In a city celebrated for its architectural legacy, few elements are as enduring and evocative as the humble brick. It’s the material that literally built Chicago—layer by layer, block by block—and continues to tell stories of resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Enter the “Brick of Chicago” Tour, a captivating journey through the city’s neighborhoods that reexamines architecture not just as structure, but as cultural memory.
Led by Chicagoan Will Quam, a self-professed “brick enthusiast” and architectural educator, the “Brick of Chicago” Tour invites participants to walk through the city’s streets with fresh eyes. Quam’s passion for masonry is contagious; what begins as a lesson in material science becomes a deeper meditation on history, artistry, and the city’s ever-evolving identity. Whether it’s the bold polychrome patterns of terra cotta from the early 20th century or the subtle color variations in reclaimed Chicago Commons brick, the tour brings a tactile beauty to the urban landscape—one that many passersby might otherwise overlook.

Chicago’s reputation as an architectural capital is often tied to its steel-frame skyscrapers, Prairie School residences, and Modernist icons. But the “Brick of Chicago” Tour shifts the spotlight to the more granular, often unsung artistry of masonry. Along the way, participants learn about the origins of the clay, the evolution of kiln technology, and the cultural forces that shaped the look and feel of entire neighborhoods.
For residents of Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature®, the tour offers more than a historical curiosity—it’s a reminder of how texture and materiality continue to shape life in Chicago today. Optima’s own design ethos, while rooted in modernism, shares a reverence for the expressive power of building materials. While Optima’s architecture often emphasizes glass, steel, and lush greenery, it exists in dialogue with the historic palette of the city—recognizing that innovation thrives when it honors context.
At Optima Lakeview®, residents live in a neighborhood that wears its brickwork proudly. From the traditional greystone flats to the repurposed industrial buildings, Lakeview tells a story of layered time—one that pairs seamlessly with Optima’s forward-thinking design. Just blocks away, the tour explores how the city’s historic brickyards contributed to the reddish hue that still defines many of the area’s façades.
Meanwhile, in Streeterville, Optima Signature® rises as a beacon of contemporary living—soaring glass, sweeping views, and cutting-edge amenities. And yet, even here, surrounded by the gleaming skyline, the surrounding architecture pays tribute to the city’s brick heritage. From the nearby Water Tower’s limestone resilience to the classic façades of Northwestern’s law school buildings, the balance between old and new remains a defining Chicago principle.
In a sense, the “Brick of Chicago” Tour isn’t just about buildings. It’s about seeing. It’s about developing an eye for detail, an appreciation for labor, and a love for the quiet stories embedded in walls. For Optima residents—many of whom are drawn to design, urban living, and a sense of place—it’s the perfect way to deepen their connection to the city they call home.
Chicago’s bricks may be fixed in place, but the stories they tell are alive, vibrant, and endlessly revealing. Whether you’re a longtime architecture buff or a curious city dweller, this tour proves that sometimes, the most fascinating views aren’t up in the skyline—but right there at eye level.
About the Walking Tours
The Brick of Chicago walking tours are immersive, neighborhood-specific explorations that invite participants to see familiar streets through a new lens. Led by founder Will Quam, each tour focuses on the rich variety of brickwork, revealing how materials, patterns, and colors tell the story of Chicago’s development.
Tour options rotate seasonally and include neighborhoods like Lakeview, Logan Square, Wicker Park, and the West Side, each offering its own architectural character. Whether you’re marveling at a row of glazed brick apartments from the 1920s or decoding the subtle shifts in color across a century-old façade, you’ll come away with a newfound appreciation for the artistry hidden in plain sight.
Tours are typically 90 minutes to two hours long, with easy walking routes designed for all levels of curiosity and mobility. Dates and locations vary throughout the spring, summer, and fall, and tickets can be reserved in advance through the Brick of Chicago website.