Wallen Block
2434-2456 W Devon Ave. Chicago, IL 60659
Many of the architectural styles present on Devon Ave are not seen in their strictest sense. This building built in 1941 and originally known as the Wallen Block is the most intact example of a modest commercial Moderne building seen along the street. At a full block long, the Wallen Block has some unique characteristics of the style including the curved southeast corner and its wrapped window wall with protruding banding above, glass block windows, banding at the top of the parapet, tower with stacked horizontal windows, and engraved building name.
The unique block was designed by the architecture firm Leichenks and Esser who are known for the elaborately decorative Art Deco condominium skyscraper, The Narragansett, on the south side of Chicago. The influence of the Art Deco style is hinted at in the vertical zigzag ornamentation on the southwest corner of the Wallen Block. Leichenks and Esser are also responsible for the addition to the North Town State Bank (Site 12). Source: Jennifer Harrman Photo credit: Jennifer Harrman
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