The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) is hosting openhousechicago 2011 (OHC 2011)—a free event that takes the public behind the scenes of more than 100 spaces in five diverse neighborhoods—Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 15-16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The neighborhoods are downtown Chicago, Bronzeville, Garfield Park/North Lawndale, Little Village and Rogers Park/West Ridge. The OHC neighborhood hubs are: Little Black Pearl Art & Design Center (Bronzeville), Santa Fe Building (downtown), La Villita Community Church (Little Village), Garfield Park Conservatory (Garfield Park) and Warren Park Field House (Rogers Park).
Among just a few of the buildings that will be showcased are the Santa Fe Building, 224 S. Michigan Ave.; Lake Point Tower, 505 N. Lake Shore Dr.; the Welcome Inn Manor, 4563 S. Michigan Ave.; Second Federal Savings, 3960 W. 26th St.; MRC Polymers, 3535 W. 31st St.; Power House High School, 931 S. Homan St.; Christy Webber Landscape Designs, 2900 W. Ferdinand St.; Mayne Stage Theatre/Act One Pub, 1328-30 W. Morse Ave.; and Uncommon Ground, 1401 W. Devon Ave.
Advanced registration for OHC2011 is not required. However, sites will be open on a first-come, first-served basis.
Transportation will be available within the neighborhoods. There will not be any connecting those areas, however.
During a meeting with media, OHC 2011 Managing Director Bastiaan Bouma said that the event’s distinguishing characteristics are: a deep engagement with community partners; behind-the-scenes access; and a focus on sustainability.
People can schedule their own itineraries and find out much more information by visiting www.openhousechicago.org. In addition, volunteers are needed—and volunteers (as well as CAF members) have line privileges during OHC 2011.