1870s chicago workers cottage bedecked with distinctive frear "artificial stone" window hoods faced with demolition

1870s two-story red brick chicago workers cottage with distinctive frear's patent "artificial stone" window hoods or headers, accentuated with deeply incised abstract floral motifs, is set to be demolished in the coming weeks. sadly, it's just another reminder that 19th and early 20th century chicago worker cottages continue to be overlooked, not to mention being highly susceptible targets to make way for new development.

if time permits, i will revisit the cottage with the hopeful intention of working with the wrecker to carefully photodocument its materials and methods, along with possibly salvaging the frear stone exterior ornament. 

images courtesy of bldg. 51 archive and chicago workers cottage association.

further reading:

A CLOSER LOOK AT GEORGE FREAR'S PATENTED PRE-CHICAGO FIRE ARTIFICIAL ITALIANATE ROW HOUSE KEYSTONES