A free exhibit at the Chicago Architectural Foundation (224 S. Michigan Ave) “Do We Dare Squander Chicagoâs Great Architectural Heritage?” through May 9.
The exhibition includes architectural artifacts from the Tribune, Fisher, Santa Fe, and Monadnock buildings, a rare film–featuring photographer and preservationist Richard Nickel, of the demolition of Adler & Sullivanâs Chicago Stock Exchange, photographs by Nickel and Ron Gordon, and objects and images relating to Chicago preservation efforts.Nickelâs 1960 fight to save Adler & Sullivanâs Garrick Theater sparked the modern preservation movement. The exhibition focuses on three motivations behind the desire to preserve the built environment: to celebrate design, to foster identity, and to revitalize city life.
Do We Dare Squander Chicagoâs Great Architectural Heritage? examines the role of historic preservation in the construction of Chicago and its identity. It features the stories of individuals and grassroots groups who have undertaken preservation campaigns and evaluates the results of their actions. âUnderstanding what moves Chicagoans to treasure and preserve their environment reveals what they value, and what they want their city to be,â said Gregory Dreicer, Vice President of Exhibitions and Programs
The CAF is also holding a number of related events during the run the exhibit (a full list of all CAF’s programs can be found here). Among them, is a free lecture April 17, “We Will Not Squander Chicago’s Great Architectural Heritage!” featuring preservationists, including John Vinci, discussing the challenges of preserving the buildings of Chicago.