Historic Former Lawson YMCA Finally Gets a Rehab Plan
May25

Historic Former Lawson YMCA Finally Gets a Rehab Plan

Written By on May 25, 2017 in Gold Coast, Skyscrapers, _story

One of the Gold Coasts oldest, and most loved, Art Deco skyscrapers is going to get a little love, without diverting from its mission. Paperwork has been filed with the city to renovate the building now known as Lawson House.  For decades its stood alone as a landmark in the neighborhood skyline, and its neon YMCA sign perched on the roof guided many a resident through the night. The Y moved its headquarters from Lawson to the Near...

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Slice of Life: A Landmark Neutered
May21

Slice of Life: A Landmark Neutered

Written By on May 21, 2013 in Chicago Avenue, Dearborn Street, Gold Coast, history, _story

It’s been more than a year since the iconic neon red YMCA sign was taken off of the Lawson House (30 West Chicago Avenue), but it’s still hard to get used to.  A Gold Coast spy recently sent in these photographs of the noble 1930’s skyscraper without its crown. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is moving its headquarters to 1030 West Van Buren in the West Loop. Regarding the Lawson House building, spokeswoman Jill...

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