Tours

Love Architecture? Join us for a Tour!

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.

Tribune Tower Residences (435 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago)

Tour: Weds, May 25 at 10:30am RSVP below by Fri, May 20

From the renowned Hall of Inscriptions to walls filled with historic relics of worldwide significance, Tribune Tower’s original design elements have been carefully and respectfully restored to preserve its dramatic impact. In its rebirth as Tribune Tower Residences, the building’s rich architectural details are reflected in masterfully articulated new expressions – creating a seamless connection between yesterday and today.

An architectural masterpiece gracing the city skyline with permanence and beauty. A majestic structure, an unsurpassed presence and an extraordinary history. And, now in its new life, beautifully transformed into distinctive and elegant luxury residences – each one unique in character.

The Tribune Tower features residences in 1-4 bedrooms, with 56 floorplans. There is 55,000 sq. ft. of amenity space on four different levels, including fitness and gathering spaces, private park and pool, and the 25^th floor Crown Lounge and Terrace with indoor and outdoor kitchens, fresh herb garden and firepits.

Other Details for the Tour Day: Meet in the Historic Lobby (ground floor). Upon arrival, please check in at the Front Desk Ambassadors. Please have your driver’s license or i.d. for check-in. Parking is available at a Public Parking Garage at 240 East Illinois (City Front Plaza) Hourly rates apply.

All COVID protocols for the City of Chicago and State of Illinois must be followed.

The Women’s Architectural League Foundation (WALF) will hold its Annual Meeting immediately following the tour in the 3^rd Floor Great Room and Bar. All WALF members are encouraged to attend this very brief meeting to elect new directors and officers, and for the announcement of our scholarship recipients.

Architects – Continuing Education Units are available for this program.

RSVP Here for our Tribune Tower Residences Tour by May 20! 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 Oct 2021- Old Post Office (433 W. Van Buren Street)

After sitting vacant for nearly two decades, The Old Post Office has just completed an $800 million renovation, the largest historic redevelopment in the country! Tour lead by Grant C. Uhlir, Regional Managing Principal for Gensler, and senior manager for the Old Post Office project.

A bit more about this historic restoration: Today, the property boasts over 2.5 million square feet of stunning multi-use office and event space, and is poised to once again become the central hub of Chicago’s business community. The historically minded restoration and repositioning, including restoration of the building’s facade, windows, main lobby, Postmaster-General’s suite, and historic corridors. This project was as much about transformation as it was about the research of what once was. Gensler has created detailed documentation of existing equipment including scales, mail chutes, conveyors, historic corridors, original mosaic tile floors, and plaster ceilings. Preservation of these elements is paired with graphic stories and displays of postal relics to capture a unique brand experience that speaks to the building’s history and its purpose moving forward. The development is LEED certified.