Customer Reviews

Chicago Apartments: A Century of Lakefront Luxury (Urban Domestic Architecture Series)

5 star:		(7)
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Having been born in the windy city it was with great relish that I bought Mr. Harris' book. I was not disappointed. It is fascinating and full of details about the people who designed these dwellings and the people who populated them. Overlooking Lake Michigan these buildings were the envy of many cities. The natural shoreline provided a perfect setting for the imagination of the architects and builders who created these edifices for their wealthy inhabitants. The changes that took place as the city became more vertical and more populace is a truly exciting look into the growth of the United States. Mr. Harris has done a superb job.

This book was a gift from a friend, since I live in a lakefront high-rise and have an interest in Chicago architecture, I walk past dozens of these building throughout my daily travels in the city with a new appreciation now. The amazing vintage photographs plus the many detailed floor plans, along with splendid elevation drawings make this book both a joy and a valuable addition to any library.

This is a first-rate survey of the great apartment buildings of Chicago. The title is misleading since Professor Harris covers over 120 years of architecture with his nearly 100 buildings. The interior decoration shots are fantastic: there are modernist interiors alongside misplaced historical interiors, there are Elkins and Adler designs too. Harris'introduction is a wealth of sociological information. This is a must buy for anybody interested in apartment buildings in Chicago.

This is a gorgeous book, I really can't say enough about the quality of books Acanthus Press puts out, they are amazing. The black and white photos are beautiful, they are crisp and vivid. The book is quite thorough, and I found the text to be scholarly and highly informative. I was pleased that exterior as well as interior photos where used, the reader really gets a feel for the buildings and you get an excellent cross section of the top apartment buildings. Chicago is second only to New York in luxurious apartment buildings and this book does an amazing job of cataloging the best examples, I loved this book. The book even includes a silk book mark. If you are the least bit interested in this subject, buy this book, you will not be disappointed, it is first rate. A book for those who love books.

I love perusing books with vintage floor plans, descriptions and pictures. This book is the best of its kind. Each building features a photograph of the exterior including the original floor plans. Some even include vintage photos of the interiors of the grander apartments. All include a brief history of the building. My Lord, how some folks lived!

I found one plan that confounded me and it was "The Carlyle" at 1040 North Lake Shore Drive The plan illustrated has four apartments to a floor labeled A, B, C and D. Plans B & C are confusing as all get out. Plan B looks to be a one-bedroom apartment with two full master bathrooms and dressing closets plus a half bath included in the master suite. Unless I'm missing something, it looks as if there is no entrance to the master bedroom from the foyer. Plan C seems to be a two-bedroom apartment with his and her master baths with maid's quarters but again, no entrance to the other two bedrooms from the foyer. AND, there is no kitchen in the plan! There is a dining room and breakfast room, but no kitchen! Huh? I guess it was a mistake in the drawings.

If you live in Chicago and want to have a peek into some of these buildings, this book would be a good choice. If you are fortunate enough to even AFFORD to live in one of these beauties, this is the book for you, too. I would imagine apartments that face the lake would command exorbitant mortgages, as none of these building are rentals. All are either condo or co-op.

In my opinion, a mark of a quality book is one that is hard-cover, with nice heavy pages and includes a bookmark of some sort. This one has a satin ribbon.

Good Product Description prior to buying the Book. Good Mailing Package from Dealer.
The Book is a very good read.

This is a truly excellent book for those who appreciate the fine building traditions of Chicago. The black and white plates are of a generally high standard, with a scattering of interior views to give atmosphere to the plans. The text is brief but informative, and the overall design of the book itself is of a high standard. Another classy production of the Acanthus Press!