You are currently viewing Kudos:  December 2023 & January 2024

Kudos: December 2023 & January 2024

John Blackburn 2017, John Hug 1999, John Ivory 2023, or John Slivka 2023
Historic Treasures, December 2023
John was very articulate in presenting the architectural aspects of the subject buildings as well as the historical aspect. Armando R

Mark Campbell 2023, Mark Lenhart 2023, or Mark Purdome 2019
River Cruise, November 2023
Mark was amazing. Crafted a great narrative and was incredibly knowledgeable. Very funny and kept us entertained. Henry R

Mark Campbell 2023, Mark Lenhart 2023, or Mark Purdome 2019
River Cruise, October 2023
Best way to see the buildings, architecture styles, and learn some history of the city! Mark led our tour and was awesome!!! Clint F Katy, TX

Tom Carmichael 2007, Tom Savick 2008, or Tom Stelmack 2017
River Cruise, November 2023
The views were amazing. Tom was a great tour guide. So much information about the buildings, the River and its importance, history, the development of Chicago. Glad we chose this company. EllenBH, Oakland, CA

Steve Gersten 2003, Steve Haddad 2020, or Steve Redfield 2019
River Cruise, November 2023
Would go on this tour multiple times. Steve the instructor was amazing. Would recommend you  [to] everyone. Todd S

Steve Gersten 2003, Steve Haddad 2020, or Steve Redfield 2019
River Cruise, October 2023
A must do when you visit Chicago. Interesting and entertaining. Seeing the city from the river was amazing. Our guide Steve was awesome. dominic g

Steve Gersten 2003, Steve Haddad 2020, or Steve Redfield 2019
River Cruise, October 2023
Steve is the best docent we had. Thanks to him our cruise was the highlight of our Chicago visit. Highly recommended. Alex M

Laurel Kruke 2019 and Teresa Klier 2023 and either John Blackburn 2017, John Hug, or Jeff Marcella 2001
Historic Treasures | Magnificent Mile | Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront, December 2023
The three tours I took, Art Deco, Hidden Treasures, and Magnificent Mile, were all terrific and included many interiors, such as the Walnut Room and the lobby of the Motor Club that I never would have seen on my own. Kudos to the three guides, Laurel, Teresa, and Jay (?) who were all knowledgeable and enthusiastic. A fantastic way to experience Paris on the Prairie on a sunny day and if I was in Chicago longer, I’d do more. Bryant73 Morristown, NJ

Cynthia Bates 2016
Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront, November 2023
My family and I had a great time in a chilly day in November visiting Art Deco buildings with our guide Cynthia. It was a cold morning in Chicago, nonetheless the combination of time spent outside and inside of the buildings, along with Cynthia’s knowledge, enthusiasm and warmth made this a wonderful experience. The tour was very informative, and gave us the opportunity to learn about and see Art Deco details that are normally overlooked. Once again, the Chicago Architecture Center lived up to our expectations. clbsplaces México

Mary Jane Beechen 2016
Art Deco Skyscrapers Loop, November 2023
Can highly recommend for Art Deco lovers! The guide, Mary Jane was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and answered all questions very well. Laureen

Jane Cahill 2012
River Cruise, November 2023
Jane – solid tour guild and knew her stuff! Fun time and she was great to the passengers. Interesting to see everything and see the city. Andy B

Rene Cantú
Historic Treasures of Chicago, November 2023
The Historic Treasures of Chicago Tour was filled with interesting facts and stories about some of Chicago’s most famous buildings! As a Chicagoan myself, it’s nice to stop and look up to marvel at all of the various styles of architecture. And our Docent Rene Cantu’s passion and enthusiasm was evident throughout the tour! I learned that The Carbide and Carbon Building on Michigan Avenue was the home to Eveready Battery, The Hard Rock Hotel, and now a Pendry Hotel. The building is definitely one of my favorites with its gold adorned tower. From the Tribune Tower to the Chicago Athletic Association to Carson Pirie Scott and Macy’s, this tour is a must-see! Todd Wood Chicago, IL

