Taft, Lorado, Midway Studios
.JPG){kind=link}
Why it's listed
Midway Studios is a rambling complex of connected brick buildings on the University of Chicago campus, along the Midway Plaisance. Sculptor Lorado Taft (1860-1936) began it in 1906 by moving an old two-story barn about a block to the site, then adding studio after studio. At its peak there were 13 studios, a covered court with a fireplace and fountain, a marble-cutting room, and a stage, housing Taft, associated sculptors and many assistants. Taft needed the space for large fountains, including the Fountain of Time. He is recognized as one of the earliest American sculptors to work in group compositions and a pioneer of monumental fountains, and he promoted art education. After he left in 1929, the Associated Sculptors used the buildings until 1936, and the university later adopted them for its Art Department. The complex was renovated in 1966 and a painting studio was added in 1972. Skylights, irregular rooflines and varied windows remain, and the old court now serves as a student gallery.
Significance in brief: The studios were the working and teaching base of Lorado Taft, a sculptor of monumental realistic works who influenced American, especially Midwestern, sculpture. The complex housed a community of independent artists and students and was where Taft produced large fountains. It still appears much as it did in his day.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 66000317, listed October 15, 1966. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 6016 S. Ingleside Ave., Chicago |
|---|---|
| County | Cook County |
| Listed | October 15, 1966 |
| Reference number | 66000317 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1906-1929 |
| Architect / builder | Lorado Taft |
| Areas of significance | Art |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated December 21, 1965 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Owned by the University of Chicago and used by its Art Department as classrooms and studios; renovated in 1966, with a new painting studio added in 1972. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.78559, -87.60356 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 66000317.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q6678717
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.