unearthed 1930s washington porter ii kiosk sphink riveted joint steel tower fragment

the kiosk sphinx was an unusual museum and residence built in chicago (1928–1934) by millionaire washington porter ii, at 4043 lake park avenue.

designed in egyptian revivalstyle to showcase porter's antique collection, it featured a 15-story observation tower visible from lake shore drive, intended to be topped with a glass sphinx (never completed). the interior included grottos, glass terraces, secret passages, and themed rooms. porter claimed ownership of napoleon’s table silver and valuable goldfish.

financial difficulties due to the project's $350,000 cost led to lawsuits and unpaid taxes. porter abandoned the building in 1939; it fell into disrepair and was demolished in september 1957 for cha properties. remnants were discovered during a 2007 excavation.