North Side Sonic Boom Warning

That noise you're going to hear this morning (Friday, September 18, 2009) echoing across the Gold Coast and Near North Side is a 21-gun salute at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Chestnut Street.  In the photo above we see Chicago police officers preparing for the event in front of Fourth Presbyterian Church (125 East Chestnut Street).  It's part of a series of events all week honoring veterans, especially those who received the Congressional Medal of Honor.  The photo below is from an event at Daley Plaza (55 West Randolph Street) yesterday.

More Rogue Ads on Chicago Streets

Sony learned its lesson.  So did IBM.  But Zipcars... not so much.

The vehicle sharing service which promotes itself as an environmentally friendly alternative to owning a car appears to be guilty of visual pollution.

A number of big companies have done similar things -- putting graffiti on city sidewalks in order to push their products.  IBM did it with Linux.  Sony did it with the PSP.  In both cases, the companies were fined for their transgressions.

In this case, Zipcar has put chalk graffiti on the streets of Chicago's Loop pointing to the location at 160 North Wabash Street.  Whether anyone follows the arrow is a moot point.  That's not why companies post ads like these.  They're looking for branding, and if someone happens to use it as a visual aid then that's just a bonus.

Zipcar promotes itself on its web site as, "Zipcars are good for the planet."  I guess the company also believes the planet would look better with a few extra tattoos.

Chicago Brick of the Day: The Kremlin

In an effort to showcase the magnificent architecture of Chicago's Tribune Tower, and to help people understand just how powerful and influential the Chicago Tribune newspaper once was, the Chicago Architecture Blog presents: Chicago Brick of the Day.

Today's brick is from:

The Spasskaya Tower at the Kremlin in Moscow .

Each day we'll show a photograph of a rock, brick, or other piece of stonework embedded in the exterior of the Tribune Tower .

If you haven't done it yet, play tourist for a couple of hours and wander around the outside of 435 North Michigan Avenue and marvel at an architectural work that will not be equalled in our lifetimes.

Up... Up.. And... ZOMG We're All Gonna Die!

The newest attraction at Navy Pier is strangely familiar to us.

The first time we encountered a tethered helium balloon as an amusement attraction was in Singapore a few years ago.  According to Wikipedia, the old DHL Balloon that made us fudge our Huggies is no longer there.  For those of you who didn't get a chance to ride it, the beast shot silently up 59 stories on a single steel cable, carrying beneath is a doughnut-shaped gondola full of tourists.  Because it was attached to the ground with just the one cable, it had the ability to sway and meander with the wind, bringing passengers perilously close to nearby skyscrapers.  To complicate matters, all of the passengers rushed to the northwest side of the gondola to snap pictures of the downtown skyline, which made the entire affair lurch, lean, and list menacingly to one side.  It is a singular experience in terror.

The Navy Pier version is somewhat tamer.  It's half the size and carries people a mere 35 stories high, but appears to suffer from the same lurching, drifting, and leaning behavior of its big sister on the other side of the planet.

Whether you go up in the balloon is up to you.  It's probably one of the best locations from which to get pictures of the city.  But the faint of heart (or weak of wallet -- it costs $25 bucks!) may want to think twice before taking the silent ride.

Chicago Brick of the Day: Bunker Hill

In an effort to showcase the magnificent architecture of Chicago's Tribune Tower, and to help people understand just how powerful and influential the Chicago Tribune newspaper once was, the Chicago Architecture Blog presents: Chicago Brick of the Day.

Today's brick is from:

Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts .

Each day we'll show a photograph of a rock, brick, or other piece of stonework embedded in the exterior of the Tribune Tower .

If you haven't done it yet, play tourist for a couple of hours and wander around the outside of 435 North Michigan Avenue and marvel at an architectural work that will not be equalled in our lifetimes.

Another Store Turned Into an Ad

We've written about this before -- the desperation of marketers to reach the Michigan Avenue audience while most of the area remains billboard-free.  But what was once creative -- turning empty storefronts into giant billboards -- has now become cliche.

The latest one we came across is an ad for yet-another end-of-the-world movie plastered all over the vacant retail space at the base of the 50 East Chestnut residential tower.  It's a shame that a location so far off the tourist path should be marred in this fashion, but it's understandable since it's not like stores are beating down the door to locate on the corner of Chestnut and Rush.

Nearby, Intel's two-story store-wrap ad at the dead CompUSA on the corner of Chicago Avenue and Rush Street have been replaced by a giant Puma Store ad.

