Sign up now for the July 10 tour of The Villa

Greetings Bungalow Neighbors,

It's time to get your official rsvp's in for next week's WRBN members' tour to the Villa. Even if you previously expressed interest in the tour, PLEASE send another rsvp by Tuesday July 6, with the names of people coming. You may invite interested friends or neighbors as long as we know who's coming by Tuesday; the Villa group will add another docent if needed. The cost for the tour is $10 per person (cash only), payable on the day of the tour.

We'll assemble at the starting point at 10:00 a.m., rain or shine. Directions and meeting location will be sent to participants next week. The tour will last approximately 2 hours.

We will organize carpooling for those interested, so let us know if you can drive (& how many riders you could take) or will need a ride.

Jo & Maribeth

WRBN co-chairs

Our treasurer Ann Glapa is still accepting 2010 WRBN dues of $15 per household. You can drop off your check made out to West Ridge Bungalow Neighbors (or cash in an envelope labeled with your name) through the mail slot at Glapas house, or mail it to Ann at 2601 W Farwell Ave, Chicago 60645.

Villa Tour info:
Join us on July 10 for a private guided walking tour of the first significant bungalow neighborhood in Chicago, The Villa, a Chicago Landmark Historic District since 1983 http://www.thevillachicago.com/

The Villa celebrated its centennial in 2007, which means it was developed roughly 15 - 20 years ahead of our West Ridge bungalow neighborhoods.

The most prolific of the Villa architects was Clarence Hatzfeld, whose name you probably know as the architect for our very own Chicago Landmark, the IBP Field House. (He also designed our Green Briar Park and Chippewa Park field houses). We will be touring the interior of a Hatzfeld house, as well as some private gardens.

From the Villa website:

The Villa is "one of the city’s first planned urban developments, featuring streets divided by park-like medians, and strict covenants that governed density, land and building use, and architectural style" .

Also notable are the "rubble stone planters at every corner. These pillars, standing five feet tall or so, were originally constructed as stucco light stands, with globe shaped fixtures on top. In 1923, they were rebuilt as stone planters, possibly inspired by a house at the corner of Avers and Avondale with a rubble stone front porch and chimney."

You may notice that the Villla pillars are similar to the original pillars that mark the entrance to Indian Boundary Park on Lunt, just east of the Field House.