Victoria Hotel, Chicago Heights, Illinois, West Elevation 1892

This is a west elevation drawing of the Victoria Hotel in Chicago Heights, Illinois, created by Adler and Sullivan, Architects. It gives us an intimate look at the architectural vision of the late 19th century. During this era, architectural designs were deeply influenced by the socio-economic landscape, mirroring both progress and deeply embedded social inequalities. Hotels like the Victoria, were not merely buildings; they were stages where class distinctions played out, offering luxury to some while often exploiting the labor of others. Notice the building's distinct levels, perhaps symbolic of the different strata of society it housed, if only temporarily. Adler and Sullivan's design choices reflect a society grappling with industrial growth, and a desire for aesthetic beauty, even amidst stark social contrasts. It encourages us to consider whose stories are told, and whose remain hidden within its walls.