Tours

WALF members organize tours designed to deepen appreciation for both historic and contemporary Chicago architecture. Tours frequently feature buildings under construction or recently completed, led by architects involved in the project.

Tours cost $35 for non-members, $25 for members, and $15 for students.

RSVP by Thursday June 7, 2023 (no exceptions)
This MANDATORY SECURITY FORM must be completed no later than Thursday, June 7

Photos courtesy of ORD21.com

O’Hare Airport 21 Project
10510 W Zemke Blvd, Chicago, IL 60666

When: Wednesday, June 14th 2023 at 9:30AM

Named the 2022 public project of the year, the work at Terminal 5 is part of the broader 10 year O’Hare 21 Capital Improvement Plan and will transform the terminal into a modern, efficient global hub to serve the needs of the traveling public through the 21st Century.

  • Recognized for its unique contributions to diversity and inclusion
  • Increased the terminal’s gate capacity by 25% to improve efficiency and reduce
    delays
  • Passenger amenity space was increased by 75%

The existing building was expanded by approximately 350,000 square feet, with
additional renovations to 750,000 square feet of the existing structure
Starting at the City of Chicago Department of Aviation Building, three Department of
Aviation Architects will lead us on a bus tour of the expanded runway system for
approximately 1 hour. Next there will be an extended walking tour to see the additions
to Terminal 5 and the east extension facilities.

Copy courtesy of O’Hare 21

Parking: Please carpool as there is only parking for 20 cars at the Aviation Building.

Day of tour bring your Photo ID of government issue, wear comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sunglasses. No large bags allowed.

For more information on the Terminal 5 Expansion Project visit – ORD21.com

RSVP Here for the O’Hare Airport 21 Project by Wednesday, June 7th! Fill out the form below & make your ticket payment through the PayPal donation button or at the event.

Any questions? Email us at walfchicago@gmail.com


All money received for unused reservations will be donated to the WALF Scholarships.

Pay for your Tour Attendance through the “Donate with Paypal” button here

Previous Tour: Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management Global Hub, April 13th (2211 Campus Dr. Evanston, IL 60208)

Photos from Previous Tours


Our tours range from historical to contemporary. Six to seven tours are typically scheduled every year. Some previous locations have included:

Lane Tech Murals

Commonwealth Promenade Apartments

Millennium Park Walking Tour

Chicago Cultural Center

Heritage Condos

Garland Court Construction

Bronzeville Bus Tour

Brad Lynch Residence

Krause Music Store

Palmolive Building Renovation

Skybridge Condos

Loyola University Art Museum

Prairie Avenue District: Marshall Field Jr. House/Condo Conversion

Orozco School Mosaics & National Museum of Mexican Art

Vietnam Veterans’ Art Museum

Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago

B’hai Temple

Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio

Rooftop Garden at Chicago City Hall

Crab Tree Farms

BPAPS Hindu Temple

Harrison Conference Center

St. James Chapel at Quigley Seminary