Tale of the Two-Flat

Tale of the Two-Flat

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Most older U.S. cities have a signature kind of building. In Brooklyn it’s the brownstone, one standing shoulder-to-shoulder to the next. In Philadelphia, newcomers and visitors are struck by the distinctive row houses. What about Chicago? Here, it’s the modest Two-Flat. Chris Bentley reported on the history of the Two-Flat for WBEZ’s Curious City. On this installment of the Barber Shop Show, we heard his report. We also talked about the future of the two flat: a 100 year old staple of Chicago architecture. Host Richard Steele was joined by Chris, along with: • Geoff Smith of DePaul’s Institute of Housing Studies • Jennifer Masengarb, of the Chicago Architecture Foundation • Bryan Hudson, an architect based in Chicago. 1/3 of his clients own old two-flats, and he knows about the variety of uses these buildings serve their owners (and how that has changed over the years). • Dennis Rodkin, residential real estate reporter for Crain’s Chicago Business The Barber Shop Show airs on Fridays and Saturdays at Noon on 91.1FM, 90.7FM, and 89.5FM. You can also stream live at vocalo.org. The show also broadcasts on Sundays at 3pm on WBEZ.