The lovely Norm from Norm 2.0 has a fun weekly feature called, “Thursday Doors”. He invites fellow bloggers to share unique and interesting doors that we happen to find.
This fascinating door is located in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago at 4707 Broadway Avenue. The building was designed by architect Walter W. Ahlschlager and opened in 1926.
Suffice it to say, there is A LOT going on in and around this door! A writer for the paper, “Chicago Reader” referred to the exterior (including the door’s surroundings) as “a riotous, Spanish-baroque inspired hallucination.”
Although I wouldn’t put it quite that way, the terra-cotta facade does seem to incorporate a lot of ‘interesting’ designs.
From fruit to helmets, I daresay this door would make a fine ‘find the object’ puzzle!
A rather ‘iffy’ urban legend mentions that the infamous gangster Al Capone had a speakeasy located in the basement of this building. Then again, this is Chicago. Strangely, the bar he used to frequent (Green Mill) is literally down the street from the deliriously decorated door in my post.
See how many different objects you can find in this photo! I’d love to hear what you come up with! Perhaps Al Calpone’s likeness is in there somewhere! After all, he continues to leave his mark (in some capacity) all over Chicago!
Now if only we could find that elusive Capone buried treasure………
This is an amazing door and photo, Cher! I also see many types of shields, rams’ heads, possibly some type of musical instrument near the top, and a rather creepy, hovering man/child. It might be interesting to know what those smaller designs right around the door signify.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Becky! You found a lot of symbols! 🙂 I wondered that as well. I think that this type of design (despite its seemingly eclectic nature) must have meaning of some sort. That would include the smaller designs right around the door as you mentioned. Hhhmmm, now what could they be? Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, this is amazing, I wonder if this is would be considered rococo style architecture. Beautiful photograph Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Holly, it is very reminiscent of that style, isn’t it? I think it might just be! Thank you, my dear! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is beautiful! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
💗🤗 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating… Oh, for the love of doors and the diverse architecture and personalities they attract and represent. Another lovey share, Cher! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, thank you so much, dear Bette! Why yes, they do, don’t they? I mentioned to Norm not too long ago that his weekly post has me scouting for doors which is something I hadn’t really thought much about. Now, I must tell you, Bette, that I’ve walked past this door (shamefully) MANY times and not given it a second glance! How that has happened is beyond me! But I certainly am looking now! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
The level of detail above the door is incredible Cher! Wow, someone spent lots of time on this. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t that something, John? Can you imagine people creating that type of architecture these days? Well, perhaps in Vegas where you live! *biggest grin* Cher xo
LikeLike
Wow, what a majestic portal that is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that description, Erika! Thank you! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome, Cher 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes indeed, there’s an awful lot going on with this entrance, but what detail work. Excellent find Cher 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s for sure, eh Norm? *grin* Ah, thanks so much! Signed, the person with the new door addiction (thanks Norm)! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely a LOT going on around this door and probably behind it as well. 🙂 Very European, at least in some European cities.
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s for sure, Janet! Yes, it certainly does look European!! Thank you! Cher xo
LikeLike