Yerkes Observatory: Restoring the World’s Largest Refracting Telescope
The Yerkes Observatory is an impressive (and functioning) historic artifact. After it was retired by the University of Chicago in 2018 the local community sprung into action. A team meticulously worked to restore and update Yerkes.
Yerkes assembled a team of architects, landscape designers, artisans and tradespeople to complete its initial restoration efforts. From masons restoring the decorative 19th-century terracotta stonework to contractors replacing the roof and skylights, many workers are local professionals and contractors. They are excited to be part of the community effort to revive this historical treasure.
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