Architectural historians to tour the Municipal Building June 27

Posted June 18, 2015 11:00 pm

Lisa Garhan

A group from the Chicago Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians will be touring the St. Charles Municipal Building on Saturday, June 27. The visit is part of the group's Fox River Valley Tour, with stops in St. Charles, DeKalb, Sycamore and Wheaton.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Municipal Building, which opened Sept. 1, 1940. The building, designed by architect Harold Zook, originally was designed to house administrative offices, city council chambers, and a history museum. While the history museum has since relocated, the building remains among the most recognizable landmarks in St. Charles.

The Municipal Building is a striking example of Art Moderne-style. The 84-foot tall octagonal tower, stained glass windows, pierced grillwork, and a diamond shaped translucent top make it a scenic landmark.

This tour is not the first time architectural historians have been interested in the Municipal Building. In 1991, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places and in 2011, the restoration of the Municipal Building Riverwall and Plaza was recognized by Landmarks Illinois with a Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award.

About the City of St. Charles

Friendly neighborhoods, diverse retailers, international employers, innovative schools, beautiful parks, varied cultural amenities, and unique architecture have earned St. Charles its reputation as the Pride of the Fox. Located in both DuPage and Kane counties, the City of St. Charles is 35 miles west of downtown Chicago, and has a population of approximately 33,000. Over 2,100 businesses, consisting of a balanced mix of retailers, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, employ more than 18,000 people. The City of St. Charles was named the #1 City for Families by Family Circle® magazine in 2011; one of the "150 Great Places in Illinois," by the AIA Illinois; and one of the "Top 10 Towns To Live In" by West Suburban Living magazine. Visit www.stcharlesil.gov.

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