“Everyone of us has had the experience of realizing that suddenly one had, for an instant, seen beyond the boundaries of the ‘ordinary.’ Such is the sudden realization that ‘I am alive.'” -Edgar Miller
Many years ago, when we were looking for our family home in Chicago, we came across several houses that were designed by artist Edgar Miller. At the time we were interested in purchasing the former Walter Guest Apartments at 2150 N. Cleveland, which he had created with fellow artist Sol Kogen in 1932. Once I saw their work, I never forgot it.
The former Walter Guest apartments at 2150 N. Cleveland St.
How many times have I passed by the red gate at 1734 N. Wells Street? That was once the gateway to the Kogen-Miller Studios. Or the Carl Street Studios – now private homes tucked away at 155 W. Burton Place in the heart of Old Town? And the very visible Frank F. Fisher Apartments at 1209 N. State Parkway? Driving around Old Town streets, I still see fences, windows, door trim, and carvings that have the Miller signature all over them.
The red gate at 1734 N. Wells St.
A Burton Place courtyard.
