Three Splendid Churches, One Over-the-Top Movie Palace: My First Day at Open House Chicago 2014

click images for larger view

The first day of the Chicago Architecture Foundation's spectacular Open House Chicago 2014, which gives the architecture-loving access to 150+ sites often closed to the general public, saw us heading out to South Shore and Pilsen - three churches, one movie palace, and a few extras.  Here's a sampling of what we saw, with more complete stories soon to come.

Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 79th and Jeffrey in South Shore.  Joseph W. McCarthy, architect.  Dedicated 1935.

The New Regal Theater (originally the Avalon) , 1600 block of west 79th, South Shore, John Eberson, Architect.  Opened 1927

 

 

Bonus: special Open House Chicago ruptured barge sunk in the Chicago River exhibit

St. Paul's Catholic Church, 22nd and Hoyne, Pilsen.  Henry Schlaks, architect. Opened 1899.

 

 

Hector Duarte Studio, Gulliver in Wonderland mural, Pilsen

St. Adalbert Church 1600 block of west 17th, Pilsen.  Henry Schlaks, architect.  1914 - 1914

 

 

 

There's last more tomorrow, Sunday, on Open House Chicago's closing day, with a number of new venues that weren't open on Saturday.  I'm heading out to Union Station's to check out the usually out-of-sight women's lounge, and improv it from there.  Check out the full list of sites and hours here.