Ridge Historical Society Fundraiser: The Architectural Beauty of the Far South and Southwest
The Architectural Beauty of the Far South and Southwest
April 10th, 2026 @ 7:00pm in the Baffes Theatre
$25
Lee Bey will discuss the remarkably beautiful and largely unsung architecture of the far South and Southwest Sides of Chicago, which are home to lesser-known but important work by luminary architects such as Jeanne Gang, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Eero Saarinen, as well as buildings by pioneering black architects such as Walter T. Bailey, John Moutoussamy, and Roger Margerum.
Contrary to popular narratives that typically ignore the great architectural heritage of Chicago’s South Side, Bey will detail the beautiful and intact buildings and neighborhoods that reflect the value and potential of the area. His presentation will offer much to delight and intrigue even those familiar with the South Side.
Event Proceeds from this fundraiser event will benefit RHS.
Get tickets online (Ticketing is not through Beverly Arts Center and so BAC memberships do not apply): https://bit.ly/RHS-lee
About Lee Bey
Lee Bey is the award-winning architecture critic for the Chicago Sun-Times. His writing, and photography on architecture and urban design have been featured in many news outlets, architectural journals, and international design publications.
Bey is the author of the much-praised book Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago’s South Side, which showcases his architectural photography and social commentary, and he is the main photographer of the book. Who is the City For? Architecture, Equity and the Public Realm in Chicago, written by Blair Kamin.
Bey, an adjunct professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology College of Architecture, is expert in Chicago history and late 20th century Black history. A sought-after speaker, he previously was director of media and government affairs for the Chicago office of SOM, executive director of the Chicago Central Area Committee, and deputy chief of staff for architecture and urban planning under Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.
