Kenna Apartments

Address: 2214 E. 69th St. Year Built: 1916 Architect: Barry F. Byrne Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: August 12, 1990

The ubiquitous Chicago three-flat is creatively transformed through this design, a close collaboration between architect Barry Byrne and sculptor Alfonso Iannelli. The simplicity of the superbly detailed brickwork is offset by the sculptural treatment of the window frames and entrance. The straightforward design and craftsmanship of this South Shore structure marked a major departure from other urban buildings of the period. Byrne, who began his architectural career with Frank Lloyd Wright, also designed Immaculata High School and St. Thomas the Apostle Church. This building was designed for John F. Kenna, a bookkeeper.