Explore Chicago’s River Cottages
Have you ever beheld a particularly intriguing structure on the north branch of the Chicago River near the Kenzie Street bridge and thought, “What’s the deal with these?” If so, you’re not the only one! Instantly captivating and awash with eclectic nautical charm, these seemingly floating buildings are Chicago’s famous River Cottages, celebrated for their bold, Postmodern architecture and quirky interiors.
Designed by architect and avid sailor Harry Weese, these iconic townhouses are a must-see while cruising down the Chicago River. Keep reading to learn more about these unique and fascinating Chicago landmarks.
Looking to the River
Completed in 1988, the Chicago River Cottages represent a grand vision for Weese: residential riverfront architecture. Avant-garde in design, Weese was initially inspired by a riverside development he saw along the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary, where a lack of government restrictions gave architects great flexibility to explore.
Weese envisioned homes that truly connected with the Chicago River, a departure from the surrounding industrial and office buildings. He designed the townhouses to face the water rather than the street, allowing residents to live along the river and maximize those waterfront views.
The building's angles are carefully thought out, precisely designed to align with the locked-open Kinzie Street Bridge. Subtle details like this allow the complex to feel integrated and aligned with the river, a seemingly natural part of the area’s design and development.
Nautical Themes
The Chicago River continues to inspire Weese’s vision inside the homes. From porthole windows to decks and balconies, the River Cottages are filled with nautical easter eggs. The space itself is like a ship: Tight quarters on lower levels, opening up to large, open spaces above.
Narrow hallways, cabin-like bedrooms, and triangular bay windows all combine to complete the look. The effective use of limited space had a two-fold reason. In addition to its nautical theme, Weese also wanted to make compact quarters livable. He believed that small bedrooms and living space (on the lower “decks”) didn’t preclude access to waterfront balconies and beautiful views on the higher floors.
A Larger Look at Chicago
While beautiful to some and beguiling to others, the River Cottages represent more than boating-inspired architecture. Rather, Weese’s vision went far beyond. He envisioned Chicago's future, comparing it to other large cities, and was determined to redevelop the downtown riverfront into residential, recreational spaces.
Wolf Point Landings, an elaborate apartment complex, was to be the culmination of these plans. Complete with a marina, shops, a hotel, and over 1000 residential units, the daunting architectural plan was to revitalize and transform six acres of prime riverfront property. In the end, though, a variety of financial factors combined to cut the project short. Today, Wolf Point Plaza, comprised of three glass skyscrapers, now sits at the site.
See & Learn More with First Lady
Though his full vision was never realized, the River Cottages and Weese’s other designs throughout Chicago stand testament to his talent and foresight for the city. Learn more about his creations and the exciting history of the Windy City on the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady — led exclusively by Chicago Architecture Center docents! Book your cruise today and get ready to set sail!
