The Astor Street District

“Human subtlety will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple or more direct than does nature because in her inventions nothing is lacking, and nothing is superfluous.” - Leonardo da Vinci

Staged with the backdrop of the amazing Lake Michigan, tranquil meadows happily glistened with the sun. It was the pre-contemporary scenery of the current Astor Street District in Chicago. I am romantically painting the landscape of the Gold Coast before the Great Fire of Chicago: healthy green-grass-covered grazing fields.

As it has always had a beautiful and subtle American landscape, the Astor Street District is also characterized by its subtle architecture and is the second most prosperous neighborhood in America. Historically significant architectural styles have been created and preserved here in this most beautiful Chicago neighborhood.

Various architects built the district from 1880 to 1940. In 1975, it was designated a Chicago Landmark. Many well-known architects and projects are represented on Astor Street such as the James Charnley Residence by Adler & Sullivan, Astor House by Bertrand Goldberg, and 1325 North Astor by Charles Rebori.

My recent visit to Chicago brought back old memories of daily walks in the Astor Street District where I used to live. My appreciation of its architectural styles is as strong as when I first noticed them during my very first walk.