue that was also affordable to the common person. max bendix and the national symphony orchestra frequented the concert section because they were the \"house band\". the ballet dancer anna pavlova performed numerous times as well. frank lloyd wright brought in popular acts to sing, dance, and play music, which created a bourgeois environment. after it became edelweiss gardens, however, the high class atmosphere switched to one of vaudeville, ragtime, and cabaret. in the beginning, business was strong, but waller never could provide adequate funding to back the construction and upkeep of midway gardens and declared bankruptcy in march 1916. at this point, midway gardens was purchased by the edelweiss (schoenhofen) brewery company and renamed “edelweiss gardens”. wright, who generally exerted strong creative control over his completed projects, was disgusted by the aesthetic changes the new owner made to the gardens, writing that edelweiss had added \"obnoxious features\" and that the whole effect of \"the proud midway gardens\" \"was cheapened to suit a hearty bourgeois taste.\" edelweiss gardens continued through the war years (closing briefly in 1918) and stayed open as a dry establishment during prohibition. in 1921, the building was sold once more, to the e. c. dietrich midway automobile tire and supply company, and renamed “the midway dancing gardens.\" finally, in october 1929, midway gardens was closed permanently and demolished. a testament to wright's design, the building was so solidly constructed that tearing it down sent the wrecking company into bankruptcy. the majority of the rubble was bulldozed into lake michigan to be used as a breakwall. several of the sprites and cement blocks survived the demolition because the original sculptor, iannelli, managed to retrieve a few segments. also, demolition contractor, william j. newman, took several sculptures and cement blocks to his farm in wisconsin. many years later when wright heard of their survival, he purchased them and they remained with his estate. other sculptures that escaped demolition can be found in private collections and museums.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670851522858,"sku":"UR-20074-14","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20111017-022m_2.jpg?v=1760261365"},{"product_id":"original-late-19th-century-historically-important-custom-cut-m-a-meyer-loft-building-exterior-ornamental-wrought-iron-fire-escape-panel-with-striking-moorish-design","title":"original late 19th century historically important custom-cut m.a. meyer loft building exterior ornamental wrought iron fire escape panel with striking moorish design","description":"original historically-important late 19th century single-sided exterior fire escape diminutive open grate horizontal platform panel salvaged from the the non-extant m.a. meyer loft building designed by the chicago architectural firm of louis h. sullivan and dankmar adler. the solid wrought treaded iron walkway platform panel has been re-sized for display purposes. the custom-cut panel has been thoroughly cleaned and brushed down to bare metal to really capture the detailing otherwise obscured or lost with the several coats of paint that were applied to the panel. the unusual and visually striking moorish pattern may very well have been designed by then-draftsman, frank lloyd wright. the seven-story masonry commercial loft for the estate of m.a meyer was demolished in 1968. the chicago warehouse was originally occupied by kuh, nathan \u0026amp; fischer (wholesale clothiers). the exact iron fabricator for this wonderfully designed fire escape panel is not known, although the chicago-based f.p. smith wire \u0026amp; ironworks company is a possible candidate. one of the first fire escapes of any type was invented in 18th-century england. in 1784, daniel maseres, of england, invented a machine called a fire escape, which, being fastened to the window, would enable him or anyone for that matter, to descend to the street without injury. as building codes became more common in countries around the turn of the 20th century, fire safety became an important concern for new construction. building owners were increasingly required to provide adequate escape routes, and at the time, fire escapes seemed the best option available. not only could they be included in new construction at a low cost, but they could be very easily added to existing construction. as building codes evolved and more safety concerns addressed over subsequent editions, all construction above a certain number of stories was required to have a second means of egress, and external fire escapes were allowed as a retrofit option for existing buildings prior to the post-world war ii period.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670855323946,"sku":"UR-20105-14","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140512-024x_3.jpg?v=1760261575"},{"product_id":"original-c-1904-museum-quality-refinished-ornamental-cast-iron-oversized-exterior-chicago-northwestern-railroad-office-building-facade-neoclassical-style-corbel-with-highly-stylized-leafage","title":"original c. 1904 museum-quality refinished ornamental cast iron oversized exterior chicago \u0026 northwestern railroad office building facade neoclassical style corbel with highly stylized leafage","description":"early 20th century all original and unrestored american exterior ornamental cast iron building facade corbel salvaged from the extant 14-story chicago and northwestern railroad prairie school office building designed by the architectural firm of frost and granger in 1904. the partnership, consisting of charles sumner frost (1856–1931) and alfred hoyt granger, were known for their designs of train