Tom Carmichael, 2009
Tom was a great guide for Chicago Masterworks, explained everything extremely well.
I can recommend the CAF-tours. I would have taken at least another one if I had the time. – David H.
Alpaa Desai, 2009
An in-depth tour downtown, viewing the exterior of about 10 skyscrapers and walking into or through the reception area of some of them. Our guide, Alpaa, is also an architect and provided very informative perspective on some design and construction elements. This is our 3rd or 4th tour with the Architecture Foundation and the tours are uniformly excellent. – Larry L.
Education Guides – Judi Cellini, Bob Sutter and Jeff Zurlinden, 2015
This is a shout out to the Education Guides who conducted a field trip to students, who spoke Chinese. We were not aware until they arrived that this was the case – so everyone had to be extra flexible and creative. Editor’s Note: Judi, Jeff and Bob are all Education Guides. Jeff is a docent, too.
Education Guides
From Angela Esposito, CAF Manager of Studio Programs: I had the wonderful email (below) in my inbox this morning from the lead teacher of last Friday’s Student Loop tour. Thank you for your dedication to our young people, Education Guides, and for being amazing!
Thank you for your help, Angela! I also wanted to ask if you could let your tour guides know that the groups absolutely loved the tours. The teachers all said that it was the first time they have really seen them engaged and the first time they had written a lot in their daily journals. One of the teachers told me they learned a lot of new words, including the teachers! Also, they loved going in and out of the buildings and seeing them inside and out. She said it made up for the wind! Thanks again, Nicole
Ted Eller, 2013
One of the very best walking tours we have ever taken! We have taken many tours on foot and by bus in various places, but our Historic Skyscrapers guide, Ted, was the best. He had an excellent knowledge of the buildings we visited. Chicago has a lot to work with as far as historical buildings yo, and we can’t wait to try another tour. I am also going to recommend the Treasures of Culture and Commerce tour that my brother and sister-in-law took. Have fun! Learn lots! – Pat K.
Cindy Everett, 2011
Hello CAF – I was on the group tour of the El on 12/30 at 12:30 led by volunteer Cindy. She was an excellent guide and only added to a wonderful tour! She is knowledgeable, personable and warm – even on a cold, windy Chicago afternoon. It is apparent she enjoys her position and sharing Chicago history via architecture. Kudos to Cindy! Kind regards, Peggy B. Oshefsky
Kent Foutty, 2009
Unbelievable! I’ve lived in the suburbs for more than 30 years, with frequent trips to the city to see the sights, but NEVER had been in the Cook County Building much less in the pedway. Kent was an excellent tour guide. He took us to some gems of the city in just two hours. With the exception of one of our group members, we were all from the area, and I daresay, we all learned more about “our” city than we could have dreamed! Do you know where Macy’s keeps all of the Christmas decorations when they are not displayed? We do now! Take the trip! It’s more than worth it!
Delta Greene, 2008
We took the CAF Hotel Boom tour yesterday. Our guide was Delta. This is the fourth tour we’ve taken that Delta has led , and we have nothing but good things to say about her. With every tour she’s led , we find her to be very knowledgeable about the subject. She rarely has to refer to her notes. When we saw her yesterday and found that she was leading the tour , we were very happy. In fact , we asked her if we could find out what tours she would be conducting in the future. As we told her yesterday , we had such a wonderful experience on the first tour we took , which she led , that we decided to become members. CAF is fortunate to have her as a docent. – Jerry & Mary Paluch, Tinley Park
Roy Slowinski, 2009
Stumbled across the “Historic Treasures of Culture and Commerce” while in Chicago for an event. Though I have walked passed these historic buildings on frequent visits, it was such an incredible educational experience to join out of state visitors and locals for this tour. Our CAF docent Roy did an amazing job of sharing the development of Chicago as a “second city” after the fire of 1871, and helped our group really “see” the architecture through time, and “hear” about the people who have preserved and repurposed these cultural gems for us to enjoy!
Joann Sondy, 2012
This informative walking tour focuses on the Art Deco skyscrapers in the financial district. Great value @ $20 per person. Our volunteer guide, Joann, is passionate about the city and both the artistic and economic value and impact of these buildings. Wonderful insights and history down to the most minute detail. A wonderful way to beat the chill of a grey, windy winter morning. There were many tours from which to choose — we hope to return for more with CAF. The shop onsite is a treasure trove. Highly recommended.
Lisa Voigt, 2014
I would say this is a must do for Chicago. Lisa (volunteer guide) was so knowledgeable and friendly and answered heaps of my questions. Will definitely take one of the other tours next time I’m here. Thank you!
Ben Wolfe, 2015
The Chicago Masterworks was one of the best walking tours I have ever taken. Our docent, Ben, was extremely personable and informative. I highly recommend!