This is What Would Happen If Urban Outfitters Was an Architect
Used goods stores are usually in used buildings — warehouses, historic but run-down brick piles, old clapboard cabins — that sort of thing. But that’s not true for Belmont Army Vintage (855 West Belmont Avenue).
I can only assume that the “Army” is in the name to give it a little “Army Navy Store” flair. But mostly this is a “vintage” clothing store, which also carries a selection of new items intentionally designed to look old. The Lake View building, too, is trying to pull off the faux retro hipster look.
It’s has a wonderful Gehry-esque undulating facade, with angled window bays that both protrude, and recess. And on a cloudy Chicago day, the metal makes it seem like a weathered old battleship.
