SOUTHLAND ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY

In the 1950s Chicago’s Southland Communities became experimental grounds for some of the leading architects of the day from George Keck of Keck and Keck to Bertrand Goldberg, Paul Schweikher and Edward Dart. Many of these arguably include their best works and today some of these examples are museum quality while others are in disrepair or endangered, yet all are illuminating vantage points into this progressive period of architecture and design that is now coined Mid-Century Modern.

SoCoMCM has established several Committees to support our MISSION and support our MEMBERSHIP

EVENTS | Chairperson Megan Rork

The Event Committee develops opportunities for social engagement from architectural tours and social gatherings to book signings and seminars with content that provides resources to advance restorations and advocacy. All committees work together to provide engaging forums and opportunities to gather, learn, share and be inspired by the spirit of modernism. In 2025 the Events Committee has set an ambitious schedule with monthly events.

RESEARCH and DOCUMENTATION | Chairperson Robin Jarrett

SoCoMCM has over 140 properties in their developing database of historically significant structures in the Southland and we continue to expand the content of each property. Our team has also started video interviews of key individuals that can provide a verbal history. The end goal is to publish a documentary of the Southland MCM Collection that will bring awareness and exposure to the wider architectural community regarding the modernist movement in the Southland.

RESOURCES and MEMBER SERVICES | Chairperson Jamie Foley

One of the key missions for SoCoMCM is to provide a collective or forum for like-minded individuals on similar journeys of restoration, maintenance and preservation of MCM properties. Many who own modernist properties consider themselves to be stewards of the rich architectural heritage, characteristics and quality of the properties. Having a network that can provide support and advice from minor but challenging maintenance to complex restorations can be impactful.

COMMUNICATIONS | Chairperson Marcellus Marsh

The communications Committee is responsible for developing impactful communication campaigns from visual and graphic content to messaging our activities and services internally through direct communication to external content on social media.

ORGANIZATION | Chairperson Kathryn Humecki

An organization cannot succeed without an efficient structure that sets the foundation for an organization to build from. From financial management to setting the vision for the group.

LEADERSHIP | Founder and President of SoCoMCM | Edward Peck, FAIA, LEED AP

Edward Peck and Katie Martin moved to the southland in 2019 and fell in love with the diverse community and rich architectural history. Edward, an architect and Katie, an Urban Planner and Landscape Architect, saw an opportunity to bring together design enthusiasts interested in researching and documenting the Southland’s rich modernist history while also forming a resource network to help homeowners with the complexities of MCM maintenance and preservation all within a fun social format. With the organization just one year into its establishment, we are making incredible progress bringing people together to celebrate and preserve this special asset in the Southland!

LEADERSHIP | BOARD

Edward Peck | President

Jamie Foley | Vice President

Kathryn Humecki | Treasurer

Robin Jarrett | Secretary

Megan Rork | Director

Marcellus Marsh | Director