Last week, the city of Chicago announced that demolition of the Michael Reese Hospital campus would begin. And, unlike so many delayed city projects, the demolition of the campus has indeed started.

When I first explored the Michael Reese campus, one of the buildings that stood out to me was the Friend Pavilion. At first glance, it looked like a simple, concrete structure. Small and nestled in a grove of trees and gardens, I didn’t immediately pay much attention to it among the other large, modern structures. However, when I got closer, I was drawn in by Friend’s expansive windows and simple interior.

Friend was built as a place where patients could rest and be rehabilitated. When I was finally able to explore the building from the inside, I struck by how truly peaceful the interior was. Despite being a hospital in the middle of a bustling metropolis, the world inside of the Friend Pavilion was surprisingly tranquil and relaxing. The simple, open rooms and picturesque landscape outside made for a very appealing place to rest. Pictures of the building don’t do it justice.

Not so long ago, not even that much more than a year ago, patients were still being served by the Friend Pavilion. When I first became interested in the hospital campus in early 2008, I visited the Friend pavilion several times and noted that it certainly wasn’t in pristine condition. But, at the same time, the building wasn’t in the dilapidated condition that the city of Chicago pretends that it was in. It was only through purposeful negligence by the city that Friend (like many of the other buildings on the campus) was allowed to deteriorate.

As sad as it makes me to say it, the building never will be restored or recognized for the sanctuary that it was and could have been. This week, the Friend Pavilion was destroyed with little fanfare.

The Friend Pavilion

More Michael Reese Photos

The Michael Reese Hospital campus saga is one that I’ve been following ever since I stumbled on the campus a little over a year ago. I’ve been following the efforts that preservationists have been making to save the historically significant Walter Gropius buildings on the site. I handed out literature and attended community meetings, hoping that some of the buildings would be saved. In the end, it looks like most of the campus will still be lost.

This week, despite Chicago losing its bid for the 2016 Olympics, demolition of the campus begins. There is hope that at least one of the buildings, the Singer Pavilion, might be saved. But, alas, the rest of the campus may be lost.

The Singer Pavilion

Thanks to the Gropius in Chicago Coalition and the rest of the architectural preservation community for all of your efforts in trying to save these buildings.

Seattle/Portland

On November 4th, 2008, I was given an amazing opportunity to witness history in Chicago’s Grant Park. I stood 50 feet away as Barack Obama gave his first speech as the president elect of the United States of America

The warmth means that it’s time to get back out and explore some places. So far, it’s been a few hospitals this month.

Hospitals

It’s the first good snowfall this year and I had to go out and get some pictures. I would have gotten more, but my tripod froze up as I was moving it into position and all of my free hand shots turned out horrible.

Belle Ave

Welles Park

Look at Mother Nature on the run
In the twenty-first century.