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DOWNTOWN — Open House Chicago is featuring nine of Lakeview’s buildings this fall.
Buildings old and new are participating in the event, which runs Oct. 13-14. Among them is the Old Chicago Inn, which has a basement speakeasy; a Salvation Army building that was once a massive mansion; a new hotel and two churches.
The architectural festival is free. It officially runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. throughout the weekend, but some locations have different hours.
Here’s what you can explore in Lakeview:
Laugh Factory
Where: 3175 N. Broadway
When: 1-5 p.m. Oct. 13 and Oct. 14
Why: The theater was opened in 1915 and has served as a movie theater and venue for plays. It’s now home to the Laugh Factory, which features stand-up comedians.
Lincoln Lodge
Where: 956 W. Newport Ave.
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 14
Why: This building from 1914 will have free standup shows at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Old Chicago Inn
Where: 3222 N. Sheffield Ave.
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct 13 and Oct. 14
Why : The Old Chicago Inn was built in 1906, but it’s now home to a ’20s-themed bed and breakfast. Visitors who are 21 or older can visit Room 13, a secret cocktail and jazz bar.
Otherworld Theatre
Where: 3914 N. Clark St.
When: 1-5 p.m. Oct. 13 and Oct. 14
Why: This theater specializes in science-fiction and fantasy performances, but it’s got a colorful history that include stints as the home to a florist and the famed Live Bait Theater.
Salvation Army College
Where: 700 W. Brompton Ave.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 13
Why: Once a 45,000-square-foot, 14-bedroom mansion, this building is now used by the Salvation Army for training staff.
St. Alphonsus Church
Where: 1429 W. Wellington Ave.
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 13 and Oct. 14
Why: This 122-year-old church is home to an array of stained glass, religious statues and murals and has a famous bright blue ceiling.
Theater Wit
Where: 1229 W. Belmont Ave.
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 13 and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 14
Why: The Wit has called this building home in 1988, though the structure itself was finished in ’32 and originally served as a post office. The building has been rehabbed, but it still has some of its original architecture.
Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ
Where: 615 W. Wellington Ave.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 13 and 1-5 p.m. Oct. 14
Why: This church is more than a century old, but it’s home to something even older — a baptismal font from the 14th century.
Wheelhouse Hotel
Where: 3475 N. Clark St.
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 13 and Oct. 14
Why: This hotel’s got a speakeasy in the basement and baseball-themed artwork in its lobby. A rooftop bar provides a view of the neighborhood.
