An exploration of the beautiful materials that compose Evanston's remarkable architecture. Observe how the colors, textures, and patterns of building materials such as stone, terra cotta, brick, and tile enhance the design of a building.

Discover how Chicago became the alley capital of the country! On this tour, we'll be walking the alleyways of Evanston to explore our architecture from a new perspective and learn how public health, sanitation, and trash shaped our region.

Daniel Burnham, Chicago's most well-known architect, chose to live in what he called "bucolic Evanston." Learn about his life and his relationship with the community while viewing the work he did in his neighborhood. Discover why he also called Evanston "the most beautiful city in the world."

Stroll along the lakefront and explore how the natural environment of Evanston affected the development of the community and the university. See how the lake provided scenic beauty and economic opportunities, along with environmental risks.

This tour through southeast Evanston explores how the different architectural styles that were popular for Evanston's houses were also applied to its many apartment buildings. Discover how multi-family housing emerged in Evanston and adapted to changes in taste and technology.

The first Prairie School tour will take place in the south-central area of the Lakeshore Historic District. The tour begins at the Evanston History Center and goes south to Lee Street and back. Highlights include the iconic Carter House by Walter Burley Griffin, the Linthicum House by Tallmadge & Watson, and the Ballard House by…

Beginning in the park across from Dwight Perkins’ own home and Robert Spencer’s “dollhouses,” the tour also includes examples of Frank Lloyd Wright and Evanston native son Thomas Tallmadge. View their avant-garde designs and learn about their relationship to Evanston.

The Ridge Historic District contains a rich concentration of Prairie School designs, making this a more geographically compact tour than the other two. Discover how one family fostered the growth of the movement and created this collection of treasures.