Crilly Court, Chicago

Constructed in 1885 under the visionary guidance of real-estate developer Daniel Crilly, the row houses of Crilly Court emerge as a quintessential embodiment of the Queen Anne architectural style in Chicago. With their elegant turrets and bay windows, these residences have bestowed upon the city one of its most picturesque streets.

Lining the west side of the court are two-story stone row houses, while on the opposite flank stands an imposing four-story apartment building. Above the entrances, one can spot the carved names of Daniel Crilly's four children – Isabelle, Edgar, Oliver, and Erminnie.

In the 1940s, a comprehensive renovation initiative breathed new life into this development. Private courtyards were crafted, and wrought-iron balconies were installed, imparting an ambiance reminiscent of the charm found in New Orleans. This transformation not only revitalized the complex but also catalyzed the broader Lincoln Park neighborhood's renewal shortly thereafter.