Auxiliary Board Past Programs

The Offices of Liou Law

October 2, 2011

Designed by 4240 Architecture,this new and unique office building was inspired by the client’s interest in the machined precision of modern car culture and blended with the sophisticated elegance of exceptional material and detail. Light is considered the most precious material used in the design of the space. See how the architects used light to “paint” the space in a dramatic fashion. The space was also designed to support a modern office with a focus on the wellness of the employees. The design encourages and supports a balanced lifestyle of work, fitness, rest and a healthy diet.

Fall Opener- Gelman Residence

September 15, 2011

Originally constructed as the Clark Street Substation, 924 North Clark was designed by Von Holst and Fyfe in 1916. Although a utilitarian structure, it was designed in the Prairie Style with high-style architecture elements, including glass and ceramic tile on the facade as ornament. In the 1960's, the S.K. Culver Company, a water cooler and fountain distributor, converted the building into their offices and warehouse. The building was purchased in 2008 by Bruce and Michele Gelman who converted the once commercial structure into a home with architect Michael Hershenson and interior designer Lauren Ziol. Auxiliary Board members enjoyed an evening at the Gelman residence and heard more about the project from the architect, interior designer, and homeowners.

The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital

June 8, 2011

Designed by Zimmer Gunsal Frasca Architects, Solomon Cordwell Buenz, and Anderson Mikos Architects, Ltd., the new Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital is nearing completion and scheduled to open in 2012. The 23-story, state-of-the-art hospital will offer the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family friendly design. Tours of the new hospital were led by Chief of New Hospital Design and Construction (and CAF docent) Bruce Komiske and Martin Wolf, FAIA and Mark Frisch, FAIA of Solomon Cordwell Buenz. Following the tours, the Auxiliary Board hosted a buffet dinner at Prentice Women's Hospital and held their annual meeting.

The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library

April 28, 2011

In recent years, many universities have moved infrequently-used scholarly books and papers to new facilities off-site. The University of Chicago wanted to keep these collections on campus for better access by researchers. Designed by Murphy/Jahn, the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library will hold a collection of 3.5 million volumes, each accessible by a computer command to an innovative retrieval system able to fetch an item from anywhere in a fifty-foot deep underground tub. Auxiliary Board members toured the new library with University architect Steve Wiesenthal and Judy Nadler, Director of the University Library and University Librarian.

Jewelers Building Cupola

February 23, 2011

The Auxiliary Board held a cocktail reception in one of Chicago's most exclusive spaces - the cupola atop the historic Jewelers Building. During Prohibition the Stratosphere Lounge, as the space was known, was a speakeasy run by Al Capone. Today the cupola is architect Helmut Jahn's private conference room. Members enjoyed the incredible 360 degree views of the city and commentary on the Jewelers Building by CAF docent and Auxiliary Board member, Charles Stanford.

Christy Webber Landscapes

October 26, 2010

The Auxiliary Board enjoyed a tour of Christy Webber Landscapes with Christy Webber and architect Doug Farr of Farr and Associates. A 2008 Patron of the Year award winner, Christy Webber Landscpaes serves as a model of what a small business owner can achieve. This LEED-Platinum project is revolutionizing the landscaping industry. Located on a remediated brownfield in Chicago’s inner city, the site includes both office and shop operations, as well as storage for vehicles, equipment, soil, plants and hardscape materials.

Richard J. Klarchek Information Commons

September 30, 2010

Architect and Auxiliary Board president Devon Patterson, principal at Solomon Cordwell Buenz, led a tour of the Information Commons, a completely digital research library constructed on the shores of Lake Michigan. Loyola University won a 2009 Patron of the Year award for investing in cutting-edge design and engineering to create a space that suggests openness—to the natural environment as well as to new ideas.

Meet Me On The River - Annual River Cruise Fundraiser

August 17, 2010

Co-chaired by Auxiliary Board members Carrie and Ruben Ruban, the 2010 Annual Auxiliary Board River Cruise Fundraiser raised more than $10,000 towards CAF student apprenticeships at Taliesin. This year's cruise featured a fun networking game amongst guests and live music.

Morningstar

June 10, 2010

Morningstar’s Chicago office incorporates community based planning principles to create a more interactive and team-oriented environment. ARCHIDEAS designed a space appropriate to the firm's corporate culture. To facilitate teamwork, flexible project areas are accessible to everyone. The Auxiliary Board enjoyed a tour led by David Williams of Morningstar and Michael Fazio of ARCHIDEAS. After the tour the group held their annual meeting in Morningstar's auditorium and a hosted dinner in the 'cafeteria'.

The Legacy at Millennium Park

May 17, 2010

The Legacy at Millennium Park is a 73 story, 356 unit luxury residential tower completed in 2009. Through a unique partnership between the developers, the University Club of Chicago and The School of the Art Institute, The Legacy features beautiful views of Millennium Park and the lakefront. The Auxiliary Board enjoyed a private tour and reception with architect Gary Klompmaker, AIA of Solomon Cordwell Buenz and Richard Hanson and James Hanson of Mesa Development.

