Elmslie began designing alone in 1922. "Since then," wrote Elmslie, "I
have been holding aloft the banner of the Sullivan philosophy alone and
endeavoring to design and plan on its basis." Their shared philosophy
included an unbending belief that modern American architecture should
be, above all, indigenous. Elmslie once remarked, "There is quite some
talk going on about an International style. This is something we do not
want. I hope the idea of a common style between nations will pass away
and be forgotten. What we need is a sane and wide development of the use
of our own varied and marvelous materials..."
Elmslie favored
terra cotta for ornament. Characteristically he used repeating bands of
this baked clay material to define spandrels, lintels, piers, and other
structural systems. Elmslie also frequently accented his work with
bas-relief, deriving the themes from the building's purpose and
association to locally significant activities and values.
Tour Information
- Begin: Pace Route 524 - Downer Pl., Galena / Broadway
- End: Pace Route 526 - W Plaza Galena / Chestnut