Each week we put together a list of our top three picks for events in Chicago architecture and history. Chicago events in June we feature this week include a lecture on the restoration of a historic recital hall, a tour of Howard Van Doren Shaw architecture, and tours of the Chicago ‘L.’
1. Trailing Louis Sullivan: The Restoration of Ganz Hall – LECTURE
430 S. Michigan Ave., Ganz Hall – Thursday, June 19th, 12:15pm-1:00pm
FREE
During this lunch time lecture from Landmarks Illinois learn about the restoration of the grand 4,000 foot Ganz Recital Hall. Architect Laurence Booth of Booth Hansen architects discusses the project for the Louis Sullivan designed hall located in the historic Auditorium Building. Ganz Hall was constructed in 1890 and includes intricate plaster and carved wood ornament, lavish stained glass windows and cast iron electric chandeliers and is one of Chicago’s most stunning interior spaces.
2. Howard Van Doren Shaw in Hyde Park – SPECIAL WALKING TOUR
Meeting point tbd – Saturday, June 21st, 10:00am-12:00pm
$30 – reservations required via historic2ndchurch@yahoo.com or 1.800.657.0687
The Friends of Historic Second Church are offering a unique tour of surviving buildings designed by prolific architect Howard Van Doren Shaw in the Hyde Park neighborhood. The tour will be led by architect Nate Lielasus and Executive Director of the Glessner House William Tyre and will discuss the architecture as well as the history and families for whom the buildings were built. Included will be a tour of the interior of Shaw’s 1923 University Church and will end with refreshments and a tour at the Quadrangle Club on the University of Chicago campus.
3. ‘L’ Tours: The Loop L Tour and Green Line L Tour – WALKING TOURS
17 E. Monroe, Palmer House concierge desk – Sunday, June 22nd, 1:00pm-3:30pm
$25/$20 members (includes CTA fare)- reservations required
The Chicago History Museum offers occasional tours of the Chicago ‘L’ and this Sunday you can choose from either a tour of the ‘L’ in the downtown Loop or along the historic Green Line. The Loop L is led by Greg Borzo, author of The Chicago “L” and includes commentary about stations and buildings with prime opportunities for photographs. The Green Line South retraces the development of the city as you take a trip on Chicago’s oldest ‘L’ line and includes a stop at the Illinois Institute of Technology for a look at the architecture and some history of the Chicago Bronzeville neighborhood.
