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Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago's South Side
Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago’s South Side is the first book devoted to the South Side’s rich and unfairly ignored architectural heritage. With lively, insightful text and gallery-quality color photographs
by noted Chicago architecture expert Lee Bey, Southern Exposure documents the remarkable and largely unsung architecture of the South Side. The book features an array of landmarks—from a Space Age dry cleaner to a nineteenth-century lagoon that meanders down the middle of a working-class neighborhood street—that are largely absent from arts discourse, in no small part because they sit in a predominantly African American and Latino
section of town better known as a place of disinvestment, abandonment, and violence.
Inspired by Bey’s 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial exhibition, Southern Exposure visits sixty sites, including lesser-known but important work by luminaries such as Jeanne Gang, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Eero Saarinen, as well as buildings by pioneering black architects such as Walter T. Bailey, John Moutoussamy, and Roger Margerum.
Pushing against the popular narrative that depicts Chicago’s South Side as an architectural wasteland, Bey shows beautiful and intact buildings and neighborhoods that reflect the value—and potential—of the area. Southern Exposure offers much to delight architecture aficionados and writers, native Chicagoans and guests to the city alike.
by noted Chicago architecture expert Lee Bey, Southern Exposure documents the remarkable and largely unsung architecture of the South Side. The book features an array of landmarks—from a Space Age dry cleaner to a nineteenth-century lagoon that meanders down the middle of a working-class neighborhood street—that are largely absent from arts discourse, in no small part because they sit in a predominantly African American and Latino
section of town better known as a place of disinvestment, abandonment, and violence.
Inspired by Bey’s 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial exhibition, Southern Exposure visits sixty sites, including lesser-known but important work by luminaries such as Jeanne Gang, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Eero Saarinen, as well as buildings by pioneering black architects such as Walter T. Bailey, John Moutoussamy, and Roger Margerum.
Pushing against the popular narrative that depicts Chicago’s South Side as an architectural wasteland, Bey shows beautiful and intact buildings and neighborhoods that reflect the value—and potential—of the area. Southern Exposure offers much to delight architecture aficionados and writers, native Chicagoans and guests to the city alike.
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2019
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October 17, 2019
4.5 stars.
This is an incredibly well-written and impeccably researched book. However first, before I review it, I want to put a disclaimer out there that as a white person, I'm probably not the best person to be reviewing it. But I'm in this position, and I have to review it a little bit. And I think this book is very good. Clearly, the author feels passionate about this subject. He begins his writing by remembering a time when he went for a drive with his father through the South Side of Chicago, and taking notice of all the well-crafted and unique architecture that was being pointed out to him. This little peek into his past, no matter how small, sets up the book and provides an underlying theme - how these buildings on the South Side are disappearing in less than a generation due to the lack of recognition from a discriminatory world. There are dozens of buildings touched upon in this book, all having unique features and histories that deserve to be preserved, but are victims of systemic racism and lack of respect by the greater Chicago community. But let me tell you this: there are two identical schools, one one the North Side and one on the South Side. Almost exactly the same, both in design and age. One of them is recognised as a landmark; the other is not. I'll let you take a guess which one is which. Or, another fierce indication: a documentary that heavily features the work of Eero Saarinen, specifically his work on universities, yet excludes the D’Angelo Law Library on the campus of the University of Chicago, conveniently located on the South Side. There are so many buildings that have been destructed, or abandoned, or mistreated, that it is not even possible to go into extensive detail about any of them in this book. This is not a fault of the book, but instead points again to the problematic nature of the topic the book promises to cover.
The way the author writes is like that of a cool uncle - one who is keenly aware and familiar with modern day slang. Although he does not use it, he does cheekily poke fun at it. It is because he writes this way that makes this book more accessible to younger people, or even just those who are uncomfortable with academic language. Because this isn't particularly an academic book. It's a cross between a casual coffee table book and one with a really important and crucial message to share. And the passion for the content is incredibly clear - the author's way with words exudes ease, as if he has been waiting his whole life to write this text.
I understand that this type of book is not for everyone. You do actually have to care about architecture even just a little bit, but it is so much more than that. It outlines an underlying problem that many may not recognise, some because they don't realise it is happening, but others also because they don't believe it exists.There is one particular passage near the end of the book when it is revealed that the beautiful limestone exterior of a historically black church was removed and relocated to form the exterior of a church in a largely white town near the Wisconsin border. If that doesn't emphasize to you how problematic this really is, I don’t know what to tell you. Instances like this, of which there are dozens, is why this book needs to exist and be shared with the world.
