LINCOLN SQUARE — You might see many strange things when you ride the CTA, but an Airstream trailer plopped on top of a building between the Damen and Montrose Brown Line stations is easily one of the biggest head-scratchers.
Find out how and why it got there and get a glimpse inside the rooftop RV during Saturday and Sunday's Open House Chicago, a free behind-the-scenes look at more than 150 of the city's hidden gems and architectural treasures.
Patty Wetli says the Open House is a chance to discover neighborhood quirks:
Eight buildings in the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood area are featured on the 2014 tour, all of them making their Open House debut.
The Airstream, 1807 W. Sunnyside Ave.: Climb up to the roof and step inside the vintage Airstream, which dates to 1960s. It's now used for parties and special events. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
American Indian Center of Chicago, 1630 W. Wilson Ave.: This former Masonic lodge, now home to the center, features murals, exhibits and a ceremonial hall configured as an indoor archery range. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, 4642 N. Western Ave.: The independent printmaking workshop is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014. Artists will provide live demonstrations of etching and screen printing. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave.: DANK Haus bought this building in 1967 to house its museum, art gallery and language classes, but the structure dates to 1927. It was designed by Paul Gerhardt, the architect behind Cook County Hospital, Lane Tech High School and Von Steuben High School. Highlights include the Schlaraffia Club room and a rooftop ballroom with skyline views. Open 9 a.m. -5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave.: Housed in a former gear factory, Lillstreet Art Center is a creative hub for professional and student artists. Tour the center's studios, galleries and classrooms. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. and 4545 N. Lincoln Ave.: Tour the classrooms and performance spaces of Old Town's east and west buildings, built in 2012 and 1931, respectively. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1600 W. Leland Ave.: Think your last move was challenging? Try uprooting an entire church. Our Lady of Lourdes — all 10,000 pounds of it — was hauled from one side of Ashland Avenue to the other when the road was widened in 1929. Fortunately, the stained glass windows and frescoed dome remained intact. Open 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday.
Studio V Design (Krause Music Store), 4611 N. Lincoln Ave.: Krause Music Store, now home to Studio V Design, was famed architect Louis Sullivan's final commission. The storefront has since undergone an exterior restoration and an interior renovation. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The facade's restoration architects will lead tours at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Saturday. Building owner Pooja Vukosavich will lead tours at 11 a.m. and noon Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Renovation architects will lead tours at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon Sunday.
Open House Chicago is presented by the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
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