Anne Findlay 2023
River Cruise, October 2023
Amazing tour even in the rain. Anne did a really great job as docent despite the weather. Go! Rain or shine! Erica H

Kent Foutty 2009
River Cruise, October 2023
I have never seen so many skyscrapers in my life! Our guide, Ken was amazing as he told us the history & about the different kinds of architecture of them all. It was an informative & interesting tour along Chicago’s waterway. I’m very glad I went. Betsy L

Debra Jean Frels 1989
Historic Treasures,
Walked through the Fine Arts building with Deborah. A friendly, knowledgeable docent bubbling over with enthusiasm about stories to tell. GlobeTrotting556774

Sharad Garbharrad 2023
River Cruise, September 2023
I had such a wonderful time on this cruise! Our docent Sharad was so lovely! He was knowledgeable, charming, and oh so funny. I’ve lived in Chicago for 14yrs, and this was my first architectural tour. I’ll definitely do it again…maybe an evening tour next time. Highly recommend 👍🏾 Jenea M

Delta Greene 2008
Historic Treasures of Chicago, November 2023
This was an excellent walking tour of Chicago’s historic buildings from the golden age. This CAC tour is very informative and was conducted expertly by CAC docent Delta. Highly recommended!

Steve Haddad 2020
A Walk Through Time, December 2023
The tour was great and offered a good introduction into Chicago’s history and its diverse architecture. We visited 10 iconic buildings that representing the various architectural styles that comprise the city’s Downtown area. The docent Steve Hadod was very knowledgeable and his enthusiastic explanation of the different architectural features and the historic background made the tour both informative and enjoyable. It was definitely a great experience that I would recommend to anyone that wants to explore the city a bit and learn something while doing that. Florian D

Joni Hirsch Blackman 2013
River Cruise,November 2023
Joanie was very informative and we could tell she was passionate about giving everyone a great history of the river and the architecture along the way. We were advised to do the experience and not disappointed. Carol B Cincinnati

Mary Jo Hoag 2007
Fine Arts Building, December 2023
Jo Ann was an awesome tour guide and I learned so much about the amazing Fine Arts Building and its incredible history! Highly recommend! Ronnie F

Darcy Krulisky 2017
What’s New, December 2023
Darcy was a wonderful leader and at the finish wrapped up all we had seen in a great synopsis. The weather was pretty miserable, but she didn’t miss a step and neither did we. Just an excellent experience!! shellelly D

Amanda Lewis 2019
River Cruise, November 2023
We had an amazing boat tour with Amanda as our tour guide. It was the perfect way to see downtown Chicago, and thanks to Amanda we learned so much about the history of many of Chicago’s iconic buildings. Ella K

Terry Light 2023
Historic Treasures of Chicago, November 2023
It was perfect! Terry is an excellent tour guide! I would do it again most definitely! Learned a lot! Maria Eugênia K

Kelly Manteck 2020
Must-See Chicago, December 2023
Kelly was our guide, and she was terrific! It is amazing what I was missing just aimlessly wandering around. The architecture tour really opens your eyes to these amazing gems in the city! Vanessa C

Burt Michaels 2019
A Walk Through Time, November 2023
Bert did a phenomenal job talking about the very interesting history behind Chicago’s skyline. It makes me truly happy to see these kinds of activities being offered. Timothy B

Patricia O’Connor 2020
River Cruise, November 2023
I had the pleasure of taking this cruise on a Sunday evening 4:00 booking. The lights at night after the sun went down were magical, it was cold but we were dressed for it so that was good. After we were underway, we were told it was the last outing for the season until next spring and we were soooo glad we decided to go. It was amazing and beautiful, and our tour guide Patricia was a gem. She had so many interesting facts and was passionate about the city and its buildings and history, and it made for a memorable tour. We all were very happy with this and would recommend to all. Stephanie F. Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Chris Pausch 2019
Historic Treasures, December 2023
My father and I have lived in Chicago all our lives l know a decent amount of Chicago history and even we walked away glad for having taken this tour! Chris P. was our guide and did a great job informing us about the actual stops as well as other tidbits along the way. As a citizen of a city this rich there is always more to learn and I was so glad to learn some interesting facts I do not think I would have otherwise. Walking distance was decent, but manageable and we had a great time. I will definitely seek out more events and ways to participate with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Bonus- the model of the City in the actual Foundation was a blast to look at. Thanks so much! Valerie N

