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Sweet Home Chicago
Chicago Architecture Foundation
Our City’s Crown Jewel
In 1871, Chicago experienced a disaster that led to
it becoming a city rich in architectural treasures. I
refer, of course, to the Great Chicago Fire, which
burned from Sunday, October 8 to early Tuesday October
10, killing hundreds and destroying almost every
structure within four square miles.
Rebuilding began almost immediately with the first
load of lumber delivered the day the last burning
building was extinguished. The city welcomed, with
open arms, architects from all over the country to help
in this gargantuan task. Chicago became the training
ground for a number of these leading architects
including Louis Sullivan, Daniel Burnham, Dankmar
Adler, William Le Baron Jenney, Martin Roche and
William Holabird. Chicago became the fastest growing
city in the 19th century, and just 22 years after
the fire, hosted more than 21 million
visitors during the World’s Columbian
Exposition. That mindset of building
and embracing architectural achievements
is still with us today and has
resulted in marvelous examples of a
wide variety of architectural styles.
The formation of a remarkable organization,
the Chicago Architecture
Foundation (CAF) enabled residents
and visitors to learn and experience
these architectural achievements.
CAF presents a comprehensive program
of more than 70 tours as well
as exhibitions, lectures and adult and
youth activities all designed to enhance
the public’s awareness and appreciation
of Chicago’s outstanding
architectural legacy,
By Edina
Lessack, CMP
Meeting Consulting and
Talent Representation
CAF boasts over 500 volunteer docents
who go through rigorous training
and examinations for each tour prior to leading
it. Visitors and Chicagoans alike frequently comment
on the knowledge and presentation skills of these talented
guides.
One or more CAF tours are often the highlight of a
visit to Chicago. The choices are many and appeal
to a variety of interests. My favorite tour is the River
Cruise (one of those led by my husband, Alan), which
covers buildings along the north and south branches
of the Chicago River. In rebuilding the city, the river
served as a transportation hub which resulted in the
design and building of many structures on the water.
They are fascinating to see and learn about from that
vantage point. Also popular are the tours to various
neighborhoods; the docents usually have intriguing
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847-678-4000
847-292-9100
North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
www.oharechicagohotels.com
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14 news & views | may-june 2008 www.mpicac.org