Collectively representing a unique period of neighborhood development, eight taverns and a stable built by the Schlitz Brewing Co. were recommended for landmark consideration today by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.

Developed around the turn of the last century as Schlitz and other brewers adopted the "tied house" system to directly sell their products to tavern patrons in Chicago, the buildings' ornate designs helped define the character of many neighborhoods while reflecting other important aspects of local history, Commissioner Patti Scudiero said.

"Chicago's tied-house system evolved with the influx of European immigrants and the rise of the 'dry' movement, both locally and nationally," Scudiero said. "These nine buildings are among the best surviving examples in the city."

The tied-house system originated in England in the early 1800s as a way for brewers to control every aspect of the production and sale of their goods. Examples can be found throughout Chicago, mostly built by Milwaukee-based Schlitz, but also by Chicago brewers like Atlas, Birk Brothers, Fortune Brothers, Gottfried, Peter Hand, Standard and Stege, according to the commission's designation report.

At many locations, brewers employed high-quality architectural designs and popular historical styles to attract customers and convey respectability for the neighborhood tavern in the face of rising social opposition. Many dry reformers at the time endorsed the tied-house system because of its association with reputable businesses, versus more mercurial ownership interests, according to the report.

The Schlitz taverns include the following locations:

A former Schlitz stable, at 11314 S. Front Ave. (1906), was also included.

The commission's preliminary recommendation starts the formal consideration process required for possible designation as official city landmarks. The process typically includes additional research and a public hearing prior to a potential final recommendation to the City Council.

As official city landmarks, the buildings would be protected from significant alternation or demolition and be eligible for a variety of tax and financial incentives.

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks is a 10-member board responsible for recommending properties for possible landmark designation. Established in 1968, it also reviews proposed work affecting designated landmarks and landmark districts. Staff services are provided by the Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Zoning and Land Use Planning.