Architectural Gems of Uptown, Chicago

Uptown is the community closest to my neighborhood in Chicago. At one time, in the early and middle 20th century, Uptown was a socio-economically upscale neighborhood, and great effort was made to construct grand buildings that signified the status of Uptown residents and their upward aspirations. The neighborhood's past is still reflected in the older buildings that remain standing today. Here are a few of the buildings that stand out most vividly, as far as I am concerned.

Uptown Theater, Chicago, IL

During the 1990s, there was an organized movement to fully restore the Uptown Theater and make it an active business again. To my knowledge, that effort has stalled. The interior is supposed to be equally beautiful, but I have never been inside to be able to say for sure.

Bridgeview (formerly Uptown National) Bank, Chicago, IL

Formerly Uptown National Bank of Chicago, this Bridgeview Bank location has been in existence since, I believe, the late 1920s. As you can see, the exterior of the bank is undergoing some work.

Ceiling detail, main lobby, Bridgeview Bank, Chicago, IL

The main lobby of the bank is highly ornate and gorgeous. I believe it has been used as background in a couple of movies, but I can't recall that for sure. A long time ago, I used to work at this bank and never ceased to marvel at the main lobby's beauty.

Ceiling detail, main lobby, Bridgeview Bank, Chicago, IL

Teller stations and desk, Bridgeview Bank, Chicago, IL

I like how many of the original furnishings of the main lobby have remained intact over the decades. All of the old fashioned details make you feel like you've stepped into another time.

Ceiling detail, Bridgeview Bank, Chicago, IL

Old Goldblatt's Building, Chicago, IL

This building, constructed with a neo-classical design, used to house Goldblatt's, a local department store. Since then, it was converted into a Borders Books, but was abandoned when Borders experienced financial difficulties. I have no idea when a new tenant will inhabit this historic space. It's a shame to see it empty.

Door, old Goldblatt's Building, Chicago, IL

Uptown Broadway Building, Chicago, IL

This building is one of my favorites in Uptown, and instead of me babbling endlessly about it, I am going to let its architectural richness speak for itself. Photos displaying architectural details from this building follow below.

Architectural detail, Uptown Broadway Building, Chicago, IL

Architectural detail, Uptown Broadway Building, Chicago, IL

Main entrance, Uptown Broadway Building, Chicago, IL

Architectural detail, Uptown Broadway Building, Chicago, IL

Okay, one comment: I love the cornucopias featured on either side of this doorway architectural relief.

Chivalry is still alive!, Uptown Broadway Building, Chicago, IL

Top detail, Uptown Broadway Building, Chicago, IL

Architectural detail, Aragon Theater, Chicago, IL

The historic Aragon Theater is used today to house musical concerts. Its design is somewhat austere, offering architectural ornamentation in only a few areas of the building.

Architectural detail, Aragon Theater, Chicago, IL

Architectural detail, Aragon Theater, Chicago, IL

There are more beautiful buildings similar to these in Uptown, but these are my all-time favorites. I hope they will inspire you to go and see them for yourself.