What is a Chicago Greystone?

Chicago Greystones are a type of residential building that is most commonly found in Chicago, Illinois. As the name suggests, the buildings are typically grey in color and were most often built with Bedford Limestone quarried from South Central Indiana.

Greystones were built in a variety of sizes to accommodate different residential needs with most being two to three floors in size, many commonly containing two to three flats but some up to six. Regardless of their size, they were always built with the limestone facade facing the street to take advantage of the limited size of standard Chicago lots 25 by 125 feet (7.6 m × 38.1 m).

The first Chicago Greystones were built in the 1880s, and they quickly became popular because of their durability and attractive appearance. Greystones were also relatively affordable to build, which made them a good option for middle-class families.

Greystones were built in a variety of architectural styles, including Romanesque Revival, Queen Anne, Chateauesque, and Classical Revival/Beaux Arts. They often featured decorative elements such as turrets, bay windows, and porches.

Greystones were built in all parts of Chicago, but they are most concentrated in the following neighborhoods:

• Lincoln Park

• Lakeview

• Avondale

• Logan Square

• Humboldt Park

Greystones are a popular choice for both homeowners and renters. They are known for their classic beauty, durability, and comfortable living spaces. If you are looking for a unique and charming place to live in Chicago, a Chicago Greystone is a great option.

Here are some additional facts about Chicago Greystones:

• The term "Greystone" refers to the style of construction – a masonry building with a front facade constructed of Bedford limestone quarried from south-central Indiana – rather than a singular architectural style.

• Greystones were built in a wide range of sizes and styles, but they typically have three floors and a flat roof.

• Many Greystones feature decorative elements such as turrets, bay windows, and porches.

• Greystones are a popular choice for both homeowners and renters.

• They are known for their classic beauty, durability, and comfortable living spaces.

If you are interested in learning more about Chicago Greystones, there are a few resources you can check out:

• The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers tours of Greystones in various neighborhoods.

• The Landmarks Illinois website has a list of Chicago Greystones that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• The Chicago History Museum has a collection of photographs and artifacts related to Chicago Greystones.

I hope this blog post has helped you learn more about Chicago Greystones. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.