stations and terminals, including the now-demolished chicago and north western terminal in chicago. the oversized neoclassical style cast iron corbel contains richly ornamented floral rosettes, extensive acanthus leafage and volutes. the layers of old black paint finish have been thoroughly removed in order to achieve a better visual appreciation of the fine casting detail. attributed to the dearborn foundry company, chicago, il.  8 1\/2 inches x 5 1\/2 inches x 24 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670865285418,"sku":"UR-20206-14","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140401-20140401-030x_2.jpg?v=1760262009"},{"product_id":"original-c-1905-07-american-prairie-school-style-speckle-glazed-michael-reese-hospital-terra-cotta-stringcourse-thistle-rosette-fragment","title":"original c. 1905-07 american prairie school style speckle glazed michael reese hospital terra cotta stringcourse \"thistle\" rosette fragment","description":"early 20th century historically important michael reese hospital \"old main\" building exterior terra cotta stringcourse fragment replete with a sharp and highly detailed thistle design motif contained within a rigid geometric border. the \"gardenesque\" terra cotta panel contains a speckled black slip glaze finish that has darkened considerably over time. the fragment was originally apart of the string or belt course located below the elaborate frieze panel. the building's ornament was designed by hugh garden, who was greatly influenced by the work of his chicago style contemporaries, wright and sullivan. the south side chicago michael reese hopsital was erected on the ground of the former hospital constructed in 1880. the hospital was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on june 16th, 1907 (laying of the building cornerstone commenced on july 4th, 1905). built at a cost of nearly a million dollars, the hospital was considered the most modern and best equipped in the city during time of construction. the building itself was six stories in height, constructed of solid masonry, steel and tile, with the most approved \"system of heating, lighting and ventilation.\" the interior originally accommodated 240 beds, included sixty private rooms. there were three operating rooms , along with special provisions for isolating patients in the surgical, medical gynecological and maternity departments. the hospital was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt and garden and martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880's, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm's progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden's architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term \"gardenesque.\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670873116970,"sku":"UR-20272-14","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140609-018x_2.jpg?v=1760262416"},{"product_id":"two-early-20th-century-diminutive-weathered-green-enameled-ornamental-single-sided-cast-iron-hoops-building-facade-window-casing-or-mullion-fragments","title":"two early 20th century diminutive weathered green enameled ornamental single-sided cast iron hoops building facade window casing or mullion fragments","description":"a set of two exceptionally well-designed early 20th century refinished ornamental cast iron exterior hoops building (non-extant) building facade window casing or possibly mullion fragments with a remarkable and strongly geometric repeating design motif. the unrestored single-sided cast iron sections were likely salvaged from the upper two floors of the building prior to demolition in the 1990's. the building (located at 529 s. wabash avenue) was designed by the the architectural firm of jenney, mundie \u0026amp; jensen. the luxfer prism glass company showroom occupied part of the building shortly after it was constructed. the design motifs look strikingly similar to luxfer's \"geometric flower\" prism tiles designed and patented by frank lloyd wright. the older weathered green paint finish was left intact. a very limited number of these fragments and sections are available - with and without the paint. the exact fabricator or foundry is not known.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670884159786,"sku":"UR-20385-14","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140701-009x_2.jpg?v=1760438575"},{"product_id":"all-original-c-1855-historically-important-exterior-residential-oversized-john-kent-russell-residence-yellow-pine-wood-eave-bracket-or-corbel-constructed-with-square-nails","title":"all original c. 1855 historically important exterior residential oversized john kent russell residence yellow pine wood eave bracket or corbel constructed with square nails","description":"completely intact original mid-19th century antique american italianate style solid yellow pine wood exterior eave bracket or corbel salvaged from the enclosed attic of the john kent russell residence. the well-preserved bracket was located on the home's west elevation when constructed in 1855. in the early 1860's, an addition was added to the home and the brackets, lunette and clapboard were simply enclosed and left as it where since that time. said another way, the bracket has not seen the light of day since the early 1860's, when covered over from the addition. the bracket retains the original painted finish (lightly cleaned) from 1855. the opposed \"bullseye\" rosettes are in great condition. the oversized bracket was constructed and installed with several square nails. only four of these \"hidden\" corbels were used on this elevation. the bracket, along with the others from both the 1855 residence and 1860's addition were fabricated by the j. k. russell co., chicago, il. the