Exceptional architecture is a vital part of what makes Oak Park a unique village. From Victorian to bungalow, Italianate to colonial, art deco to mid-century modern – Oak Park is a village that is proud of its’ rich, diverse, housing styles that add uniqueness and flair to our community. No Oak Park architectural musings would […]
Category: History of Oak Park
There’s More to Oak Park Architecture than Just Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright has put Oak Park on the architectural map, making our village a destination for those who love both architecture and history. FLW may be the most famous of Oak Park craftsmen but there are other notable architects that have left their mark on homes, churches and yes, apartments, throughout Oak Park that are […]
Green Line “L” History
Like all things Chicago the history of the Green Line is colorful and “connected”. The origins of the “L” begin with the privately owned Lake Street Elevated Train Company in 1888 when they received a 25 year franchise contract to construct elevated monorail railroads throughout Chicago. At the time Michael Cassius McDonald, otherwise known as […]
Bicycle Barclay – Oak Park’s First Unofficial Historian
Oak Park prides itself on a lot of things – architecture, diversity, a fun place to live and its history. And thanks to one particular early Oak Parker, Philander Barclay, Oak Park has much of its’ history captured on film. Barclay was a bicycle repairman by trade with a passion for photography. Sometime in the 1880’s […]
Nothing But Love For The Oak Park Conservatory
Last weekends warm 60 degree weather brought spring within our grasp here in Oak Park. Realizing how fickle winter weather can be in the mid-west we understand what a gift last weekend was. As we look at the upcoming forecast and see the return of what is average (no complaining here!) for this time of […]
Oak Park Is A Location To Love
When deciding on where to live we have all heard the mantra: location, location, location. Choosing a good location to call home, whether you rent or own makes sense. What factors make a “good” location? Excellent school systems, an economically stable community, being near public transportation, jobs, entertainment and shopping – to name a […]
Know Your Oak Park History 101
One of the reasons people are drawn to Oak Park is it has history. From the Kettlestrings to Philander Barclay, Frank Lloyd Wright to Ernest Hemingway, Oak Park has stories to tell. For those new or just unfamiliar with Oak Park’s historical timeline here are a few points to help know your community. Joseph Kettlestrings, […]
Dr. Percy L. Julian, a Catalyst for Oak Park’s Diversity Mission
On this day, set aside to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Oak Park Apartments would like to remember Dr. Percy L. Julian, a notable African American research chemist who opened Oak Park’s eyes to the importance of diversity and tolerance. Percy Lavon Julian’s parents believed in the power of education in a time when most African Americans […]
FLW Building? A Definite Maybe!
OakParkApartments.com’s property located at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Lake Street, has raised some serious architectural questions over the years. Present day architects and historians believe that this property might be designed by famed Oak Park architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Frank Lloyd Wright is pretty well known and not one to shy away for claiming […]
The Elmwood Tea Room
OakParkApartments.com had heard rumors about a “Tea Room” being located at our 418 Lake St. property (Lake and Elmwood is how it is fondly referred to). Looking for some information on the history of the the “Tea Room”, OakParkApartments went to its’ friends at The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest to ask […]
