Mission & Vision

The mission of the Union League Club of Chicago Architectural Preservation Foundation (ULCC-APF) is to restore, maintain, and preserve the historical and architectural significance of the Clubhouse building at 65 West Jackson in Chicago, an important symbol of Chicago’s long, storied, and diverse legacy as the "City of Architecture."

The ULCC-APF was established in 2025 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Foundation provides dedicated grant funds to ensure the Clubhouse remains strong and vibrant for future generations, protecting its architectural integrity, structural stability, and modern functionality while honoring its legacy as a cornerstone of civic engagement, leadership, and tradition.

Program Impact

The leadership of the ULCC-APF will work directly with Union League Club of Chicago leadership to identify preservation priorities, and submit formal funding requests to the Foundation’s grant program that include the scope and costs of each project and provide regular status updates to ensure transparency and accountability. Each project will preserve, revitalize, and modernize the internal controls, public spaces, and outside façade of our Clubhouse.

Working in tandem with the ULCC leadership, the APF Board of Directors has drafted a timeline for both short and long-term projects and goals to ensure the legacy and future of the Clubhouse.

Grant program impacts will include:

  • Preservation and restoration initiatives focused on the building’s façade, woodwork, marble, windows and doors.

  • Modernization projects focused on critical infrastructure systems including the HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and elevators.

  • Planning to address emergent issues that may arise related to the building’s structure and mechanicals.

The Clubhouse

The Union League Club of Chicago (ULCC) Clubhouse, located at 65 W. Jackson Blvd in Chicago, Illinois is a 20-story Georgian Revival landmark built in 1926 by Mundie & Jensen. In 2026, the Club celebrates the iconic building’s 100th anniversary.

The building features a limestone base with brown brick, housing, and opulent interior spaces. It includes a 4-story athletic department with an indoor pool, multiple event and dining spaces, and 190 guest rooms.

For over 140 years, the Union League Club of Chicago has been a haven for its members to pursue civic engagement, nurture community, and promote culture. Throughout its extensive history, ULCC members have made and continue to make significant contributions to Chicago’s civic and cultural life as demonstrated by the Club’s commitment to community, country, and culture. The Union League Club of Chicago (ULCC) was founded in 1879 and traces its origin to the Union League of America (ULA), a Civil War era organization formed to support Abraham Lincoln and to help preserve the Union.

Leadership

Frank DeVincentis

President

Jed Brewer

Vice President

Ed Cooper

Treasurer

Steve Smutny

Secretary

Thomas Karaba

General Counsel

Martha Jahn Martin

Director

Carole Wood

Director

Brooke Wiseman

Director

Debbie Birrell

Staff Liaison