Underground Chicago: Historic Basements in the Loop

February 4, 2010

Led by CAF docent and trustee Henry Kuehn, this tour provided Auxiliary Board members the rare opportunity to explore the underground infrastructure of two historic buildings, the Monadnock (1891) and the LaSalle Bank Building (1934). Both buildings were state-of-the-art at the time of completion, yet their basements are quite different. The Monadnock has a single floor below grade crammed with structural footings and some original DC electrical switchgear. The LaSalle Bank Building has four levels of sub-basement, which are filled with mechanical systems and vestiges of the old underground rail system that served buildings in the Loop. After the tour the group ascended to the “attic” of 190 S. LaSalle for cocktails at The Library.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

September 15, 2009

The global headquarters of Kirkland & Ellis LLP relocated in 2009and became the anchor tenant of 300 North LaSalle. Skidmore, Owings and Merrill designed the interior of the firm’s conference center which features a terrace on the Chicago River. The artwork for the conference center was commissioned specifically for the space from a desire to support the local art community. The Auxiliary Board hosted their 2009 Fall Opener at Kirkland & Ellis and learned more about the project with speakers Kevin Evanich, Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Douglas O. McLemore, Executive Director, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Jaime Velez, Principal, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP, and Linda Warren, Art Consultant, Linda Warren Gallery.

Gensler

June 3, 2009

The Chicago office of this global design firm relocated to the Sullivan Center—the former Carson Pirie Scott & Co. department store. Occupying 50,000 square feet, Gensler’s office incorporates Sullivan’s iconic architectural features, such as the original columns, mosaic tiling, and windows, into its contemporary design. The Auxiliary Board enjoyed an exclusive tour with Gensler Principal and Regional Design Director and CAF Trustee Carlos Martinez.

The Greening of the Merchandise Mart

April 28, 2009

The Auxiliary Board spent an evening at the Merchandise Mart for a special presentation on the “greening” of the Mart. As the second largest commercial building in the United States, the process of undertaking the renovations necessary for the Merchandise Mart to earn a Silver LEED-EB certificate took three years and involved everything from fixing water leaks and replacing 4,000 windows to establishing an on-site recycling center for construction waste.

The Palmer House Hilton

February 24, 2009

To kick off the 2009 CAF annual gala (held March 13, 2009 at the Palmer House), the Auxiliary Board hosted a reception and program on the history of this Chicago landmark as well as the $180 million restoration. Speakers for the evening included Ken Price, Director of Public Relations for the Palmer House Hilton, James Pritchett, AIA, Principal of Loebl Schlossman & Hackl and CAF Docents and Palmer House Tour Co-Directors Joan Kuhn and Joan Stewart.

The Ransom Cable Mansion and The Richard H. Driehaus Museum

November 13, 2008

Mr. Richard H. Driehaus hosted the Auxiliary Board for a cocktail reception at the Ransom Cable Mansion and a private tour of the Richard H. Driehaus Museum, led by curator David Bagnall. Formerly the Samuel M. Nickerson House and one of the grandest residential buildings of 19th-century Chicago, the Driehaus Museum was meticulously restored and features Mr. Driehaus’ private collection of decorative arts.

30 West Oak

October 21, 2008

Designed by Booth Hanson, this 48 unit residential tower features open living areas with floor to ceiling glass offering expansive views, combined with bedroom areas offering more privacy with small window openings. The floor plans of these unique residences result in a dynamic sculptural exterior form. Nancy and Paul Knapp hosted the Auxiliary Board for a cocktail party in their residence with remarks from Joseph King, Associate Principal at Booth Hansen and interior designer Laura Barnett of Laura Barnett Designs, Inc.

The Blackstone Hotel

June 8, 2008

The Blackstone Hotel (1910) was designed by architects Benjamin Marshall and Charles Fox. It is considered the city’s best example of a turn-of-the-century luxury hotel, and represents an excellent and rare example of the Modern French style of Beaux-Arts architecture. In 1999, the hotel closed and endured several years of neglect. In 2008 the hotel reopened, after a $128 million restoration by Sage Hospitality Group. The Blackstone Hotel now houses a seamless mix of traditional architecture and modern design. The Auxiliary Board was one of the first groups to tour the hotel and hosted their annual meeting in the ballroom.

Stearns Quarry

May 31, 2008

Stearns Quarry opened in the late 1830s and supplied lime and crushed stone for concrete, fertilizer, and roads until it closed in 1970, at a final depth of 350 feet below street level. The City of Chicago bought the giant hole in 1970 for $9 million to use as a dump for construction and demolition debris and for ash from the Northwest garbage incinerator. The site is now an unprecedented type of urban park, with dramatic topography, a fishing hole, a sledding hill, a “natural” amphitheater, and an elaborately engineered water management system. The Auxiliary Board enjoyed a preview tour with Ernie Wong of Site Design Group and Claudine Malik of the Chicago Park District.

RTKL

January 30, 2008

Until 2007, RTKL was located in Holabird & Roche's Marquette Building. The firm decided to take a completely different direction and moved to the 18th and 19th floors of the mid-century Borg-Warner Building. The Auxiliary Board enjoyed a tour of the firm's new offices with architect Dave Walker and a reception.