Two Unusual Rapp and Rapp Designs Found. One Built - May Be Demolished, One Never Built.
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George and Cornelius Rapp, famous for their theater designs of which there are over 400 all around the country, are much less known for some of their smaller work, of which hundreds of other designs were built. An interesting small building by the two architects is the original structure for Chicago Junior School in Elgin Illinois. Chicago Junior School is most notable because of the Prairie School buildings and natural landscape and site plan which architect, John Van Bergen designed in the 1920s.
Due to necessity to update and expand the infrastructure of their campus and to attract new enrollment, the current administration of Chicago Junior School may be forced to demolish this building. New building space is needed on campus. Forced to make some compromises, this demolition is being considered by the school partly to avoid major changes, or even demolition, of the three main Van Bergen structures - and to maintain the beautiful landscape. Also, the Rapp and Rapp building is no longer functional and requires expensive maintenance. The administration believes that an adaptive re-use of the structure is not possible and would not be cost effective for them.
For more on this campus: Chicago Junior School
The firm of Rapp and Rapp was later joined by their two nephews, who may be responsible for this un-built design proposal for a co-op apartment building in Oak Park, Illinois. (Photo below from the Oak Leaves (5/20/48) - courtesy of the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest).
Many Rapp and Rapp theaters and buildings have already been destroyed and many more are threatened. Several all over the country have been restored. Many are undergoing restoration, or are awaiting restoration funding and organizational support. Visit these web sites for some more information:
Copyright © 2003 Martin Hackl
