View allAll Photos Tagged ChicagoArchitectureCenter
Wonderful light fixtures are everywhere you look at @ChiUnionStation. From the older more detailed lights to these more modern-looking versions.
I highly recommend the @chiarchitecture tour. Very informative with access to a couple of rooms you never get to see.
This next series of mine will be focused on details. Considering I only had my @CanonUSA 100mm lens with me.
Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago is the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago, one of the largest Catholic dioceses in the United States. The church serves as the episcopal seat of the current Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich. It seats 1,100 people. wikipedia
Open House Chicago - 2025
Near North Side
Chicago, Illinois USA 41.895972, -87.627868
October 18, 2025
On the National Register of Historic Places
More of my pictures from the National Register of Historic Places
More my my pictures of Symmetrical Grand Church Interiors
See the comments for two exterior shots.
COPYRIGHT 2025 by Jim Frazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
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This is a close up of the altar and chancel of the Church of the Holy Family. Here are a couple of other shots of this church.
Open House Chicago
Chicago, Illinois 41.867334, -87.654736
October 20, 2024
This was the last church that I visited that afternoon. And it was breathtaking! It was a nice way to finish a very productive day. Even if I did break my trusty tripod. ;-)
Here is the church's web site.
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Open House Chicago (their web site) is an annual festival of architecture run by the Chicago Architecture Center. It's an opportunity for me to work on one of my favorite projects... Symmetrical Grand Interiors, usually of churches, but other spaces as well. That also resulted in this group Symmetrical Grand Interiors.
I was able to spend the day in downtown Chicago photographing auditoriums, ball rooms, and churches, as well as a few other things. It was a good day, tater.
By the way, if you're in the Chicago area, and have an inside contact to a facility like this, please let me know. I'd love to photograph it (and give the pictures to the organization).
COPYRIGHT 2024,2025 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier. 20241020cz7-9850-2500
I love interesting clocks. @ChiUnionStation has these and they just remind me of old-time pieces.
I highly recommend the @chiarchitecture tour. Very informative with access to a couple of rooms you never get to see.
This next series of mine will be focused on details. Considering I only had my @CanonUSA 100mm lens with me.
Open House Chicago - 2025
Ukrainian Village
Chicago, Illinois 41.899127, -87.684851
October 18, 2025
This Polish parish was formed in 1913, and in the early 1960s commissioned the present church building which blends Art Deco, Modernism and traditional styles with a Biblical fish motif. The spacious interior and ceiling are designed to draw all eyes to the altar, which is illuminated by light coming through slits in the walls. The stained glass contains mostly geometric patterns in small fragments of bright, unfiltered colors. A life-sized bronze statue of Pope St. John Paul II greets passersby on Augusta Boulevard.
From www.architecture.org/open-house-chicago/sites/rec2foTOpvq...
And yes, photographs of JP2 as well as a detail of the crucifix are in the queue.
More of my symmetrical church interiors
COPYRIGHT 2025 by Jim Frazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20251018cz7-0841-HDR-2500
Chicago, Illinois 41.867334, -87.654736
October 20, 2024
This was the last church that I visited that afternoon. And it was breathtaking! It was a nice way to finish a very productive day. Even if I did break my trusty tripod. ;-)
Other shots of this church
Here is the church's web site.
---
Open House Chicago (their web site) is an annual festival of architecture run by the Chicago Architecture Center. It's an opportunity for me to work on one of my favorite projects... Symmetrical Grand Interiors, usually of churches, but other spaces as well. That also resulted in this group Symmetrical Grand Interiors.
I was able to spend the day in downtown Chicago photographing auditoriums, ball rooms, and churches, as well as a few other things. It was a good day, tater.
By the way, if you're in the Chicago area, and have an inside contact to a facility like this, please let me know. I'd love to photograph it (and give the pictures to the organization).
COPYRIGHT 2024 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20241020cz7-9792-2500
This is at the Federal plaza with the Dirksen Federal Building in the background.
Chicago, Illinois 41.878810, -87.629670
October 20, 2024
This is inspired by a photo posted by Jack Blackstone. I finally had a chance to visit the sculpture while I was in the Loop last weekend.
COPYRIGHT 2024 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20241020cz7-9546-2500
Chicago, Illinois 41.867334, -87.654736
October 20, 2024
Other shots of this church
Here is the church's web site.
COPYRIGHT 2024, 2025 by Jim Frazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20241020cz7-9886-2500
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Thomas_Church_and_Convent
As an entrance to a church - any church - this is pretty extraordinary. Artist is Alfonso Iannelli
You may want to zoom in...it's really nice.
