Marlborough Apartments, Chicago

 by: chicago designslinger

 [Marlborough Apartments, Chicago (1923) Robert S. DeGolyer, architect /Image & Artwork: chicago designslinger]

If you're an investor developing an apartment building in 1923 for an upscale clientele, pick an aristocratic name like Marlborough and an architect who can design a building in keeping with the the pedigree of the name, and you have the beginnings of a superb marketing campaign geared for your target audience.

  [Marlborough Apartments, Chicago, 2600 N. Lakeview Avenue & 400 W. Deming Place, Chicago /Images & Artwork: chicago designslinger]

Architect Robert S. DeGolyer was very busy during the the 1920s turning out designs for one top drawer apartment building after another. DeGolyer's handiwork was sprouting up along the lakefront from the Gold Coast to the northern boundaries of Lincoln Park. His decorative choices were, well, eclectic to say the least. The man designed for his client, the site, and whatever historically correct architectural trend worked for the job at hand. At the Marlborough, DeGolyer chose Adamesque details, a style named for 18th century British architect Robert Adam, to finish out the exterior. It was an appropriate choice given that Duke of Marlborough built one of the most impressive houses ever constructed in Britain.

  [Marlborough Apartments, Chicago, Lake View, Chicago /Images & Artwork: chicago designslinger]

The business of building the Marlborough provides an interesting insight into a particular form of financing and development for a particular type of building. The apartment house was built by Mr. W. G. Souders, president of the Marlborough Building Corporation. When the structure was completed and ready for occupancy, the building was purchased by 11 resident owners, including Mr. Souders, who then organized the Marlborough Building Corporation. The remaining 90+ apartments would be marketed and leased to a discreet and discerning group of renters with the income generated going to the corporation. The apartments facing Lincoln Park were large but not huge, although they did include a maids room off the kitchen. The apartments that surrounded an interior courtyard along Deming Street were smaller, but the building did offer dining room service for those who weren't interested in using their tiny kitchens. That service disappeared a long time ago, and although you could rent a Deming, courtyard-facing 1BR for $165/month, today the Marlborough is an entirely owner owned condo building.