23 Apr capital state bank: an iconic german expressionist gem by ottenheimer, stern & reichert
exterior photographic survey of ottenheimer, stern & reichert’s swedish american state bank building (1913), located at 5400 north clark street, chicago, il.
the white glazed terra cotta ornament was fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago, il.
ottenheimer, stern & reichert was a distinguished early twentieth-century architectural firm based in chicago, renowned for their classical revival commercial buildings and residences. among their notable achievements is the landmarked 1913 swedish american state bank—now hamburger mary’s—located in andersonville.
led by henry l. ottenheimer, the firm operated primarily during the 1910s and 1920s.
key projects and highlights
- swedish american state bank (1913): this designated chicago landmark at 5400 n. clark street exemplifies their architectural expertise.
- elks national memorial headquarters (1924–1926): in collaboration with egerton swartwout, the firm contributed to this landmarked building at 2750 n. lakeview avenue.
- other works: ottenheimer, stern & reichert is also associated with the crerar adams warehouse (1914) and various additional projects.
design style: their portfolio frequently showcased classical influences.
firm details
- partners: the partnership included henry l. ottenheimer, harry b. stern, and william reichert.
- legacy: the firm is recognized in scholarship related to chicago’s jewish architects and prairie/chicago school designers.
- archival material: research files regarding the firm are preserved within the donald aucutt architecture research collection.
according to the ucsb adc omeka exhibit, ottenheimer, stern & reichert was an integral part of the architectural scene in chicago during the 1910s.
