Location Chicago, IL NRHP Reference # 66000317 Designated CL December 1, 1993 Architecture firm Pond and Pond | Built 1906 Designated NHL December 21, 1965 Opened 1906 Added to NRHP 15 October 1966 | |
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Similar Fountain of Time, Kenwood Astrophysical Observatory, Henry Crown Fieldhouse, George Herbert Jones La, Bartlett Gymnasium | ||
The Lorado Taft Midway Studios consist of a converted and relocated barn that became the art studio of Lorado Taft, one of the early 20th century's most important sculptors. It sits in the Woodlawn community area of Chicago, Illinois, and is owned by the University of Chicago.
In 1906, Taft moved his main studio from the Chicago Loop to a brick barn near the Midway Plaisance. Later, he connected a pair of frame barns to the main building to serve as male and female dormitories. The structure was redesigned by the architectural firm of Pond and Pond to contain 13 studios for Taft and affiliated sculptors.
The building was designated a National Historic Landmark on December 21, 1965, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. It is one of the four Chicago Registered Historic Places from the original October 15, 1966 National Register of Historic Places list (along with Chicago Pile-1, Hull House & Robie House). On December 1, 1993, it was named a Chicago Landmark.
Today, the building is home to the university's Department of Visual Arts and Creative Writing program, and has been renovated to be classrooms, offices, and studios for students and faculty.