Homecoming, etc.

This past weekend, September 27-30, North Park University, my alma mater and current employer, celebrated its annual Homecoming. The weekend was jam-packed with meals, gatherings, games, and reunions. Though I only participated in a few events, I did have the opportunity to accompany a group of alumni and friends on a Frank Lloyd Wright Architectural Tour in Oak Park, Illinois. Chicagoland tours are a new addition to the homecoming weekend at the Park, but go a long way in reminding us that our little school is in a world class city. Below are some images from the tour, which included the Wright home and studio and the Unity Temple in Oak Park.

This statute sits in the courtyard outside of the Wright studio.

This phrase, "For the worship of God and the service of Man", greets visitors to Oak Park's Unity Temple. According to our tour guide, it is a foundational thought to both Wright's design of the structure and the practices and spirituality of the Unitarian congregation.

The sanctuary of the Unity Temple is an amazing space. This is a view of the front, where Wright made even the organ structure fit in with his design. The entire structure is of poured concrete, and was the first single-material building completed. Using concrete as this material lent the structure an air of modernity, leading many to call it the beginning of the modern architectural era. The Temple also carries what many recognize as Wright's signature style, the Prairie style. (The light fixtures may be my favorite part.)

Wright loved natural lighting, but was unable to use his standard design of enormous windows to flood the building with light. This was done out of sensitivity to protecting the worshippers from the noisy streets outside. Instead, Wright used his windows high in the sanctuary, and built an elaborate ceiling of skylights. I love it!

The Unity Temple is in major need of repair. Concrete is a very porous material, and many of the walls are soggy and need to be replaced. The cost of this project, however, will be enormous. To help with the cost, a preservation society has been formed, and they are raising funds to begin the work. Additionally, the Temple is one of 25 historic and cultural landmarks competing for a $1 million, being given away by the American Express Partners in Preservation Chicagoland Initiative. Through this website, visitors can register and cast votes - one each day - between the 25 sites; the winning site will receive the money for restoration.

Also among the 25 sites is a close friend of North Park's - Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center. Von is the high school that sits just west of the University; the two have built a lasting relationship that you can read about here. Currently, Von is running 2nd in the voting, just behind On Leong Merchant Association Building/Pui-Tak Center in Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood. Those of us in the neighborhood would love to see Von Steuben get a face lift, so that it will still be around for the thousands of kids in the Albany Park neighborhood for many years to come. If you want to join the ranks of Voters for Von, click here to register and begin voting. The polls are only open until October 10, so time is running out!