Chicago Landmarks
 

Jewish People's Institute

Exterior, 1928     Address: 3500 W. Douglas Blvd.
Year Built: 1927
Architect: Klaber & Grunsfeld
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: June 28, 2000

First floor plan, 1928 This building was the cultural nucleus of Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood during the first half of the 20th century when it was one of the nation's largest Jewish communities. Its classrooms, auditorium, and athletic facilities provided a rich variety of social, recreational and arts activities for generations of both children and adults. Designed by Ernest A. Grunsfeld, Jr., who also designed the Adler Planetarium, the building has a distinctive Byzantine-influenced exterior visually interpreting the Middle-Eastern origins of Judaism.