By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)
For many years, Susan and I have been supporters of Logan Square Preservation, a truly great and vital community organization. Now, every two years, LSP hosts a day-long event where those interested in historic homes can take docent-led tours.
This year, I worked with volunteers to increase awareness for the 2025 House Walk on September 20 by drafting a news story. Here’s the final version.
35th Logan Square House Walk Steps off Sept. 20 in Palmer Square Park
For the 35th year, Logan Square Preservation invites the public to walk through historic homes that represent the best of Logan’s Square’s diverse architectural style on Saturday, September 20. For the first time, the seven houses — and the accompanying vintage car show — are all clustered within easy walking distance around Palmer Square Park.
The biannual House Walk kicks off with will-call and day-of ticket sales at the historic Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church, 3062 W. Palmer Square. Open for tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the homes are prime examples of Prairie School, American Craftsman, Chicago Bungalow and other architectural styles. Many have distinctive components such as wrap-around porches, brick columns with Ionic capitals, porte cochère entrances, and dormers that add an Oriental influence.
Visitors will receive an interior tour of the homes led by trained docents and a collectable House Walk guide containing many historical photos of Palmer Square as it originally appeared. Also on view will be a historic house currently undergoing exterior restoration, with information on the process available.
Vehicle traffic will be restricted during the event, allowing for easy pedestrian access to the tour and outdoor points of interest, including several related to the Schwinn Bicycle empire. Palmer Square Park, a 7.69-acre green space that’s part of the city’s historic Boulevard System, has a storied history from the early 1900s as an avenue for cycling enthusiasts and clubs.
Ignaz Schwinn, founder of the Chicago-based Schwinn Bicycle Co., resided in a mansion at the east end of Palmer Square where the St. Sylvester School now stands. He also built the Shakespeare Flats apartment building, which can still be seen on the west end of the square. Look for the volunteer docents with vintage Schwinn bikes to hear more about Palmer Square’s Schwinn history.
And in homage to greater Logan Square’s Norwegian heritage, master woodcarver Jock Holmen, owner of Norwegian Termite, will provide woodcarving demonstrations. An artist trained in traditional carving techniques, Holman will display a carving he is making for a new Logan Square park to be dedicated to the memory of Emil Biorn, a Norwegian artist who was active in the community from 1917–1935. Biorn’s work can be seen inside several Logan Square buildings, and the land for Biorn Park, located off Logan Blvd. on Albany Ave., was donated to Logan Square Preservation, which hopes to have the site open to the public in 2026.
Other points of interest along the route include a vintage car show, where more than 50 hot rods, coupes, and sedans of various types will be on display from two local car clubs: LAMBDA Car Club (Lake Michigan Region) and City Wide Classics.
Some of the neighborhood’s many community organizations will also be on hand in Palmer Square during the House Walk to showcase the area’s many unique programs, including The Workers Cottage Initiative and the Palmer Square Park Council.
“This is our organization’s biggest event,” said Andy Schneider, President of Logan Square Preservation. “It’s a reflection of the dedication and commitment members of the Logan Square community have toward maintaining this truly unique and vibrant part of Chicago for generations to come.”
Discounted early bird tickets for the 2025 Logan Square Preservation House Walk are $35 through Sept. 14. Day-of tickets are $50 and are available at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church. Attendees can purchase a VIP Fast Pass for expedited admission to all houses for an early bird price of $115, or $150 on the day of the event.
To register for the House Walk, visit: logansquarepreservation.org/house—garden-walk.
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