Remembering Chicago

Hospital architecture can often be uninspired and utilitarian, but most of the buildings at Michael Reese couldn’t be further from this assessment. The main hospital building is the absolute gem of the complex. A Chicago School building designed by the firm of Schmidt, Garden and Martin of Ward’s Warehouse and Schoenhofen Brewery fame, the building exudes the influence of Louis Sullivan as well as Hugh Garden’s own distinct style. The building is truly something unique in the realm of Chicago’s architecture.



The passage and the accompanying photograph is from the web site, Forgotten Chicago, which is dedicated to uncovering, showcasing, and preserving the architecture of the city. Even though I haved lived in the suburbs for most of my life, Chicago is my city, so it's great to read and find out about my "hometown".

There are several people, especially Jacab and Serhii, involved in the site. Their desire and curiousity propel not only the site, but also speaking engagements and walking tours. I actually have had the chance to be on one of their tours. Its focus was the above-mentioned Michael Reese Hospital. The hospital campus is, for the most part, unused at this time. It was quite an eerie and enlightening experience to be walking among the buildings. My thanks go to everyone involved with Forgotten Chicago for that afternoon.

You can learn more about other hidden treasures at their web site, http://forgottenchicago.com/. They have a feature about the hospital, which is slated for demolition if Chicago captures the 2016 Olympic bid. If this happens, part of Chicago's history will be lost. I have stood outside the main hospital building (the above image shown) and can wholeheartedly agree that it should be preserved in some fashion.

If you enjoy architecture or history or simply want to know more about Chicago, click and take a look.