What's Happening?
A new book titled '820 Ebony/Jet: Visions of the Johnson Publishing Company, an American Icon' by photographer Barbara Karant, documents the former Chicago headquarters of Ebony and Jet magazines. The 11-story building at 820 S Michigan Avenue, opened
in 1972, was the first downtown tower commissioned by a Black-owned company and was known as 'the miracle on Michigan Avenue.' Its interiors, characterized by explosive patterns, rich textures, and modernist furniture, reflected the dynamic expressions of Black life portrayed in Johnson's media empire. The Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) sold the building in 2010 due to financial difficulties, leading to its vacancy. Karant began documenting the vacant building's interiors from 2013 until its conversion into luxury residential units in 2017, aiming to preserve its historical and cultural significance. The book features new and archival photos, along with essays and a foreword by Deborah Willis.
Why It's Important?
The documentation of the Johnson Publishing Company headquarters is crucial for preserving a significant piece of American Black history and media. The building was not just an office space but a symbol of Black enterprise and aesthetic, designed by John Warren Moutoussamy, the first Black architect to become a partner in a major Chicago firm. The interiors, overseen by Eunice Johnson, were a bold statement of style and identity that remained largely unchanged for decades, demonstrating a unique corporate commitment to its brand. The sale and subsequent redevelopment of the building, which saw its interiors unprotected despite its landmark designation, highlight the challenges in preserving cultural heritage, especially when it comes to interior spaces. The book serves as a vital record of a space that shaped Black media and culture for nearly 40 years, offering insights into its design, spirit, and eventual transformation.
What's Next?
While the physical interiors of the Johnson Publishing Company headquarters no longer exist, the new book '820 Ebony/Jet: Visions of the Johnson Publishing Company, an American Icon' will serve as a lasting record of its historical and cultural significance. The book's release aims to inspire future generations by showcasing the ambition and unique style of JPC. The building itself was converted into luxury condominiums in 2017, meaning its original aesthetic is gone. However, efforts to preserve elements of JPC's legacy continue, with its photo archives housed at the Getty Research Center and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), and the Ebony test kitchen acquired by the NMAAHC in 2023. The artist Theaster Gates also retrieved over 15,000 objects from the space, ensuring that parts of its material culture are preserved and studied.
Beyond the Headlines
The story of the Johnson Publishing Company headquarters extends beyond its architectural and historical significance, touching upon broader themes of cultural preservation, corporate identity, and the evolution of Black media. The building's original design, a deliberate choice to embody a 'Black aesthetic,' challenged prevailing architectural norms and served as a powerful statement of self-determination. The eventual loss of its interiors during redevelopment, despite the building's landmark status, underscores a common dilemma in preservation: the focus often remains on external structures rather than the equally significant internal spaces that hold cultural memory. This situation prompts reflection on how society values and protects the tangible expressions of marginalized communities' achievements. The book, therefore, becomes more than a photographic record; it's a commentary on the transient nature of physical spaces and the enduring power of documentation to keep cultural narratives alive.
