Evanston resident Lawrence Okrent, an urban planner and photographer, will give an illustrated presentation about his new book, “Chicago from the Sky: A Region Transformed,” tonight at the Evanston History Center in the Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St.
The book describes the growth that occurred in the Chicago area from 1985 to 2010. Images depicting the dramatic evolution of Evanston’s downtown will also be presented.
The 240-page book includes 92 illustrated articles on subjects as diverse as the creation of the Museum Campus, the demise of a bygone era of public housing, the evolution of the city’s signature sports venues, and the revival of historic city neighborhoods, such as Chinatown, Wicker Park, and the Near South Side.
Suburban Chicago is covered, as well, with articles that dramatically illustrate the character of the change that has occurred, largely unnoticed, beyond the city limits.
The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free to members of the Evanston History Center; non-member tickets are $10 each.
Dawes House Presentation by Lawerence Okrent
This presentation did not disappoint! The place was packed!
Mr. Okrent showed his sequenced photographs so you could really see the growth over the city of Chicago, Evanston and surrounding areas.
The photography was vivid and it was an interesting challenge to identify old and new buildings as well as the development of green spaces.
Seeing this presentation made me appreciate and feel lucky to live where I do.
I hope the Evanston History Center continues to sponsor future events like this.
Darn
I am dissapointed I missed this, would have very much liked to have brought my mother to this presentation.
My mother played a pivotal role in the Junior League of Evanston in the '70s and early '80s with not only Thrift House, but also work to preserve the Grosse Point Lighthouse and Dawes Mansion, among many other projects.
I am sure she would have enjoyed the Okrent presentation.
As a child, the JLOE held it's annual Christmas party at Dawes Mansion, and it was truly magical.