Cooley House Lecture Series

As part of the Cooley House Lecture Series, acclaimed preservationist and leading architect of the restoration of Chicago’s Unity Temple, T. Gunny Harboe spoke to a capacity crowd of architecture professionals and fans at ULM’s Biedenharn Recital Hall.

For much of his for decade career, the Chicago architect has worked on several landmarks designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, including Taliesin West and Robie House. Harboe recently oversaw the $25 million restoration of Unity Temple, Wright’s 1909 masterpiece located in Chicago’s Oak Park suburb. In addition to Wright, Harboe has worked on National Historic Landmarks, designed by such architects as Mies Van der Rohe, Louis Sullivan and Holabird and Root.

After Harboe’s presentation, lecture-goers were treated to refreshments and wine and an opportunity to talk one-on-one with the renowned preservationist. Harboe toured the Cooley House earlier in the day and noted that it is our community’s responsibility to leverage the home’s uniqueness and historical significance to preserve it for future generations to study and enjoy. He also noted its similarity to Unity Temple’s construction in its use of concrete and aggregate stone, as well as its unassuming entrance leading to voluminous interior spaces.

For more information about the Cooley  House and how you can support its Foundation, go to www.cooleyhouse.org.