Five Things to Do in Chicago’s Financial District
Chicago’s Financial District, centered on LaSalle Street in the Loop, is the fulcrum of the heartland’s economic engines. Looming skyscrapers form a canyon-like effect down LaSalle, which ends abruptly with the Art Deco masterpiece of the Board of Trade on Jackson. Floridly-dressed commodity traders at the Board of Trade, regulators at the Chicago Fed, and […]
Which Chicago Building Matches Your Zodiac Sign?
It’s easy to talk about Chicago architecture. Names, dates, styles, stories. The hard facts of history and design make our jobs as Chicago tour guides very tangible. But what about the other side? The ineffable, mysterious, or spiritual sides of Chicago architecture? Well, we don’t go in for ghost stories very often, but another idea occurred to us. […]
The Legacy of Landscape Architect Jens Jensen
Jens Jensen was a phenomenally prolific and skilled landscape architect. Of all the big names that helped develop our great American urban parks, this one feels under-sung to me. His works are some of the most beloved Chicago’s parks. Yet his life and legacy don’t have the same fame as Frederick Law Olmsted or the glamorous […]
Architecture in Oak Park Beyond Frank Lloyd Wright
This late February heat wave has me itching to go outside and explore the incredible architecture of Chicago and its surrounds. And the Chicago Detours ethos encourages going off the beaten path. So I set myself the challenge of tracking down notable architecture in Oak Park that goes beyond Frank Lloyd Wright. Obviously, the pioneer of the […]
Three Chicago Architecture and History Events This Week
Every week we give you three architectural and historical art openings, screenings, lectures or other great activities. This week’s Chicago architecture and history events include a discussion on the rise of the skyscraper, a performance of music by Frank Lloyd Wright’s father, and art work celebrating the culture of Bronzeville. 1. Augustus Higginson speaks on […]
Three Cool Historic and Architectural Events This Week of Jan. 20
Starting today, we plan to share a weekly list of what we think are the best, most intriguing historic and architectural events of the week in Chicago. If a lecture, film screening, panel discussion, or art opening focuses on the city, its history, architecture, culture and planning, and it sounds cool, then we will feature it. Our […]
April “After Hours” at the Robie House
April is right around the corner and that means April After Hours at the Robie House. You can go the Robie House in Hyde Park any Friday in April to schmooze among other architecture lovers with a beer or wine in hand. Tunes from an acoustic jazz combo will add to the ambiance. You can […]