Hidden Places: Cordova Apartments

Unlike Gary, our neighbor to the East, abandoned buildings with deteriorated conditions are a rare sight in Hammond, in part due to the stronger economy in Hammond that has lead to a much smaller population loss over the last half century, but also because the city is vigilant in curbing blight. The positive effect is that even the worst neighborhoods are well kept compared to other cities in the rust belt, however it also has resulted in the loss of some of the city's architectural heritage.

This building, the former Cordova Court Apartments at 2-6 Ruth Street is one of those rare cases. While the building maintains a high level of historical integrity, it appears to have been vacated several years ago, and the lack of maintenance is starting to show. Recently, a set of Limestone panels on the front facade came loose and are still piled in the lawn below. It is an unfortunate case, since the Cordova is one of the most elaborate surviving apartment buildings in the city. Only the Belvidere and Woodmar Apartments (to be covered in later posts) can compare in their exterior ornament.

According to tax records, the four story brick and limestone clad Cordova Court was was completed in 1928. At the time it was advertised as having the latest in modern comforts. A July 18th, 1928 ad in the Hammond Times proclaimed: "Three room ideal homes, completely furnished. In brand new building. All latest appointments, electric refrigeration; unequaled in the Calumet region." While I have yet to come across additional information on this building, and the architect remains unknown, it is very similar to some of the works of Rissman and Hirschfield in Chicago (for comparison, see the Cedar Hotel in the Gold Coast or the Willows Hotel in Lakeview). Since the the firm has documented to have completed buildings in Gary Indiana, it is very possible that they were involved in hammond as well.

The building is an example of the eclectic revival styles popular at the end of the 1920s, and incorporates elements of of Spanish Revival and Beaux Arts styling. Character defining features include the carved limestone north facade (since painted white), tile roof, and unique 4th floor false balconies shown below. The stonework carvings are especially eclectic and playful, including Corinthian pilasters, spandrel panels with medieval shields between windows, grotesque human figures holding cartouches crouching at the top of each column, and fan like lunette panels to top off the composition.

Cordova Court is currently owned by an LLC out of Highland Park, IL, who purchased the property in 2004. The principle contact for The Cordova LLC is also the president of Braeside Condominium Management centered out of Northbrook. One can only hope that the owner will take note of their investment's current condition and stabilize the structure. Better yet, maybe someday people will once again call this ornamented gem home.