Between 1894 and 1913 Judge Lambert Tree and his wife, Anne built Tree Studios as an artists’ colony in the backyard of their Wabash Avenue mansion. Ardent supporters of the arts, the Trees constructed the studios following the 1893 World’s Fair in hopes of enticing visiting artists to stay.
The original building—which stretches along State Street—was designed by the Parfitt Brothers in English Queen Anne style, with skylights and large windows that allow natural light to flood the studios. To foster a community environment, contiguous studios featured connecting doors and shared a common courtyard. The two-story structure’s steel frame is covered in cast iron at street level and Roman brick on the upper half. Among its many architectural details the intricate sculptures flanking the entrances on Ontario and Ohio Streets are believed to be likenesses of Lambert and Anna Tree.
Operable windows
Skylights
One passenger elevator
Surrounded by award-winning restaurants and high-end retail
Equally accessible to the Loop, Merchandise Mart and Michigan Avenue
- Property Type
Retail
- Submarket
- Year Built
1894Renovated 2003
- Total Building Size
42,000RSF
- Property ID
1204467
