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One week away and there are a handful of spots left! Join us for a casual evening with three preservation and design firms. RSVP is required for this members-only event. Registration and more info in our bio.

On February 26th, the Chicago Sun-Times broke the story that the south side’s iconic midcentury modern Pride Cleaners would be closing—without any immediate plans for a dry cleaner or another use to occupy the building.

Designed by architect Gerald A. Siegwart in 1959, Pride Cleaners—both the futuristic paraboloid concrete building and its colorful freestanding sign—have been prolifically photographed by architecture fans all over the globe, as well as featured in books, films and music videos.

Despite its international reputation as an important piece of Chicago’s architectural heritage, Pride Cleaners is not a designated Chicago Landmark, nor was it identified as significant in the Chicago Historic Resources Survey.

DOCOMOMO Chicago is concerned that the lack of local designation may lead to the alteration of the building, the sign—or both. In the coming weeks, DOCOMOMO Chicago will be meeting with preservation organizations as well as civic and community leaders to determine a collective, collaborative path forward towards advocating for this important piece of midcentury modern heritage.

On February 26th, the Chicago Sun-Times broke the story that the south side’s iconic midcentury modern Pride Cleaners would be closing—without any immediate plans for a dry cleaner or another use to occupy the building.

Designed by architect Gerald A. Siegwart in 1959, Pride Cleaners—both the futuristic paraboloid concrete building and its colorful freestanding sign—have been prolifically photographed by architecture fans all over the globe, as well as featured in books, films and music videos.

Despite its international reputation as an important piece of Chicago’s architectural heritage, Pride Cleaners is not a designated Chicago Landmark, nor was it identified as significant in the Chicago Historic Resources Survey.

DOCOMOMO Chicago is concerned that the lack of local designation may lead to the alteration of the building, the sign—or both. In the coming weeks, DOCOMOMO Chicago will be meeting with preservation organizations as well as civic and community leaders to determine a collective, collaborative path forward towards advocating for this important piece of midcentury modern heritage.

Video from us here at DocomomoUS/ Chicago to mark the Debut Chicago hosting of the Modernism in America Awards

Video by CB

Upcoming tour announcement!

2 p.m., October 11, 2025

We’ll be hosting a tour of several modern religious sites in Des Plaines, include Charles Stade’s Immanuel Lutheran Church (with a quick visit to Stade’s nearby St. Mary Catholic Church); two dramatic mausoleums at All Saints Cemetery; and the 1959 Carmelite Monastery, home to a community of cloistered religious sisters.
This event is part of Docomomo Tour Day 2025, an annual nationwide celebration of modern architecture and design. Our Des Plaines tour is open to all, but only a few spaces remain. More information and the link to tickets are in our bio.

#architecture #archidaily #archilovers #tourday2025 #modernplacesofworship #midcentury #midcenturymodern #modern #modernism #modernist #charlesstade #stadechurch #carmelite #modernarchitecture @docomomous

Immanuel Lutheran Church was built in 1956 and designed by architect Charles Stade.Stade was a prolific designer, with dozens (possibly hundreds) of designs across the Midwest. Immanuel is a classic Stade design: a spiky roof above a folded front wall, reminiscent of a ship’s prow; a low, spreading side wing; crisp geometric windows; and a palette of natural materials. The church is actually the third on the site; the congregation was founded in 1871 and has been at this location ever since. Stade’s design is warm, simple, and elegant…and looks just as good today as when it was dedicated nearly 70 years ago.

We’ll be visiting Immanuel (along with several other nearby sacred places) as part of Docomomo Tour Day 2025, an annual nationwide celebration of modern architecture and design. The tour is open to all, but spaces are limited. More information and the link to tickets and registration is in our bio.

