The Windy City's Wrinkles: Unveiling the Age of Your Chicago Building (Because Let's Face It, We All Ask)
Ah, Chicago. City of broad shoulders, deep-dish pizza, and...buildings with secrets. Ever looked at a Chicago structure and wondered, "Man, that place has seen some things. Like, what things? The Great Fire? Al Capone slinging bullets? Discuss." Well, my friend, your burning curiosity can be quenched! Here's your one-stop guide to becoming a Chicago building Sherlock Holmes, unearthing the fascinating (or maybe slightly boring) truth about when a brick first met mortar.
Step 1: Consulting the Chicago Historic Resources Survey (CHRS)
Think of the CHRS as a giant family tree for Chicago buildings. This magical document, lovingly compiled by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, might just hold the key to your quest. Here's the thrilling part: you can find the CHRS at your local Chicago Public Library branch, or even virtually through the city's website. Just a heads up, though: the CHRS focuses on older buildings with historical significance. So, if you're curious about that shiny new skyscraper, this might not be your best bet.
Subheading: Unleashing Your Inner Librarian
Okay, so you're at the library. Don't be intimidated by the librarians – they're like historians with a Dewey Decimal System superpower. Ask them for help finding the CHRS, and with a little library magic, they'll have you flipping through architectural history faster than you can say "gargoyle."
Step 2: The Chicago Cityscape Website (For Those Who Like Things Clicky)
If you're more of a digital detective, the Chicago Cityscape website can be your partner in crime-solving (building age crime, that is). This spiffy website allows you to search property reports, which sometimes include the glorious detail of year built. Bonus: The site also has a Building Permits Browser, which can be a goldmine for newer constructions.
Step 3: Calling in the Big Guns (Maybe)
For buildings constructed before the digital age (think pre-1970s), you might need to delve into the city's building permit archives. Now, this can get a little Indiana Jones – microfilm readers, dusty ledgers, the whole shebang. But fear not, intrepid explorer! The staff at the Chicago Public Library's Special Collections department can be your guide on this archival adventure.
Step 4: Embrace the Mystery (Sometimes You Just Don't Know)
Let's be honest, some buildings hold their secrets close. Despite your best efforts, you might strike out on uncovering the exact year a particular structure was built. But hey, that doesn't mean you can't use your imagination! Here's your chance to channel your inner historian and speculate. Perhaps it was built during the roaring twenties, or maybe it witnessed the Great Depression. The possibilities are endless (and way more fun than staring at microfilm all day).
So, there you have it! With a little perseverance and a dash of detective work, you can crack the code on Chicago's building ages. Remember, the journey is just as exciting as the destination. Who knows, you might even unearth some hidden gem of Chicago history along the way. Now, get out there and sleuth!
