Last spring I had the pleasure of photographing both, the Chestnut Place and Webster House apartment buildings as an update for my client’s marketing campaign. The featured multimedia presentations convey a good feel and impression of both buildings.
Chestnut Place Apartments on Chestnut Street is situated right where the action is, close by to Rush and Division streets, the desirable and convenient location offers something for everyone.
The tuscan colored building was designed by Weese Hickey Weese Architects whose work is special precisely because it rejects not only the modernist vocabulary, but also the intellectual derivation of that vocabulary. It returns to the concept that multifamily architecture should be felt rather than read.
There is no formal explanation for the floor plan. There is no axis of symmetry, no geometric overlay. Each typical floor is composed of non-repetitive units. Each of the 10 units on a typical floor is different. In addition, the window locations vary between floors so that the degree of individuality of each unit is further accentuated. Even the usually cohesive elements of structure and fenestration have been ignored.
Some mention must also be given to the Richard Haas’ frescoed and very unique lobby, which is a pure cube, a jewel box buried within the warren of the ground floor which evokes multiple feelings.
It is seen on the one hand as a semi-public space, an exterior within the interior of the building. It can also be viewed as a hidden sanctuary, the crypt within the cathedral. It was a welcome challenge to photograph as there are elements that are very symmetrical within a relatively limited space. The wonderful and colorful mural throughout gives the the space a very unique and old world feel and look.
And then, lets not forget to mention the spectacular views from the building toward the city, they are breathtaking, especially at night.
Webster House is nestled in a quiet, residential setting. A historic landmark, it is located in the heart of one of Chicago’s most desirable neighborhoods – Lincoln Park. The building is a 14-story high-rise rental community with fabulous views of the adjacent Lincoln Park Zoo, Conservatory and Lake Michigan. Formerly a grand old Chicago hotel, it boasts a magnificent and very spacious lobby, wide hallways and high ceilings.
It is thanks to these architectural elements that enhance the feeling of being transported back to the buildings humble beginnings as a hotel for Chicago’s elite back in 1919. Sixty years later Webster House was converted to a rental apartment community and offers convenient access to parks in the surrounding area, businesses in the Loop, famed shopping on the Magnificent Mile, and renowned dining throughout Chicago.
Both properties were a joy to photograph and my Thank You goes to my client for having entrusted me with the visual representation of these beautiful and historic buildings.
Marian Kraus Photography is a Chicago area based professional architectural photographer, multi media artist and fine art photographer who has been consistently delivering compelling architectural photography to clients including architects, advertising agencies, home builders, corporations, real estate companies and the like since 1999. Additionally, Marian Kraus Photography’ s nature and architecture fine art photographs can be found in a growing number of corporate and private art collections.
Marian furthermore creates pictures with sound and facilitates sound immersions and sonic excursions. You can find out more at Delamora.life