Chicago Architecture

Although early spring snow squalls remain a possibility for communities along the Great Lakes, songbirds are returning to Northern neighborhoods and lawns are greening. As with the return of migratory birds, Celebrate Libraries® is preparing for another trip to Illinois to marvel at Windy City architecture and continue our exploration of Chicago’s historic research library–The Newberry. Opened in 1893, the building was designed by the firm of architect Henry Ives Cobb.

Newberry Library is located downtown on the Near North Side between the Gold Coast and Magnificent Mile. Walkable Washington Square Park faces The Newberry from across West Walton St. and provides a natural respite from city traffic and concrete.

CL plans to explore The Newberry’s archives for answers to an architectural mystery that has been nudging us for the past year. Upcoming podcast interviews will feature expert interviews about Cobb, Washington Square Park and Newberry Library. We also intend to review a Unesco application to grant special status to a group of 19th century Chicago skyscrapers.

Robin and Jon Voils
Celebrate Libraries®
Founded 2015
[email protected]