Historic Edgewater Beach Apartments Dazzle With Fresh 'Sunset Pink' Paint After 25 Years

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Edgewater · November 3, 2025

For the first time in 25 years, the iconic Edgewater Beach Apartments at 5555 N. Sheridan Road is being restored to its vibrant glory as crews repaint the 20-story Spanish Revival landmark's legendary 'sunset pink' exterior. Workers began refreshing the southeast wing of the 97-year-old co-op in April, with plans to tackle the remaining three wings between spring and fall 2026.

The project has created a striking visual contrast as the freshly painted section reveals just how faded the original coating had become. "It makes the old coating look almost brown [in comparison]," notes Edgewater Beach Apartments Corp. President Joseph D. Ferrario, describing the refreshed color as "just so dazzling." The restoration required over 500 gallons of custom-matched paint, with engineers discovering the original 1928 color by examining a historic paint can preserved in the building's basement from its last repainting in 1999.

The building, with its distinctive Maltese Cross-like floor plan, has been a treasured North Side landmark since 1928 and remains on both the National Register of Historic Places and the list of Chicago landmarks. Originally part of a glamorous lakefront resort complex with the now-demolished Edgewater Beach Hotel, the apartments offer residents modern amenities while preserving historic character, including a 60-foot heated indoor pool with restored original mosaic tiles and a two-acre private park with walking paths and recreation areas. Residents and architecture enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the area this fall to witness this vibrant piece of Chicago history returning to its original splendor.

Sources:
1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/architecture-design/2025/10/28/edgewater-beach-apartments-landmark-pink-paint
2. https://www.homes.com/building/edgewater-beach-apartments-chicago-il/b-sxssh6l1ke1gh/