I always love modern architecture–the clean lines, the appearance of simplicity and order. So, when a friend of mine clued me into a new building in the East Village/Wicker Park Neighborhood I thought I’d check it out. The building isn’t complete yet but what is completed, I love!
1611 W Division (dubbed the “Tower of Pizza Hut”, because Pizza Hut used to occupy this space) is located across the street from what is called the Polish Triangle, originally called so because this area was home to Chicago’s oldest and largest Polish settlement, with the majority of America’s major Polish organizations locating their headquarters within this area.
When I first moved to Chicago in 2000 this area was much sketchier than it is today. There has been much effort made towards revitalization, and for good reason, it’s often referred to as the gateway to Wicker Park/Bucktown, now two very trendy neighborhoods. While this new building, designed by Wheeler Kearns Architects, stands out in its unique architecture compared to the surrounding buildings; I think it’s a move in the right direction considering the ongoing evolution of the neighborhood.
And it makes for some fun photographic opportunities in a neighborhood I wouldn’t typically seek out for some abstract, architectural photography.