Seven Houses on Lake Shore Drive District: 1530 North Lake Shore Drive

The seven grand mansions on the 1200- and 1500-blocks of North Lake Shore Drive are rare survivors of what was a prestigious residential street in late-19th century and early-20th-century Chicago. The residence at 1530 Lake Shore Drive was built in 1916 for Bernard Albert Eckhart, a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and politician. The architect, Benjamin H. Marshall, was renowned for the designs of the Blackstone Hotel, the South Shore Country Club, and the Drake Hotel. This 4-story Classical Revival building underwent a complete renovation, including masonry repairs, window replacement, and restoration of the front door and ornamental metal work. A 4-story rear addition was inserted between the historic residence and the rear coach house and incorporates a contemporary, simplified version of the historic building design. The Seven Houses on Lake Shore Drive District was designated a Chicago Landmark on June 28, 1989.