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 are priced at $40 for non-members, $30 for members, and $15 for students.
The Ruth and Sam Van Sickle Ford House Tour
SOLD OUT
When: Thursday, September 10th, 11AM or 1PM
One of the most significant homes in Aurora is the Ford house, designed by architect, Bruce Goff. It is also commonly referred to as the “Round” or “Coal” house. Working on the theory that the circle is “an informal, gathering-around, friendly form,” Goff designed the home with a center circle 50 feet in diameter and two circular bedroom wings. It is constructed of anthracite coal, steel, glass, cedar, and hemp and has remained relatively unchanged since its construction.
Bruce Goff was a self-educated and exceptionally creative architect who designed this dome-shaped house with Quonset hut ribs forming the frame of the dome. Most of the dome is covered in shingles except the southeast side of the dome.
The house was built in 1949–50 for painter and art teacher Ruth Van Sickle Ford and her husband, civil engineer Sam Ford. Ruth Van Sickle Ford was a noted artist, and was the director of the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts at the time the house was constructed.
The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 8, 2016, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2023 for its architecture. It is now privately owned.
Parking: available on nearby streets
Lunch Ideas: TBD
Architects – Continuing Education Units are available for this program. All money received for unused reservations will be donated to the WALF Scholarships.
For more information – enjoyaurora.com
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
Thank you for your response. ✨
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: Church of the Holy Family & St. Ignatius College Prep (1080 W. Roosevelt Rd.)
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:
150 North Riverside Building
GEMS World Academy Lower School
Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
The Apple Store and the Chicago Riverwalk
The Writer’s Theater in Glencoe
New McDonald’s Headquarters in Chicago
659 Wrightwood Exhibition Space
The Newberry Library
One Bennett Park
Second Presbyterian Church
The Old Chicago Post Office
Tribune Tower Residences
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool and Lincoln Park Conservatory
Former Cook County Hospital Building
Ross Barney Architects Office
Northwestern Unity Kellogg School of Management Global Hub
O’Hare Airport 21 Project
Independence Library and Senior Apartments
Women's Architectural League Foundation 