This is a wonderful tour that skillfully integrates architecture (of course) with social and neighborhood history. Ron is the perfect docent to give the tour, as he has deep connections and knowledge of the area. You are guaranteed to learn a lot if you go on this tour. Strongly recommended.

I just went on a 90-minute walking tour in the Northalsted neighborhood of Chicago, formerly known as “Boystown”, led by the Chicago Architecture tour guide Rene Cantú. This neighborhood of Chicago is one of the biggest and most vibrant LGBTQ+ communities in the country, so it was very interesting to see buildings from the past with important ‘gay people’ connections intermingled with modern construction that both serves and supports today’s more inclusive LGBTQ+ community. Rene did a great job telling the story of this neighborhood and the many important historical figures who helped create and shape it. He also highlighted how integrated the LGBTQ+ experience and history is with the whole community today. We saw the inside of the Center on Halsted where they provide programs and services to the local population in a state-of-the-art facility with theatres, gymnasiums, computer lab, cafes as well as counseling and medical services. Really impressive. Also impressive is the Howard Brown Medical Center set in the midsts of the gay bars and nightlife of Halsted Street. Rene told us how the Legacy Walk came to be, and explained more about the famous rainbow pylons with plaques that delineate the area’s boundaries. I’m guessing we walked about a mile total on a beautiful Chicago summer day in this neighborhood tucked between Wrigley Field and Lake Michigan. If you’d like to feel some gay pride not only during the month of June, I highly recommend this informative and fun excursion.