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

But 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.



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.



Next up, we have the Pilasters. These decorative flattened columns have a rich history dating back to ancient Greek architecture. Over time, they've evolved into elaborate decorative elements. At 425 W Surf St., they echo the elegance of Roman, Italian, and French Renaissance buildings, adding sophistication to the lobby's design.

Façade Elements

Period photographs reveal missing façade elements, such as the decorative cornice and a faux balcony that once embellished the upper tier of the building. However, the ornamental terracotta door and window frames still enliven the approach and entry to the building and relate to the interior’s classical ornament. The stylized palmettes, the acroteria, that rise above the front door and side windows derive from Etruscan, Greek, and Roman architecture. The Surf acroteria creates a strong, hierarchical focal point for the building’s primary entry portal. The less pronounced classical garland over the side windows and the more prominent keystone over the entry further reinforce this effect.

Reside on Surf: Present Day

When Reside Living purchased 425 W Surf St. in 2008, one of our biggest priorities was to maintain the history and beauty of this building. Reside on Surf has undergone several updates over the years to modernize elements, but the historic integrity of this building remains. While the outside still looks remarkably similar, here are a few photos of what the inside of Reside on Surf looks like today. You’ll note that you can still see the beautiful pilasters in the lobby.



Conclusion



In a world where modernity often overshadows the past, Reside on Surf stands as a beacon of history, design, and artistic expression. This Reside Living property is more than just a place to call home; it's a journey into the heart of Chicago's architectural heritage. Grossman and Proskauer's genius, combined with the building's unique features, transformed this address into an architectural wonder. So, whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of the past, don't miss the chance to uncover the hidden marvels of 425 West Surf Street.