Preservation Commission to Host Elmhurst Architecture Tours

Submitted by the City of Elmhust.

The City of Elmhurst has a unique collection of buildings designed by many famous architects in a wide variety of styles.

On Saturday, July 18, the Elmhurst Historic Preservation Commission will conduct two tours of private Elmhurst residences and commercial buildings of architectural and historical significance.

Among the properties on tour are Elmhurst “landmarks,” dwellings on the National Register of Historic Places, and classic examples of architectural styles from the 1840s to the 1950s. This is a unique opportunity to see and hear about properties that make Elmhurst a special community.

The tour will feature many styles of architecture; making stops at buildings designed by world-famous architects Walter Burley Griffin, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Mies van de Rohe as well as local notables E. E. Roberts, Berkeley Brandt, H. G. Fiddelke, Harold Zook, and E. Norman Bridges.

Two separate tours are available -- divided into morning and afternoon sessions, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. The morning tour highlights exterior features of ten properties while the afternoon tour visits ten additional sites. Both tours will depart and conclude at the Elmhurst Historical Museum (120 East Park Avenue).

Between the two tours, visitors are encouraged to visit the Elmhurst Art Museum (free with tour ticket), the Elmhurst Historical Museum, the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, or the Theatre Historical Society (above the York Theatre). Visitors may also dine at any of Elmhurst’s fine restaurants (a $5 Elmhurst City Centre coupon good for the day of the tour is included with tour ticket).

Cost per person/per tour is $30. Tours will be conducted on an air-conditioned trolley bus. Tickets are limited, so reserve early! Reserve a seat for both tours and save $5 for a total cost of $55.

Contact Eileen Franz at (630) 530-3121 to make reservations and/or request any additional information between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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