The Chicago Architecture Foundation ( CAF ) is hosting openhousechicago 2011 ( OHC 2011 ) —a free event that takes the public behind the scenes of more than 100 spaces in five diverse neighborhoods—Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 15-16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The neighborhoods are downtown Chicago, Bronzeville, Garfield Park/North Lawndale, Little Village and Rogers Park/West Ridge. The OHC neighborhood hubs are: Little Black Pearl Art & Design Center ( Bronzeville ) , Santa Fe Building ( downtown ) , La Villita Community Church ( Little Village ) , Garfield Park Conservatory ( Garfield Park ) and Warren Park Field House ( Rogers Park ) .

Among just a few of the buildings that will be showcased are the Santa Fe Building, 224 S. Michigan Ave.; Lake Point Tower, 505 N. Lake Shore Dr.; the Welcome Inn Manor, 4563 S. Michigan Ave.; Second Federal Savings, 3960 W. 26th St.; MRC Polymers, 3535 W. 31st St.; Power House High School, 931 S. Homan St.; Christy Webber Landscape Designs, 2900 W. Ferdinand St.; Mayne Stage Theatre/Act One Pub, 1328-30 W. Morse Ave.; and Uncommon Ground, 1401 W. Devon Ave.

Advanced registration for OHC2011 is not required. However, sites will be open on a first-come, first-served basis.

Transportation will be available within the neighborhoods. There will not be any connecting those areas, however.

During a meeting with media, OHC 2011 Managing Director Bastiaan Bouma said that the event's distinguishing characteristics are: a deep engagement with community partners; behind-the-scenes access; and a focus on sustainability.

People can schedule their own itineraries and find out much more information by visiting Article Link Here . In addition, volunteers are needed—and volunteers ( as well as CAF members ) have line privileges during OHC 2011.

—Andrew Davis