Love where you live, more.
Open House Chicago, the annual opportunity to acquaint yourself with spaces both celebrated and unknown, returns for its 16th edition October 17-18. Presented by the Chicago Architecture Center in cooperation with upwards of 200 sites, the free public festival spans dozens of neighborhoods — including many in our collective backyards that often go unnoticed.
Participating spots include churches, residences, skyscrapers, clubs, breweries, museums, theaters, farms and nearly everything in between. They invite you to explore, learn history and discover how they contribute to the greater cultural fabric. Few other events are so all-encompassing in capturing what makes Chicago tick.
Due to the breadth of options and varying hours of accessibility, plotting a schedule that accounts for transit times is a must. Create an itinerary at openhousechicago.org and access it across devices (no tickets or advance registration are required). Another veteran tip: Base your plans around priority sites open only one day. And carve out a break to grab a snack at a local establishment you’ve never patronized.
Where to go? While it’s impossible to visit a majority of the locations in one weekend (keep a wish list for next year), these 12 stops (and 12 alternates) won’t disappoint.
Avalon Regal Theater
While the fate of Uptown Theatre
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(also part of Open House Chicago) remains in limbo, restoration efforts are underway at this equally stunning Moorish Revival palace, aiming for Grand Hall occupancy next year. Survey the colorful array of hand-painted patterned murals, reliefs and ceilings, and feel the majesty of a facility that’s hosted everyone from Louis Armstrong to the Jackson Five. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. at 1645 E. 79th St.Nearby recommendation: Stony Island Arts Bank, 6760 S. Stony Island Ave.
Bubbly + Norwich
This incubator for fabricators, designers and artists recently expanded from a former Lowe Brothers paint warehouse to the neighboring Norwich Pharmal Co. building. In addition to glimpsing the industrial past of Chicago’s Central Manufacturing District, grasp the present by dropping by independent businesses devoted to sustainability and collaboration. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. at 1048-1100 W. 37th St.
Nearby recommendation: The Plant, 1400 W. 46th St.
The Cliff Dwellers Club
Savor Instagram-ready views of the lake from the terrace and dining area of a private club founded in 1907. If you’re so inclined as you take in Millennium Park and the skyline and gaze towards the steel factories in Northwest Indiana, talk to members about joining the nonprofit devoted to supporting the fine and performing arts. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 200 S. Michigan Ave. Ste. #2200
Nearby recommendation: Stantec Architecture, 224 S. Michigan Ave.
Electrical Audio
Some of the longest lines in Open House Chicago history snaked down the sidewalk leading to late engineer Steve Albini’s recording complex when it debuted last year. For music lovers, the wait is worth it. Queue up early, quiz your tour guide and soak up the ambience of a one-time dairy barn whose custom-built walls turn the two contained studios into the equivalent of separate buildings. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 2621 W. Belmont Ave.
Nearby recommendation: Judson & Moore Distillery, 3057 N. Rockwell Ave., Bldg. 5
First Church of Deliverance
Designed by Illinois’ first licensed Black architect, Walter T. Bailey, this gospel institution charms with a terra cotta facade, Streamline Moderne style and, if you’re lucky, live musical accompaniment. Pass through carved wooden entrance doors to a green-accented sanctuary, look straight up and sense the spiritual pull of the illuminated cross suspended from the ceiling. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sun. at 4315 S. Wabash Ave.
Nearby recommendation: Illinois Tech’s S.R. Crown Hall, 3360 S. State St.
The Forum
Envisioning Chicago’s future involves valuing or repurposing the hubs of its past. Though many buildings that comprised Bronzeville’s Black Metropolis fell to the wrecking ball, the Forum survived in severely diminished condition. Part of the National Historic Register, the potential of the red-brick structure mirrors the raw revitalization possibilities of its surrounding area. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. at 324 E. 43rd St.
Nearby recommendation: Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 4501 S. Vincennes Ave.
Nichols Tower at Homan Square
Once connected to the world’s largest commercial building (since demolished), the original Sears Tower stands 14 stories high. The top floors offer unobstructed 360-degree views. After you visit, head across the street to the Sears Sunken Garden and neighboring Charles H. Shaw Technology and Learning Center (same hours). Or join one of the four daily tours of the three campus spaces. Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. at 906 S. Homan Ave.
Nearby recommendation: Farm on Ogden, 3555 W. Ogden Ave.
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Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica and National Shrine
One of just three basilicas in the state, this breathtaking Catholic church is on par with Europe’s grand cathedrals. A barrel-vaulted ceiling that reaches north of 80 feet, a Carrara marble altar, a life-size replica of Michelangelo’s “Pieta” sculpture, a restored Lyon & Healy pipe organ, gold-leaf panels and Corinthian pilasters instill awe no matter your religious beliefs. Open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. at 3121 W. Jackson Blvd.
Nearby recommendation: Revolution Workshop, 3410 W. Lake Ave.
Park Castle Condominiums
Why settle for ordinary when you could reside in a castle? Designed in 1925 by Jens Jensen and appointed with turrets, towers, crenellations, opulent brickwork and a double courtyard, this West Ridge complex overlooks the urban oasis of Indian Boundary Park. Inside, more elegance awaits in the form of a tiled swimming pool that whisks you back to the Jazz Age. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. at 2442 W. Greenleaf Ave.
Nearby recommendation: Casa Bonita, 7340 N. Ridge Blvd.
Starshaped Press
As modern life leans digital and artificial, Starshaped Press preserves the tangible delights and distinctive textures of old-school craftsmanship. Situated in the handsome Bull Dog Lock Co. building, the woman-owned letterpress studio harbors a museum-worthy collection of tools, machines, prints, and antique wood and metal type. Be sure to ask for a demonstration. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. at 4636 N. Ravenswood Ave. Unit #103
Nearby recommendation: All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 4550 N. Hermitage Ave.
Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church
The struggles that Ukrainians endure in their country lend added credence to a sacred Byzantine space whose cruciform exterior — marked by rounded arches, gold domes and a brilliant mosaic — only hints at the gorgeous imagery, chandeliers, iconostasis, windows and tones within. Spend an extra few minutes there and listen to a guide explain their meanings. Open noon to 5 p.m. Sat., 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sun. at 739 N. Oakley Blvd.
Nearby recommendation: Ignite Glass Studios, 401 N. Armour St.
Working Bikes
Get inspired to connect with community causes via a behind-the-scenes look at a nonprofit organization that redistributes thousands of used bikes each year to people in need of accessible transportation. Teeming with bicycles, parts, parts and inventive contraptions, the three-story facility, a former Borax factory, serves as a model of can-do efficiency and activity. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 2434 S. Western Ave.
Nearby recommendation: Mana Contemporary Chicago, 2233 S. Throop St.
Bob Gendron is a freelance writer.