Unconventional Visits to Unity Temple
Most people describe Unity Temple as unconventional. My first three visits to Unity Temple were just that – unconventional. The first time I visited was with a friend who was helping UTRF with accounting and
The Mechanics of Restoration
Mark Nussbaum is an MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) consultant and owner of Architectural Consulting Engineers. He specializes in preservation, restoration, and adaptive re-use of historic buildings. He served as the mechanical engineer for the Unity
The Most Unique Temple in Illinois
OnlyInYourState's team of travel writers has penned over 100,000 articles highlighting the hidden gems, little known attractions, and natural wonders of each of our 50 unique states. Earlier this year, Unity Temple was featured in
Design Elements of Unity Temple
David Sokol is the author of the book The Noble Room which gives a historical perspective of Wright's process in designing and building Unity Temple, as well as the life of the congregation that hired him.
Masonry Masterpieces
Masonry Masterpieces from Start to Finish World class photo artist Pedro Guerrero said “... many grow timid when they grow old, Frank Lloyd Wright only gained more confidence”. In discussions I often refer to Wright's
Fifty Years of Enjoying Wright Architecture
As with everyone who is interested in Frank Lloyd Wright, I have my own “path of discovery” of how I became aware of Wright and came to admire his architecture. I grew up in the
Inspiring Art Through Adaptive Reuse
You may know EverGreene from our work restoring and reviving historic theaters and performance spaces, but did you know that our work also inspires art and beauty? EverGreene focuses on work in sacred spaces, churches,
A Radical Break with Tradition
Context for a radical break with tradition I clearly remember the first time I set eyes on Unity Temple, about fifteen years ago. Like so many others, I knew of Wright primarily from his Prairie
Wright’s Oak Park Evolution of Style
When guiding guests through Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park Home & Studio, which Wright initially designed in 1889 and expanded and continually remodeled until 1909, we describe the building as his architectural laboratory. He conducted
Unity Temple Model
In the summer of 1976 before I left for college, I delivered a 1/4" scale model of Unity Temple to The Unity Temple Restoration Foundation. I had already been on a team my senior year
Muntu Dance Theatre
Unity Dance Series Muntu Dance Theatre October 23, 2021 “In essence you are visitors to our village which is wherever we are. We welcome you with Dyembes (drums) and Esparoro (chant). Through the chant we
Unity Temple Congregation 1909 Testimonial
David Sokol is the author of the book The Noble Room which gives a historical perspective of Wright's process in designing and building Unity Temple, as well as the life of the congregation that hired him.
Music in Unity Temple
I recently attended two concerts at Unity Temple, one by Lincoln Trio and the other by Cellissimo. These were my first experiences of hearing music in this venue and both were wonderful. Combining two art
Human Scale & Soaring Spaces
People experience many different emotions as they spend time in buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; awe, amazement, inspiration, calm and, sometimes, a bit of claustrophobia. Wright developed a unique and distinctive style of architecture,
Unity Church Society
The road to design and completion of Unity Temple was hard and slow. By September 26,1909, almost 4 and a half years after the old church was destroyed in the fire, the completed building was
The Oak Park Studio of Frank Lloyd Wright
A Few Thoughts on The Oak Park Studio of Frank Lloyd Wright, by Lisa Schrenk As a volunteer interpreter at the Home & Studio, I am always interested in adding to my knowledge about the
CENTER OF ATTENTION IN UNITY TEMPLE
It was the Spring of 1987 and I had only lived in Oak Park for about a year. It was my first visit inside of Oak Park’s landmark Unity Temple and now I was front
Concrete Column Capitals
Lacking any other exterior ornamentation, the geometric forms cast into the concrete columns tucked under the eaves of Unity Temple catch your eye. Having parted ways about 10 years earlier with his former employer and
The Gale Family
The lot upon which Unity Temple was constructed was purchased from a prominent congregation member, Edwin O. Gale. The Gale family had deep roots in Chicago and the Oak Park area and a much stronger
A Personal Perspective on Unity Temple
“Architects may come, and architects may go, and never change your point of view. When I run dry, I’ll stop awhile and think of you.” Poet and songwriter Paul Simon, from So long, Frank Lloyd
Wright’s use of Froebel Blocks
For anyone wanting to broaden their understanding of Frank Lloyd Wright’s design philosophy and techniques, I highly recommend an important book: Inventing Kindergarten by Norman Brosterman (Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1997). I think the book
Post Office Neighbor
When Unity Temple was constructed, it was surrounded by houses with the exception of the First Congregational Church and Scoville Institute across the street. Oak Park was experiencing rapid growth during the time Unity Temple
Roberts & Wright Collaborations
Charles Roberts had many interests and activities: inventor, manufacturer, educator, and musician to name but a few. Of these wide ranging activities, his role as chair of the building committee following the 1905 fire that
Hillside at Taliesin
Until Covid-19, I worked for 25 years in various capacities at Taliesin Preservation, including as its historian. When asked to write something here, I remembered the connection between Unity Temple and the Hillside Home School