Reside on Surf's Timeless and Historic Beauty

09-19-2023

                           In the bustling world of real estate and property management, there are few things more captivating than discovering a hidden architectural gem. Today, we invite you on a journey through time and design as we explore one of our historic properties, 425 W Surf St. (now known as Reside on Surf), and the renovations it has undergone over the years. This isn't your typical apartment complex; it's a treasure trove of history and artistry waiting to be uncovered.                   
 

       
 
                                                                          The Roaring 1920s Revived                  
       
 
 

    

               
       
                                    Imagine a time when flapper dresses and jazz music ruled the night. That's the era when 425 W Surf St. was born. In 1922, the Sheridan-Surf Building Corporation brought this nine-story beauty to life, and it hasn't lost its charm since. This building, originally named “Sheridan Surf Apartment Hotel”, opened as an apartment hotel complex. These types of housing were vital to Chicago’s history during the city’s boom in the ‘20s and offered affordable homes for new workers moving to the city.                          
             
       
                          Designed by the renowned architectural firm of Grossman and Proskauer, this building is a living testament to the neoclassical style of the early 20th century. Grossman and Proskauer weren't your average architects. They were visionaries who dabbled in the art of theatrical design, making their mark on Chicago's early movie theater scene. As you step into the lobby of 425 W Surf St., you'll immediately sense their penchant for drama and aesthetics. The lobby and façade aren't just structures but stages where history and architecture are still showing off their beauty years and years later.                  
       
 
       
 
 

    

               
                  425 W Surf St.’s Brush with Stardom                  
             
       
 

                           425 W Surf St. isn't just a historical relic; it has also played a role in the cinematic landscape of Chicago. One notable film it featured in is "Public Enemies" (2009). Directed by Michael Mann and starring Johnny Depp as the infamous gangster John Dillinger, the movie is a gripping portrayal of the crime wave that swept through the United States during the Great Depression. In "Public Enemies," the building's neoclassical façade serves as a backdrop for the film's period-accurate scenes. Its timeless architecture seamlessly transports viewers back to the 1930s. It's a testament to the allure of 425 W Surf St. that it can effortlessly shift between eras, from the Roaring Twenties to the Great Depression, and continue to captivate audiences.                  
 

       
 
                                                                          The Beauty is in the Details                  
             
       
 

                           Now, let's talk about the real showstoppers – the detail and unique architectural features incorporated into this building.                  
                                                              
 

    

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First, we have the Winged Lion Panel. These mythical creatures, found in various cultures throughout history, stand guard in the lobby at 425 W Surf St. with an air of authority. Carved in plaster, they add an exotic and historical flair to the space.


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