City of Blue Island Think Outside the Loop
At its founding, Blue Island was the most important settlement south of Chicago. Today a wealth of fantastic homes and fascinating history has been preserved, and the homes and businesses on this tour span from before the Civil War to the early twentieth century.
Prominent architects that have designed homes for Blue Island residents include George Washington Maher (27), Bertrand Goldberg (29), and Blue Island’s very own Robert E. Seyfarth. The eight buildings Seyfarth designed in Blue Island are among the most personal expressions of his architecture, done for family and friends. Proudly Blue Island can boast that all of them are still standing, and they can be seen at: 9, 10, 18, 19, 22, 24, 25, and 30.
Click Here to Begin the Tour, or click on any number on the map below to be taken to a photo and description of this Blue Island landmark.
This tour is based on A Walking Tour of the City on the Hill, produced by the Historic Preservation Commission and written by Ken Jellema. Additions come from John H. Volp’s remarkable book, The First Hundred Years: 1835-1935 Historical Review of Blue Island. Thanks to the efforts of the Blue Island Historical Society this book remains in print and is available for purchase. We urge anyone interested in local history to support the Blue Island Historical Society. Visit their award winning museum in the lower level of the Blue Island Public Library, 2443 York Street.
Please note that most of these sites are private residences and are NOT open to the public. We thank you for respecting our homeowners’ privacy. Enjoy.
Photo Credits: Christine L. Hawley
