INDIE LA ROCK

lionza:

greystones are an unique architectural trait of chicago! i always wondered if they were because i’d never see anything like them elsewhere. but i really fucking like them. a lot. whenever i am in lincoln park and see the nicer ones i check them out like i would check out an attractive person if i had more confidence.

“Greystones are a unique form of residential building that defines the character of many of Chicago’s historic neighborhoods – the same way “Brownstones” define neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY. The term “Greystone” refers to a style of construction – a masonry building with a front façade constructed of Bedford limestone quarried from south central Indiana – rather than a singular architectural style. Popular between 1890 and 1930, Greystones were built in wide range of sizes (e.g., workers cottages, two flats, row houses, and mansions) and architectural motifs (e.g., Romanesque Revival, Queen Anne, Chateauesque, and Classical Revival/Beaux Arts). Regardless of size or style, a Greystone’s limestone-façade was always oriented to the street, taking full advantage of the narrow frontage afforded by Chicago’s standard 25’ x 125’ lots. There are an estimated 30,000 Greystones remaining in the City of Chicago.”