A Free History Lesson: Logan Architectural Gems on the Open House Chicago Tour

Have you ever wondered what it looks like inside the Logan Auditorium or the new L apartments? Maybe you were never cool enough to go to an event at Stan Mansion? It’s okay; here’s your chance. On Oct. 13 and 14, you can take a peek inside these buildings for free and learn some architectural history.

The eighth annual Open House Chicago, sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Center, will give access to over 250 sites in 30 neighborhoods and suburbs. Seven sites are on the Logan Square tour. Can you guess what they are? Keep on reading for the answer and more info on when to check them out.

Stan Mansion (2408 N. Kedzie Blvd.)

Stan Mansion is often equated with the neighborhood from people all over Chicago and Logan Squarites alike because of its historical significance. Constructed in just six months in 1928, it originally housed Humboldt Park Commandry No. 79 of the Knights Templar. It was designed by Moritz F. Straugh and was a Masonic hall for many years. It was bought by Cera Stan and restored in 2004 and in 2014. It’s part of the Logan Square Historic District and has been mostly unchanged for 100 years. Chances are, you have been there for weddings, private events or birthday parties. Learn more about the mansion during its open house! Open hours: Oct. 13: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Oct. 14: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Logan Auditorium (2539 N. Kedzie Blvd.) 

The Logan Square Auditorium was built in 1915 and has a terracotta eagle on its front facing the signature area monument. The space hosts all kinds of events, from weddings, concerts, benefits and movie screenings. The inside is virtually unchanged albeit the enhanced sound system, bookings and professional light shows that can be seen from the square or boulevard, or biking past it at nighttime. Open hours: Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m 

Moss Design (2855 W. Diversey Ave.)

We have a new(ish) architecture and design studio in our backyard called Moss Design  The firm’s clients include residential, commercial, breweries and wineries, retail, urban planning, custom furniture, restaurants and LEED, the most widely used green building rating system. “We believe that sustainable designs can be cost-effective, preserve history, and result in a more beautiful, conscientious, and enduring design,” says the company on its site. It specializes in sustainable design that creates open environments with minimal impact on surrounding landscapes. You can see this with its minimalistic design inside and outside of the studio with its serene courtyard. Open hours: Oct. 13: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Oct. 14: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

L Logan Square (2211 N. Milwaukee Ave.) 

What the el, right? That’s the website’s name for this new condo that has some people enraged and others delighted—pretty accurate in a rapidly changing neighborhood as ours. The L Logan Square Apartments went up in 2016 and were designed by Brininstool + Lynch. Whether you are pro or anti big condos, here is your chance to check out the new space and see what it’s all about. Its theme is all about the CTA (duh) since it’s close to the California stop and has few parking spots. And to keep with the theme, the second floor for a decommissioned CTA train car that got turned into a lounge area. That’s definitely social-media-worthy. Open hours: Oct. 13: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Oct. 14: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Chicago Distilling Company (2359 N. Milwaukee Ave.)

This distilling company  only boosts Logan Square’s stature in high-quality booze. The Chicago Distilling Company opened in 2014 after its foundation in 2010. Just like the neighborhood, it doesn’t do anything generically. It takes distilling a step further with flavorful whiskey variations like “Chocolate, “Stouted” or “Belgian Dark Strong Ale.” Now is your chance to see inside the black walls and how the Chicago tradition is done. Open hours: Oct. 13: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Oct. 14: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Minnekirken (2614 N. Kedzie Blvd.)

The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church, also called Minnekirken, is such a Logan staple that it serves many purposes, like the above zoning meeting held at the church in May. Built in 1912 by Charles F. Sorensen, at the time it catered to the neighborhood’s big Scandinavian population. The church continues Norwegian traditions today, with its Christmas celebrations, waffle making and performances by Norwegian artists. It is known for its acoustics, congregational singing and distinct Gothic architecture. Open hours: Oct. 13: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Oct. 14: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Aloft Loft Circus (3324 W. Wrightwood Ave.)

Did you know that we have the third largest circus school in the country right in our backyard? You probably did because Aloft Loft has made a nestled home for itself over the years after it transformed one of the oldest churches in Logan into its home. The church was built in 1907 (finished in 1908) and is a former Evangelical church. 2016 started its new life, which now consists of circus acts and eye-popping performances, like its upcoming show called Brave Space.

Nearly $100,000 worth of renovations were done, including the removal of the pews and installation of rigging on the ceiling to allow students to learn and practice trapeze, aerial skills, pole acrobatics, trampoline on tramp walls, tight-wire, hand-balancing and more skills. Complete with a full kitchen and relaxing gardens, the reincarnation of the space is something to see. Open hours: Oct. 13: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Oct. 14: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Check out the full Open House Chicago schedule to explore other neighborhoods and suburbs of the city and grow your knowledge bubble, and read about a few of my favorites here!

Featured photo: The outside of the Minnekirken church, which is one of the architectual faces of Logan Square. Photo: Erin Brown