Tucked into Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood stands a building that has survived fire, urban decline, and the wrecking ball.
Built in 1892, the Yale Building was originally designed to house visitors to the World’s Columbian Exposition.
Its Romanesque Revival exterior looks sturdy and traditional. But step inside, and you’ll find one of the most surprising interiors in the city.
A Skylit Wonder From the 19th Century
The Yale’s heart is a soaring seven-story atrium, capped by a huge glass skylight that floods the interior with natural light. An open arcade runs the height of the building, while a vintage cage elevator—cutting-edge in the 1890s—still anchors the center.
For its time, this was radical. The open interior gave residents light and air, while the height and elevator spoke to Chicago’s early reputation as a city of architectural innovation.
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From World’s Fair Hotel to Senior Housing
The Yale was originally built to accommodate the influx of visitors for the 1893 World’s Fair. Over time, the building shifted roles, serving as apartments for Chicagoans through booms and busts. By the late 20th century, it had fallen into disrepair.
But instead of being torn down, the building was saved. In the early 2000s, developers renovated the Yale into subsidized senior housing. Today, it continues to provide affordable homes—while preserving one of Chicago’s most unique historic interiors.
The Atrium’s Secret: Cat Figurines and Curios
The atrium itself is stunning—but what makes it unforgettable are the little touches. Every windowsill facing the atrium has been lovingly decorated by residents with figurines, faux flowers, knickknacks, and especially cats.
Tiny ceramic kittens, patriotic teddy bears, glass trinkets, seasonal gewgaws—each apartment adds its own personality to the collective display. The effect is charming, funny, and oddly moving. It transforms a historic architectural space into something alive and lived-in.
In short, it’s one part landmark, one part community art installation.
Why It’s Special
The Yale Building is more than a relic of Chicago’s past. It’s an example of how architecture adapts and survives. Instead of being gutted or demolished, it was given new life as housing—proving that preservation can serve people, not just history.
And those cat figurines? They remind us that even grand buildings are still about the people inside.
Practical Notes
- Location: 6565 S. Yale Ave, Englewood.
- Access: The building is private senior housing, so the atrium isn’t open for casual wandering. However, it’s often mentioned on architecture tours, and the exterior is worth a visit if you’re exploring Englewood.
- Nearby: The Englewood Square shopping center, Kennedy-King College, and historic churches in the area.
- Getting there: Take the Red Line to 63rd or Green Line to Ashland/63rd, then walk or bus.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem
Chicago is filled with historic skyscrapers and world-famous buildings, but the Yale is something else. It’s a survivor from the 1890s World’s Fair era, a rare intact atrium building, and—thanks to its residents—a gallery of cats, tchotchkes, and personal expression.
It’s proof that architecture isn’t just about stone and steel—it’s about the stories people layer onto those spaces.
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