St. Laurence Under Demolition – Chicago Patterns | Chicago …

St. Laurence, at the western edge of South Shore, has stood as a landmark in the community since 1911. When it was built, more than a decade before the real estate boom that saw South Shore become a truly urban neighborhood, it served the small railroad suburb known as Parkside.

The church is an imposing edifice, towering over itssurroundings. Warm orange brick is laid in interesting patterns, with copper trim, slate roofing, and stone figures enlivening the design.

The architect, Joseph Molitor, is known for designing a number of Catholic churches around Chicago.

He had a hand in the simpler St. Francis of Assisi on Roosevelt Road, as well as the much more ornate Holy Cross, a Lithuanian parish on 46th Street in Back of the Yards.

The rectory, also by Joseph Molitor, was a match in materials and style to the church. It burned several years ago, and I am astonished that its remains were left standing until now.

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St. Laurence Under Demolition - Chicago Patterns | Chicago ...