historically important john kent russell residence (built in 1855) is a remarkable existing example of an early gable front italianate style cottage employing chicago balloon frame construction, located within chicago's original 1837 city limits. the largely intact extant residence is considered to be a rare surviving example of architect william belden olmsted, prior to his partnership with john mills osdel (considered chicago's first architect), which together as a design firm, constructed several early chicago buildings prior to the great chicago fire (e.g., tremont house, first chicago city hall, etc). the combination of skill and availability of building materials used to construct russell's early frame house was due largely to the fact that it was built by and for russell, who was a highly trained carpenter, and owner of j.k. russell \u0026amp; co., which was (at the time) a very large supplier of millwork (e.g., brackets, trimwork, doors, etc.) for some of the earliest chicago balloon-frame structures being built before and after the great chicago fire. from the time of construction, the russell house was no doubt outfitted with building materials provided by his company, which likely included the fanciful oversized gabel brackets with \"bullseye\" rondels, turned staircase spindles and newel post, wood fireplace mantel (located on the 2nd floor), paneled doors and impressive built-up moldings and\/or casings used on both the exterior as well as interior. two major alterations (both completed in the 1860's), including the addition of a basement to raise the house to street and\/or sidewalk level to accommodate the installation of a sewer pipe added along carpenter street and a substantial addition built to the west elevation dramatically transformed the house from the time it was first built. in the 1880's, ongoing remodeling was performed before and after the home was subdivided into five separate apartments. the highly outdated tenement was further upgraded or cosmetically altered with the addition of electrical, plumbing and asbestos siding used to cover over the dilapidated clapboard siding. the enclosed rear porch and main entrance were reconfigured, along with the addition of a garage built in the mid-1920's. during its incredibly long and storied existence, the russell house has survived the great chicago fire, the ongoing expansion of the surrounding manufacturing district, the kennedy expressway, urban renewal and the like. amazingly, the residence has been continuously occupied from the time it was built until the present, shortly before urban remains arrived on the site to begin salvaging the original architectural elements before demolition begins in the coming weeks. in addition to the careful and documented removal of surviving architectural elements dating to russell's occupancy, urban remains, lead by eric j. nordstrom, intends to painstakingly document any and all changes the residence has underwent over time, to not only gain further insight into its evolution as a single family cottage to a now-dilapidated multi-family dwelling, but ultimately create a more detailed narrative focusing on the exact historical building methods used to construct this home. the narrative or survey, in the form of detailed notes and photographic images, along with a large collection of artifacts gathered, will serve to correct an an existing, erroneous report released in april of 2014.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670922072362,"sku":"UR-20505-14","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140711-011c_2.jpg?v=1760439247"},{"product_id":"oversized-c-1855-all-original-and-largely-intact-antique-american-italianate-style-exterior-john-kent-russell-residential-painted-pine-wood-bracket-or-corbel","title":"oversized c. 1855 all original and largely intact antique american italianate style exterior john kent russell residential painted pine wood bracket or corbel","description":"single c. 1855 all original rare pre-fire chicago italianate style painted pine wood exterior residential eave bracket or corbel designed and fabricated by j.k. russell \u0026amp; co., chicago, il. the oversized heavy solid wood bracket was salvaged from the historically important john kent russell residence prior to demolition. the bracket contains a naturally distressed gray paint finish that has aged nicely over time. the double-sided bracket contains two large \"bullseye\" style rondels mounted flush to the bracket with square nails. the slightly raised curvaceous trim work follows the bracket's profile. the heavy crown molding with beveled edge is affixed on three sides. multiple brackets available. condition and angle vary. priced individually. the historically important john kent russell residence (built in 1855) is a remarkable existing example of an early gable front italianate style cottage employing chicago balloon frame construction, located within chicago's original 1837 city limits. the largely intact extant residence is considered to be a rare surviving example of architect william belden olmsted, prior to his partnership with john mills osdel (considered chicago's first architect), which together as a design firm, constructed several early chicago buildings prior to the great chicago fire (e.g., tremont house, first chicago city hall, etc). the combination of skill and availability of building materials used to construct russell's early frame house was due largely to the fact that it was built by and for russell, who was a highly trained carpenter, and owner of j.k. russell \u0026amp; co., which was (at the time) a very large supplier of millwork (e.g., brackets, trimwork, doors, etc.) for some of the earliest chicago balloon-frame