An Icon of Chicago’s Historic Architecture
DESIGN & STORY
Designed by David E. Postle and constructed by Telford and McWade Builders between 1902-1904, The Pattington was the first open-court, luxury suburban apartment to be constructed north of the Loop.
While Postle was a relative unknown at the time, modern architects celebrate his elegant and unique design of The Pattington as one of the finest examples of its kind among Chicago’s historic courtyard buildings.
In 1906, a second building was added to The Pattington’s campus at the north edge, along Bittersweet Place. Builder Andrew Sandegren went on to become one of Chicago’s most important apartment designers, thanks to his properties like The Aztec at Fullerton and Lincoln Park West (1916) and 1235-45 Astor Street in the Gold Coast (1911).
At the turn of the last century, residents of the young and gritty city dreamed of gracious lives in homes with quiet dignity where they could relax in park-like surroundings. Apartment living began to acquire respectability, and The Pattington became a beacon for the wealthy and elite, drawn to a style that flourished into the late 1920s before the depression and war ground such ornate and expensive structures to a halt.
With a style drawn from classical antiquity and the Renaissance, the size and elegance of Postle’s apartments were rare and special in the early 20th Century. They remain so to this day thanks to tireless efforts by the dedicated owner community to preserve The Pattington’s historic appearance and important status among Chicago residences.
Collections of LeRoy Blommaert and Perry Casalino.
Republished by the Chicago Architecture Center.
AWARDS & DESIGNATION
1978 The Pattington is converted from apartments to condominiums with 23 renters purchasing their units as first-time buyers
1980 The Pattington is recognized for exceptional importance by the NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
1995 The Pattington receives the RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS PRESERVATION AWARD from the Landmark Preservation Council of Illinois
2020 The Pattington History Society writes and edits “Chicago’s Best Courtyard Building”
2024 The Pattington celebrates 120 years of excellence as a foundational cornerstone of Chicago’s historic Buena Park
