relics of 1933-34 "century of progress" relocated to beverly shores by way of barge and truck

the century of progress architectural district is a historic district in beverly shores, indiana. the district is on lake shore drive within the indiana dunes national park. the district comprises five buildings, all from the homes of tomorrow exhibition of the 1933 century of progress world's fair which took place in chicago. intended to display the future of housing, the century of progress homes reflect a variety of designs, experimental materials and new technologies. on june 30, 1986, the district was listed on the national register of historic places as the beverly shores–century of progress architectural district.

armco-ferro house:

the only house of the five to stand the test of time in meeting the criteria of the world's fair committee: 'affordable' and 'mass producible'. an all-steel home using corrugated steel panels for walls, without a frame.

designed by scholer, walter, et al.

florida tropical house:

designed for the southern florida tropics, the house combines the indoors and outdoors into the living space. large open terraces and a flamingo pink paint scheme stand out.

designed by robert law weed

house of tomorrow:

designed as the house of the future, this house included its own airplane hangar. glass walls offered views from every angle and so taxed the experimental air conditioning system that the cooling system failed.

designed by walter scholer, george fred keck, et al.

wieboldt-rostone house:

framed in steel and clad with an artificial stone called rostone (limestone, shale and alkali). its rostone exterior was billed as never needing repairs, but it only lasted until the 1950s.

designed by walter scholer

four of the five houses have been restored; the house of tomorrow awaits restoration. one day a year, the public is allowed access to the five homes.

images courtesy of eric j. nordstrom and son jonah. all rights reserved. 2022.