Open House Chicago - 2025
Hyde Park
Chicago, Illinois 41.795709, -87.595459
October 18, 2025
On the National Register of Historic Places
More of my pictures from the National Register of Historic Places
More of my pictures of Church and Religious Art
COPYRIGHT 2025 by Jim Frazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20251018cz7-0809-1400
Open House Chicago - 2025
Hyde Park
Chicago, Illinois USA 41.791733, -87.596821
October 18, 2025
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Unitarian_Church_of_Chicago
Part of my Symmetrical Grand Interiors project
COPYRIGHT 2025 by Jim Frazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20251018cz7-0794-HDR-1400
First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple is a church located at the base and in the top floors of the Chicago Temple Building, a skyscraper in Chicago, Illinois. The top of the building is at a height of 568 feet (173 m). wikipedia
Open House Chicago
Chicago, Illinois 41.883023, -87.630632
October 20, 2024
The next OHC is just around the corner, so I figured I should start clearing out my pending photos from 2024. This is a small sanctuary and there's too many people, but it's a "lined-up" shot, so I gotta post it. Demz da rulez.
BTW, wikipedia says that this sanctuary has a capacity of 1000. Yeah, sure. I'm standing near the back...there's maybe two pews behind me. And then there's the choir loft. Maybe it's 1000 if they "pack 'em in" and hope nobody from the CFD is there.
All of my pictures from this event
This is part of my Symmetrical Grand Interiors project, usually of churches, but other spaces as well.
COPYRIGHT 2024, 2025 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier. 20241020cz7-97481366x768
Near North Side / Magnificent Mile
Chicago, Illinois 41.898992, -87.624465
October 15, 2023
An addition to the Symmetrical Grand Interiors Collection
Fourth Presbyterian Church - wikipedia
HDR using 4 images in Lightroom
NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 14mm
COPYRIGHT 2023 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
231015cz7-8117-HDR-2500
This photo is taken for #FlickrFriday's weekly theme #Arches. Thank you for your visit :) . And many thanks to #ChicagoArchitectureCenter for OHC2019.
Chicago, Illinois 41.855833, -87.624444
October 20, 2024
Here is a reverse view shot from the front of the church
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimfrazier/54486590812/
Here is the first picture in the series - with a lot of additional information.
This is part of my Symmetrical Grand Interiors project, usually of churches, but other spaces as well.
COPYRIGHT 2024 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20241020cz7-9663-2500
This scene drives me crazy. But whenever I find myself in this part of Chicago, I feel the need to photograph it. You always see someone taking the picture and they probably don't recognize the problem that an OCD, lined up, symmetrical guy like me would notice.
I'm not sure who screwed up, but if I had a time machine, this is something that I would get fixed. Dang it!
You stand in the middle of the intersection one block north of the Board of Trade building, and shoot. Youse takes yer life in your hands, but anything for the shot, right? So many people do this, I'm surprised they don't set up a little concrete reinforced capsule for photographers to stand in to avoid getting kilt by da traffic.
On the left, the en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental and Commercial National Bank building. (Wikipedia)
In the center, the Chicago Board of Trade Building (Wikipedia)
And on the right is the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago building.
Other shots with the same angle, just different intersections: www.flickr.com/photos/jimfrazier/14003895246/, www.flickr.com/photos/jimfrazier/7463948970/
LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois shot from 41.878791, -87.632258
October 20, 2024
COPYRIGHT 2024, 2025 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20241020cz7-95071366x768
Open House Chicago - 2025
Hyde Park
Chicago, Illinois 41.791556, -87.596590
October 18, 2025
I was standing as far away from the church as possible, but still not far enough to avoid the keystoning. While I was busy, another photographer took my picture. Harumph! The Cad!
The last time I was in this neighborhood with a camera (see picture below), they had banners festooning the building. At least, this time, they only had one and it was on the other side of the building. I hate banners on churches. Harumph Number 2
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Unitarian_Church_of_Chicago
COPYRIGHT 2025 by Jim Frazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20251018cz7-0785-HDR-1000short
Near North Side
Chicago, Illinois 41.893900, -87.627100
October 16, 2023
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_House
COPYRIGHT 2023 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
IMG_4348-2500
Chicago, Illinois 41.878489, -87.632596
October 20, 2024
Here is the first picture in the series - with a lot of additional information.
