Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood used to be home to an Arby's designed by the renowned architect Stanley Tigerman in 1977. This postmodern burger joint stood out from its counterparts due to its unique design, which featured a glass facade on the first and second floors, allowing customers to glimpse into the restaurant's colorful mechanical innards. The building was not only functional but also visually striking, with vibrant colors and curved interior spaces.
The Arby's was awarded the Distinguished Building Award by the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects, a testament to its innovative design. Upon closing, the entire block was demolished, and the site was redeveloped for new restaurants, retail spaces, and hotels. Despite its notable features, the Arby's has largely been overlooked in Tigerman's extensive body of work.
Margaret McCurry, Tigerman's late wife and an architect herself, remembered that her husband designed the building with colors that invited people to look inside and appreciate its inner workings. The structure was intended to be a "fun thing" – lively and engaging – showcasing Tigerman's creative approach to design.
Chicago writer and editor Iker Gil described the Arby's as a "mini Centre Pompidou" where customers could consume fast food in an art-like setting. He noted that the building had a distinct visual language, blending practicality with surrealism and global chain elements to create a unique experience for its patrons.
While Tigerman's other works often have been accompanied by controversy or attention, the Arby's has garnered almost cult status among architecture enthusiasts due to its innovative design elements. Despite being largely forgotten in discussions about his work, this project remains an intriguing footnote in Tigerman's storied career.
The Arby's was awarded the Distinguished Building Award by the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects, a testament to its innovative design. Upon closing, the entire block was demolished, and the site was redeveloped for new restaurants, retail spaces, and hotels. Despite its notable features, the Arby's has largely been overlooked in Tigerman's extensive body of work.
Margaret McCurry, Tigerman's late wife and an architect herself, remembered that her husband designed the building with colors that invited people to look inside and appreciate its inner workings. The structure was intended to be a "fun thing" – lively and engaging – showcasing Tigerman's creative approach to design.
Chicago writer and editor Iker Gil described the Arby's as a "mini Centre Pompidou" where customers could consume fast food in an art-like setting. He noted that the building had a distinct visual language, blending practicality with surrealism and global chain elements to create a unique experience for its patrons.
While Tigerman's other works often have been accompanied by controversy or attention, the Arby's has garnered almost cult status among architecture enthusiasts due to its innovative design elements. Despite being largely forgotten in discussions about his work, this project remains an intriguing footnote in Tigerman's storied career.
I gotta say, this Arby's design by Stanley Tigerman is like a perfect example of how our society values progress over preservation... or maybe not? 
Think about it, we're always looking for the next big thing, and sometimes that means razing something historic just to make way for the new, shiny. I mean, what's the value in keeping that old Arby's if it's gonna be overshadowed by some newer, trendier restaurant? 
And yet, here we are, worshiping at the altar of 'innovation' and 'progress'. It's like our culture is one big, never-ending loop of build, tear, repeat... 
It's wild to think that a fast food joint could be so architecturally interesting! The glass facade thingy is super cool, like you can see the inner workings of the restaurant. I've always been fascinated by how people used to design buildings for more than just functionality. This Arby's is proof that even mundane places can have personality and character 
And Iker Gil's comparison to the Centre Pompidou is spot on - it's like a mini art gallery inside a burger joint 
Stanley Tigerman was a total genius when it comes to design, and this building is proof. I love how he incorporated all these fun colors and crazy mechanical details – it's like stepping into a dream! 
The fact that it got an award from the AIA is, like, totally no surprise 
It's just heartbreaking that we've lost this beauty.
and the colors, oh man the colors are so vibrant and fun! I can see why people would wanna go inside just to check out the mechanical innards 
it's like a mini art gallery for fast food 
! The glass facade thingy was genius 
, and it's crazy that more people don't talk about this building as much as they should. Like, Iker Gil compared it to the Centre Pompidou in Paris 
, which is basically high praise 
. It's like, how did this under-the-radar gem get overlooked? 
Still, at least we can appreciate it now and remember the awesomeness of Stanley Tigerman's design skills 
, you know? The glass facade and colorful mechanical innards are straight fire 
. I can imagine walking in there feeling like you're entering a funhouse or something 
. And to think it was recognized by the AIA for its design - that's no easy feat! 
I'd love to see some retro pics of it in all its glory... anyone got any? 
. And I love what Margaret McCurry said about her husband wanting it to be "fun" - that's exactly what it feels like when you walk in and see all those vibrant colors 
.
, I'm obsessed with old-school architecture and this 70s Arby's is like a blast from the past! The fact that it was designed by Stanley Tigerman makes me love it even more. The colors and curved interior spaces are so retro-cool, I can just imagine what it would be like to hang out there back in the day. Iker Gil's comparison to Centre Pompidou is spot on, this Arby's really does feel like a mini art gallery. It's crazy how much it's been overlooked amidst all the controversy surrounding Tigerman's other works, but now I'm totally intrigued to check out more of his stuff! 
i mean Stanley Tigerman is already a legend in my book, but this Arby's design takes the cake 
. I swear, if i ever get to visit Chicago, that building needs to be on my bucket list ASAP 
. almost cult status among architecture enthusiasts? yes please 
. And the fact that it was designed by Stanley Tigerman is just awesome. He really knew how to bring some personality to his designs. I can see why people would remember this place even if it didn't get the attention it deserved back in the day. It's like it's still a hidden gem or something 
.
. Plus, the fact that Tigerman intentionally designed the building to be fun and engaging is just genius