#architecture #archidaily #archilovers #tourday2025 #modernplacesofworship #midcentury #midcenturymodern #modern #modernism #modernist #charlesstade #stadechurch @docomomous

Immanuel Lutheran Church was built in 1956 and designed by architect Charles Stade.Stade was a prolific designer, with dozens (possibly hundreds) of designs across the Midwest. Immanuel is a classic Stade design: a spiky roof above a folded front wall, reminiscent of a ship’s prow; a low, spreading side wing; crisp geometric windows; and a palette of natural materials. The church is actually the third on the site; the congregation was founded in 1871 and has been at this location ever since. Stade’s design is warm, simple, and elegant…and looks just as good today as when it was dedicated nearly 70 years ago.

We’ll be visiting Immanuel (along with several other nearby sacred places) as part of Docomomo Tour Day 2025, an annual nationwide celebration of modern architecture and design. The tour is open to all, but spaces are limited. More information and the link to tickets and registration is in our bio.

#architecture #archidaily #archilovers #tourday2025 #modernplacesofworship #midcentury #midcenturymodern #modern #modernism #modernist #charlesstade #stadechurch @docomomous

Immanuel Lutheran Church was built in 1956 and designed by architect Charles Stade.Stade was a prolific designer, with dozens (possibly hundreds) of designs across the Midwest. Immanuel is a classic Stade design: a spiky roof above a folded front wall, reminiscent of a ship’s prow; a low, spreading side wing; crisp geometric windows; and a palette of natural materials. The church is actually the third on the site; the congregation was founded in 1871 and has been at this location ever since. Stade’s design is warm, simple, and elegant…and looks just as good today as when it was dedicated nearly 70 years ago.

We’ll be visiting Immanuel (along with several other nearby sacred places) as part of Docomomo Tour Day 2025, an annual nationwide celebration of modern architecture and design. The tour is open to all, but spaces are limited. More information and the link to tickets and registration is in our bio.

#architecture #archidaily #archilovers #tourday2025 #modernplacesofworship #midcentury #midcenturymodern #modern #modernism #modernist #charlesstade #stadechurch @docomomous

Another beautiful day and another Docomomo Chicago Summer Social Aug 24th at the beautiful Rockwell House in Olympia Fields, IL. Many thanks to the generous owners for opening their house to us. Join us for our next events this fall!

Our spring social is back! Mingle with midcentury modern enthusiasts at @chefsspecialchicago. Talk about your favorite modernism, learn more about our organizations, or just come and hang out! Wednesday 4/30/25, 6-8pm. Cash bar. Sponsored by Docomomo Chicago and our friends at AIA Historic Resources Knowledge Community.

#modernarchitecture #springsocial #midcentury @docomomous

Spring is around the Corner! Come mingle at our social hosted by two exceptional organizations who celebrate and preserve the built environment in Chicago - Docomomo US Chicago and AIA Chicago Historic Resources Knowledge Committee. Come to inspire and be inspired while meeting other like mind professionals!

We’re moving on to second round of #chimodernismmadness. Facing off this weekend:
Loop Synagogue vs. St John Lutheran
St Mary of Nazareth vs. St Procopius
1st Church of Deliverance vs. Carr Chapel
Northshore Congregation Israel vs. Immaculate Conception

If you need a refresher, we’ve highlighted them in our previous posts! Voting begins at noon on Saturday.

#chicago #brackets #modernism #modernist #modernarchitecture #architecture #housesofworship @docomomous

And last but not least in our 2025 Modernism Madness bracket competitors:

The Robert F. Carr Memorial Chapel was completed in 1952 on the IIT campus. Carr Chapel is the only religious building designed by architect Mies van der Rohe, and it perfectly illustrates two of his most famous phrases: "less is more" and "God is in the details." The modestly scaled "God Box" reduces the elements of a church to nearly nothing: load-bearing brick side walls, glass end walls, and a precast concrete flat roof. The interior uses refined materials with utmost simplicity. The chapel is floored in dark terrazzo. The altar is hewn from a single block of Roman travertine and sits before a curtain of cream-colored silk. A gleaming stainless steel cross floats behind the altar, echoing the low altar rail in front. Beginning in 2008, @miessociety and @harboearchitects oversaw a full restoration of the chapel, including exterior repairs, a new concealed rooftop drainage detail, and a new chancel curtain that was woven in Italy under the guidance of architect Gene Summers, Mies' assistant on the original design.

