Beyond the Loop: Reinvesting in Chicago's Hidden Gems and Forgotten Neighborhoods
$65 Nonmember | $55 Member* | $650 Table* (10 seats) | All tickets include three course meal + presentation (*additional processing fee added on at checkout)
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Reservations open Friday, April 10th
Online reservations close Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 @ 5pm. For any questions or reservations after May 5th, please call Judy Murphy at 312-466-9610
Beyond the Loop: Reinvesting in Chicago's hidden gems and forgotten neighborhoods
Despite making up the majority of Chicago's landmass, the South and West sides for decades have suffered from severe disinvestment. But is there change afoot?
Lee Bey, from the Sun-Times will highlight the wealth of historic architecture, parks, and streetscapes on the South and West sides, and plans to finally bring reinvestment to these communities.
More on Lee Bey
Lee Bey is the author of the well-received book “Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago’s South Side” and was the Emmy-nominated host of the WTTW special “Building Blocks: The Architecture of Chicago’s South Side.”
Bey returned to the Sun-Times as an editorial writer in 2019. He previously held several positions in organizations involved in planning, development and architecture, and was also deputy chief of staff for architecture and urban planning in the administration of Mayor Richard M. Daley. Bey is now working on a book about architecture on the West Side. He lives in an 1893 rowhouse in Chicago’s historic Pullman community.
Don’t Forget About Parking!
Discounted parking as low as $14 for All First Friday Club Attendees is available in the South Loop Self Park, 318 S. Federal St, Chicago through the iParkit Phone App. For more information on this special offer, click on the following button to get started