Bob Pratt 2019
River Cruise, October 2023
Excellent experience. Our docent, Bob P, was a perfect combination of knowledgeable and personable. He greeted each passenger as they boarded, and made the 1.5 hour tour perfect. ArnieF18 Philadelphia, PA

Mark Purdome 2019
Historic Treasures, December 2023
Our Docent Mark clearly loves this role, is very knowledgeable about downtown architecture and local history and is enthusiastic about the tour. We discussed construction methods, decorating details and design of buildings. The indoor portion- Palmer Hotel, Macy’s and Library were exquisite gems and a highlight. Mark answered questions readily and made it all a pleasant experience. The headphones system is helpful on noisy streets. Judith M Lebanon, IN

Steve Redfield 2019
Elevated Architecture: Downtown ‘L’ Train, December 2023
I’ve done many tours over the years with CAC but this one was so unique! We were hopping on and off the trains and exploring and experiencing city from the elevated perspective while learning how L came to be. Steve was an amazing guide, fun and knowledgeable and with his fascinating stories he made us forget about gloomy weather and live for a moment in the past. I will never again travel the L the same way, always loved it but now I got the new awareness and appreciation for the each ride! Sanja T

Ron Roman 2023
The Magnificent Mile, January 2024
The architectural walking tour of the Magnificent Mike (Michigan Ave) by docent Ron Roman was terrific & engaging. Even as a long-time Chicago area resident, I learned a whole lot more! Anne R

Marcia Ross 1994
Hotel Boom, December 2023
We took the Hotel Boom tour. Our guide Marcia was very knowledgeable, and I liked the earphones because I could still hear her even with the traffic noise. As Chicagoans ourselves we will never stay at these hotels so it was a great opportunity to check them out. Especially since they were decorated for Christmas. Debbie G

Alison Schlickman 2015
River Cruise, November 2023
Fantastic tour! Learned so much from our guide Alison, she was fantastic! The views were stunning and if you are only in town for a limited number of days, I think this boat tour is a must! Gordon T

John Schneider 2017
Old Post Office, December 2023
Both tours were extremely educational and interesting, but what made them outstanding was the presentation of the information by John. He made the time fly and reinforced my belief that Chicago is a wonderful city and that the CAC is a fantastic organization. I will do more walking tours with the CAC in the future. Bill d

Russ Seward 2005
River Cruise, September 2023
Everything about tour was awesome. We especially enjoyed our docent Russ. Extremely knowledgeable while being very enthusiastic and entertaining. Russ really does a great job!! Charles O

Peter Shearn 2023
River Cruise, October 2023
Insightful and engaging! We th0roughly enjoyed our tour. Peter, our docent, was excellent! Thanks for a great tour! Anna-Mai H

Lydia Spettel 2023
River Cruise, September 2023
We’re visiting from NY and wanted a quick tour on the river. Our tour guide, Lydia, was amazing! She’s knowledgeable and funny.. we enjoyed every minute.  francene c

Paula Tironi 2023
Historic Treasures, December 2023
Amazing and informative Paula was an excellent guide. She was very knowledgeable and can answer a lot of questions. Joseph D

Maureen Waller 2023
Hidden Treasures of Chicago, November 2023
This is a really great, fairly concise tour of roughly 10 iconic buildings. You visit the interiors of 4 of the 10 buildings. Our docent Maureen was wonderful. Extremely pleasant, patient, very informative and a native Chicagoan. She made the tour exceptionally great. Highly recommended tour. Don’t miss it. Paul F

Claudia Winkler 2007
River Cruise, October 2023
The AIA river tour is excellent, even in a cold, windy drizzle and, upon reflection, I think Claudia was the best tour guide I’ve ever had anywhere in the world. Linda M United States


Contributor Betsy Jenkins

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