First round of voting begins on Saturday. Help us choose the best modern religious building in Chicago! #chimodernismmadness #placesofworship #modernarchitecture #chiarchitecture #modernism #modernist #midcenturymodern #marchmadness #chicago @docomomous #thisplacematters #recentpast #architecture #archidaily #archilovers

And last but not least in our 2025 Modernism Madness bracket competitors:

The Robert F. Carr Memorial Chapel was completed in 1952 on the IIT campus. Carr Chapel is the only religious building designed by architect Mies van der Rohe, and it perfectly illustrates two of his most famous phrases: "less is more" and "God is in the details." The modestly scaled "God Box" reduces the elements of a church to nearly nothing: load-bearing brick side walls, glass end walls, and a precast concrete flat roof. The interior uses refined materials with utmost simplicity. The chapel is floored in dark terrazzo. The altar is hewn from a single block of Roman travertine and sits before a curtain of cream-colored silk. A gleaming stainless steel cross floats behind the altar, echoing the low altar rail in front. Beginning in 2008, @miessociety and @harboearchitects oversaw a full restoration of the chapel, including exterior repairs, a new concealed rooftop drainage detail, and a new chancel curtain that was woven in Italy under the guidance of architect Gene Summers, Mies' assistant on the original design.

First round of voting begins on Saturday. Help us choose the best modern religious building in Chicago! #chimodernismmadness #placesofworship #modernarchitecture #chiarchitecture #modernism #modernist #midcenturymodern #marchmadness #chicago @docomomous #thisplacematters #recentpast #architecture #archidaily #archilovers

North Shore Congregation Israel was designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki in 1963. Set on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, this synagogue embodies Yamasaki’s New Formalist vision: its monumental, reinforced concrete vaults simultaneously evoke Gothic structural forms, while its materials and detailing are clearly modern. The voids between the concrete shells are filled with clear and colored glass, creating an interior described by Yamasaki himself as "a confluence of daylight and solids." In 1979, architect Thomas Beeby designed a small sanctuary addition. This Postmodern cylinder encloses a cubic sanctuary with gilded walls and echoes of classical architecture.

Modernism Madness brackets start on Saturday at noon. Help us choose the best modern religious building in Chicago! #chimodernismmadness #placesofworship #modernarchitecture #chiarchitecture #modernism #modernist #midcenturymodern #marchmadness #chicago @docomomous #thisplacematters #recentpast #architecture #archidaily #archilovers

North Shore Congregation Israel was designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki in 1963. Set on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, this synagogue embodies Yamasaki’s New Formalist vision: its monumental, reinforced concrete vaults simultaneously evoke Gothic structural forms, while its materials and detailing are clearly modern. The voids between the concrete shells are filled with clear and colored glass, creating an interior described by Yamasaki himself as "a confluence of daylight and solids." In 1979, architect Thomas Beeby designed a small sanctuary addition. This Postmodern cylinder encloses a cubic sanctuary with gilded walls and echoes of classical architecture.

Modernism Madness brackets start on Saturday at noon. Help us choose the best modern religious building in Chicago! #chimodernismmadness #placesofworship #modernarchitecture #chiarchitecture #modernism #modernist #midcenturymodern #marchmadness #chicago @docomomous #thisplacematters #recentpast #architecture #archidaily #archilovers

North Shore Congregation Israel was designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki in 1963. Set on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, this synagogue embodies Yamasaki’s New Formalist vision: its monumental, reinforced concrete vaults simultaneously evoke Gothic structural forms, while its materials and detailing are clearly modern. The voids between the concrete shells are filled with clear and colored glass, creating an interior described by Yamasaki himself as "a confluence of daylight and solids." In 1979, architect Thomas Beeby designed a small sanctuary addition. This Postmodern cylinder encloses a cubic sanctuary with gilded walls and echoes of classical architecture.

