Schlitz, with Logo

Two very well-preserved Schlitz tied houses. These two locations, less than a half a mile from each other on Southport, are likely the two most well known Schlitz tied houses in Chicago. Both feature notably preserved interiors, which we hope to include on this page someday. Schlitz houses are generally done in a Queen Anne-era architectural style, however, details vary. The common factor in most Schlitz tied houses, though not a requirement, are the distinctive Schlitz globes, themselves subject to varied treatments.

The globes of Southport Lanes and Schuba's compared.

Images: HAARGIS Ref. Numbers 131784(left), and 144168 (right).

Wood and Division, left. Armitage and Damen, right. Top images c.1975, bottom images 2007. Both of these examples recieved significant alterations in the past thirty years. The one at left had its cupola removed, something that would not be obvious without the older photo. Now that we know its missing, it seems glaring, giving the building in its current state an unbalanced feeling. The building at right is far more obvious, it has been "re-facaded" as we like to say. See how the original front door has been covered, while the cornering brickwork has been extended down? The color of the new brick doesn't even come close to matching the original. Who thought this looked good?

Left image: HAARGIS Ref. Number 150259.

Armitage and Oakley, c.1975 and 2007. Except for two minor alterations to the cornice and turret, this one has been excellently restored/maintained. Bravo!

Schlitzbucks, Belmont and Leavitt. Maybe the "McDonalds of coffee" isn't all that bad, after all, would Mickey D's adaptively reuse a historic building? (Another example here). Hell no. As far as Schlitz houses go, this is a modest example. There is none of the usual distinctive brickwork, and all of the ornament is confined to the turret. Notice that the globe is styled differently. The belt is not as pronounced, the words "Trade Mark" are not included to the left of the buckle, and "Schlitz" is rendered in a different typeface. There is another example with this style globe, located at Broadway and Winona (below). This is only a theory, but perhaps this and the Broadway location are older than the rest, considering the more primitive, less distinctive rendition of the globes.

On a different note, Schlitz sales fell off in the mid-1970's when they changed their recipe and method of production. The product was notoriously bad during this era, coming to be perjoratively referred to as "Schitz."

Images: HAARGIS Ref. Number 125921.

Broadway and Winona, c.1975. We haven't gotten around to photographing this one yet, but these'll do for now. The building looks esssentally the same today, including the "Restaurant" neon sign. This is one of the northernmost tied houses. It is larger and more ornate than the rest, comprable to the Pilsen location. Were these were flagship locations? Also, the globe is similar to the Schlitzbucks, above.

Images: HAARGIS Ref. Number 152035.

11402 S. Front, c.1975 (left), 2007 (right).

This one has an interesting story. It was part of a complex of buildings funded by Schlitz; some of which remain. Located in Kensington around 115th and King Drive, the complex was built across the tracks from the company town of Pullman. As Pullman was a dry town, the inevitability of a vice district was recognized by Schlitz. Pullman was built in its founder's utopian vision of a working town. Not all of the workers agreed. Only some of the complex was dedicated to vice however, most of it was comprised of housing and retail space, in addition to the saloons.

Left Image: HAARGIS Ref. Number 132056.

Left image c.1975, right image 2007, as usual. This example, located at Grand and Damen, is in by far the worst shape of any tied house on this page. Not terribly exciting to begin with, the molding at the top was sloppily removed, as were the relief portions of the trademark globe (below). Shameful.

Detail of the globe, Damen and Grand.

Left: Located at 35th and Western, the general disrepair of this example reflects its industrial surroundings. It is still a liquor-vending establishment.

Right: This uniquely designed house at 69th and Morgan is also in disrepair. However, it is vacant, and not in an industrial area.

This example at 21st and Rockwell has a number of intact features including the globe, garage, cornice, and advertisement (left). The overall integrity and character remains, however, the turret and storefront have had ugly brown siding slapped on them. Still a great example, nonetheless.

More:
Non-Schlitz, with Logo
All Breweries, without Logo
Now Demolished

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