For those of you looking to enrich your knowledge of history and current chicago markets, these events may prove helpful.  

Abe

The Survival of Yerkes Observatory

• What: Part of the Eric R. Multhauf Lunchtime Lecture Series, you'll hear from Carol JH Yetken, CYLA Design Associates, Inc. and Walker C. Johnson, Johnson Lasky Architects.
• Who: Chicago Architecture Foundation
• Where: The John Buck Company Lecture Hall Gallery, 224 S. Michigan Ave.
• When: May 2, 12:15 to 1 p.m.
• Cost: Free and open to the public, no RSVP required
• Contact: 312-922-3432 ext 252
• Web site: Chicago Architecture Foundation

brown bag luncheon

• What: Palmer House renovation. Will include history of the Palmer House and review of design plans.
• Who: Friends of Downtown
• Where: Millennium Park Meeting Room
• When: May 3, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Contact: Friends of Downtown, 312-458-9454
• Web site: Friends of Downtown

The Palmer House Renovation

• What: Mr. Ken Price, Director of Public Relations of Hilton Hotels will offer a history of the Palmer House; Ms. Mary Ann Cronin, Director of Development of Thor Equities, will discuss the challenges of converting a landmark building.
• Who: Friends of Downtown
• Where: Millennium Park Meeting Room, Chicago Cultural Center
• When: May 3, 12:15 - 1:15 p.m.
• Cost: Free and open to the public
• Web site: Friends of Downtown

"A Conversation With..."

• What: Question-and-answer format. Speaker is Penny Pritzker, president and CEO of Pritzker Realty Group L.P.
• Who: ULI Chicago (Urban Land Institute)
• Where: Mid-Day Club, 21 S. Clark St., 56th floor
• When: May 3; 4:30 p.m. registration and networking, 5 p.m. program, 6 p.m. cocktails and hors d'oeuvres
• Contact: Cynthia A. McSherry, 773-549-4972
• Web site: ULI Chicago

If Jane Jacobs Came to Chicago...

• What: In observance of the one-year anniversary of her death, this program focuses on the life and legacy of Jane Jacobs.
• Who: Chicago Architecture Foundation, Urban History Seminar, Chicago History Museum and the Center for Chicago Programs, Lake Forest
• Where: The John Buck Company Lecture Hall Gallery, 224 S. Michigan Ave.
• When: May 5, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Cost: $55, $45 for CAF members, $35 for students (includes lunch)
• Contact: RSVP to 312-922-3432 ext 224
• Web site: The Chicago Architecture Foundation