This is an incredibly well-written and impeccably researched book. However first, before I review it, I want to put a disclaimer out there that as a white person, I'm probably not the best person to be reviewing it. But I'm in this position, and I have to review it a little bit. And I think this book is very good. Clearly, the author feels passionate about this subject. He begins his writing by remembering a time when he went for a drive with his father through the South Side of Chicago, and taking notice of all the well-crafted and unique architecture that was being pointed out to him. This little peek into his past, no matter how small, sets up the book and provides an underlying theme - how these buildings on the South Side are disappearing in less than a generation due to the lack of recognition from a discriminatory world. There are dozens of buildings touched upon in this book, all having unique features and histories that deserve to be preserved, but are victims of systemic racism and lack of respect by the greater Chicago community. But let me tell you this: there are two identical schools, one one the North Side and one on the South Side. Almost exactly the same, both in design and age. One of them is recognised as a landmark; the other is not. I'll let you take a guess which one is which. Or, another fierce indication: a documentary that heavily features the work of Eero Saarinen, specifically his work on universities, yet excludes the D’Angelo Law Library on the campus of the University of Chicago, conveniently located on the South Side. There are so many buildings that have been destructed, or abandoned, or mistreated, that it is not even possible to go into extensive detail about any of them in this book. This is not a fault of the book, but instead points again to the problematic nature of the topic the book promises to cover.
The way the author writes is like that of a cool uncle - one who is keenly aware and familiar with modern day slang. Although he does not use it, he does cheekily poke fun at it. It is because he writes this way that makes this book more accessible to younger people, or even just those who are uncomfortable with academic language. Because this isn't particularly an academic book. It's a cross between a casual coffee table book and one with a really important and crucial message to share. And the passion for the content is incredibly clear - the author's way with words exudes ease, as if he has been waiting his whole life to write this text.
I understand that this type of book is not for everyone. You do actually have to care about architecture even just a little bit, but it is so much more than that. It outlines an underlying problem that many may not recognise, some because they don't realise it is happening, but others also because they don't believe it exists.There is one particular passage near the end of the book when it is revealed that the beautiful limestone exterior of a historically black church was removed and relocated to form the exterior of a church in a largely white town near the Wisconsin border. If that doesn't emphasize to you how problematic this really is, I don’t know what to tell you. Instances like this, of which there are dozens, is why this book needs to exist and be shared with the world.
January 14, 2020
I'd seen a lot of Lee Bey's photos, so when I put this on my wish list I was mostly expecting it to be a coffee table book with lots of great photos of unsung architecture. It turns out to be much more than that. The text is at least as powerful as the photos. I would put this right up with Natalie Moore's The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation and Thomas Dyja's The Third Coast: When Chicago Built the American Dream as essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how we got the city we have. Plus, of course, the photos are marvelous and there are many I had not seen.
February 9, 2020
Lee Bey has done three phenomenal things with this very accessible and beautiful book:
-First and foremost, he's created a reference and coffee table books of stunning pieces of architecture, something to return to again and again, for the photos alone.
-Broken down, in a very accessible way, the significance of varied architecture schools and buildings based around those photos- I'm a total lay person, but I felt like I followed everything he had to say.
- Lastly, written a clarion call for equitable access to preservation and other civic resources and for the important pieces of art and culture on the south and west sides, and a brilliant denouncement of the theft of money and resources from the mostly Black and Latino population.
-First and foremost, he's created a reference and coffee table books of stunning pieces of architecture, something to return to again and again, for the photos alone.
-Broken down, in a very accessible way, the significance of varied architecture schools and buildings based around those photos- I'm a total lay person, but I felt like I followed everything he had to say.
- Lastly, written a clarion call for equitable access to preservation and other civic resources and for the important pieces of art and culture on the south and west sides, and a brilliant denouncement of the theft of money and resources from the mostly Black and Latino population.
June 21, 2021
A great read by the amazing Lee Bay. Bay documents just a sample of the amazing and varied architecture of Chicago’s south side. Crisply and honestly written, the book is both beautifully inspiring and also sternly bittersweet, as Bay documents systemic neglect of great architecture and disinvestment in this part of my hometown.
This book of beautiful architecture is worthy of both deeper appreciation and thoughtful consideration, full of lessons for Chicago, its residents, and cities around the globe. Many thanks to Mr. Bay for filling in this historic holes.
This book of beautiful architecture is worthy of both deeper appreciation and thoughtful consideration, full of lessons for Chicago, its residents, and cities around the globe. Many thanks to Mr. Bay for filling in this historic holes.
April 7, 2020
A beautiful book that highlights the ignored rich architecture on the South and West Sides. Some of these buildings have sister buildings on the north side by the same designer that get accolades while these are dilapidated, destroyed or in pristine condition but no word of them. I learned the South Side is as big as Philadelphia. Just the South Side, on it's own. Imagine ignoring a place so vast that's right in your backyard.
