A Landmark Built for the Camera
Architectural Pedigree
Distinctive stone carvings, interlocking brickwork, original wood detailing, and strong interior sight lines give the Kenna Apartments a timeless cinematic presence.
Three Full Apartments
Two furnished and one unfurnished — offering productions exceptional flexibility, natural light, and cinematic flow across every floor.
First Floor
First Floor — Furnished
Traditional • Warm • Cinematic — A fully furnished apartment with high ceilings, generous windows, and flexible living spaces ideal for dialogue-driven scenes and narrative blocking.
Living Room
Exposed brick fireplace, minimalist sofas, antique seating, and African decor.
Dining Room
Formal proportions, balanced lighting, multiple shooting angles, and antique furnishings.
Entry & Flow
Arched doorways and layered room views create natural cinematic framing throughout.
Kitchen
U-shaped with tongue-and-groove wood ceiling, Saltillo tile, copper sink, and recessed lighting.
Bedrooms
Classic sleigh bed, vintage furnishings, day bed with neutral styling, and a TV room.
Best For
Narrative interiors, family scenes, upscale residential settings.
Second Floor
Second Floor — Unfurnished
Retro • Period-Friendly • Blank Canvas — Clearly defined rooms and period character ideal for full production design control.
Living Room
Warm hardwood floors, original fireplace, sconce lighting — strong architectural focal point.
Kitchen
Retro-style with Saltillo tile flooring, vintage refrigerator, and white cabinetry.
Sun Porch
Natural light and architectural interest — ideal for transitional scenes.
Best For
Period pieces, set builds, commercials, retro storytelling.
Third Floor
Third Floor — Furnished
Bright • Elevated • Architectural — The brightest floor in the building, offering strong daylight, furnished rooms, and excellent visual continuity.
Kitchen
Stunning marble countertops and incredible natural light — perfect for cooking scenes, interviews, or lifestyle content.
Dining Room
Formal and symmetrical with tea pot collection and traditional china.
Bedrooms
Antique poster bed, adjustable queen master suite, and an additional queen bedroom with sitting chest.
Best For: Day interiors, elevated residential scenes, dramatic blocking. Bathrooms feature period palettes — one in pink, brown, and copper with original medicine cabinet; another in black marble tile and white furnishings.
Architecture & Flow
The Kenna Apartments offers rare interior circulation for filming — allowing directors and cinematographers to stage movement, reveals, and continuity shots across all three floors.
Multi-Story Stairwell
Strong vertical sightlines for dramatic movement and transitional shots.
Framed Doorways
Layered room views and arched entries create natural cinematic framing.
Landings
Suitable for overhead and transitional shots between floors.
Consistent Character
Unified architectural language throughout supports seamless continuity.
Historic Elegance Meets Cinematic Versatility
Designed by Byrne and Iannelli in 1918, this landmark property embodies the craftsmanship of early 20th-century Chicago. The façade features a striking sculptural detail — a symbolic figure holding a replica of the building alongside a mother and child — adding visual depth and period authenticity rarely found today.
This is a location with layered history. Today it stands preserved and reimagined, offering productions a space that supports nuanced storytelling across time periods.
Bricks & Buzz — YouTube Series
An original platform by Dorsey Pates Properties focused on architecture, design, and cultural preservation.
High-End Finishings
In-depth discussions on premium materials and craftsmanship that enhance long-term property value.
Landmark Education
Spotlighting historically significant buildings in the African American community — architecture, social context, and preservation.
Built Environment & Legacy
Connecting architecture, history, and economic empowerment through property ownership and stewardship.
Podcast Studio — Coming Soon
A dedicated in-house podcast studio is currently in development at Dorsey Pates Properties — designed for professional audio and video recording.
Interviews and panel discussions
Creative storytelling and documentary conversations
Community-focused programming and educational content
Available for original productions, guest creators, and select collaborative projects — further expanding the property's role as a creative hub.
Request a Site Visit
All site visits are by appointment only and require advance payment. A non-refundable $200 fee is required to schedule a guided walk-through of up to 45 minutes. If a signed contract is executed within 30 days, the fee is credited toward the total booking.
Attendance Limit
Maximum 3 attendees unless prior written approval is granted.
Conduct
Evaluation purposes only. Photography or recording requires written authorization.
No Obligation
A site visit does not guarantee availability or acceptance of any booking request.
