SOUTH ASIA INSTITUTE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Constructed in the early 20th century, the building at 1925 South Michigan Avenue features elements characteristic of the Chicago Commercial Style, blended with influences from the Beaux-Arts and Classical Revival movements. The façade is composed of red brick and limestone with decorative terra cotta detailing. Large display windows and an open floor plan reflect its original use as a showroom and service facility, maximizing both light and space, both essential qualities for showcasing automobiles.

During the first half of the 20th century, South Michigan Avenue, especially between 14th and 24th Streets, was known as “Motor Row”, the second-largest concentration of automobile dealerships in the U.S., after Detroit. 1925 South Michigan was part of this booming commercial corridor, housing dealerships and auto-related businesses, including prominent names like Ford, Cadillac, and Buick.

The building’s symmetrical layout, strong vertical piers, and ornate cornices were designed to exude a sense of permanence and prestige, qualities that automotive companies wanted to project during the early 1900s when automobiles were symbols of progress and luxury.

The building’s location also places it within walking distance of the historic Chess Records studio (2120 S Michigan), linking the area not only to industrial history but to Chicago’s rich musical heritage, particularly the development of blues and rock & roll in the mid-20th century.

Today, 1925 South Michigan Avenue stands as a contributing property within the Motor Row Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The area is now undergoing revitalization, with many of the buildings, including 1925, repurposed for modern use. Office space, gallery, or event venue, all reflect the ongoing adaptive reuse trend in urban preservation. The building symbolizes a transitional space that links Chicago’s industrial past to its creative and cultural present. As such, it remains a site of interest for preservationists, urban historians, and architectural enthusiasts.