The Farcroft

For years I've wanted to write about where I live - the building, I mean. It would have been unwise while I was still there, but as we've recently moved, I am now free to discuss the Farcroft Building, where Jan and I have lived for the last nine years - longer than I've lived anywhere else in my life.

Situated right at the edge of Lake Michigan, the Farcroft Building was designed and built in the 1920s as a men's hotel. The architect fancied himself a magician, and wanted the building to be a nexus for mystical energy. If you think of the Ghostbusters building you've got it right. He began by designing a thirteen story building at an address of 1337. As it's surrounded by four story buildings, the view is fantastic.

Next the architect built a turret on the upper left side of the building (left, facing out). This made the left side higher than the right, creating a "sinister" building. Our bedroom was just below that turret, as naturally we lived on the 13th floor. None of the rooms in the apartment had right angles, the better to funnel the "mystic" energy.

But that's not all. The ground floor entryway is not a mere lobby. It's a medieval feasting hall, complete with flagstone floors, a fireplace, and dark, carved wood posts. 

Over the fireplace are carved a series of decaptiated clergymen, and the ceiling is supported by colomns sporting hunchbacked monks literally being oppressed by the weight of the building.

Those same clergymen can be found outside, next to the mullioned windows and all up the buildings face.

The week we moved in, we met another resident in the elevator. He asked us if we were new to the building, then started fishing around for a card. We thought he was going to try to sell us insurance. Instead he handed over a card and said, "This is the name of my exorcist. He did a wonderful job."

Despite fluctuating water pressure and inreliable elevators, we had no plans to leave the Farcroft. But it was sold this year, and the new owners decided to close the building down to give it a much-needed overhaul. Ironically, my uncle David Brininstool was the architect hired to do the work on the interior, and he says they're doing it right.

I know it'll take time, but we're already on the list to move back in when the overhaul is complete. It's rare to find a home with so much character. I got married, had two kids, co-founded a theatre company, and wrote three books while living there. A part of me will always think of it as home. 

(This is the view from our old living room, looking east.)

Comments

[Krys]

Hope you and your family do move back. I've lived on Jarvis for the past 9 years. And I hope that our polling place remains in the lobby!

[Debra Sibert]

My apartment is a couple of blocks north of you on Eastlake and faces the Farcroft. I've always loved this building and wondered the other day why there were no lights in the windows. I used to see a red light just under the turret and it's not there any longer--very sad. Thanks for sharing this information, especially the details about no right angles. I hope the new owner restores it to its former life. I hope to see the red light again and hope you all move back when it's completed!

[Daphne]

What a gorgeous building - and view!

[Michelle Morneo]

If David Brininstool is your uncle, I must be related to you as well. David is my cousin. His dad, Forrie, is my mom's brother. I have been searching the web trying to find the origin of the name Brininstool. No luck. Do you have any ideas? You can find me on facebook - Michelle Monroe living in South Carolina. Lots of Brininstools on fb with me. Michelle

[m]

Hmmmm, walked by today and it didn't look like much was going on. Any idea about the status?

[Sasha Korellis]

I lived on the 10th floor from '95-'96 and it was truly fantastic. And yes the elevators were unreliable. I actually got stuck in the freight and the fire department had to come rescue me.

[David Blixt]

Ah, the elevators. Man, in the last year, the company decided it wasn't worth their time to keep two working, so they let the front one just die. Which meant that when the back one was out of service, it was time to climb. 13 flights. With a 2 year-old and an infant. Less than fun.

[Sona S.]

I had friends living in the Farcroft in the 70's. It is an amazing place to see, although I have to say I have had some bizarre and rather hard to explain experiences in that building.

[Mrs. Gay Greene]

My son lived at the Farcroft for several years and it was my pleasure to visit him on a few occasions. What a wonderful building!

[Lisa]

Watching the new TV series '666 Park Avenue,' about a possessed building, inspired me to do a search on the Farcroft, where I lived in the late '80s.

We had the front NE corner on the ninth floor, so a similar view. The building was well-maintained at the time, and, though intrigued by its architectural peculiarities--we called it the "devil building"-- never did experience any mystical irregularities.

Sorry to hear that it fell into such disrepair, but good to know about its restoration. Any news?

[Mac]

The building is undergoing significant metamorphosis - a truly innovative renovation - restoring the building's unique design details and updating it with modern amenities.

The building has undergone some rebranding, and will now be known as Farcroft by the Lake (see temporary landing page - www.farcroftbythelake.com)

Currently leasing and I am extremely excited to check this out when it is open to the public!

I would love to hear about the "hard to explain experiences" and more details about personal experiences from past tenants!