Motor Row Historic District: 2301-2315 South Michigan

These three buildings are part of the Motor Row District on Chicago’s Near South Side, considered to be the largest intact early “automobile row” in the United States. At its peak, as many as 116 different makes of automobiles were being sold on Motor Row. These three buildings were all designed by the prominent architectural firm of Holabird and Roche – the corner 5-story masonry building was constructed in 1911 for the Cadillac Motor Car Company, while the 3-story buildings were constructed in 1915 for Alfred Cowles and for the Saxon Automobile Company. The three buildings were vacant when the developer purchased the properties and converted the buildings from commercial use into 52 residential units with interior parking and a retail space. The project included extensive masonry repairs, new windows, new storefronts, and rooftop additions, and also preserved a roof-top water tank. The Motor Row District was designated a Chicago Landmark on December 13, 2000. (Photo courtesy of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks)