architecture

From YMCA to Lofts

The 1924 YMCA building in Granite City, IL, is a beautiful old brick building which has been converted into affordable housing:

I love the green tile accents that provide a subtle pop of color!

Even thought it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, the building sat empty for a long time, and I’m glad to see it was rescued before falling into complete disrepair!

I wish we could find more ways and interest to repurpose old buildings with solid architecture and design ike this…it’s a good way of not only preserving history and beauty, but also creating less waste for our communities.

Lascelles Building, Granite City

I was intrigued by the Lascelles building at 1324 Niedringhaus in Granite City when I saw it…it has a definite wedge shape, but is perhaps not the distinctive and narrower flatiron that is usually associated with that type of structure. It dates to 1917, when it unsurprisingly opened as a bank (it seems like all the best architecture in the area had a beginning as a financial institution), and has also been home to a restaurant as well as office space.

The Space Between

The space between these two buildings in St. Charles, MO is a little larger than the spaces I usually photograph, but I thought this one was especially interesting because I learned on the “Hit the Bricks” tour that at one time the old Vaudeville Theater building was located here.

Niedringhaus Library Building

I love old library buildings…this one in Granite City is especially striking because of the tall staircase to the entrance. The arched windows are also lovely…it looks like a wonderful place to select a book or five!

The Space Between

I really like the space between these two building in Granite City, IL because the different depths between the two makes it visually interesting and the green accents on the building on the right add a nice pop of color.

The Space Between

Another thing about the space between buildings in a big city like Chicago is how much depth they have…this one looks like it goes back forever, and it’s really hard to even determine what time of day it actually is because of the height of the buildings.

The Space Between

The space between buildings in a big city like Chicago is an interesting thing to behold. The fire escapes on both sides of this alleyway caught my eye, because it’s just not something you usually see in suburbia, and they add so much visual interest.