July 5, 2020
Read this book! Especially the wonderful forward by the amazing Amanda Williams.
January 28, 2021
A good quick read if you like Chicago and want some history x architecture x potential spots to checkout! I read half of this on my bike trainer
October 30, 2020
A must-read for Chicagoans, especially north siders and suburbanites. Stunning pictures and wonderful background told by native south sider Lee Bey. I mapped out the buildings in the book and am planning a self-tour in 2021!
October 4, 2019
Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago's South Side by Lee Bey is currently scheduled for release on October 15 2019. Inspired by Bey’s 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial exhibition, Southern Exposure visits sixty sites, including lesser-known but important work by luminaries such as Jeanne Gang, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Eero Saarinen, as well as buildings by pioneering black architects such as Walter T. Bailey, John Moutoussamy, and Roger Margerum. Pushing against the popular narrative that depicts Chicago’s South Side as an architectural wasteland, Bey shows beautiful and intact buildings and neighborhoods that reflect the value—and potential—of the area. Southern Exposure offers much to delight architecture aficionados and writers, native Chicagoans and guests to the city alike.
Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago's South Side is a lovely book of photography with well written and interesting information about the buildings pictured.The tone was very conversational, making it an enjoyable read. It was very interesting to learn about the history surrounding some of the locations, as well as the current uses, and hope for the future. I have never been to Chicago, and have no current plans, so I was glad to see a piece of the city, particularly since it does not always receive this kind of attention. I think those from the area, and those that are interested in architecture, photography, and Chicago's history will all get a great deal from exploring this book.
Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago's South Side is a lovely book of photography with well written and interesting information about the buildings pictured.The tone was very conversational, making it an enjoyable read. It was very interesting to learn about the history surrounding some of the locations, as well as the current uses, and hope for the future. I have never been to Chicago, and have no current plans, so I was glad to see a piece of the city, particularly since it does not always receive this kind of attention. I think those from the area, and those that are interested in architecture, photography, and Chicago's history will all get a great deal from exploring this book.
January 26, 2025
Kendrick said "Don't say you hate LA if you don't travel past the 10" and like that, a hundred thousand Insta bios and captions from Inglewood to Compton were changed. Well, I'd like to provide a Chicago version of that: Don't say you love Chicago if you don't visit the South Side. And no, UChicago & Sox Park are not enough.
I love Chicago, and I will always defend the South Side whenever people wanna start saying dumb shit about how there is nothing to see or do. It's true the South Side of Chicago has suffered from decades of disinvestment and underinvestment, and many of its residents are hurting. But that doesn't mean there isn't beauty and value and history worth celebrating, visiting, and appreciating. Which is why I'm so grateful to Lee Bey for writing this gorgeous book and taking these amazing photos honoring the history and legacy of the South Side's architecture and telling the story of the wealth that once was, the disinvestment that has followed, and the struggles of people trying to support their communities since. I especially appreciate him pointing out the hypocrisy of historical preservation efforts that are only centered on the North Side, and how folks will say buildings need to be restored because a famous architect built it, while staying silent about demolishing the same architects construction if it happens to be on the South Side.
A beautiful book, and one that gave me plenty of new places to go visit. Thank you Lee Bey, for this and all you do making sure that the stories of Black Chicago do not get forgotten.
I love Chicago, and I will always defend the South Side whenever people wanna start saying dumb shit about how there is nothing to see or do. It's true the South Side of Chicago has suffered from decades of disinvestment and underinvestment, and many of its residents are hurting. But that doesn't mean there isn't beauty and value and history worth celebrating, visiting, and appreciating. Which is why I'm so grateful to Lee Bey for writing this gorgeous book and taking these amazing photos honoring the history and legacy of the South Side's architecture and telling the story of the wealth that once was, the disinvestment that has followed, and the struggles of people trying to support their communities since. I especially appreciate him pointing out the hypocrisy of historical preservation efforts that are only centered on the North Side, and how folks will say buildings need to be restored because a famous architect built it, while staying silent about demolishing the same architects construction if it happens to be on the South Side.
A beautiful book, and one that gave me plenty of new places to go visit. Thank you Lee Bey, for this and all you do making sure that the stories of Black Chicago do not get forgotten.
April 2, 2020
Southern Exposure shines light on the overlooked and forgotten architecture of the south side of Chicago, an area as big as Philadelphia. Not only does Bey document the rich architectural history of the south side with photography, he also explains the history of neglect due to restrictive housing covenants, city policies, and brutal policing in this predominantly African-American part of the city. Recommended reading before or after Natalie Moore’s 2016 The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation
Check this book out from the Villa Park Public Library!
