Chicago, IL (May 2, 2004)—What do Al Capone, Mayor Daley, and thousands of Chicagoans have in common? A childhood spent in an Historic Chicago Bungalow. Both of these men's childhood homes and hundreds more from the modestly proportioned bungalows of Bridgeport to the stately proportioned ones of Beverly can be seen and learned about throughout the summer for those signing up for "Bungalows by Bus" being offered four days between May and September.
A joint endeavor of the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association and the Chicago Architecture Foundation, "Bungalows by Bus" provide visitors and Chicagoans a like with a great way to both view and learn about this unique, but ubiquitous Chicago architectural contribution. The tours travel through bungalow neighborhoods as guides explain how the Bungalow belt emerged during the first half of the last century as streetcar lines extended the reach of the city and newfound prosperity was reflected in these well-designed solid brick homes.
"These tours are a great way to experience the many neighborhoods that make up Chicago's 'bungalow belt'," said Charles Shanabruch, executive director of the HCBA. "Participants will be able to see the blocks that were listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a designation that was a real milestone for the Chicago bungalow."
Two "Bungalows by Bus" tours are being offered. A north tour, being offered on May 9 and September 19 and a south tour will be held on June 20 and October 17. Both tours will pass through one of the newly designated National Historic Districts, Schorsch Irving Park Garden on the north tour and South Park Manor on the south tour, and all tour-participants will have time to walk through bungalow neighborhoods and view the interior of a bungalow.
"Our tour creates a sense of the way the city developed and the distinctive styles that are incorporated within each neighborhood," said Tom Drebenstedt, "Bungalows by Bus" creator and guide. "A lot of people actually go on the tour looking to buy bungalows because they have heard of the HCBA and their programs."
All four tours begin at 9 a.m. and last about four hours, leaving from the ArchiCenter Shop in the Santa Fe Building, 224 S. Michigan Avenue. The cost is $30, or $25 for members of the CAF or the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association. Reservations are required. Call 312-922-3432, ext. 240, to reserve a spot.
"Bungalows by Bus" is one of 78 tours offered by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, which was founded in 1966 as a vehicle to celebrate Chicago's architectural heritage and encourage excellence in the future. Please call 312-922-3432 or visit www.architecture.org.
The Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative was launched four years ago to both celebrate and encourage the purchase and restoration of Chicago's 80,000 historic bungalows, the sturdy and gracious brick homes that make up nearly one-third of the city's single-family housing. To date, the program has helped more than 4,300 homeowners throughout the city purchase, restore and adapt bungalows to modern family needs by providing special financing options, grants, vendor discounts, technical assistance and education. For more information on Historic Chicago Bungalows, contact 312-642-9900.