COPYRIGHT 2024 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20241020cz7-9524-2500
Fourth Presbyterian Church
Near North Side / Magnificent Mile
Chicago, Illinois 41.898992, -87.624465
October 15, 2023
An addition to the Grand Interiors Collection
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Presbyterian_Church_(Chicago)
HDR using 5 images in Lightroom
COPYRIGHT 2023 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
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A centerpiece of the Pier's original 1916 construction, the 18,000 square foot Grand Ballroom embodies the opulence of the era. It features an 80-foot domed ceiling outlined in 3,000 lights, a balcony, a capacity of 1,400 people, and dramatic views of Lake Michigan. from the OHC website and wikipedia
See the previous images for a reverse view and for an exterior view.
This was the main shot that I wanted from the Open House this year. It struck me as just the kind of grand interior that I like. And it didn't disappoint when I walked into the room.
However, I'm underwhelmed by the photo. Unlike my other pictures of this genre, there's stuff that provide some depth to the picture...pews, seats, lighting, artwork along the walls, pillars, etc. This just a big empty space. And it's round, so you don't even get walls functioning as leading lines.
So I like the picture, mostly because I was there. But you folks have permission to not like it.
Technical: This was shot on a tripod, on a stage, about as perfectly centered as I could get it. And I used HDR to balance the light coming in from the windows.
Navy Pier
Chicago, Illinois 41.891828, -87.599620
October 24, 2024
COPYRIGHT 2024 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20241020cz7-9160-HDR-2500
Fourth Presbyterian Church
Near North Side / Magnificent Mile
Chicago, Illinois 41.898745, -87.624502
October 15, 2023
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Presbyterian_Church_(Chicago)
HDR using 5 images in Lightroom
COPYRIGHT 2023 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
231015cz7-8088-HDR-2500
Housed in a rare example of a pre-Chicago Fire structure, St. Ignatius College Prep at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. Since its founding in 1869 by Arnold Damen, S.J., the five-story brick edifice with its carved wooden doors and lion heads has welcomed generations of young men and, since 1979, young women. Among the unique spaces is the 1887-1888 Brunswick Room featuring elaborate cabinets and woodwork installed by the Brunswick Company for the school’s natural history museum, the Foglia Library, the “Chicago gallery” of architectural artifacts in the Driehaus building, and Father Damen’s office. The site was made even more interesting by the large number of alumni – many in maroon and gold stripe ties – assisting with the presentations.
This is a reverse view of this shot
www.flickr.com/photos/jimfrazier/54096288765/
Chicago, Illinois 41.855833, -87.624444
October 20, 2024
This is part of my Symmetrical Grand Interiors project, usually of churches, but other spaces as well.
COPYRIGHT 2024 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20241020cz7-9642-2500
Details, details, details. So many details at @ChiUnionStation. From the older more detailed lights to these more modern-looking versions. I wouldn't want to be the one who has to dust these!
I highly recommend the @chiarchitecture tour. Very informative with access to a couple of rooms you never get to see.
This next series of mine will be focused on details. Considering I only had my @CanonUSA 100mm lens with me.
Amtrak building - @ChiUnionStation
The curved metal is from the park behind @320SouthCanal by @goettschpartners
The main entrance to Chicago's Union Station.
You could spend hours just hanging around this location in the morning when the sun is coming up.
Chicago, Illinois 41.890118, -87.627945
October 15, 2023
COPYRIGHT 2023, 2025 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
IMG_356-2500
H. H. Richardson's last surviving work in Chicago was commissioned by John and Frances Glessner. The Glessner House’s radical design perplexed neighbors but was quickly embraced by architects for its innovative floor plan. With principal rooms facing inward toward a light-filled private courtyard, it helped create a new American style of residential architecture. Its collection of original furnishings features pieces representing the Aesthetic, Modern Gothic and Arts and Crafts movements of England and the United States. The residence at 1800 S. Prairie Ave. was saved from demolition in 1966, thanks to efforts that resulted in the creation of both Glessner House and the Chicago Architecture Center.
Photograph at Chicago Architecture Center Open House Chicago 2021.
Anglo-Catholic* Episcopal Church
Open House Chicago
Near North Side
Chicago, Illinois 41.902965, -87.632578
October 15, 2023
*When I walked into this church, I was stunned by the presence of a crucifix and the stations of the cross. I typically only see those in Catholic churches. So I learned about the Anglo-Catholic flavor of Anglicanism. TILT!
openhousechicago.org/sites/site/church-of-the-ascension-e...
Album: Symmetrical Grand Interiors
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_Ascension%2C_Chicago
Technical: HDR from 6 images using Lightroom
COPYRIGHT 2023 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
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Chicago, Illinois 41.901196, -87.632527
October 20, 2024
Technical: I usually like to straighten the verticals - I'm not a big fan of keystoning like this. It happens when you tilt the camera up. BUT I wanted to capture the dome as well as the nave, so needs must.
