yesterday afternoon's photo shoot at the chicago athletic association building

i spent a few hours the other day photographing any and all alterations that have been made since my last visit a few weeks prior. progress has been made, but not on a large scale - at least as of yet.

regardless, i tend to find myself gravitating towards the rooms where the original architectural details have been left alone - frozen in time. the historic integrity of the building - both interior as well as exterior, will make this a distinctive "boutique hotel" that not only will serve as a place of respite, but also a place where one can fully appreciate the truly amazing craftsmanship of the 19th century in a variety of mediums (e.g., art glass, carved woodwork, mosaics, etc.). what more could anyone ask for?

perhaps the one place where i spend the most time is located on the 8th floor - i massive room that once contained the grand dining room or hall. the gargantuan carved oak mantels and art glass panels are still covered while work continues on the ceiling, but those drooping panels high above are still the focus of my attention anyways. i just cannot help myself. i photograph the gothic style panels over and over - from every conceivable angle and lighting condition. the colors, tracery, electrical wiring and wire mesh cones (which were used to uphold the structural integrity of the panels), are just so fascinating to my mind's eye.

i'm sure that in a few weeks, when i make yet another trip to photodocument, the remainder of the plasterwork will be long gone. the ceiling however, will be reproduced or replicated from the original panels and reinstalled. not one of the original "drooping tip" panels survived intact when the false ceiling was removed in its entirety.

at this point, as i scroll threw thousands of images i've taken for nearly 15 months now, i'm seriously contemplating putting a book together. food for thought.