(Above) A mezzanine-level resident’s lounge with an original arched window overlooking the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Photo by Nicholas James. (Click on image to view larger version.)

By Steven Dahlman

11-Jun-23 – In time for its 100th anniversary, The Belden-Stratford has re-opened after a two-year renovation of the historic Lincoln Park residence, which now features 209 luxury rental apartments.

Designed by architect Meyer Fridstein and built in 1923 in the Beaux Arts architecture style, the 16-story building started as a hotel, prominent guests of which included Louis Armstrong and Gloria Swanson. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Left) Hedrich-Blessing image of the Belden-Stratford in 1939. Photo obtained from Chicago History Museum.

In 2018, The Belden-Stratford was sold to Mansueto Office, an investment firm owned by a former resident of the building, Joe Mansueto, and renovation started in late 2020.

“In many cases, our work involved undoing changes made in the building as part of previous renovations, ultimately revealing its original bones and uncovering special finishes that had been hidden for years, like marble paneling and entryways adorned with mirrored windows and walnut trim,” said Ted Fahey, vice president of real estate for Mansueto Office.

The renovation included gilded plaster molding and gold-leaf detailing in a double-height fitness center that was once the building’s ballroom, a new steel-and-glass canopy over the main entrance (right), and a series of hand-painted canvases recreated for the lobby.

Solomon Cordwell Buenz was the architect-of-record. The building’s historic architect was Vinci Hamp Architects. Bulley & Andrews was the general contractor.

Apartments measure from 483 to 1,689 square feet and rents range from $2,500 to $15,000 per month.