Alright, buckle up, architecture aficionados and nosy neighbors alike, because we're diving deep into the thrilling, and sometimes slightly dusty, world of figuring out just how ancient your Chicago building really is. Forget carbon dating, we're going to use a mix of detective work, questionable internet searches, and maybe a little bit of sheer, unadulterated guesswork.
"Is My Building Older Than My Grandma's Jokes? A Chicago Mystery"
Let's face it, Chicago is a city built on layers. Like a delicious, albeit slightly crumbling, architectural lasagna. You've got the remnants of the Great Chicago Fire, the boom of the late 19th and early 20th century, and then… well, whatever those beige brick boxes from the 70s were supposed to be. So, how do you pinpoint your building's birthdate?
1. The "Architectural Fashion Police" Method
- "Bricks and Mortar: The Ultimate Style Guide"
- First, let's play dress-up with your building. Look at the brickwork. Is it smooth and uniform, or does it look like it was hand-laid by a squirrel with a trowel? Older buildings often have more varied brick sizes and textures.
- What about the windows? Are they tiny, ornate, and possibly haunted? Or are they giant, energy-efficient slabs of glass that make you feel like you're living in a fishbowl? Window styles change over time, so a quick Google image search of "Chicago window styles by decade" can be surprisingly helpful.
- Don't forget the decorative details! Terra cotta, intricate moldings, and gargoyles are all signs of a bygone era. If your building has a serious case of architectural bling, it's likely older.
- "The Great Material Debate: Wood vs. Steel vs. Whatever That Is"
- Early Chicago buildings were primarily wood, which, as we know, didn't fare too well in the fire department's popularity contest. Later, steel and brick became the go-to materials. If you can see exposed structural elements (safely, of course), that can give you a clue.
- <u>Remember, if you see wood, especially if it looks charred, you might be living in a historical document.</u>
2. The "Paper Trail of Doom" Method
- "City Records: Where Bureaucracy Meets History"
- The City of Chicago's building permit records are a goldmine of information. If you're feeling adventurous (and have a lot of patience), you can try digging through them.
- Be prepared for microfilm, dusty ledgers, and possibly a grumpy librarian who's seen it all. But hey, you might just find your building's original permit!
- "Title Deeds: The Real Estate Soap Opera"
- Title deeds can reveal a building's ownership history, which can help you trace its age. But be warned, this can be a rabbit hole of legal jargon and confusing names.
- <u>If you find a deed signed by Al Capone, you've hit the jackpot. Or maybe you should just move.</u>
- "Online Resources: The Internet Knows (Almost) Everything"
- Websites like the Chicago Historic Resources Survey and various historical societies can provide valuable information.
- Also, don't underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned Google search. Type in your building's address and see what pops up. You might be surprised at what you find. (Or you might just find a bunch of pizza delivery menus.)
3. The "Ask Your Neighbors, But Don't Be Weird About It" Method
- "The Neighborhood Gossip Network: Your Unofficial Historians"
- Sometimes, the best source of information is your neighbors. Especially the ones who have lived in the building for decades.
- But remember, approach with caution. You don't want to come across as the creepy new tenant who's obsessed with the building's past.
- <u>Offer them cookies, and they might tell you the secrets of the ages.</u>
FAQ: How To... Chicago Building Edition
- How to find my building's permit records?
- Visit the City of Chicago's Department of Buildings website or go in person to their records department. Be prepared for a bit of a treasure hunt.
- How to identify the architectural style of my building?
- Search online for "Chicago architectural styles" and compare images to your building. Look for key features like window shapes, brickwork, and decorative details.
- How to find out who owned my building in the past?
- Check title deeds at the Cook County Recorder of Deeds office. Or hire a title company to do it for you.
- How to tell if my building is historically significant?
- Check the Chicago Historic Resources Survey or contact the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.
- How to deal with the fact that my building is older than I thought and might have ghosts?
- Embrace it! Or, you know, sage it. Maybe both.
