Stories of Chicago
A curated collection of stories behind the buildings, architects, neighborhoods and figures that make up the city
A curated collection of stories behind the buildings, architects, neighborhoods and figures that make up the city
April 15, 2022
Newhouse Competition Turns 40
The CAC's Newhouse Architecture + Design Competition, now in its 40th year, continues to inspire teens to understand why design matters.
February 23, 2022
The Johnson Publishing Company
John H. Johnson founded the Johnson Publishing Company in 1942, launching the magazines Ebony in 1945 and Jet in 19…
February 23, 2022
Ida B. Wells-Barnett and the Ida B. Wells Housing Projects (Homes)
The Ida B. Wells Homes were a series of rowhouses, mid-rise and high-rise apartment buildings to house Black famili…
July 2, 2020
A summer stroll along Logan Boulevard
Logan Boulevard, with its flowering trees in bloom, is a green getaway to explore this summer. Among all Chicago’s historic boulevards, this two-a…
May 13, 2020
Sears homes in Downers Grove
A place for me. A place to be. A place to dream. A place of my own. A home. "Home" means different things to different people at different times, …
May 6, 2020
Astor Tower: Modernist celebrity in the Gold Coast
Astor Street, part of the historic Gold Coast, is a goldmine of architecture. I have lived nearby for 25 years and never stroll the street without…
April 16, 2020
Chicago’s Piano History
A short section of Wabash used to be full of piano companies: Baldwin & Co., Wurlitzer, Cable Piano, Mason and Hamlin.
April 15, 2020
The Aragon Ballroom
During these homebound days, I often have music from the 1930s and 1940s playing in the background–big band favorites from Benny Goodman, Glenn Mi…
March 7, 2019
5 women architects in Chicago history
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’ve compiled a list of five historic, trailblazing women architects who made their mark in Chicago.
February 8, 2019
5 Chicago theaters with significant architecture
Chicago is famous for its architecture, but our city is also home to a world-renowned and vibrant theater scene.
January 8, 2019
5 interesting facts about West Loop
Originally home to industrial spaces and wholesale food markets, West Loop is now exploding with modern high-rises, top-tier restaurants and new r…
January 8, 2019
5 things to know about Pullman
Pullman is a unique South Side neighborhood that serves as a focal point for railroad, labor and Chicago history. Established in 1880 by Pullman C…
