Midwest Athletic Club, Athletic club building in West Garfield Park, Chicago, US
Midwest Athletic Club is a thirteen-story building in West Garfield Park featuring ornamental terra cotta details and large arched windows. The structure stands at North Hamlin Avenue and displays classical architectural elements with clearly defined facade components.
The structure was constructed between 1926 and 1928 by West Side business leaders seeking to create a modern facility for their community. Economic pressures in the early 1930s forced the building to transition away from its original purpose as membership declined.
The club served as a social hub for West Side business members who gathered to exercise, swim, and spend time together in its various spaces. The rooms reflect the lifestyle of that era, offering settings for both athletic pursuits and elegant gatherings.
The building is located near Garfield Park and accessible by public transportation in the West Side neighborhood. Visitors should note the structure sits on a quiet street, so wearing comfortable shoes is advisable for exploring the area.
The National Register of Historic Places recognized this structure in 1984 for its architectural design by Michaelsen and Rognstad. This recognition reflects how long the building has been valued as an important example of early twentieth-century club design.
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