One year ago on a brisk, sunny October afternoon, I boarded the No. 82 bus in Logan Square and headed south on Kimball to an unknown destination. Eventually, it pulled up in front of a tall, brick tower that rose nakedly above the surrounding neighborhood. I could just make out the words etched into the top of the building's facade: "Sears, Roebuck And Co."
"This is our stop" said my girlfriend, pulling me off the bus. She had promised me a "surprise adventure," and so far it had been intriguing. When moments later I was ordered to sign a waiver in exchange for an elevator ride to the top of the original Sears Tower, I officially was impressed. "The observation deck hasn't been open in years," a volunteer said. "They're doing construction up there, so be careful."
Exiting the elevator at the top, I stepped into an echo-y white-washed room. The room was square, with three floor-to-ceiling windows lining each wall, and an outdoor wrap-around observation deck showcasing spectacular, unobstructed views of Chicago in every direction. At the center of the room, a string duet played an ethereal arrangement for a tiny crowd, while pigeons fluttered occasionally from the rafters above.
Finally, I had found my beach. Corona Light poured from the sky.
This type of magical moment (the Corona part was a lie) is what I have come to expect from Open House Chicago, an event as unique as the architectural gems and hidden treasures it showcases. The tag line for this year's event, held Oct. 18 and 19, basically says it all: "150 cool places. 48 hours. Go."
What you make of the 48 hours is up to you, but whether you are an architecture buff, an urban explorer or just a Chicagoan with a penchant for sweet rooftop views, I guarantee you'll find at least one building to take your breath away. There are sites in 18 Chicago neighborhoods, so explore your own or get to know another-you've got no good reason not to, because did I mention it's all free?
To plan your itinerary, start with openhousechicago.org for a full list of participating sites, and be sure to check out the "Behind the Scenes Access" available at each building. Some important tips:
>> Don't waste your time with buildings that are normally open to the public, as beautiful as they might be. The crowning jewel of OHC is the rare access to member's-only rooftops, whimsical work places, and secretive hotel penthouses not normally accessible to everyday Chicagoans.
>> If you are an aficionado of rooftop decks or spectacular views in general, (the Signature Room does get old eventually), check out sites like MDA City Apartments and Lake Point Tower, most of which are only accessible during OHC, or by paying $1 million a month to live there.
>> For bargain hunters, several OHC sites that are free this weekend normally charge admission. The biggie on this list is the Robie House, the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright home in Hyde Park that normally costs $17 for a walk-through. Alternately, the International Museum of Surgical Science is located in a gorgeous Gold Coast mansion that normally is $15 to enter.
A pretty famous Chicago architect once said "Make no little plans." I strongly recommend you make big plans to hit up OHC.
Anne Reed is a RedEye special contributor.