St. Paul Roman Catholic Church at Open House Chicago

Originally, St. Paul Catholic Church was organized to serve 40 German families living in east Pilsen in 1876. After a couple of decades of growth and relocation, in 1899 the parish completed the grand church that stands today. The building is a symphony of brick, combining Gothic design, unique craftsmanship, and brilliant mosaics. Architect Henry Schlacks modeled the 245-foot-tall brick spire towers after those of the Cathedral of St Cortin in Quimper, France. The church was dedicated in 1899. Ripley's Believe It or Not described St Paul's as "The church built without a single nail." A significant renovation was completed in 2013, adding a banquet hall and a courtyard. The St. Ann Chapel featuring stained glass from St. Ann Church opened in early 2024. The church, rectory, hall, and courtyard will be available to tour in addition to the coffee shop Holy Grounds.