In 1999, Chicago developers Paul Levy and Tony Augustine (Prairie Management & Development) purchased the former Spiegel warehouse, at 1200 West 35^th Street in Bridgeport. The five plus acre lot stretches from 35^th on the south to 33^rd Place on the north and is bordered by Racine av. on the east, and the South Branch of the Chicago River on the west.

The enormous 500,000 square-foot structure, built in 1911 began its career as a warehouse and manufacturing facility for Albert Pick and Co., a supplier to restaurants and hotels. Designed by architect A. S. Alschuler in classical revival style. The building was expanded in 1922 and 1928. Spiegel Catalog occupied the building until 1978 when it was sold to Goodwill Industries. Manufacturing and warehousing remained its primary use throughout the subsequent tenants until Prairie Management’s acquisition.

• MORE ON THE ALBERT J. PICK CO. 
• MORE ON SPIEGEL CATALOG

Now known as the Bridgeport Art Center (BAC) home to more than 120 artists, a fashion design center, three dedicated galleries featuring 8 different exhibitions. There are two event spaces available for rent. The stunning 18,000 square-foot “Skyline Loft” event space with panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, and the 16,000 square-foot “Sculpture Garden” event space on the first floor and a beautiful outdoor space with granite pavers that mirror the original rail siding in what was the train shed. Around the perimeter is changing display of large sculptures from the Chicago Sculptural Exhibition and works from BAC’s permanent collection.