B. Leo Steif (1894-1953) Collection, 1916-1953

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  • IdentificationPUBLIC "-//The Art Institute of Chicago::Ryerson and Burnham Art and Architecture Archives//TEXT(US::ICA::1985.2::B. LEO STEIF (1894-1953) COLLECTION, 1916-1953//EN)" "ica198502.xml"
  • TitleSteif, B. Leo, (1894-1953) Collection, 1916-1953
  • PublisherArt Institute of Chicago Archives, Research Center, The Art Institute of Chicago,
  • Language
    • English.
    • English
  • Date1916-1953
  • Physical Description
    • 1 linear foot (2 boxes) and 2 oversize portfolios
    • Albums, a scrapbook, printed papers, publications, and black and white photographic prints.
  • RepositoryRyerson and Burnham Art and Architecture Archives, The Art Institute of Chicago 111 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60603-6110 archives@artic.edu https://www.artic.edu/archival-collections
  • AbstractScrapbooks and photograph albums document Chicago architect B. Leo Steif s designs for residential, commercial, and apartment buildings. Promotional materials, publications, correspondence, and biographical information are also included.
  • OriginationSteif, B. Leo (Benjamin Leo), 1894-1953.
  • LocationThe collection is housed in the Art Institute of Chicago Archives’ on-site stacks.

Benjamin Leo Steif (1894-1953) was born in New York City and moved to Chicago at a young age. He initially attended the University of Illinois, and continued his studies at the Armour Institute of Technology, graduating in 1916. After World War I he established his private architecture practice, becoming well known for elegant apartment buildings and small commercial buildings.

The three photograph albums are organized by building type: residences, commercial projects, and high-rise buildings. Additional loose photographs are located at the end of the series. The scrapbook includes a range of documents about Steif's career and projects. Additional documents include promotional materials and publications about Steif's projects, as well as biographical information.

  • Names
    • Steif, B. Leo (Benjamin Leo), 1894-1953.
    • Steif, B. Leo (Benjamin Leo), 1894-1953--Archives.
  • Subject
    • Architecture--Illinois--Chicago--20th century--Sources.
    • Architects--Illinois--Chicago--Archives.

Architectural records for buildings by B. Leo Steif & Company, [ca. 1900-1951] (Chicago History Museum).

This collection may be accessed by users in the Reading Room of the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries at The Art Institute of Chicago. Collections maintained on-site are available for patron use without prior arrangement or appointment. Collections maintained in off-site storage will be retrieved with advance notification; please consult the Archivist for the current retrieval schedule. For further information, consult https://www.artic.edu/archival-collections/contact-usage-and-faq.

The Art Institute of Chicago is providing access to the materials in the Archives’ collections solely for noncommercial educational and research purposes. The unauthorized use, including, but not limited to, publication of the materials without the prior written permission of the Art Institute is strictly prohibited. All inquiries regarding permission to publish should be submitted in writing to the Director, Art Institute of Chicago Archives. In addition to permission from the Art Institute, permission of the copyright owner (if not the Art Institute) and/or any holder of other rights (such as publicity and/or privacy rights) may also be required for reproduction, publication, distribution, and other uses. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of any item and securing any necessary permissions rests with the persons desiring to publish the item. The Art Institute makes no warranties as to the accuracy of the materials or their fitness for a particular purpose.

Leo B. Steif Collection, Ryerson and Burnham Art and Architecture Archives, The Art Institute of Chicago.

Three portfolios of photographs were donated by Stanley Freehling in 1985. The album of clippings, brochures and correspondence was donated by Mrs. Irving Stein.

The collection was processed by staff of the Ryerson and Burnham Archives in 2001. This finding aid was revised and expanded by Annemarie van Roessel in 2002.

The portrait photograph has an Art Institute copy negative, as indicated in the inventory. Copies of the photo may be ordered through the Ryerson and Burnham Archives.