An Architectural Hub

THE ELGIN AREA: AN ARCHITECTURAL HUB You’ll find many different styles, seen in both homes and commercial buildings

The Elgin area is home to a multitude of architectural styles and public resources for exploring them. From the Painted Ladies scattered around downtown Elgin — you’ll recognize their intricate coloring — to Frank Lloyd Wright’s only farmhouse design, the area is a local gem for architecture fanatics.

Day 1

For a weekend trip to explore it all, start by checking into an area hotel, then setting out for BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. This large-scale Hindu temple in Bartlett was built with hand-carved Italian marble and Turkish limestone; you don’t want to miss it!

After lunch at a local restaurant — see P. 30 for a listing of fantastic nearby options — head on a walking or driving tour of downtown Elgin. The downtown Elgin area is home to five historic districts, the most recent being recognized in 2015. The Explore Elgin Area website is a great place for planning a tour; search “Downtown Elgin Historic Commercial District” and “The Gifford Park Association: A Historic Home Tour” to access maps, information and audio guides to historic spots. The Painted Ladies, distinctly recognized by their intricate coloring, are scattered throughout the Elgin area and are a can’tmiss part of your day. You don’t need to go to San Francisco to see this unique style! Mark your calendars for the Historic Elgin House Tour, scheduled for Sept. 10 and 11, 2022. The tour features beautiful homes focusing on unique architectural elements, and this year will be the event’s 40th anniversary! Learn more at www. historicelginhousetour.com.

Day 2

Today is a museum day! Start at Elgin History Museum, where you’ll see lots of interesting artifacts and seven permanent exhibits about Elgin and its origins. The building itself is an architectural landmark, designed in the Greek Revival style more than 150 years ago. After this, we’d suggest taking a quick break to cool off — maybe with an ice cream cone or michoacana treat? The options are abundant. Fueled by your dessert of choice, head to Elgin Public Museum, which has been recognized by the National Registry of Historic Places as an example of Neo-Classical architecture. This stunning building is open on weekends; you don’t want to miss the original woodwork, ceramic tile and more. The museum itself focuses on natural history and anthropology. Finish off your night with a stroll around one of the Elgin area’s historic downtowns. After learning about their origins, you’re sure to pick up on things you may not have noticed before!

 Ellen Wayne - 1880  Muirhead Farmhouse

Day 3

Kick off your Sunday with a visit to The Anvil Club for brunch. This historic East Dundee spot operated as a blacksmith shop for more than 40 years in the early 1900s. Often history and architecture go hand in hand, so this is an ideal spot for an architecture-focused weekend in the Elgin area. Depending on the season, you may be able to schedule a tour at the Muirhead Farmhouse, which is known as Frank Lloyd Wright’s only farmhouse design. The owners of the Hampshire building ask that you book a tour ahead of time.

For any college students-to-be, or even just for the curious visitor, cap off your weekend with a visit to Judson University. Elgin’s evangelical Christian university offers community resources as well as degrees in art, design and architecture. View a 25-minute video, “Archiculture,” online, and consider signing up your high schooler for the architecture workshop at its summer camp. Visit www. archjudsonu.edu to learn more.

For a treat for your ride home, we'd recommend Herb's Bakery, known for its German baked goods. You can't go wrong with any selection!

 Edward & Cordelia Barclay - 1887