In a city known for glass towers and steel frames, brick still reads as Chicago. After the Great Fire of 1871, brick became the workhorse material across neighborhoods, shaping workers cottages, bungalows, three-flats, six-flats, and courtyard apartments. It also shows up in landmark buildings like the Rookery, the Monadnock, and the Marquette Building, plus Frank Lloyd Wright’s use of Roman brick at the Robie House.
Now, several recently approved, financed, proposed, or under-construction developments put brick back on the street. At 1201 W. Kinzie St. on the edge of Fulton Market, a 66-unit, five-story building by Dirk Denison Architects uses notched setbacks to manage massing. The project also puts a spotlight on finish decisions that carry real weight in the field, including glazed brick, mortar color, window quality, and bronze railings and details.
Farther north, a 59-unit, four-story apartment building at 1728 N. Clybourn Ave. by Eckenhoff Saunders uses large windows that reference the corridor’s industrial past. Balconies break the facade into three volumes, and changes in brick color give each section its own identity.
In Roscoe Village, a four-story brick building near completion at 2237 W. Roscoe St. was designed by En Masse Architecture and Design with a+c architects. The design leans on weight, punched windows, and subtle stringcourses. The project’s website reports all six condo units have sold.
Other brick-forward proposals include Studio Dwell’s fully approved five-story, 19-unit building at 2724 N. Lehmann Court, replacing a three-flat, and a five-story mixed-use building at 2758 N. Mozart St. in Logan Square with 36 apartments, retail, and a prominent masonry pier at the corner. On the South Side, the city selected a two-building transit-oriented development at 1515 and 1607 W. 63rd St. in West Englewood, designed by Beehyyve L3C and Alligood Song, with 18 units in each building and curved brick-and-glass corners by the 63rd/Ashland Green Line station.
For mason contractors, these projects underline a straightforward point: brick is never “just brick.” Setbacks, corners, stringcourses, piers, glazing, and mortar color all land on the wall through layout, coordination, and consistent workmanship.
Read the full, original article from Chicago Tribune (subscription required at source) here.