Page on Open House Chicago site
Here is the first picture in the series - with a lot of additional information.
This is part of my Symmetrical Grand Interiors project, usually of churches, but other spaces as well.
COPYRIGHT 2024 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20241020cz7-9344-2500
St. Mary of the Lake was established in 1901, at a time when only six Catholic families lived in the Buena Park area. Construction on the current church building at 4200 N. Sheridan Rd., designed by architect Henry J. Schlacks in the Italian Renaissance style, began in 1913. The church was dedicated in 1917, but work continued for years on the lavish interior containing Carrara marble sculpted in Italy, stained-glass made in Germany and a ceiling painted in gilded gold.
Photograph at Chicago Architecture Center Open House Chicago 2019.
St. Ita Parish was founded in Edgewater in 1900. The current French Gothic church, which opened at 5500 N. Broadway in 1927, was the highlight of architect Henry Schlacks’ distinguished career as a church architect. The open tower contains 1,800 tons of Bedford limestone and rises to 120 feet in height. Elaborate Gothic detailing marks the altar, but the medallion windows containing more than 200,000 pieces of stained glass, designed by Schlacks, highlight the interior. The sanctuary seats 700.
Photograph at Chicago Architecture Center Open House Chicago 2021.
St. Mary of the Lake was established in 1901, at a time when only six Catholic families lived in the Buena Park area. Construction on the current church building at 4200 N. Sheridan Rd., designed by architect Henry J. Schlacks in the Italian Renaissance style, began in 1913. The church was dedicated in 1917, but work continued for years on the lavish interior containing Carrara marble sculpted in Italy, stained-glass made in Germany and a ceiling painted in gilded gold.
Photograph at Chicago Architecture Center Open House Chicago 2019.
If you've never popped into @ChiUnionStation you really should.
It's iconic and gorgeous and there is something to notice and see at every glance.
I highly recommend the @chiarchitecture tour. Very informative with access to a couple of rooms you never get to see.
This next series of mine will be focused on details. Considering I only had my @CanonUSA 100mm lens with me.
Our Lady of Sorrows was raised to a basilica in 1956 for its artistic value and the work of Mother Novena. Dedicated in 1902, construction began in 1890 at 3121 W. Jackson Blvd. The barrel-vaulted ceiling consists of more than 1,100 separate gold-leafed panels. The high altar is built entirely of white carrara marble. It is one of three basilicas in Chicago.
Photographs from Open House Chicago 2018, one of my District Coordinator sites. This is one of the most impressive sites during this and all Open House weekends.
Rossi's
Near North Side
Chicago, Illinois 41.889724, -87.627908
October 15, 2023
After taking this picture, I went to get something to slake my thirst. Alas the bar was full (the Bears were playing - badly).
They have a pretty nice web site for such a divey place rossischicago.com/
COPYRIGHT 2023 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
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Views from the 42-floor deck of the Loebl, Schlossman, Bennett and Dart condominium at 2650 N. Lakeview Ave. We lived down the street at 2500 N. Lakeview Ave. for 22 years.
Photograph from Open House Chicago 2018.
@320SouthCanal reflected in @300SouthRiverside
I took only my 100mm lens to Union Station and the surrounding area.
Limiting? Yes.
Frustrating at times? Yes.
Made it work? Yes.
St. James Cathedral - exterior
Open House Chicago
Near North Side
Chicago, Illinois 41.894652, -87.626548
October 16, 2023
Technical: This looks a little over-processed. It is. It took much perspective correction and a lot of masking, dodging, and burning. Here's the original picture
openhousechicago.org/sites/site/st-james-episcopal-cathed...
COPYRIGHT 2023 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
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A quick post from an outing yesterday.
I took only my 100mm lens to Union Station.
Limiting? Yes.
Frustrating at times? Yes.
Made it work? Yes.
The ceiling in the Great Hall at @ChiUnionStation is looking fantastic after having been recently refurbished.
I highly recommend the @chiarchitecture tour. Very informative with access to a couple of rooms you never get to see.
This next series of mine will be focused on details. Considering I only had my @CanonUSA 100mm lens with me.
I wanted an exterior shot to give the next pictures of the interior some context. And if you're wondering why the building looks so weird, that's a function of straightening out the keystone effect and that it's shot at 14mm.
Navy Pier Grand Ballroom
Chicago, Illinois 41.891498, -87.598592
October 20, 2024
COPYRIGHT 2024 by JimFrazier All Rights Reserved. This may NOT be used for ANY reason without written consent from Jim Frazier.
20241020cz7-9170-2500