Bob Sirott`s One More Thing about the Fine Arts building
Posted:
Updated:
By Bob Sirott, FOX 32 News at Nine Co-Anchor - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
One more thing, about a landmark Chicago building and a man whose fame is equally historic.
The Fine Arts building at 410 S. Michigan Ave. was built in 1886. A theatre occupied part of the ground floor for many years. Inside, architectural gems abound. Many of the building's original bronze features have been restored. It was designed specifically for working artists and continues to be an artist's haven today, one of the nation's oldest artist colonies.
Frank Lloyd Wright once rented a studio on the 10th floor. But my favorite part of the building was elevator car number one and its gregarious operator, Irish immigrant Tommy Durkin--a fixture for 50 years until his retirement in 2000. Tommy was so popular with tenants that management brought him back part-time for another 10 years, until he retired for good.
Tommy's smiling face is on a bronze plaque in the lobby--now known as Durkin Hall. A fighting Irish fanatic, he used to host an annual corned beef and cabbage St. Patrick's Day luncheon downstairs in his own beloved memorabilia-filled Notre Dame room in the basement. Tommy died last week at the age of 81. You might want to raise a glass -to the heart and soul of the fine arts building on this St. Patrick's Day.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:55 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:55:34 GMT
As the country looks at the relief efforts in Oklahoma, Illinois is training for the same kind of disaster. The Illinois National Guard prepares every year for disaster events.
As the country looks at the relief efforts in Oklahoma, Illinois is training for the same kind of disaster. The Illinois National Guard prepares every year for disaster events.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:40:45 GMT
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:32 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:32:17 GMT
A couple accused of murdering a 1-month-old boy and allegedly dumping the body in the Des Plaines River pleaded not guilty to the crime during a Thursday court hearing in Maywood.
A couple accused of murdering a 1-month-old boy and allegedly dumping the body in the Des Plaines River pleaded not guilty to the crime during a Thursday court hearing in Maywood.
Monday, April 22 2013 11:09 PM EDT2013-04-23 03:09:41 GMT
Over the weekend, the Tom Cruise sci-fi thriller "Oblivion" was number one at the box office. But the movie I'm talking about wasn't even in the top ten.
Over the weekend, the Tom Cruise sci-fi thriller "Oblivion" was number one at the box office. But the movie I'm talking about wasn't even in the top ten.
