WGLC hosted its second annual bowling night on February 15th at Southport Lanes in Chicago. Chapter members and guests enjoyed friendly competition along with beverages and trips to the buffet. The high score of the evening was 158 bowled by Gregory Dowell. Gregory received the grand prize, a Chicago Skyline Lego set. Thanks to all that attended!

A presentation on the recent award-winning restoration of Unity Temple was held at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) on January 18th. Sarah Horton (Berglund Construction), Terry VanderWell (EverGreene Architectural Arts), and Mark Nussbaum (Architectural Consulting Engineers) discussed various aspects of the restoration including the challenges unique to this site. Prior to the presentation a brief synopsis of the APT WGLC Annual Report to Members was given to our Wisconsin audience. APT WGLC would like to thank our presenters and MSOE for hosting us for the evening!

On the evening of Thursday January 11th, APT WGLC held our annual meeting in Chicago. After a brief presentation to review the annual report (available to members on the member's page of our website), Eddie Torrez of Bauer Latoza Studio presented his work on the restoration of All Saints Episcopal Church. The work included foundation replacement, stabilization of the original bell tower, restoration of the stained glass windows, and revealing and restoring the original wood siding. Rector Bonnie Perry represented All Saints Church and provided insight on the project from the Owner's perspective. The project has received many awards. WGLC would like to thank Eddie, Bonnie, and all those who attended! 

APT WGLC was pleased to receive a holiday card from Save Old Nichols Library, Inc. this holiday season!  Earlier this fall several volunteers from our chapter performed a condition assessment of the Old Nichols Library in Naperville, Illinois, which at the time was threatened by demolition.  Through the efforts of our generous volunteers, and as a result of the tireless advocacy of the preservation community in Naperville and in greater Chicagoland, the Old Nichols Library has been designated a local landmark and will continue to stand for years to come.  Many thanks to our WGLC volunteers, and congratulations to Save Old Nichols Library, Inc.!

Matt Luczak lead an event titled, History and Use of Scagliola on  November 6th at St. Josaphat Church in Chicago. The event included a lecture/slide presentationdiscussing the history of scagliola (a hand-crafted artificial marble created with gypsum, water, pigments & glue) as well as the various methods of scagliola production. The group was able to view the existing scagliola at the church, as well as view a live demonstration of the Marezzo method of scagliola production. APT WGLC would like to thank Matt for sharing his unique knowledge!

On October 5, 2017, APT WGLC provided a tour of the Old Chicago Post Office (OPO) building for approximately twenty-five WGLC members. The building has more than 2.5 million square feet of floor space and has been abandoned for approximately 20 years. The building is currently undergoing redevelopment and the tour was a rare chance for many to see the interior of the building near the end of the interior demolition phase. Highlights of the tour included viewing of the roof, multiple floor levels, the Post Master General’s office, and the newly refurbished grand lobby. WGLC would like to thank all of our members that participated in this tour and a special welcome to our new members that attended. We look forward to seeing you again at upcoming WGLC events!

On October 27^th, APT WGLC members and friends participated in a hands-on stenciling workshop at Conrad Schmitt Studios in New Berlin, Wisconsin. Participants learned about the use of stenciling as a decorative finish, different levels of artistry in stenciling applications, and methods used to document, restore, and replicate historic stenciling. Participants tested their skills by creating their own three-color stencil masterpiece. While the projects were drying we enjoyed a studio tour and seeing many stained-glass restoration projects in process. APT WGLC would like to thank Conrad Schmitt Studios for a fun and educational event!

Earlier this month, Jennifer Spencer and Ashley Sarver of Gary W. Anderson & Associates (GWAA) gave a lively presentation on the Illinois River’s Edge Redevelopment Tax Credit Program, how the tax credit has benefited Rockford, and their related project work.  They focused on the rehabilitation of the Prairie Street Brewhouse, where their office is located, and touched on several other projects with similar focus and use of applicable tax credits.  After the presentation the group toured the Prairie Street facility, which has become a center of activity for the local  community.  APT WGLC thanks Jennifer and Ashley and invites its members to visit Rockford and see all that the River’s Edge tax credit program has done for the city!

(Photo credit: GWAA Architects, Rockford)