Third Unitarian Church Building

“Within this historical context of architectural innovation in Unitarianism in the Chicago area, it is not surprising that the congregation at Third Unitarian Church was receptive to Paul Schweikher's modern church design in 1936.”

“The Third Unitarian Church building exemplifies the influence of Unitarianism, as a progressive religious denomination, on modern architecture. With its continued presence in the Austin neighborhood, Third Unitarian Church exemplifies the important role that houses of worship play in the economic, social, and cultural life of Chicago's neighborhoods.”

“Built in 1936 by architect Paul Schweikher, and sensitively added to in 1956, the building is the work of an important Chicago architect. This exceptional church building represents the culmination of circumstances including: a congregation receptive to progressive architecture, the “Great Depression” which imposed a limited budget, the rise of the modern movement in architecture, and a young, talented architect who saw the opportunity within these challenges.”

“In 1965 Third Unitarian was described as "an interesting small church in the modern manner" in the book Chicago 's Famous Buildings. In 1985 the building was included as a contributing building in the Austin Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.”

“The congregation's small size and limited budget required economy, a challenge that Schweikher embraced. The new church cost $25,000 (roughly equivalent to $350,000 today). In its original form, the church building consisted of a rectangular auditorium approximately 30' by 50'.”

“The Third Unitarian Church building represents an early Chicago example of a house of worship built in the modern style of architecture, a style that would not be generally embraced by religious denominations until well after World War II.”

“To accommodate a growing congregation, an addition in 1956 was designed by William Fyfe, an apprentice of Schweikher during the original design. While not as well known as Schweikher, Fyfe was an accomplished architect, and his complimentary addition provides evidence of his talent.”

“A small steeple at the ridge, the building's only original reference to traditional ecclesiastical architecture, has been lost. Innovative window designs are a feature of Schweikher's architecture that are much in evidence at Third Unitarian.”

“The addition was designed by William Fyfe of the firm of Bertrand Goldberg and Associates. Fyfe worked with Schweikher during the design of the original building and was recommended to the congregation by Schweikher.”

“Fyfe had also apprenticed with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin, and his devotion to Wright's principles is apparent in the addition with its asymmetry, angular forms, low roofline, and the long horizontal established by the canopy In plan, the addition was located to the north and east of the original building, resulting in a transformation of the auditorium interior.”