What would possess someone to build luxury apartments in Englewood in the late 19th century? Well, let me tell you. The year is 1892, and Chicago is abuzz with anticipation for the World’s Columbian Exposition. The city is on the cusp of showcasing its prowess to the world. Enter Edgar M. Condit, a shrewd real estate broker, who saw a golden opportunity in the form of The Yale.
The Yale, standing tall at 6565 South Yale Avenue, was envisioned as a beacon of luxury for the expected influx of visitors to the Exposition. Architect John T. Long, a man who had honed his skills with the likes of Adler & Sullivan, was brought in to design a building that exuded opulence. The result? A stunning seven-story masterpiece, a testament to the Romanesque Revival architectural style that was all the rage at the time..
The Yale is more than just a pretty face. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a sight rarely found in residential buildings of the era: a magnificent interior atrium, bathed in natural light streaming through a glass-and-metal skylight. This wasn’t just architectural whimsy. It was a statement. In a time when miasma theory, the belief that bad air caused disease, was still prevalent, The Yale loudly proclaimed its commitment to light and ventilation. Open walkways ringed the atrium, connecting residents to this grand communal space. It was a bold departure from the more private layouts becoming popular in Chicago’s residential buildings.
The World’s Columbian Exposition came and went, and The Yale, like the city itself, continued to evolve. Over the years, it has housed families, served as a haven for teachers, and eventually found a new purpose as housing for low-income senior citizens. The grand dame of Englewood had found a new lease on life.