structures being built before and after the great chicago fire. from the time of construction, the russell house was no doubt outfitted with building materials provided by his company, which likely included the fanciful oversized gabel brackets with \"bullseye\" rondels, turned staircase spindles and newel post, wood fireplace mantel (located on the 2nd floor), paneled doors and impressive built-up moldings and\/or casings used on both the exterior as well as interior. two major alterations (both completed in the 1860's), including the addition of a basement to raise the house to street and\/or sidewalk level to accommodate the installation of a sewer pipe added along carpenter street and a substantial addition built to the west elevation dramatically transformed the house from the time it was first built. in the 1880's, ongoing remodeling was performed before and after the home was subdivided into five separate apartments. the highly outdated tenement was further upgraded or cosmetically altered with the addition of electrical, plumbing and asbestos siding used to cover over the dilapidated clapboard siding. the enclosed rear porch and main entrance were reconfigured, along with the addition of a garage built in the mid-1920's. during its incredibly long and storied existence, the russell house has survived the great chicago fire, the ongoing expansion of the surrounding manufacturing district, the kennedy expressway, urban renewal and the like. amazingly, the residence has been continuously occupied from the time it was built until the present, shortly before urban remains arrived on the site to begin salvaging the original architectural elements before demolition begins in the coming weeks. in addition to the careful and documented removal of surviving architectural elements dating to russell's occupancy, urban remains, lead by eric j. nordstrom, intends to painstakingly document any and all changes the residence has underwent over time, to not only gain further insight into its evolution as a single family cottage to a now-dilapidated multi-family dwelling, but ultimately create a more detailed narrative focusing on the exact historical building methods used to construct this home. the narrative or survey, in the form of detailed notes and photographic images, along with a large collection of artifacts gathered, will serve to correct an an existing, erroneous report released in april of 2014. measures approximately 34 x 10 x 24 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670923743530,"sku":"UR-20527-14","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140724-017x_2.jpg?v=1760351574"},{"product_id":"truly-remarkable-oversized-historically-important-bunte-candy-factory-administration-office-tower-hand-carved-c-1919-spread-winged-solid-limestone-exterior-facade-eagle","title":"truly remarkable oversized historically-important bunte candy factory administration office tower hand carved c. 1919 spread-winged solid limestone exterior facade eagle","description":"all original and amazingly intact gargantuan solid hand carved limestone spread-winged eagle removed (by crane) from the chicago-based bunte candy factory and administration office tower. the nicely weathered stone eagle is one off six nearly matching (two two on the front facade or north elevation were larger) eagles that rested atop \"gardenesque\" end caps high above near the very top of the tower's roofline. the massive bunte candy factory factory (later converted into a high school before demolition) was designed by the architectural firm of schimdt, garden \u0026amp; martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880′s, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm’s progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden’s architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term “gardenesque.” the fabricator and\/or sculptor of the eagles has yet to be identified. the bunte factory was considered to be the largest prairie school style commercial building or factory in the country before being demolished in 2008. the candy factory ceased operations around 1960-61. in 1969, the building was then retrofitted into a chicago public school building. the bunte candy company dates back to 1876, when ferdinand bunte, gustav a. bunte, and charles a. spoehr started a candy manufactory on state street in chicago. after a few years, ferdinand's son theodore w. bunte took charge of the business. by the 1910's, when bunte bros. did annual sales of about $2.4 million, the company employed about 1,200 people. as late as the 1950's, it had over 1,000 workers in its chicago plants. in 1954, bunte brothers candy co. was purchased by chase candy co. of st. joseph, missouri, and a new firm, bunte-chase, was created. in 1961, the firm closed the chicago plant, dropped the bunte name, and returned to st. joseph. all six eagles were successfully taken down by urban remains.