pre-and-post fire chicago residential structures located in and around old town neighborhood

a photographic survey (work in progress) of pre-and post-fire chicago wood-framed and masonry houses in and around old town. some exemplary examples of wood-framed cottages built shortly after the great chicago fire of 1871 were built using materials and plans offered chicago relief and aid society. the bld. 51 archive contains several original catalogs, plans, and booklets offered to those who lost their homes in the fire.

images courtesy of eric j. nordstrom and bldg. 51 archive.