Marty Hackl, a building restoration contractor and consultant, specializes in preservation, conservation, restoration and repair of older and historic homes. He is specially trained in interior and exterior finishes and techniques (paints and varnishes), learning the trade in a family business that goes back to the late 1920’s. Marty is also an accomplished designer and maker of furniture and art glass. His work is displayed in homes in Oak Park and throughout the Chicago area.

As a historian, Marty did extensive research and wrote a book about the life and work of the Prairie School architect, John S. Van Bergen. Marty has led architectural tours and curated architectural displays for the Chicago Architecture Foundation and the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest (where he is a member and volunteer).

Marty has a background in the arts as a classically trained violinist. A student of Milton Preves and Adia Ghertovici, he acquired his bachelors degree in Violin Performance from DePaul University and did graduate studies at Roosevelt University and the American conservatory of Music in Violin Pedagogy and Orchestral Repertoire. He has performed as a soloist and with many orchestras and ensembles throughout the Chicago area for over 25 years.  During that time, Marty has also taught violin privately to young intermediate and advanced students.

Working in the arts, Marty has also served on boards of directors for several not-for-profit musical organizations.  As President of the Lake Shore Symphony of Chicago from 1993 to 1996, he helped save that organization from bankruptcy and with them, initiated a successful city wide educational program for public school children in Chicago.