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670924693802,"sku":"UR-20536-14","price":35000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20080401-0803540612_2_2.jpg?v=1760174681"},{"product_id":"carefully-salvaged-original-c-1855-american-exterior-john-kent-russell-residential-bay-window-painted-pine-wood-bracket-or-corbel-with-allover-crazed-finish","title":"carefully salvaged original c. 1855 american exterior john kent russell residential bay window painted pine wood bracket or corbel with allover crazed finish","description":"original and completely intact diminutive c. 1860's antique america exterior bay window corbel or bracket, salvaged from the historic john kent russell residence constructed in 1855. the unique italianate style bracket or corbel contained a nicely weathered and worn gray paint finish. the corbel is finish on both sides. square nails were used to construct and mount the corbel into place. fabricated by the j.k. russell \u0026amp; co., chicago, il. the historically important john kent russell residence (built in 1855) is a remarkable existing example of an early gable front italianate style cottage employing chicago balloon frame construction, located within chicago's original 1837 city limits. the largely intact extant residence is considered to be a rare surviving example of architect william belden olmsted, prior to his partnership with john mills osdel (considered chicago's first architect), which together as a design firm, constructed several early chicago buildings prior to the great chicago fire (e.g., tremont house, first chicago city hall, etc). the combination of skill and availability of building materials used to construct russell's early frame house was due largely to the fact that it was built by and for russell, who was a highly trained carpenter, and owner of j.k. russell \u0026amp; co., which was (at the time) a very large supplier of millwork (e.g., brackets, trimwork, doors, etc.) for some of the earliest chicago balloon-frame structures being built before and after the great chicago fire. from the time of construction, the russell house was no doubt outfitted with building materials provided by his company, which likely included the fanciful oversized gabel brackets with \"bullseye\" rondels, turned staircase spindles and newel post, wood fireplace mantel (located on the 2nd floor), paneled doors and impressive built-up moldings and\/or casings used on both the exterior as well as interior. two major alterations (both completed in the 1860's), including the addition of a basement to raise the house to street and\/or sidewalk level to accommodate the installation of a sewer pipe added along carpenter street and a substantial addition built to the west elevation dramatically transformed the house from the time it was first built. in the 1880's, ongoing remodeling was performed before and after the home was subdivided into five separate apartments. the highly outdated tenement was further upgraded or cosmetically altered with the addition of electrical, plumbing and asbestos siding used to cover over the dilapidated clapboard siding. the enclosed rear porch and main entrance were reconfigured, along with the addition of a garage built in the mid-1920's. during its incredibly long and storied existence, the russell house has survived the great chicago fire, the ongoing expansion of the surrounding manufacturing district, the kennedy expressway, urban renewal and the like. amazingly, the residence has been continuously occupied from the time it was built until the present, shortly before urban remains arrived on the site to begin salvaging the original architectural elements before demolition begins in the coming weeks. in addition to the careful and documented removal of surviving architectural elements dating to russell's occupancy, urban remains, lead by eric j. nordstrom, intends to painstakingly document any and all changes the residence has underwent over time, to not only gain further insight into its evolution as a single family cottage to a now-dilapidated multi-family dwelling, but ultimately create a more detailed narrative focusing on the exact historical building methods used to construct this home. the narrative or survey, in the form of detailed notes and photographic images, along with a large collection of artifacts gathered, will serve to correct an an existing, erroneous report released in april of 2014. measures 8 x 4 x 8 inches","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670925807914,"sku":"UR-20548-14","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140723-084x_2.jpg?v=1760439446"},{"product_id":"single-pre-chicago-fire-c-1860-s-original-distressed-diminutive-painted-pine-wood-exterior-john-kent-russell-bay-window-corbel-or-bracket-with-allover-crazing","title":"single pre-chicago fire c. 1860's original distressed diminutive painted pine wood exterior john kent russell bay window corbel or bracket with allover crazing","description":"\u003cp\u003eoriginal and completely intact diminutive c. 1860's antique america exterior bay window corbel or bracket, salvaged from the historic john kent russell residence constructed in 1855. the unique italianate style bracket or corbel contained a nicely weathered and worn gray paint finish. the corbel is finish on both sides. square nails were used to construct and mount the corbel into place. fabricated by the j.k. russell \u0026amp; co., chicago, il. the historically important john kent russell residence (built in 1855) is a remarkable existing example of an early gable front italianate style cottage employing chicago balloon frame construction, located within chicago's original 1837 city limits. the largely intact extant residence is considered to be a rare surviving example of architect william belden olmsted, prior to his partnership with john mills osdel (considered chicago's first architect), which together as a design firm, constructed several early chicago buildings prior to the great chicago fire (e.g., tremont house, first chicago city hall, etc). the combination of skill and availability of building materials used to construct russell's early frame house was due largely to the fact that it was built by and for russell, who was a highly trained carpenter, and owner of j.k. russell \u0026amp; co., which was (at the time) a very large supplier of millwork (e.g., brackets, trimwork, doors, etc.) for some of the earliest chicago balloon-frame structures being built before and after the great chicago fire. from the time