Cynthia Bates, 2016
I’ve taken much too long to express our appreciation of the River Cruise my husband and I took on August 5, starting at 2 p.m. We’d taken the tour twice in previous years, when we also enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour leader this August was Cynthia. She pointed out various new details (to us) about older buildings that we much appreciated, i.e., stories about the builders, who they were, what other buildings they’d designed and where, etc. All in all, it was the most enjoyable boat tour of the three that we’ve taken. We wanted to make sure that, even though it’s months later, you knew how much we’ve appreciated the knowledge and friendliness of your tour guides and, in this case, of Cynthia! With best wishes, Lisa A. Heidorn
Nancy Carter, 2013
My lady friends and I enjoyed the Architectural Highlights by Bus tour. We boarded the bus right on time and tour guide Nancy was very knowledgeable of all the buildings we stopped at and the city. The tour consisted of 4 stops. The bus was very comfortable with a bathroom.
Chicago Architecture Foundation, 1966
More than 100 years ago, Edward Bennett and I recommended a new bridge to cross the Chicago River and connect Michigan Avenue to Pine Street. What a difference that bridge has made! And now I see that the Chicago Architecture Foundation is moving into the neighborhood. Congratulations on your new home at 111 East Wacker Drive, which sits amidst architectural gems from the past (the historic styles are my favorites), present and future. You are making no little plans, indeed! – Daniel H. Burnham, FAIA
Mary Pat Doyle, VEV
Took my neighbor of 30 years to CAF store today. Went first to model of Chicago. Greeted by a volunteer who was so friendly and knowledgeable. Shame on me for not remembering her name! She was there at 2:15 today. My neighbor was really impressed with her. Made me proud to be a CAF member!
Gus Higginson, 2007
We have twice taken out of country visitors on a Chicago Architectural Foundation tour, and the walking Historic Skyscraper tour is stellar. Our docent, Gus Higginson, was charming, knowledgeable, and easy for our foreign visitors to understand (i.e. he enunciated his words beautifully). Loved seeing the inside of buildings I’d been walking past my entire life, and now make an effort to visit lobbies and public spaces when I have the time. Highly recommended!
Tom Kinsella, 2006
The Art Deco tour was another fantastic experience – my tour guide Tom K. (different Tom from first tour) had been giving tours for over 10 years and his passion for Chicago’s architecture shined through. I appreciated hearing about the history and evolution of the style and design of each of the buildings we visited. Tom’s anecdotes and at times, colorful accounts of history and his own Chicago experiences made the tour that much more enjoyable.
Larry Mages, 2011
I just wanted to write a few words to say how much I enjoyed a recent tour I went on with your foundation. It was the Chicago Modern tour. I can’t remember the name of the guide, but he was a brilliant and enthusiastic teacher. I went on the 17th of November, and I was the only person on it. It was a real treat, and gave me a great insight into modern architecture. Of all the tours I took during my trip to Chicago, this was my favorite and has stayed with me. – Many thanks, Sarah Lynam
Susan Pappas, 2005
Our Hotel Boom guide, Susan, was excellent . . . knowledgeable, insightful and kept things moving well. It was a walking tour of over a half-dozen older buildings that had been converted to hotels over several decades. Very informative and fascinating. Well organized and included a headset so that we could easily hear the guide and her comments throughout the tour.
Tom Stelmack, 2017
I decided to do the Must-See Chicago walking tour and it was great. Our docent Tom was affable and easy to understand. Though he had only been with CAF for a year, Tom was great at answering any questions, kept the tour interesting, and made me eager to learn more about Chicago’s beautiful buildings. Because I had such a great experience on my first tour, I made my way back to CAF and signed up for the Art Deco tour.