MLA ‘08 Blog

Four hundred feet above the streets of Chicago is an architectural gem, The Sky Chapel at the top of the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple.

The Chicago Temple is the oldest church in the city; it was founded in 1831, six years before the city of Chicago was incorporated. The Sky Chapel, reached by two elevators and a set of stairs, is located under the church spire. The chapel was a gift from the Walgreen family, dedicated on Easter morning 1952.

As an architecture aficionado, I was delighted to be introduced to this tiny gem in the city. In the chapel, stained glass windows are themed to “transportation in the City of Chicago”, and you have everything from ox carts to jets. An unusual topic for a religious institution! They can open the windows, and it’s amazing how distant the city sounds up there. The view is excellent, too.

- Diane Fagen

The Chicago Temple is located at 77 W. Washington Street, directly across the street from Daley Plaza and the iconic Picasso sculpture. Tour information is available here.

Thanks to LAC member Diane Fagen, for sharing her insider knowledge!

Daniel Burnham, Louis H. Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe . . . Chicago is a city of great architecture. And there’s no better way to gain an appreciation for it’s history than by taking a tour led by a knowledgeable docent from the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF).

Here are four (of many) tours you might consider:

• Explore downtown Chicago and visit beautiful art deco skyscrapers.
• Admire art glass and mosaics by Tiffany Glass in several landmark Chicago buildings. The tour fee includes general admission to the Art Institute.
• Sit back and enjoy the skyline vistas on a river cruise. In addition to all you’ll learn about the city’s architectural history, you’ll also get the best unobstructed photo of the Sears Tower!
• Have you read Devil and the White City? Learn about the site and circumstances surrounding the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, the backdrop for this chilling story. The special companion tour is offered on Thursday, May 22nd at 10:30 AM.

CAF tours are offered on all days of the week; visit their website to see which will work best with your conference schedule. Fees range from $5 for tours of individual, historic buildings, to $30 for the river cruise.

Insider tip: The shop at the CAF ArchiCenter is a great place to pick up an unusual gift or Chicago souvenir. They are located at 224 S. Michigan Ave., at the corner of Michigan and Jackson.

-Kristin Hitchcock

In a city whose motto is “City in a Garden”, it is easy to find a park for some fresh air and a little exercise. Go to the Chicago Park District’s web site, or take a look at the suggestions below, originally published in the October 2007 issue of MLA News.

Millennium Park
Opened in 2004, Chicago’s newest attraction is a 24.5-acres park, just waiting to be explored. Stop by the Welcome Center for a map of the park or a self-guided audio tour that includes Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Crown Fountain consisting of two 50-foot glass block towers, the springtime Lurie Garden, and much more.

Chicago Lakefront Path
This paved path is around 20 miles long, and is ideal for cycling, running, rollerblading, or walking. If you want to go beyond one mile of the Hyatt, rent a bicycle at the McDonald’s Cycle Center in Millennium Park. Don’t forget to pick up a Chicago Bike Map while you’re there.

The Green at Grant Park
You won’t find windmills and Astroturf at this 18-hole putting course in Grant Park. Instead you’ll encounter manicured, contoured greens with elevation changes and sand-traps. Alfresco dining and entertainment are also featured.

- Deb Werner

Calling all fans of great architecture! The Chicago MLA ‘08 meeting coincides with Oak Park’s famous Wright Plus, a tour of homes and buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries. Frank Lloyd Wright’s (FLW) home for 20 years, Oak Park and adjoining River Forest boast more FLW buildings than the anywhere else in the world.

On Saturday, May 17th, visitors from around the world come to enjoy the Wright Plus Housewalk, featuring rare tours of the interiors of eight private homes and two landmark buildings, designed by FLW + contemporaries. Visitors enjoy interpretations of the homes’ history and architecture, including discussions of the original occupants’ lifestyles. Additional events are planned for the entire weekend.

Offered just once a year, Wright Plus sells out quickly. Visit the Wright Plus website to see images of the featured Housewalk homes, for information on ticket details (including group sales), and online ordering.

The tour begins at the FLW Home and Studio Center located at:
931 Chicago Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60302
708-848-1976

Directions (Ask for help at the Hospitality Booth if you need clarification.)

Metra Rail
Walk to the Bus Stop at Columbus Drive between S. Water St. and Wacker Dr. Board the 124 Navy Pier Express Bus. Exit at Canal and Madison. Walk into the Northwestern Station, a blue glass-covered building. Take westbound Union Pacific West Line train to Oak Park. Exit at Oak Park stop. Walk north on Marion Street Mall to Lake St. Turn right on Lake to Forest Ave. Continue north on Forest to Chicago Ave. The FLW Home and Studio is on the corner of Forest and Chicago. 10-15 minute walk. Check the train schedule.

CTA (a great chance to ride Chicago’s famous “El”, often featured in movies)
Walk West to State St. Walk south to Lake St. Locate the State and Lake “El” station. Take westbound Green Line to the Oak Park Ave. stop. Walk under tracks and go north on Oak Park Ave. to Chicago Ave. Turn left (west) and walk 3 blocks to the FLW Home and Studio. 10-15 minute walk. Trains run approximately every twenty minutes.

Insider Tip: There are a lot of great restaurants in Oak Park. Two within easy walking distance are Penny’s Noodle Shop and Giordano’s Pizza. Just head west along Chicago Avenue to reach them. Penny’s, located three blocks west, features a diverse menu of noodle dishes from all over Asia. Giordano’s, located two blocks west, makes a delicious deep dish Chicago-style pizza. Both are great choices for meat-lovers and vegetarians.

Penny’s Noodle Shop
Address: 1130 W. Chicago Ave., Oak Park
Phone: 708-660-1300
URL: http://www.pennysnoodleshopoakpark.com

Giordano’s Pizza
Address: 1115 W Chicago Ave., Oak Park
Phone: 708-386-2223
URL: http://www.giordanos.com

- Andrea Garren

Alright, all of you architecture buffs out there, let’s see if you can answer this question:

How many movable bridges are in Chicago — 15, 25, or over 35?

Hint: A reference book previously featured on this blog will help you find the answer.

Extra hint: It’s the Encyclopedia of Chicago.

Alternative hint: Local Chicago web publication, Gapers Block, featured an “Ask the Librarian” section, where you’ll find what you are looking for.

- Deb Werner (topic suggested by Kate Corcoran)