Culture, Design Converge at Oak Park's Unity Temple

When lightning struck and destroyed the original Unity Church building in 1905 in Oak Park, the nephew of Universalist preacher and social reformer Jenkin Lloyd Jones stepped up to the plate to help the church rebuild.

His name was Frank Lloyd Wright.

Unity Temple, located at 875 Lake St., is home to the local Unitarian Universalist congregation. The building was was constructed between 1906 and 1908, and has been a United States National Historic Landmark since 1971.

Self-guided and group tours of Unity Temple, sponsored by the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation, are available from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students under 22 with a valid ID, and children under 5 are free. Visitors can enjoy lunch at Unity Temple. Boxed lunches are available for groups at $15 per person. Call 708.383.8873 for reservations and information.

The primary goals of the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation are to complete a comprehensive restoration and preservation of the building, promote architectural awareness and education through the use of the space, and introduce a worldwide public to the significance of this one of a kind masterpiece of modern architecture.

Wondering what to do for Valentine’s Day? How about celebrating it at Unity Temple. The “Wine, Chocolate & Architecture: Tastings and a Tour” will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. Tickets are $35 each. Proceeds help support the restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s modern masterpiece. Click here for more information.

Temple is also a favorite Chicagoland venue for weddings, receptions, private parties, corporate events, meetings, and concerts.

For more information about Unity Temple, visit www.unitytemple-utrf.org.