A one block stretch of artist studio spaces in the Old Town neighborhood was designated as an official Chicago Landmark District by City Council today.

The Burton Place District will include a group of 12 buildings and five coach houses on West Burton Place between LaSalle and Wells streets. Built in the late 1800s as rooming houses, the homes were remodeled in the late 1920s through the 1940s into a unique cluster of artist dwellings. Led by artists Edgar Miller and Sol Kogen, the remodeling work attracted other architects and craftsmen who achieved national and international fame, including Boris Anisfeld, Mark Tobey, Jesus Torres, and John W. Norton.

The structures retain most of the characteristics that define their historic significance, and are noted for their decorative metal and carved wood doors, a variety of terra cotta, stained and painted art glass, stone and tile ornaments, courtyard gardens, and art deco and modern designs.

The designation will protect the buildings' exterior elevations, as well as select walls, fences, gates and sidewalks, from alteration or demolition.

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks recommended the designation to City Council in August 2015.

# # #