Think of Hyde Park in the early 1950s. The University Apartments weren’t even a blueprint yet. This area was undergoing massive change.
The University Apartments stand as a testament to Chicago’s urban renewal efforts. They also represent architectural innovation. Designed by I. M. Pei and Araldo Cossutta, these buildings are more than just apartments. They’re a piece of history.
Before the University Apartments, this area near 55th Street faced challenges. It had transformed from a retreat for the wealthy into a haven for taverns. Gambling houses also sprung up. The South Side experienced a decline in residential construction. Buildings fell into disrepair.
Wealthy residents left. Lower-income families moved in. Racism grew against the increasing Black population. The University of Chicago decided to intervene.
The university formed the South East Chicago Commission in 1952. Its goals included increasing police protection. They also wanted to promote residential stability. Enforcing building codes was another goal. The commission aimed for slum prevention.
The Chicago Land Clearance Commission acquired land. They began clearing blighted areas. Project Hyde Park A was one such area. It covered 42.7 acres. Over 15,000 residents were relocated. Substandard buildings were demolished. New construction started in 1958. The University Apartments led the way.
William Zeckendorf commissioned I. M. Pei to design the apartment buildings. Araldo Cossutta was the design associate. Loewenberg & Loewenberg collaborated on the project. Pei used specialized techniques. He also incorporated ideas from previous projects.
The University Apartments followed the Kips Bay idea. This involved using two rectangular slabs. They would protect and enclose a park. Pei’s Denver Hilton project proved frame windows could support a building. He developed lightweight concrete. This eliminated the need for steel framing. It also freed funds for interior improvements.
Harry Weese designed row houses for the same project. Pei worked with him. This ensured their buildings related to each other.
The University Apartments are on a traffic island on 55th Street. They stretch two-and-a-half blocks. The towers feature a load-bearing exterior concrete screen wall. Windows are deeply inset. This makes the buildings look shorter than they are.
The University Apartments are in a high-density residential area. Trees line the outer perimeter. Each tower measures 469 by 55 by 94 feet. An 85-foot wide central garden court separates them. The garden court has a pool with a fountain. It also features rectangular planter beds. The design aligns with the International Style. It is heavily influenced by Le Corbusier.
Each tower has a lobby and nine residential floors. Each has 270 apartments. Large rectangular pillars stabilize the towers. A parking garage is in the basement. Each floor has twelve windows on the east and west. There are 108 windows on the north and south ends.
The apartment complex became condominiums in 1978. A wrought iron security fence was added. Security lobbies were also added. This closed off the central court. It had been a public walkway.
The National Park Service recognized the buildings in 2005. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This recognized their contributions to Hyde Park’s redevelopment. It also acknowledged their significant architecture.
Today the University Apartments stand as a landmark. They symbolize urban renewal and architectural innovation. They also offer a glimpse into Hyde Park’s dynamic history.