Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Uptown's 'Ark'


Ever since we read this description on Metromix, we've been curious about one of Uptown's oddest landmarks:
Inspired insanity: For a single serving of quirky architecture, check out the kooky, corrugated aluminum-clad Bachman House (1244 W. Carmen Ave.). This place was built in 1889, then tweaked by architect Bruce Goff in 1947 and '48 to serve as a home recording studio. Part ark, part cottage, the residence got its Uptown neighbors talking.

So we went past and took a look. Definitely not the norm on this lovely tree-lined street.

We did a little more research and found out that Bachman House has been designated a Chicago Landmark. According to A Native's Guide to Chicago, Goff is well-known in architectural circles "for spatially complex houses that use natural materials in a far-out way, kind of like a Frank Lloyd Wright for the 21st Century (even though he died in the 20th)." We think he fits into Uptown just fine.

13 comments:

  1. While aesthetically unappealing (that needs a new front entrance), I like how radically different it is. Certainly better than the SAME single family houses and three flat condos you see in Wrigleyville and Southport area. Adds uniqueness to the neighborhood and I prefer that.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I will take the homes on Southport and Wrigleyville any day over that mess.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well, as they say, I wouldn't want to live there.... but it's interesting. It's no cookie-cutter. As the article says, "quirky."

    I can only imagine what rain on the roof sounds like from within!

    ReplyDelete
  4. ===="I can only imagine what rain on the roof sounds like from within!"====

    I can only imagine what type of drugs they took back then.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You all know this is Helen's next-door neighbor, right?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Is it really her next door neighbor, god two things on the same street to affect your homes value.

    ReplyDelete
  7. ===="I can only imagine what rain on the roof sounds like from within!"====

    If this place also serves as a proper home recording studio they probably can't hear anything from within when it rains. I bet the sound of rain from the outside is unique.

    I think this building is cool looking but I also like things that are different and creative. Of course, if we all had the same taste we would listen to the same music and like the same art and life would be insanely boring.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I would take it better than renting an apartment.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Stop making fun of my house.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I always thought this house was amazing. Thanks for the back story on it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm a lover of modern architecture, but I've gotta say that this one doesn't do much for me. Maybe the inside is nice?

    ReplyDelete
  12. And while there at 1244 W. Carmen, venture down the block to 1248 W. Carmen to view the home of your local 46th Ward Alderbeast and her Alderspawn.

    ReplyDelete
  13. ehhh - aesthetics - beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Perhaps if some of the nay sayers studied the architect and his vocabulary, they would have a better understanding of this work.

    ReplyDelete