BACOA Fundraiser Brings Focus to Barrington’s Mid-Century Modern Homes

October 19, 2024

The Barrington Area Council on Aging (BACOA) hosted an inaugural architectural tour fundraiser on Saturday, showcasing the rich history of mid-century modern homes in the Barrington area. Many notable mid-century modern architects not only designed homes in Barrington but also made the community their home.

The “Mid Mod Barrington” fundraiser was chaired by Stephanie Walker, a realtor with Compass Group and a member of the Barrington Cultural Commission. The cultural commission kicked off the fundraiser with a special event at Barrington’s White House on Friday, featuring two Chicago-based architectural historians, Michelangelo Sabatino and Susan Benjamin.

Saturday’s home tour began at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, designed by noted architect Ed Dart. Dart designed 26 churches during his lifetime, often incorporating hidden windows that allowed natural light into sanctuary chapels. The church is also the site of Dart’s final resting place.

Ten homes in Barrington Hills, North Barrington, and the Village of Barrington were featured on the tour, which concluded with a reception at the Henrich House, a historical landmark home also designed by Dart, located on Brinker Road in Barrington Hills.

Other featured architects included Harry Weese, Keck & Keck, Don Tosi, Milton Schwartz, and Dennis Blair.

With more than 300 tickets sold this year, BACOA hopes to make this an annual fundraiser. Several other mid-century modern homeowners have expressed interest in participating in the future. “Mid-century modern homes are an integration between the modern and natural world. Studies show that when you live in a home that integrates nature, you live a happier life. This was the perfect way to highlight the uniqueness of this home style in the Barrington area and raise money for a great cause,” Walker said.

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