Check this book out from the Villa Park Public Library!
May 2, 2020
Within this book, Lee Bey highlights the South Side of Chicago’s architecture in a genuine, inspiring manner. This isn’t just a photo book; it’s a personal, in-depth look of the South Side, accompanied by beautiful photographs that convey the words spoken. Having lived in the South Side, I was unaware of the beauty that surrounded my daily commutes. Bey dabbles in several components of the South Side’s history that have significant influence of how the area came to be, the current state, and what the future holds. It’s obvious that this book was written with some serious background knowledge and passion for the topic. I would recommend this for anyone that is prepared to learn about the hidden architectural gems that Chicago’s South Side has to offer. The North Side has received the majority of architectural praise over the years, but it’s time for the South to step into the spotlight.
December 11, 2023
An important document that I'm glad is out in the world. I'm living the cliche as a Chicagoan living on the North Side who was unaware of many of the architectural treasures Lee Bey highlights in his book. If it were me editing I would have suggested starting with the sweepy, super informative chapter 2 instead of what amounts to the book version of an anecdotal lede (the Bronzeville chapter). Regardless, this is an interesting, efficient way to explore a vast part of the city that's written off all too often by people who don't know much about it, and is deserving of more resources and recognition.
August 13, 2019
Southern Exposure by Lee Bey analyzes the differences in the Chicago's North and South sides through the lens of historic architecture. By relating the stories of great buildings, he traces the development of the city, particular the black neighborhoods to the south, the changes in demographics, and unequal attention given to areas of the city through the years. His photography is excellent (and I wish there was more of it!!) and his writing is easy to digest and passionate. Highly recommend for architecture fans, Chicagoans, and those interested in the growth and development of urban environments.
March 2, 2020
I agree with the author's proposition that the South Side is full of architecture that would be well-known and on historic registers if it were on the North Side. However, this book is disappointing short of accomplishing its mission of raising consciousness about the South Side's architecture and history. There are no maps and no photos other than the author's, which means that much of what the text talks about is not pictured. Surely there were archival photos?
December 21, 2022
A very readable book, with great photos and concise and impactful text. It took me longer to go through it than it would have to simply read it because I kept looking up sites on Google street view and mapping myself through neighborhoods I used to live in. The extra sauce is Bey’s asides about root causes or what should be done etc regarding government or conservation action and historical wrongs. I appreciated his directness and it made a lot of sense from all I’ve seen in Chicago.
November 23, 2019
As a South Sider Lee Bey is acutely aware of his community’s second-class status. Refreshingly, not once does he frame it in terms of the White Sox vs. the Cubs. Instead, in his text and photos, he makes a case for the South Side’s architectural greatness. The fact that I’m now anxious to tour the buildings he features means he does it convincingly.
December 7, 2022
Really quick read that explores the buildings and history that you'd never see on the south side of chicago. The book is a love letter to the various forms and people who made distinctive looks. I'm a proud westsider and there are appeals to future leadership to preserve and encourage innovation on those relatively lost sides of town.
January 25, 2020
This book, like the Southside of Chicago, is fantastic. Such great buildings. Such great photographs. Such great history.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hzent1G...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hzent1G...
January 25, 2020
Very informative and I learned quite a lot of the history and architecture. I only wish there were more pictures- both modern and historical.
February 21, 2021
only wish it were longer, with many more photos
April 1, 2021
4+/5-, rounded up. review here
December 16, 2021
A great introduction to South Side Chicago architecture, current and historical.
February 3, 2024
Found out about this book through a wttw Geoffrey Baer special. Wish there was some extra stuff in there but highly recommend for "non standard" architecture in Chicago. 4.5
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June 24, 2024"A curious mix of the ordinary and extraordinary."
November 20, 2024
Written like you are sitting with your smart, caring, cool friend, this book highlights the gorgeous architecture of Chicago’s South Side and beats the drum to stand up for these spectacular spaces.
May 22, 2021
Lovely and informative, including quite a few buildings I'd never seen or known of and a nice sense of the South Side's architectural and cultural history. I honestly only wish it was longer and more comprehensive. Big thanks to Northwestern Press for sending me a review copy of this!
August 1, 2019
Visually stimulating while also being informative, SOUTHERN EXPOSURE is great for anyone interested in architecture, photography or Chicago and its history.
September 12, 2020
A great companion piece to Natalie Moore's South Side. Now I want to run out and take photos of everything in the book, I think I've only seen the Yale Apartments on one of the OHCs. Wonderful!
May 24, 2019
I really loved this book, it gets you discover the beautiful structures of a side of Chicago that you wouldn’t usually see as a tourist. I can’t wait to go and visit these next year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews