Saturday, October 25, 2008

Lost Sullivan Work Uncovered

The October 14th Chicago Tribune had an article by Blair Kamin about several works by noted architect Louis Sullivan have been found in Chicago at 22 South Wabash Avenue in the form of an iron storefront complete with his signature nature-inspired ornamentation.

Workers have removed scaffolding from the front of the building so it is now on view for all. This is all part of a $190 million restoration of the former Carson Pirie Scott store next door.

Of course, the last several years have not been kind to Sullivan's legacy with three buildings destroyed in 2006 including Pilgrim Church. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina's storm surge seriously damaged Sullivan's vacation cottage in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

In 1961, his Garrick Theater building was demolished to make way for a parking garage. In 1972, the Chicago Stock Exchange Building was demolished to build an undistinguished office building.

Great news that some lost Sullivan has been discovered.

Chicago and the Elements Have Not Been Very Nice to Louis Sullivan. -- Cooter

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