visually striking original c. 1918 white glazed midland “sullivanesque” exterior chicago building facade square-shaped block with distinctive geometric flower motif – midland terra cotta company, chicago, ills.

About This Item

remarkable c. 1918 antique american documented white glazed terra cotta “sullivanesque” style exterior building facade ornamental fired clay block designed and fabricated by the midland terra cotta company, chicago, ills. the visually stunning square-shaped terra cotta block contains a unique interplay between geometric and floral motifs. the highly desirable unaltered surface patina featuring allover crazing and coal soot accumulation gives the block a distinctive discoloration and surface characteristics caused from pronged exposure to the elements. the “webbing” or rear cavities have been carefully removed to decrease the overall weight and make the block more display-friendly. the chicago warehouse that was outfitted with white glazed “sullivanesque” terra cotta ornament was constructed at a cost of $18,000 in 1918. the brick garage was built for c.c. anderson, who resided at the reaper block by architect w.p. whitney with offices on south michigan avenue. the contractor and/or mason was identified as one h.l. schroeder according to a 1918 issue of the american contractor. several terra cotta blocks from the facade were removed and/or recovered during the building’s demolition. “sullivanesque” terra cotta is becoming increasingly more difficult to come by. several ornamented blocks available.