of construction, the russell house was no doubt outfitted with building materials provided by his company, which likely included the fanciful oversized gable brackets with \"bullseye\" rondels, turned staircase spindles and newel post, wood fireplace mantel (located on the 2nd floor), paneled doors and impressive built-up moldings and\/or casings used on both the exterior as well as interior. two major alterations (both completed in the 1860's), including the addition of a basement to raise the house to street and\/or sidewalk level to accommodate the installation of a sewer pipe added along carpenter street and a substantial addition built to the west elevation dramatically transformed the house from the time it was first built. in the 1880's, ongoing remodeling was performed before and after the home was subdivided into five separate apartments. the highly outdated tenement was further upgraded or cosmetically altered with the addition of electrical, plumbing and asbestos siding used to cover over the dilapidated clapboard siding. the enclosed rear porch and main entrance were reconfigured, along with the addition of a garage built in the mid-1920's. during its incredibly long and storied existence, the russell house has survived the great chicago fire, the ongoing expansion of the surrounding manufacturing district, the kennedy expressway, urban renewal and the like. amazingly, the residence has been continuously occupied from the time it was built until the present, shortly before urban remains arrived on the site to begin salvaging the original architectural elements before demolition begins in the coming weeks. in addition to the careful and documented removal of surviving architectural elements dating to russell's occupancy, urban remains, lead by eric j. nordstrom, intends to painstakingly document any and all changes the residence has underwent over time, to not only gain further insight into its evolution as a single family cottage to a now-dilapidated multi-family dwelling, but ultimately create a more detailed narrative focusing on the exact historical building methods used to construct this home. the narrative or survey, in the form of detailed notes and photographic images, along with a large collection of artifacts gathered, will expound upon an existing report released in april of 2014. measures 8 x 4 x 8 inches\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670931312938,"sku":"UR-20579-14","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140729-031z_2.jpg?v=1760439703"},{"product_id":"largely-intact-and-thoroughly-restored-cast-and-wrought-brass-and-bronze-c-1930-s-oliver-p-morton-elmslie-designed-exterior-wall-sconce-with-original-top-finial","title":"largely intact and thoroughly restored cast and wrought brass and bronze c. 1930's oliver p. morton elmslie-designed exterior wall sconce with original top finial","description":"single partially intact museum-quality george grant elmslie commissioned exterior oversized wall sconce possibly fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago, il. the towering electric sconce is comprised of cast and wrought bronze metal that has been meticulously refinished to remove extreme oxidation. the top and bottom sections of the sconce are adorned with riveted cast bronze plaques with an intricate array of deep relief sullivanesque style interwoven organic motifs surrounding a geometrically inspired central cartouche. the long and narrow exterior sconce has been completely restored with authentic period wissmach amber glass. the cathedral rolled glass panels have very subtle surface characteristics in the manner or tradition of english muffle. the crown contains a series of “weep” holes for proper drainage of water. the strongly geometric finial is comprised of multiple cubes and rectangular-shaped bars riveted together. the original finial is intact, but fragile and needs added reinforcement to be securely attached to the fixture. the original white porcelain socket clusters were left intact and rewired with period appropriate lamp cord. the hinged rear door with knurled dials are original and intact. the two pressed and folded trim piece uprights are missing on the backside. the three-sided plaque configuration remains intact. the single canopy or mounting backplate and square-shaped tubular stem are free from damage. the bottom of the sconce originally rested on a stone sill (thus, only a single mount was used to secure the sconce to the wall. salvaged from a school building. the sconce dates to 1936. george grant elmslie was a prominent architect who worked with louis sullivan and later with william gray purcell. the architectural firm or practice he was most widely known for was that of elmslie and purcell. over the course of the partnership, purcell \u0026amp; elmslie became one of the most commissioned firms among the prairie school architects, second only to frank lloyd wright. following the dissolution of his partnership with purcell, elmslie worked occasionally with various other architects, including lawrence a. fournier, william s. hutton, hermann v. von holst and william eugene drummond, and produced a number of residential structures, banks, train stations, commercial, and institutional buildings during the early 20th century through the 1930′s. measure 11 x 11 x 57 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670962540842,"sku":"UR-20713-14","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140821-030_2.jpg?v=1760440353"},{"product_id":"historically-important-early-20th-century-all-original-oversized-single-sided-nicely-aged-cast-bronze-chicago-building-exterior-facade-sign-plaque-with-raised-fanciful-lettering","title":"historically-important early 20th