Illinois Travel Guide 2009 - (Page 38) blocks along the Chicago River. Designed by architects Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, the 25story Mart was opened in 1931. Today, the magnificent Art Deco design is still intact, including lush lobby murals by Jules Guerin that depict commerce around the globe. AACVB/BEACON NEWS Preservation Trust. Tours include an indepth look at his Home and Studio, strolls past homes in the area designed by the architect and a peek at Unity Temple, which Wright referred to as his “little jewel.” Wright’s work in Illinois expanded well beyond Oak Park’s borders. His Robie House, now part of the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, is a masterful structure that is open for tours as restoration work continues. The Muirhead Farmhouse in Hampshire has been restored by descendants of the original owners and opened as an upscale bed and breakfast. Kankakee is home to Wright’s Bradley House, considered to be the first complete example of the architect’s Prairie-style residential design; it features the Stable Shop & Museum connected to the main residence. In Belvidere take a self-guided tour of Wright’s Pettit Memorial Chapel, located in the Belvidere Cemetery. HIDDEN GEMS Top to Bottom: Frank Lloyd Wright’s historic Robie House in Hyde Park, Mies van der Rohe’s stunning Farnsworth House, the landmark Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park The CAF also offers motor coach options, including the Farnsworth House PLUS by Bus tour. This whirlwind tour takes visitors to Chicago’s Illinois Institute of Technology campus to see the world’s largest group of buildings designed by minimalist Mies van der Rohe, then whisks them out to Plano to tour the architect’s stunning glass Farnsworth House, an icon of the American Modernist movement. FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT Illinois’ most prolific architect was Frank Lloyd Wright. The architect lived and worked in suburban Oak Park for 20 years during the late 1800s, perfecti n g h i s Prairie style of architecture while designing several homes in the area. Wright’s style reflects pure Midwest sensibility, incorporating strong horizontal lines and flowing open floor plans that embraced the sweeping landscape of the plains. Wright’s Home and Studio in Oak Park has been preserved and is now part of the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District. Both guided and self-guided tours of the area are presented by the Frank Lloyd Wright 38 ILLINOIS. MILE AFTER MAGNIFICENT MILE. MATTHEW GILSON The state holds many other architectural treasures that may not have been designed by big-name architects but are definitely worth seeking out. The beautiful Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette is one of only seven Bahá’í temples in the world. This elaborate 20-story structure, designed by French-Canadian architect Louis Bourgeois in 1921 and completed in 1953, features a huge white dome (reminiscent of the Taj Mahal) surrounded by pillars carved with intricate symbols that represent the world’s major religions. The number nine symbolizes unity, and it is repeated in the temple’s nine sides and nine lavish gardens that feature nine fountains. Its interior boasts walls of exquisite lace-like KIM KARPELES enjoyillinois.com http://www.enjoyillinois.com
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