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• At the Newberry Library’s 24th annual Book Fair, you can browse through more than 100,000 books in 60 categories, most of which cost $2 or less. (July 24-27)
• In honor of Jimmy Buffet’s concerts at Toyota Park (July 24, 26), Lizzy McNeill’s Irish Pub is holding a Luau on the Chicago River. This Hawaiian-themed […]
I sincerely hope that when you visit today’s architectural feature, it is from the outside only. At the intersection of Clark and Van Buren Streets, located in downtown Chicago, is the Metropolitan Correctional Center.
Completed in 1975, the MCC is a 289-foot tall (88 m) administrative facility, more commonly known as a prison. It houses federal […]
If you take a ride down the Chicago River, you’ll notice that many of the buildings actually incorporate the river into their design, either with reflective glass or stylish promenades and restaurants. But riverside buildings weren’t always this way. Originally, many of the structures were industrial, and a trip down the River would not have […]
Buckingham Fountain is probably the most famous fountain in Chicago, but one of my favorites has always been Centennial Fountain. It is much more interactive, allowing visitors to get close enough to actually touch the water. Completed in 1989, it commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago. The fountain is […]
The building at 120 North LaSalle is a fascinating structure to look at from any angle. Down the street from the Bilandic Building, the façade consists of two shades of granite, forming horizontal stripes. Three projecting rectangular grids surround the structure: one over the entrance, one emerging from the façade, and one over the side […]
My family would often joke that my grandmother didn’t judge a restaurant by its food but rather by its restrooms. Well now, a cleaning supplies company is doing just that. Ten finalists have been announced in an Internet voting contest for “America’s Best Public Restroom.” Two are from Illinois: the restrooms at the Signature Lounge […]
Some buildings are constructed so strong and durable, they outlast their purpose. Built in 1931, the Commonwealth Edison Substation has long outlived its neighbors on the infamous “Block 37,” where several plans of redevelopment have come and gone (between Oriental Theatre and Miss Chicago). Although relatively plain, its small embellishments are classic examples of the […]
If you’ve ever caught a movie downtown, you’ve probably been to River East Center. This skyscraper was completed in 2001 and stands 644 feet tall (196 m) with 58 floors. The original design called for 4 small spires at the edge of each side of the roof and would have made the tower Chicago’s tallest […]
While this sculpture is absolutely fascinating, I had a difficult time finding much information on it. Miss Chicago stands 39 feet tall (12 m) and was completed in 1975 by artist Joan Miró.
The more I read about the artist, however, the more fascinated I became. The Spanish-born painter and sculptor received international acclaim for his […]
Located on the south bank of the Chicago River, The Regatta offers its occupants some great views, including picturesque scenes like Navy Pier and Lake Michigan. Completed in 2007, this 466-foot (142 m), 44-story building reflects the glistening water of the nearby lake and river. (Neighbor to The Tides & The Shoreham,) The tower is […]
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