Chicago - The 2007 official Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) architecture river cruise season opens April 28—a sure sign of summer. This year, CAF is introducing on-line ticket availability through Ticketmaster. The print-at-home option allows passengers to check-in for the cruise, one of Chicago's most popular spring and summer activities.
The CAF cruise is offered aboard official vessels Chicago's First Lady, Chicago's Little Lady and Chicago's Fair Lady—1920s-style cruising yachts each offering open-air upper deck viewing as well as climate-controlled main deck salons complete with full-service bars.
The ninety-minute tours are led by CAF-certified volunteer docents who are specially trained by the CAF and offer a lively fact-filled and anecdotal commentary on Chicago's architecture from the unique vantage point of the river.
This official CAF architecture river cruise highlights 53 historic and architecturally significant sites including: the Merchandise Mart, 333 W. Wacker, the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, the Sears Tower, River City, Marina City and Donald Trump's new building. They also include significant buildings, sites and developments along the North Branch of the Chicago River such as The Montgomery, formerly the world headquarters for Montgomery Ward; the Chicago Tribune printing press plant; Goose Island; Kinzie Park development; Riverbend by DeStefano and the clustered glass River Cottages by architect Harry Weese.
All CAF cruises depart from the lower level and southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Wacker Drive. The 2007 Tour Schedule runs through November 18.
About the Chicago Architecture Foundation
The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and related design. The Foundation pursues this mission through a comprehensive program of exhibits, tours, special events and lectures. CAF's ArchiCenter is located in the Santa Fe Building at 224 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL. For further information, visit www.architecture.org or call (312) 922-3432.
