25 Mar a photographic database documenting the existing and former electrical substations of herman v. holst’s commonwealth company is scheduled for completion in 2026.
photographic survey of herman v. von holst’s commonwealth company carroll avenue substation (1924,1928), located at 1708 west carroll avenue, chicago, il.
the flat-roofed west addition was completed in 1928.
public utilities magnate samuel insull commissioned von holst to design several stations in residential neighborhoods across the city of chicago during the early 20th century. the use of distinctive ornament was von holt’s solution to beautify these otherwise unsightly utilitarian complexes for greater curb appeal to appease neighborhood residents.
his earlier prairie style buildings were often accentuated with richly colored tiled panels arranged in simple geometric patterns. i’ve studied a few salvaged panels from demolished stations and nearly all are “stock” pattern tiles fabricated by mosaic tile company of zanesville, oh.
