Beverly Shores-Century of Progress Architectural District, Lake Front Drive, Beverly Shores, Porter County, IN

Significance: The Chicago Century of Progress Exposition opened in May of 1933 directed by the theme of science and its role in industrial advancement. Within the Home and Industrial Arts Group were model houses which featured modern materials, building methods and innovative home appliances, including the Armco-Ferro-Mayflower, Widboldt-Rostone and Florida Tropical Houses, and the House of Tomorrow. All utilized new techniques of design, construction and prefabrication in an attempt to bring the out-of-date housing industry into line with more efficient manufacturing practices such as those used by the auto industry. At the close of the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago, sixteen houses from the Century of Progress exhibit were purchased by real estate developer Robert Bartlett and transferred to his subdivision at Beverly Shores, Indiana. Ten of the buildings, from the fair's Colonial Village, represented important structures in American history. These included icons such as the Old North Church, Mount Vernon, and the House of Seven Gables. Currently, five of the original houses still remain and are owned by the National Park Service.
Survey number: HABS IN-239
Building/structure dates: 1933 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1935 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1935 Subsequent Work