Chicago Patterns

A Staggered Facade

John Morris

February 11, 2018

The End of Marquette Photo Supply, One of Chicago’s Last Camera Shops

John Morris

January 22, 2018

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Marquette Photo Supply in 2015 [John Morris/Chicago Patterns]

On 63rd near Spaulding in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood, 73 years of photography history came to a close with passing of Joseph Herbert, aged 93. Herbert ran Marquette Photo Supply, a small camera shop that stayed in business as most others closed in the face of digital photography, online sales, and the emergence of cell phone photography.

Dual Landmark Status Not Enough to Save Building in Pilsen

John Morris

December 18, 2017

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1144 18th St. [John Morris/Chicago Patterns]

On 18th Street, an 1885 Italianate mixed-use building will soon make way for a new residential building. Marketed as teardown with the infamous phrase “the value is in the land,” the new owner’s intent is revealed in a pending demolition permit.

What makes the loss of the structure more acute is its status on two historic surveys. It is listed as contributing in the Pilsen Historic District on the National Register and is Orange-rated on the Chicago Historic Resources survey.

Sadly, neither designation carries enough weight to prevent demolition.

Goodbye to a Victorian Cottage

John Morris

December 10, 2017

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2430 W Moffat [John Morris/Chicago Patterns]

Built in the early 1890s, 2430 W Moffat’s construction coincided with the arrival of the Metropolitan West Side Elevated Railroad a few blocks away. Today it’s the Western stop of the CTA Blue Line.

Sadly, the end draws near for this little cottage as there is an outstanding demo permit for the property.

A Staggered Facade

The End of Marquette Photo Supply, One of Chicago’s Last Camera Shops

Dual Landmark Status Not Enough to Save Building in Pilsen

Goodbye to a Victorian Cottage

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