Powhatan Apartments

The Powhatan Apartments is a 22-story Art Deco residential building in Chicago's Kenwood neighborhood that stands directly above South Chicago Beach Drive. Its facade features terra-cotta panels and geometric patterns that follow the vertical lines running across the entire structure.

The building was constructed between 1927 and 1929, reflecting the architectural influence of Eliel Saarinen's design for the 1922 Tribune Tower competition. This design approach continued to shape American skyscraper architecture long after its completion.

The building features Native American motifs in its decorative details, part of a tradition where several structures in this neighborhood bear the names of indigenous tribes. These design choices and names shape how the area looks today and reflect the historical connections architects made when designing these buildings.

The building is located at 4950 South Chicago Beach Drive with direct access to Burnham Park and Lake Michigan. It operates as a housing cooperative, so visitors can view the exterior from public spaces nearby, but the interior remains a private residential community.

The building has maintained a staff of 24-hour elevator operators for decades, a practice that remains unique in Chicago. This tradition preserves a craft skill that has largely disappeared from most modern high-rises.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1929

Architects: Charles L. Morgan

Floors above the ground: 22

GPS coordinates: 41.80460,-87.58430

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:02