Modernism Madness brackets start on Saturday at noon. Help us choose the best modern religious building in Chicago! #chimodernismmadness #placesofworship #modernarchitecture #chiarchitecture #modernism #modernist #midcenturymodern #marchmadness #chicago @docomomous #thisplacematters #recentpast #architecture #archidaily #archilovers

North Shore Congregation Israel was designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki in 1963. Set on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, this synagogue embodies Yamasaki’s New Formalist vision: its monumental, reinforced concrete vaults simultaneously evoke Gothic structural forms, while its materials and detailing are clearly modern. The voids between the concrete shells are filled with clear and colored glass, creating an interior described by Yamasaki himself as "a confluence of daylight and solids." In 1979, architect Thomas Beeby designed a small sanctuary addition. This Postmodern cylinder encloses a cubic sanctuary with gilded walls and echoes of classical architecture.

Modernism Madness brackets start on Saturday at noon. Help us choose the best modern religious building in Chicago! #chimodernismmadness #placesofworship #modernarchitecture #chiarchitecture #modernism #modernist #midcenturymodern #marchmadness #chicago @docomomous #thisplacematters #recentpast #architecture #archidaily #archilovers

St. John's Lutheran, built in 1961 and now home to Bethany Korean Presbyterian, was designed by prolific architect Charles Stade. Stade made a career of designing churches, often Lutheran, with simple material palettes of brick, wood trusses, and geometric stained glass. The unassuming exterior of St. John's hides a soaring interior. Clinker bricks add texture to the walls, and clerestory windows flood the sanctuary with light. Photos courtesy of the fantastic @mattgilb, including a cameo from Docomomo Chicago board member @maxesmael.

Modernism Madness voting starts this Saturday at noon. Help us choose the best modern religious building in Chicago! #chimodernismmadness #placesofworship #modernarchitecture #chiarchitecture #modernism #modernist #midcenturymodern #marchmadness #chicago @docomomous #thisplacematters #recentpast #architecture #archidaily #archilovers

St. John's Lutheran, built in 1961 and now home to Bethany Korean Presbyterian, was designed by prolific architect Charles Stade. Stade made a career of designing churches, often Lutheran, with simple material palettes of brick, wood trusses, and geometric stained glass. The unassuming exterior of St. John's hides a soaring interior. Clinker bricks add texture to the walls, and clerestory windows flood the sanctuary with light. Photos courtesy of the fantastic @mattgilb, including a cameo from Docomomo Chicago board member @maxesmael.

Modernism Madness voting starts this Saturday at noon. Help us choose the best modern religious building in Chicago! #chimodernismmadness #placesofworship #modernarchitecture #chiarchitecture #modernism #modernist #midcenturymodern #marchmadness #chicago @docomomous #thisplacematters #recentpast #architecture #archidaily #archilovers

St. John's Lutheran, built in 1961 and now home to Bethany Korean Presbyterian, was designed by prolific architect Charles Stade. Stade made a career of designing churches, often Lutheran, with simple material palettes of brick, wood trusses, and geometric stained glass. The unassuming exterior of St. John's hides a soaring interior. Clinker bricks add texture to the walls, and clerestory windows flood the sanctuary with light. Photos courtesy of the fantastic @mattgilb, including a cameo from Docomomo Chicago board member @maxesmael.

Modernism Madness voting starts this Saturday at noon. Help us choose the best modern religious building in Chicago! #chimodernismmadness #placesofworship #modernarchitecture #chiarchitecture #modernism #modernist #midcenturymodern #marchmadness #chicago @docomomous #thisplacematters #recentpast #architecture #archidaily #archilovers