Lecture on architect Howard Van Doren Shaw May 5, 2015

Glessner House Museum, located at 1800 S. Prairie Avenue in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood,

will host a lecture entitled “Inventing the New American House: Howard Van Doren Shaw, Architect” on Tuesday May 5, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Architect Stuart Cohen offers a new look at one of the best-known architects of the early 20th

century, who built homes for the leading industrialists of his era. A traditionalist who incorporated English and Italian precedents, Shaw also created Market Square in Lake Forest – America’s first shopping center – and the interior of the National Historic Landmark Second Presbyterian Church. Copies of his new book will be available for purchase and signing.

Glessner House Museum is a National Historic Landmark and the last surviving work by architect H. H. Richardson in Chicago. Completed in 1887, the museum is recognized nationwide for its groundbreaking architecture as well as its important collection of arts and crafts decorative arts.

Admission is $10 per person. Reservations may be made by calling 312-326-1480. The museum is easily accessible by taking the #3 or #4 bus on Michigan Avenue to 18th Street, and then walking 2 blocks east.

Second Presbyterian enters the 21rst century with new sign

New electronic sign in front of Second Presbyterian
Church asks a provocative question.

Have you noticed the new electronic sign at Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 S. Michigan Ave.? The church was dedicated, according to Second Presbyterian’s Web site, in 1874.

Designed by architect James Renwick, who also designed Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, the church roof and interior was damaged by fire in 1900. It was rebuilt by architect Howard Van Doren Shaw. Shaw enlisted friend and fellow Prairie Avenue resident Frederic Clay Bartlett to help with the interior design. The original Gothic interior was replaced with decorations heavily influenced by the British and American Arts and Crafts movement.

The church, as it stands today, looks pretty much as it did when rebuilt, with the exception of a wood steeple that blew down in a storm. The church has some pretty impressive artwork inside, including stained glass windows by Louis C. Tiffany, Healy and Millet, William Fair Kline, and Sir Edward Burne-Jones.

Beautiful Michigan Ave. entrance to
Second Presbyterian

What do you think of the electronic sign? Does it fit in with a structure built in the 19th century and listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1974) and designated as a Chicago Landmark (1977)?

If you’re interested in learning more about this historic church, visit the Friends of Historic Second Church Web site.