Built, Demolished, Reclaimed, Reused: The Story of Chicago Common Brick

By 1910, Chicago was using its natural clay deposits to produce over 1.5 billion “common bricks” each year — visible still today on the backs and sides of nearly every structure in the city. Urban renewal efforts of the mid-20th century formed the empty lots of the Available City and created piles of brick waste.

At this program, participants will learn the history of this humble material and how it is reclaimed from demolition sites, tour a brickyard, and join the hosts for a visit to SOIL LAB.

Program will take place at Bricks Incorporated (Showroom), 3425 S. Kedzie Ave, Chicago IL 60623