Lee Bey - Chicago Sun-Times architecture critic and author

Lee Bey is the author of the well-received book “Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago’s South Side” and was the Emmy-nominated host of the WTTW special “Building Blocks: The Architecture of Chicago’s South Side.”

Bey returned to the Sun-Times as an editorial writer in 2019. He previously held several positions in organizations involved in planning, development and architecture, and was also deputy chief of staff for architecture and urban planning in the administration of Mayor Richard M. Daley. Bey is now working on a book about architecture on the West Side. He lives in an 1893 rowhouse in Chicago’s historic Pullman community.

The Speaker Luncheon Price per Ticket is as follows:

$55 for Members**

$65 for Non-Members**

$650 - Purchase of One Table (Seating for 10 People)

(In order to help First Friday cover increasing expenses, a processing fee will be added to the price of your ticket(s) at checkout. Thank you)

• Any dietary requirements
• A group or person you wish to sit with (all attendees are assigned a seat)
• A request for a hearing assistance kit

For additional information please call (312.466.9610), email [email protected] or visit our website at

This luncheon will be held at The Union League Club - Presidents Hall on the 2nd floor at 65 West Jackson Blvd (1/2 block east of Clark). Upon entering the ULC, coat check is mandatory on the first floor (no charge) and you will be directed to the check-in location.

The Union League Club Dress Code is Smart Casual, a relaxed, well-dressed look which may include jeans with no visible rips or tears, denim, and collared shirts. Athletic wear, tennis shoes, t-shirts or hats are not permitted.

Valet Parking is available at Union League's Federal Street Entrance (Union League Club's parking fee will apply; no discount to attendees).

Discounted parking as low as $15 for All First Friday Club Attendees is available through the in the South Loop Self Park, 318 S. Federal St, Chicago (self parking in the garage on the northwest corner of Federal and Van Buren). For information on this special offer, click the following link:

The Club is just two blocks from the LaSalle Street Metra Station, six blocks from Union Metra Station and only blocks from every EL Station

Info: Elevators are provided along with stairs to reach the 2nd floor venue. Coat check, located on the first floor, is required with no charge. Please note: the coat check line can be long dependent on other events taking place at the Union League Club.

Info: Three course meal is provided. When registering, please specify any dietary restrictions for you and your guests plus any seating requests. Table assignments will be listed outside the Presidents Hall. First Friday board members will also be available to assist with seating.

Info: Speaker will be introduced at 12:30pm followed by Q&A. Luncheon ends at 1:15pm.

Info: Questions will be taken from the audience during the last 10 minutes. A roving microphone will be provided. Please keep questions short and to the point.

Info: Tickets for the next month's speaker can be purchased before and after the luncheon at the welcome table, right outside the Lincoln Ballroom. Credit card and checks accepted.

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