Open House . . . John's Edgewater Coop

If you're anything like me, you're dying to tour the classic buildings in your city, and in Chicago, it doesn't get much more classic than the Edgewater Beach Coop building. The pink palace was originally built in 1927 to capitalize on the success of the grand and celebrity packed Edgewater Beach Hotel. The two massive buildings stood side-by-side until the classic hotel was torn down in 1968, a victim of the overall decline of U.S. cities in the post-WWII era. You can read my post about the hotel's history here.





So I was over the moon when my friend, John welcomed me into his lakefront apartment. For as long as I've known John, he's been talking about selling his coop and buying a new place, so I was beginning to think that it was probably a dump.

Imagine my surprise when I finally laid eyes on this fantastic and spacious one bedroom unit which boasts large rooms, killer views, vintage moldings, and an original bathroom complete with subway tile and a doorway to nowhere (a dash of mystery that's woefully absent from most newer buildings). Plus the building offers amenities perfect to help endure Chicago winters - indoor parking, a large swimming pool and a fitness center. I'd not only never sell it, I'd probably never leave the building.


Christmas 1948

As you can probably tell, I am in love with John's unit . . . uh, apartment. It conjures up the grandeur of a bygone era. And based on our last conversation, I think John's beginning to see the light; he's now talking about staying for awhile and investing in an updated kitchen and bath. John, I beg of you, don't replace that original bathroom tile - buy yourself a pedestal sink and call it a day.

And if you live in a classic Chicago building, let me know. We're all interesting in seeing your space.

For a full set of thumbnails, click here. And to see a Flickr slide show, click here.

And to read past Open House tours, click here.