Ronnie Frey Showcases Chicago History in New Doorways Book

The new book documents the diverse architectural heritage of the city through the lens of local residential and commercial entrances.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Interior Decorating

Screen-print poster illustration of an ornate, arched historic building doorway, evoking the architectural heritage of Chicago. — Author Ronnie Frey highlights Chicago's architectural history in his new book, 'Doorways of Chicago,' which captures unique entryways across 40 city neighborhoods. 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 titled Doorways of Chicago that highlights unique entryways across approximately 40 city neighborhoods. The collection features photographs captured on an iPhone, with images paired intentionally by their distinct shape and color.

Why it matters

The project documents the aesthetic evolution of the city's built environment, preserving the visual character of historic landmarks for future generations. Frey began the endeavor as a pandemic hobby, eventually curating thousands of images into this comprehensive photographic study.

The book compiles selections from a personal photo roll totaling 75,000 images. It highlights specific architectural sites, including the Henry Gerber House at 1710 N. Crilly Ct. and the Biddle House at 407 W. Eugenie St.

The players

Ronnie Frey

An author and photographer who spent the pandemic documenting the architectural details of various Chicago neighborhoods.

Henry Gerber

An activist who founded the Society for Human Rights, the first chartered gay rights organization in the United States, in 1924.

Louis Henry Sullivan

A prominent architect known for his influence on the design of the Chicago skyline and commercial buildings like the Sullivan Center.

Daniel Crilly

A real estate developer who played a significant role in the rebuilding of Chicago following the Great Chicago Fire.

Joseph O'Connell

A long-term resident of the historic Biddle House who occupied the property for more than 90 years.

The details

Frey focuses on iconic structures like the Essanay Studios at 1345 W. Argyle St. and the Sullivan Center at 1 S. State St., where Louis Henry Sullivan designed the entrance for the Carson Pirie Scott department store. The project also explores residential history, noting that the Crilly Court Apartments were built by developer Daniel Crilly following the Great Chicago Fire.

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

Culture Shift

This project reflects a broader societal shift toward hyper-local appreciation and the preservation of urban history through digital documentation. It mirrors trends in urban photography that seek to find artistic value in the functional architecture of daily city life.

Readers may find themselves noticing the distinct architectural features of their own neighborhoods after exploring the book's curated collection. The guide encourages a more intentional way of observing the city's residential and commercial landscape during daily commutes or walks.

The takeaway

Focusing on small details like doors can offer a fresh perspective on the history of a familiar city environment. Consider documenting the unique architectural elements of your own neighborhood to build a personal archive of your local community.