Built as a company town between 1880 and 1884, it was designed by architect Solon Beman and landscape architect Nathan Barrett to be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

The design of Pullman was a social experiment in industrial planning, aiming for an orderly and attractive community for workers. The architectural elements, while elegant and uniform, were tied to the social hierarchy of the company town.

There are varied residential structures to help break the monotony of the streets. Row houses were predominate, the neighborhood also features single-family homes, small apartment buildings, and larger homes for management. Higher-status residences were typically larger and incorporated more elaborate elements.

The architectural plan was integrated with a comprehensive landscape design by Nathan Barrett. Curvilinear features, extensive grennery, and parks were used to soften the street grid and enhance the overall setting.

Most of the town's buildings, including the homes, were constructed from high-quality red brick. The clay was sourced from nearby Lake Calumet, and bricks were produced in a local brickyard.

Today, the Historic Pullman District is a National Historical Park, and local preservation efforts enforce guidelines to maintain the original architectural integrity. 

Predominantly a Victorian-era style of architecture though it has an industrial design and a comprehensive town plan

The overall plan was designed as a model industrial city with housing, factories, commercial spaces, and civic buildings integrated into one community.

Emphasised order and uniformity. The town has straight, tree-lined streets and carefully zoned districts (residential, industrial, civic).

Buildings were uniform but varied. While cohesive in material and style, subtle variations in facades avoided repetition.

Mansard Roofs were a common feature in the residential areas, which added to the Victorian charm of the homes.

Romanesque-revival arches were used for public and commercial buildings, such as the Market Hall and the Arcade Building.

Many ornamental details made of wood and limestone were added throughout residential buildings.

The architectural plan was integrated with a comprehensive landscape design by Nathan Barrett. Curvilinear features, extensive plantings, and parks were used to soften the street grid and enhance the overall setting.

The landscaped pushed control through design. The layout was meant to promote cleanliness, morality, and company loyalty, contrasting with the chaotic, overcrowded neighborhoods elsewhere in Chicago.