Blog

First of a series of posts about the new core tours

By Susan Pappas, Class of 2005

The Evolution of the Skyscraper tour began its life in 2010 as Skyscraper Walk through Time and challenged docents to complete the route and narratives in a fast paced 60-minute time frame. But in 2015, with a new name, Evolution was developed into a more relaxed 90-minute experience that presented its building sites in chronological order that both tourists and docents loved.

So what is going to happen to our very special Evolution tour when CAF moves north to its headquarters at the new Chicago Architecture Center and we have a totally revamped tour route? What will we do without our old favorites such as the Berghoff, Manadnock, Marquette, Field, et al? Are we still going to be able to present buildings in chronological order? Will tourists continue to see the developing building technology and changing style/ornamentation? Will the connection of “form follows finance” be clear?

The answer to all of these questions is yes. New sites have been selected to demonstrate and fit into the Evolution tour themes. The chronology will begin with the Page Brothers Building with its cast iron front and mostly load bearing walls. The Commercial style with its tripartite form and neo-classical ornamentation will be represented by the State and Lake (ABC) and the Old Dearborn Bank Buildings. Art Deco will be seen at the Chicago Modern Club and Carbide and Carbon. The John Hancock will be viewed from a distance, but there will be a good look at the Mid-Century Modern style of Illinois Center from the north side of the river. NBC Tower will show the Post-Modern trend of the 80s and 90s, and, of course, there will be great views of all the development happening in Lake Shore East.

Yes, there’s work ahead for all of us EvoSky docents. Re-training will be held multiple times in the first half of the year, and re-certifying will be completed in time for our move to the CAC next spring. There is new information to learn, but the challenge will be amazingly rewarding.