Exhibit/Tours/Programs- December Recap
CEO’s Office – Message from Eleanor Gorski
I spent my first month at the CAC getting acquainted with staff and being briefed on the operations of the organization. I also attended my first Board meeting and had the pleasure of meeting several trustees; and look forward to meeting the others in the coming months.
At this meeting, the Board approved the 2023 Budget which is focused on strategic investments in staff, technology and exhibits. The month of December was also spent listening to docents, the public and our patrons to learn first-hand what is working at the CAC and what needs attention. In anticipation of realigning the organization, staff hiring and consulting has been paused to focus on developing a comprehensive plan for the year ahead. In addition, I will also be reviewing our docent and board expertise with the goal of utilizing the amazing depth of knowledge and contacts these groups have to offer.
We also bid goodbye to the board’s ex-officio officers Kent Foutty (Docent Council President), Kathleen Carpenter (Docent-at-Large) and Mindy Viamontes (AIA Representative) whose terms ended. Thank you for all your service and support of the CAC!
Volunteers
December was a quiet month for docents and volunteers. They wrapped up the year with just under 700 hours of service to the CAC.
The 2023 Docent Class is officially finalized. We’ve accepted 51 new docents, the largest class to date. 33 trainees will learn walking tours and the remaining will take on learning the river cruise. Class begins on January 21.
Docents and volunteers enjoyed their Meet and Greet with our new CEO Eleanor Gorski and looking forward to the next opportunity in January.
Walking Tours
There were 224 walking tour departures in December. Average tour capacity utilization was 33% for the month with an average of 5.34 guests per departure. 53% of guests were members.
Exhibits
December total exhibit attendance was 2,125 guests. This included 1,360 adult tickets, 104 student tickets, 282 walking attendees, 143 OTA (online travel agency) purchasers, 113 comps, 129 private group attendees, and 248 members. \
What’s Happening at the CAC:
Starting January 16th, the CAC will be de-installing our Energy Revolution Exhibit in the Skyscraper Gallery. The de-installation and repair will take place over the next month and our new exhibit, which will be installed in early March. Please note that the Skyscraper gallery will be closed during this time.
From February 1st-5th, the CAC will be hosting an Architecture & Design Film Festival. During this time, we will not be conducting any tours from the CAC. We will also be closed on the 6th to reset the center for the public.
This week also marks the start of docent training for our 2023 class! You may see groups of trainees around the center and on the street learning the craft.
January and February Hours:
Starting in 2023, the CAC will be open Friday through Mondays from 10am-4pm. These shortened hours will reflect in the new schedule for 2023. We will reopen to 7 days a week on March 25th!
Wifi Information
Guest Wireless
SSID: Chicago Architecture Guest
Key: welcometocac
Comp Ticket Request Form
We have updated the link on The Bridge for Comp Request Form. If you have bookmarked this page, please delete and use the new one located underneath Quick Links.
Neighborhood Tours: The Will Call lists will be posted on The Bridge after 5 pm the day before your tour. Look for Will Call List under Quick Links. If the Will Call list is not posted, you can email ti*****@ar**********.org and staff will get an updated version up as soon as possible. If your tour is not listed on the current will call list, this means there are no sales and you do not need to come in for your tour. This applies to Neighborhood tours ONLY.
Guests must sign up for neighborhood tours on line. We do not allowing walk-up purchases for neighborhood tours. This is now clearly stated on the CAC website. Notes under all neighborhood tours include this language:
- Advance reservations are required for this tour.
- Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change, due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
- Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour.
- View the CAC’s hours.
Please also be sure to fill out the Neighborhood Tour Report Form after your tour. If your tour has zero tickets, you do not need to fill out the report. If your tour is not listed, choose OTHER and fill in the tour name in the comments.
PARKING
We are no longer issuing the parking vouchers for members. The discounted parking is still available at 111 East Wacker Drive. CAC guests and members receive but YOU MUST GET YOUR PARKING TICKET STAMPED at the CAC Box Office or the dockside CFL River Cruise box office. To receive your discounted rate pay at the LAZ garage office located inside 111 E Wacker opposite Potbellies Sandwiches. The parking garage is open 24/7.
Several other public parking garages are available in the River North and Loop neighborhoods. SpotHero can help you find a good deal. To reserve your parking spot, visit the Chicago Architecture Center SpotHero Parking Page and book with rates up to 50% off drive-up. Please note: if parking is prepurchased, early arrival or departure is subjected to additional charges at the garage’s discretion. New to SpotHero? Click here to download the SpotHero app. Questions? Give SpotHero a call at (312) 566-7768.