Oct 20

Oct 20 Open House Chicago

Chicago, Chicago Tourism, Things to Do in Chicago, Urban Landscapes

Fall in Chicago may be the best season, particularly the month of October, as was demonstrated once again this weekend. Over 170 office buildings, historic residences, churches, museums, and other architecturally-notable sites opened their doors to the public on Saturday and Sunday. The Chicago Architectural Foundation curates this extravaganza, providing members of the public glimpses behind otherwise locked gates and doors.

I spent most of the weekend wandering from building to building in the Loop, River North, and the Near Southside. The weather was perfect for a long walk—blues skies, no humidity or wind, and temperatures hovering just below 80 degrees. Less so for photography—particularly color photography—unless creating postcard pictures. I much prefer clouds, rain, or snow. Nevertheless, I work with what fate hands me.

Over the course of the two days, I visited the 11th floor of the Prudential Building, 300 South Riverside Plaza, 1 North Dearborn, the building formerly known as the CNA Building located at 333 South Wabash, Gems World Academy, SCB Designers, the Second Presbyterian Church, and Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation (otherwise known as Chess Records).

As should be apparent to longtime Chicagoans, I spend much of my time on Loop rooftops. Everyone has captured images from the observation decks of the Willis and (currently unnamed) Hancock Towers. I enjoy photographing the city from various heights, but in different locations. While working this weekend, I realized I was excavating Chicago architectural history when I photographed the textures created by overlapping facades.

On Sunday, I visited the Second Presbyterian Church, which has been lovingly restored by the Friends of the Historic Second Church (1936 South Michigan Avenue). The sanctuary incorporates Arts and Crafts stylings. The church should be a must stop for the people who visit Chicago’s Cultural Center to see the famous Tiffany dome, which is the largest object in the world created by Tiffany and Company. Lining the walls of the church are 12 stained glass windows, nine of which were designed by Tiffany.

Chess Studios (now known as the Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation) still occupies the historically designated building at 2120 South Michigan Avenue, which is the church of the electric blues, where Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Jimmy Rodgers, Howling Wolf, Otis Spann, and the Rolling Stones all recorded seminal sides. After listening to a 20-minute presentation, I had the opportunity to see one of the recording studios. Apparently, the mixing console is being restored, but just seeing the space where Muddy Waters recorded his classic tracks brought a smile to my face, particularly as the monitors pumped out crystal clear electric Blues. Nothing like the sound of reverb.

Chess Studios was my last stop of the weekend. Open House Chicago never grows old. Every year there is something new to see.

[Click on an Image to Enlarge It. The Images Are Not Necessarily in Exact Chronological Order]