century all original oversized single-sided nicely aged cast bronze chicago building exterior facade sign plaque with raised fanciful lettering","description":"original and unaltered museum-quality early 20th century single-sided solid cast bronze exterior chicago building sign plaque possibly fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago, il. the surface mount building sign or plaque contains fanciful raised lettering against the original baked black enameled background (used to accentuate the lettering). the plaque contains four screw holes in each of its corners for mounting purposes. the raised edges and lettering contain surface oxidation consistent with age. the building sign plaque was likely installed shortly after contruction drew to a close, or perhaps shortly thereafter. the sign was removed when the building was converted into a dormitory with booth hansen as architects. oddly, the landmark plaque was removed at the time. the landmarked 14-story chicago building (also known as the chicago savings bank building) was constructed between 1904-1905 by the notable chicago-based architectural firm of holabird and roche. the extant structure remains an exceptional early and highly visible example of the chicago school of architecture. the chicago building's exterior features characterize this style through the use of large \"chicago windows,\" a metal frame skeleton, protruding bay windows, and a terra cotta curtain wall. the combination of the north side projecting bay windows and the east side rectangular \"chicago windows\" with movable sashes is representative of the two typical chicago school window types. the building is one of only a very few where the original cornice remains intact. the building is prominently located on the southwest corner of state street and madison street, with visibility increased by an offset in the alignment of state street. the building is a critical component of a grouping of significant structures, including carson pirie scott and the former mandel brothers store, at what was once labeled the \"world's busiest corner.\" the building was designated a chicago landmark on march 26, 1996. in 1997, the commercial building was converted into a dormitory for the school of the art institute of chicago. interestingly, the corner of the 3rd floor of the building contains the \"cornerstone of chicago.\" it is the 0-0 degree point of the city, and is the location from which all addresses in the city begin. measures 24 x 18 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670967259434,"sku":"UR-20765-14","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140901-069d_2.jpg?v=1760440624"},{"product_id":"diminutive-late-19th-century-charles-atwood-designed-white-glazed-exterior-terra-cotta-fragment-salvaged-from-the-historically-important-reliance-building","title":"diminutive late 19th century charles atwood-designed white glazed exterior terra cotta fragment salvaged from the historically-important reliance building","description":"very lightweight and diminutive white glazed terra cotta exterior curtain wall and\/or facade fragment removed from the historically-important reliance building, located in downtown chicago. the curtain wall fragment does contain gothic style tracery throughout. allover crazing and discoloration attest to the fact that the facade was not well-maintained throughout much of its existence. only after exhaustive documentation and restoration of the facade was the level of damage fully realized. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671012577578,"sku":"UR-20973-14","price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20141112-20140922-032x_2.jpg?v=1760354071"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-seldom-found-traveling-salesman-heavy-card-stock-plate-46-lithographed-terra-cotta-installation-schematic","title":"original early 20th century seldom found traveling salesman heavy card stock \"plate 46\" lithographed terra cotta installation schematic","description":"all original and intact rare and highly sought after c. 1910-20 single-sided \"plate 46\" black and white lithographed cardstock diagram or schematic depicting heavily ornamented \"sullivanesque\" white glazed \"stock\" terra cotta building facade components with highly detailed specifications and\/or recommended installation arrangements. the oversized heavy cardstock informational diagram is part of a large collection of detailed plates depicting cataloged terra cotta ornament along with suggested installations of the company's ornament on any number of facades. the exterior terra cotta depicted on this plate represent some of the more notable sectional terra cotta pieces executed by the midland terra cotta company. the detailing draws heavily from the hands of notable chicago architect, louis h. sullivan and his former chief draftsman george grant elmslie. nearly every installation that incorporated this massive cartouche into their facade were finished in a uniform white glaze. the exact printing company is not known, but the midland terra cotta company may have very well executed the plates and packaging themselves. this plate is a duplicate belonging to a complete series with original envelope and the stamped name of the client and\/or recipient. the asking price is for the plate only.