Par Birdie Foods
2234-2236 W Devon Ave. Chicago, IL 60659
Par Birdie Foods was built in 1948 by architect Carl M. Teutsch who was noted for designing many grocery-anchored commercial centers in Chicago and the suburbs from the early 1930s on. Teutsch designed for the American Terra Cotta Company--based not far outside of Chicago in Crystal Lake, IL--and later worked with noted architect Jens J. Jensen during the late 1930s as part of their firm Jensen & Teutsch. Jensen is noted partially for his work for the Jewel Tea Company in designing their first groceries stores throughout the city and is a likely influence for the simple design of Par Birdie Foods and Teutsch’s other work. Both Teutsch and Jensen contributed multiple buildings to the stock along Devon.
This building in particular remains in good condition and has a combination of art deco and mid-century influences. Specifically the banding above the storefront is indicative of these styles. Also notable is the period sign and hanger, a common element of the commercial buildings seen along Devon. The mid 20th-century/art deco commercial strip at 2348-2358 W. Devon Ave. can also be attributed to Teutsch. Source: Jennifer Harrman Photo credit: Jennifer Harrman
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