In February 2009, photographer
Jim Frazier visited the
Peoples Church of Chicago (941 W Lawrence) and took photos of this beautiful building, which dates back to 1925 and was once world-famous as the home church of Dr. Preston Bradley. Services were broadcast on
WGN WLS radio and reached millions of people each week. Now the building is primarily known as the home of the REST Shelter. Click
here to see Mr. Frazier's photos of one of Uptown's hidden treasures.
I think this is the first time that UU has featured the Preston Bradley Center, no? There are also some really cool assembly hall/meeting space type rooms in the upper floors. The paint is peeling and things are shabby now but this is a building that could tell quite a story. Thanks for featuring it, UU.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting.
ReplyDeleteI always wondered what it was like inside.
Such a beatiful building. Does anyone know if they have tours?
ReplyDeleteWho owns this beautiful building?
ReplyDeleteI look forward to electing a new alderman in 2011 who truly works together with community for Uptown's revival. Add this building to the list of Uptown's assets.
other works by the same architect: the Manor House at Bryn Mawr and Kenmore and the Beaconsfield at Winthrop and Hollywood...
ReplyDeletefor more on his work:
http://www.edgewaterhistory.org/articles/index.html?v04-3-2.html
anybody remember the Sheridan/Palacio? or the Adelphi and Nortown in Rogers Park?
still standing tho - The Vic...
for more on his theaters:
http://cinematreasures.org/architect/92/view=expand&sort=location&order=desc&show=all
We're lucky that a member of the congregation knows Jim and invited him out to take photos. You can see one of them on our website:
ReplyDeletewww.PeoplesChurchChicago.org
The Peoples Church still owns the Preston Bradley Center, and holds services on Sunday at 10am. We also have a Taize service on the first Friday of the month at 6pm. Why not come visit? Then you can see for yourself.
We are one of the liberal/ progressive churches in the area - a blend of Christian and Unitarian, with a strong social justice bent.
Thanks so much for showing this photo!
Rev. Jean