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671039381802,"sku":"UR-21062-14","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140922-019_2_-2c_4.jpg?v=1760177706"},{"product_id":"exceptional-original-early-20th-century-original-sullivanesque-midland-terra-cotta-plate-45-lithographed-cardstock-diagram-of-a-sectional-white-glazed-medallion","title":"exceptional original early 20th century original \"sullivanesque\" midland terra cotta \"plate 45\" lithographed cardstock diagram of a sectional white glazed medallion","description":"all original and intact rare and highly sought after c. 1910-20 single-sided \"plate 45\" black and white lithographed cardstock diagram or schematic depicting variation of the heavily ornamented \"slllivanesque\" white glazed \"stock\" terra cotta building facade circular-shaped medallion with highly detailed specifications and\/or recommended installation arrangements. the oversized heavy cardstock informational diagram is part of a large collection of detailed plates depicting cataloged terra cotta ornament along with suggested installations of the company's ornament on any number of facades. the exterior terra cotta medallion depicted on this plate represent one of the most notable sectional terra cotta pieces executed by the midland terra cotta company. the detailing draws heavily from the hands of notable chicago architect, louis h. sullivan and his former chief draftsman george grant elmslie. nearly every installation that incorporated this massive cartouche into their facade were finished in a uniform white glaze. the exact printing company is not known, but the midland terra cotta company may have very well executed the plates and packaging themselves. this plate is a duplicate belonging to a complete series with original envelope and the stamped name of the client and\/or recipient. the asking price is for the plate only.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671039447338,"sku":"UR-21063-14","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140922-022_2_c_2.jpg?v=1760266252"},{"product_id":"largely-intact-c-1880-s-original-antique-american-ornamental-cast-iron-exterior-staircase-newel-post-accentuated-with-embossed-rondels-and-a-ball-finial","title":"largely intact c. 1880's original antique american ornamental cast iron exterior staircase newel post accentuated with embossed rondels and a ball finial","description":"original freestanding 19th century antique american ornamental cast iron exterior residential staircase newel post likely designed and fabricated by the dearborn foundry, chicago, il. the black enameled newel post features simple, yet elegant rondels and a large ball finial. the base plate of the newel post does contain missing edges that were broken off long ago. the post contains circular-shaped openings used in conjunction with railings. two matching (identical pattern) newel posts available. the old black enameled finish remains largely intact. priced individually. measures 4 1\/2 w x 33 1\/2 h inches","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671051342122,"sku":"UR-21216-14","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20141113-039_2.jpg?v=1760178434"},{"product_id":"rare-softcover-periodical-from-october-1931-the-architectural-record-vol-70-no-4-published-monthly-by-f-w-dodge-corporation-in-new-york","title":"rare softcover periodical from october 1931, “the architectural record” vol. 70 no. 4, published monthly by f.w. dodge corporation, in new york.","description":"rare softcover periodical from october 1931, “the architectural record” vol. 70 no. 4, published monthly by f.w. dodge corporation, in new york. in good condition, has slight wear on edges and a small stain on the lower left cover. there are 128 pages of rich b\u0026amp;w image and text as well as a handful of color inserts. full page advertisements showcase hardware and fixtures of the day, and articles cover topics like “unemployment and community planning” and “trends in lighting”. the metallic silver cover shows an art deco edifice, the 500 fifth avenue office tower in new york, which was built in 1929, designed by the firm of shreve, lamb, \u0026amp; harmon. it served as the original transmitter site for cbs radio’s new york city fm station in 1941. as of 2010 it was designated a nyc landmark. measures 9 x 12 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671062090026,"sku":"UR-21340-14","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/architectural_record_cover_2.jpg?v=1760355978"},{"product_id":"very-rare-early-twentieth-century-building-materials-catalogue-no-308-published-for-chicago-millwork-supply-co-america-s-greatest-sash-and-door-house","title":"very rare early twentieth century “building materials catalogue” no. 308 published for chicago millwork supply co., “ america’s greatest sash and door house”","description":"very rare early twentieth century “building materials catalogue” no. 308 published for chicago millwork supply co., “ america’s greatest sash and door house”, chicago, il. the softcover mail order catalog illustrates and describes 8,000 items, including prefabricated homes, hardware, plumbing, fixtures, sewing machines, hand bags, and home furnishings, all sold wholesale direct from manufacturer. there are 224 pages of black and white text and images, with an order form and index, and a typewritten sales pitch addressed to “mr. home builder” tipped in at the front. no exact date is listed for its publication, but it would seem to be sometime between 1913-1922. the catalog is in fragile condition, but binding is still tight and most of the catalog remains legible. there is rubbing and tearing to the cover, and the spine is deteriorated so that the back cover is tenuously attached. extensive water damage effects the bottom front-edge, primarily in the first half of the catalog, causing some pages to be severely torn or stuck together. a resource for information on the american economy and consumer choices in the early 20th century. measures 8 ½ x 11 ½ inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default 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