Three years ago, I began an amazing adventure to learn more about my paternal grandfather, Alexander Capraro. As mentioned in my first post dated 10/2/13:
Through His Words: Reflections From and About My Grandfather
My grandfather was small in stature but large in accomplishment. He was the first Italian-American architect licensed in the state of Illinois and fortunately, a few of his buildings still stand for us to admire.
This weekend, the Chicago Architecture Foundation hosts its Open House Chicago.
200 COOL PLACES.
48 HOURS. GO.
IT’S FREE.
OCTOBER 15-16, 2016
I am so proud that for the 6th time, Casa Bonita, designed in 1928 by my grandfather Alex and his partner Morris, is included in the festival. Quite an accomplishment for a man who, at the age of four, emigrated to America in 1899 with his parents.
Casa Bonita is considered a Spanish-Renaissance Revival apartment building.
Casa Bonita ©Photo by Charlene Ferguson
There are 66 units in the U-shaped white terra-cotta building that surround a beautiful garden. The attention to detail can be seen everywhere.
Casa Bonita ©Photo by MMattucci
Besides its incredible structure, Casa Bonita has amenities including a library, a billiards room, and a large indoor pool.
Casa Bonita ©Photo by MMattucci
When it was built, I have been told, there was even a driving range on the roof.
Casa Bonita ©Photo by MMattucci
Casa Bonita ©Photo by MMattucci
If you are in or near Chicago this weekend, this is a unique opportunity to visit incredible historic landmarks, including Casa Bonita – all for free. Residents will be available to answer questions, give tours, and share their passion about this very special Chicago treasure.
http://openhousechicago.org/sites/site/casa-bonita/
My thanks to Mary, Linda and Charlene for rapid assistance with photos.
For more on Alex’s story, see below. And one last thought – When I began writing about my grandfather, I used the phrase: Through his Words... Now I can say, Through his Words and Works…
Ciao,
Judy – a very proud granddaughter
Opening of Original Post 10/2/13
Through His Words: Reflections From and About My Grandfather (10/2/13)
I am about to begin an incredible adventure with my paternal grandfather. We will venture to Europe, via ship, and spend a month together touring Italy. During our stay, we will visit his birthplace, Pietrabbondante, a town he left with his parents when he was four years old to emigrate to the United States.
To continue reading, please click below:
Blogging In Italy 
Wow. That is one gorgeous building complex.
I used to be an interior designer in Toronto who worked with architects. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They have an amazing ability to create the most wonderful spaces. I just have to get to Chicago now.
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Agree on all counts!
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Felicidades
Sent from my iPhone
>
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Grazie!
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The pictures and accompanying remarks were both moving
You have much to be proud of as it is a beautiful structure and a testimonial to his talent
However, if there had been more to read I would have required a hankerchief
Thank you
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Get out your handkerchief and read the other 36 posts. They are the letters he wrote to Maude when he took the trip. If interested, use the categories menu upper right side, scroll down to “Through his words…., and click. I know you will enjoy, especially since you knew Maude.
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Incredibly beautiful, fresh, pleasing design. You must be very proud, indeed!
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Yes, so very, thanks!
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Im a Real Estate Broker in Saint Joseph Michigan.
Alexander V. Capraro designed:
2707 Highland Court
St. Joseph, MI 49085
5 beds 5 baths 4,242 sqft • #20021719
NEW LISTING
$999,000
Would love to help any future buyer purchase this gem!
Michael Lirones
Gold Realty
269-332-8580
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Thanks for sending this. It looks exactly like something my grandfather would have done, based on other things I have seen. Really beautiful! Do you know when it was built?
I will pass it on to all of my relatives. At least they will get to see it, and who knows, perhaps one might want to be the next owner! Good luck with your listing. Judy
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Thank you for sharing this information. I believe I am related to your family. My grandmother was Maria Lena Capraro Silvestri (She was a sister of Alex) who was married to Adolpho Silvestri. I am the daughter of William John Silvestri, Sr. I feel very strong connections to my Italian heritage. Would love to know more family history.
Fondly,
Mary Lee Silvestri Reilley
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Hi Mary, wow, thanks for your comment. I sent you an email. Judy
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