Jen Masengarb

If you’ve lived in or visited an older home or apartment building in Chicago, like question asker Biz Knapp, chances are it has an odd door or some other quirky feature that seems out of place today. But the evolution of apartment layouts signifies more than just a change in style or materials — They also provide architectural clues about the way Chicagoans once lived. We revisit those clues in this episode from 2017. Then, we catch up with Evanston elementary drama teacher Michael Rodriguez. You might recognize his voice from an episode back in August, when he shared his excitement for the new school year. Now, about two months into his remote learning routine, we hear if things are going the way he expected.

Here’s a peek at what goes on inside some of these “mystery buildings” and how their architectural disguises have evolved over the decades.

More public elementary schools were built in the 1920s than in any other era. Their design reflected new ideas about child development and health.

We look at eight building features and what each reveals about how society and urban life has changed over the years.

What will happen to the Willis Tower in 150 years? In this special Curious City presentation, producer Jesse Dukes and the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Jen Masengarb envision three future scenarios for the iconic skyscraper, and for the Chicago of 2166. Click here for the full story.