Susan Benjamin lecture on Edward Dart and Mid-Century Modern Architecture

Description

Please join us for a lecture and open house at 2345 W. Old Mill Road in Lake Forest on Sunday, October 24th from 2:00-4:00pm:
The esteemed architectural historian and lecturer, Susan Benjamin, co-author of the award-winning book, “Modern in the Middle – Chicago Houses 1929-1975” will be speaking about the architecture of Edward Dart and how his design ingenuity is reflected in the features of this beautiful brick home on Old Mill Road. She will also provide an overview of her recent book, discuss mid-century modern homes, and give insight about how to navigate the Illinois Fac¸ade Easement and Tax Freeze programs. This will be a highly educational presentation, and all are invited to join us. The house will be open at 2:00 pm. Ms. Benjamin’s presentation will begin at 2:30 pm. Ms. Benjamin will be available to autograph books. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to walk through this historic masterpiece and hear an award-winning lecturer share insight about mid-century modern homes built in Chicago between 1929-1975.

About Susan Benjamin: Susan Benjamin is an architectural historian with 40-plus years of experience in a broad variety of preservation activities. She and members of her firm, Benjamin Historic Certifications, have written numerous local and National Register landmark nominations for noteworthy Illinois buildings of all periods and styles, frequently so homeowners can receive a facade easement or property tax freeze for rehabilitating their historic house. She frequently lectures on a variety of topics from historic landscapes and residential architecture to subjects like the history of the shopping mall. Her award-winning book, Modern in the Middle, Chicago Houses, 1929-1975, written with Michelangelo Sabatino, was published by Monacelli Press in September 2020. Prior to publication of this book, she and architect Stuart Cohen co-authored two books on Chicago area architecture: Great Houses of Chicago: 1871-1921 and North Shore Chicago: Houses of the Lakefront Suburbs 1890-1940, (Acanthus Press, November 2008, 2004).

About Edward Dart: Edward Dart was born in New Orleans, studied under Richard M. Bennett at Yale School of Architecture, and graduated in 1949. Dart, one of Chicago's most distinguished architects, was made a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects at age 44 and garnered 18 AIA awards. Dart was known for using natural materials, designing plans that included open, free-flowing spaces, and created buildings with a strong relationship to their natural surroundings. He was a partner in the Chicago firm of Loebl Schlossman Bennett & Dart from 1965 until his death in 1975. He designed 52 custom houses, many commercial buildings and 26 unique churches between 1949 and 1968. His notable Chicago area buildings include: Norris University Center at Northwestern University (1971), Pick-Staiger Concert Hall at Northwestern University (1975), St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Gary, IN (1958), Water Tower Place (1975), and St. Procopius Abbey & Monastery in Lisle, IL (1967).

About 2345 W. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest This mid-century modern home, with over 7,000 square feet of living space includes a pool, pool house, studio, 3 car garage, a 3 bedroom caretaker's cottage, 4 stall barn, equipment barn, paddocks, a beautiful pond, handsome grounds, fields, mature trees, and forest. This 17-acre estate, built in 1964, is adjacent to 100+ acres of conservation land. This home transcends time with its innovative design and livable, warm spaces. The house is true to its original plan, featuring abundant natural light and expansive views of the property from the windows. A truly spectacular home that blends beautifully with nature and exudes warmth, elegance, and comfort. For additional information about the estate visit www.2345WOldMillRd.info