New Book Showcases Iconic Chicago Doorways

A new release features architectural details from 40 local neighborhoods to inspire your own home's curb appeal.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Interior Decorating

Screen-print poster illustration of an ornate historic Chicago residential stone doorway, evoking the city's unique architectural heritage. — Ronnie Frey’s new book, Doorways of Chicago, catalogues the diverse architectural heritage of forty neighborhoods through a curated collection of local entries. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe your city should prioritize the preservation of historic local buildings?

Author Ronnie Frey has published a new book, Doorways of Chicago, which showcases the unique architectural details of buildings across 40 local neighborhoods. The collection documents entries ranging from historic landmarks to residential homes captured by the author on an iPhone.

Why it matters

This photographic survey highlights the historic character and aesthetic variety of Chicago's built environment. It serves as a visual record of the diverse residential and commercial architecture that defines the city's unique streetscapes.

The book features photos from 40 Chicago neighborhoods, curated from a collection of 75,000 images captured by the author. Featured sites include historic properties like the Henry Gerber House at 1710 N. Crilly Ct. and the Sullivan Center at 1 S. State St.

The players

Ronnie Frey

A photographer and author who documents architectural details across Chicago using mobile photography.

Henry Gerber

A civil rights pioneer who founded the Society for Human Rights in 1924 at his residence.

Louis Henry Sullivan

An influential architect known for designing the entrance of the Carson Pirie Scott department store.

The details

Ronnie Frey captured these architectural images using only an iPhone, finding inspiration during the pandemic. The book organizes the entries by pairing them based on shared shapes and colors to highlight structural design elements. The featured locations include significant sites such as the Essanay Studios at 1345 W. Argyle St. and the Biddle House at 407 W. Eugenie St., where Joseph O'Connell lived for over 90 years.

1924: Henry Gerber founded the Society for Human Rights at the site of his home.
2026: Ronnie Frey published the book Doorways of Chicago.

The Home Front

The collection documents residential structures like the Crilly Court Apartments, which were built by developer Daniel Crilly during the reconstruction period following the Great Chicago Fire. This highlights how individual architectural details continue to define the city's housing legacy.

Residents can view these historic architectural styles as inspiration for maintaining their own home exteriors and entryway aesthetics. Consider documenting local landmarks or your own property's unique design features to contribute to your neighborhood's historical record.

The takeaway

Chicago homeowners can find inspiration in the city's diverse door designs, which range from historic department store entrances to classic neighborhood apartments. Observe your own entryway's shape and color to better appreciate the architectural patterns that shape the local character of your block.