Century of Progress Homes

"Century of Progress" homes at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair showcased innovative building materials and designs, and visitors marveled at modern features like dishwashers and air conditioners. In 1935, developer Robert Bartlett brought five Century of Progress homes to Beverly Shores, where they arrived on barges. Today, the homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore partners with the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana to preserve and rehabilitate the homes through a historic leasing agreement. The Wieboldt-Rostone house is made of rostone, a stone based composite cladding, though the material did not survive Lake Michigan's harsh winters. The Armco-Ferro House, made of corrugated steel panels, was the only Century of Progress Home to meet the Fair Committee's design criteria because it could be mass-produced and was affordable. The original rustic elements of the Cypress Log Cabin included carved animal heads and fantasy creatures. The Florida Tropical House blended indoor and outdoor environments. The House of Tomorrow featured prefabricated concrete and an airplane hangar next to the garage. Private tenants lease these homes.

Beverly Shores, Indiana · United States