Chicago Brick of the Day: Chicago World's Fair

In an effort to showcase the magnificent architecture of Chicago's Tribune Tower, and to help people understand just how powerful and influential the Chicago Tribune newspaper once was, the Chicago Architecture Blog presents: Chicago Brick of the Day.

Today's brick is from:

The World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 .

Each day we'll show a photograph of a rock, brick, or other piece of stonework embedded in the exterior of the Tribune Tower .

If you haven't done it yet, play tourist for a couple of hours and wander around the outside of 435 North Michigan Avenue and marvel at an architectural work that will not be equalled in our lifetimes.

Historic Video of the Unveiling of Chicago's Picasso

There's a video on YouTube showing the unveiling of the massive Picasso sculpture in front of the Daley Center back in 1967.

Things Getting Harry on Navy Pier

We were disappointed when Joe's Be-Bop Cafe closed at Navy Pier before the season even began.  Workers at nearby restaurants told us it was going to be replaced by a BW3 (Buffalo Wild Wings and Weck) franchise.  But that failed to materialize.

Now, with Summer 2009 but a memory, there may actually be a restaurant finally about to fill the Be-Bop space.  It's a branch of River North mainstay Harry Caray's restaurant.  Signs at the pier proclaim that it's under construction, and as far as our untrained eyes can tell it could be opened soon since we saw what appeared to be wait staff inside getting ready for something.

It will be nice to have this in the neighborhood.  We used to go to Harry Caray's on Kedzie once a month for about four years until there was a very disturbing incident in the women's restroom, and when it was brought to the management's attention we were blown off.

But we're not much on grudges, so we'll check out the Navy Pier eatery once it opens, and hope that the food is of the same quality as the mothership.

Video: Chicago "City of Superlatives" in 1948

This video is making the rounds these days, and I thought people here on the Chicago Architecture Blog would enjoy it.

It's a travel film produced in 1948.  It's a great look at where Chicago was just 60 short years ago.  The city looks very different, and very familiar now.

Chicago Brick of the Day: Castillo de San Marcos

In an effort to showcase the magnificent architecture of Chicago's Tribune Tower, and to help people understand just how powerful and influential the Chicago Tribune newspaper once was, the Chicago Architecture Blog presents: Chicago Brick of the Day.

Today's brick is from:

The Castillo de San Marcos , which was likely known as Fort Marion at the time this stone was added to Tribune Tower.

Each day we'll show a photograph of a rock, brick, or other piece of stonework embedded in the exterior of the Tribune Tower .

If you haven't done it yet, play tourist for a couple of hours and wander around the outside of 435 North Michigan Avenue and marvel at an architectural work that will not be equalled in our lifetimes.

Status Update: Almost Done at 930 North Rush

We've been following the lot at the corner of Rush and Walton streets for a while  here, here, here and here) as it was transformed from a condemned Gino's East pizza restaurant into what is almost but not quite yet the district's latest retail boutique.

Today 930 North Rush Street looks pretty good, and went up in what felt like record time once construction finally began. The wood, glass, and steel exterior which faces the main shopping drag works well with the Urban Outfitters across the street, and even makes the Diesel store's facade look slightly less like a Tim Burton film.

Our big worry as this corner was being filled out was the Walton Street side, which is mostly just a brick wall.  But planters have been installed with climbing frames for vines and a wide swatch of exterior wood panelling make it seem less industrial and more warm.  It looks good right now, but it also remains to be seen what a couple of good Chicago winters will do to it.

Aldermen Move to Protect Chicagoans From Olympic Cost Overruns

Alderman Reilly put out this statement today:

Earlier this summer, when the City Council learned that Mayor Daley planned to sign an Olympic Agreement that could saddle Chicago taxpayers a potential "unlimited" liability for future cost overruns related to the Games, I joined with a handful of my colleagues to sponsor legislation that called upon the Chicago Civic Federation to conduct an expansive, independent financial analysis of the Olympic Committee's projected revenue and cost estimates as well as the assumptions and methodology used in assembling those projections.

In August, the Civic Federation issued its report.  The report determined that the proposed budget, cost projections, revenue estimates and insurance coverage for the 2016 Olympics will provide adequate protection for local taxpayers.

However, the Civic Federation's report made it very clear that, while the costs associated with the Olympic Bid are "fair and reasonable" it is critical that there be increased public transparency about Olympic finances and regular reporting of budget and project updates to safeguard taxpayers.

The Civic Federation's report concluded that City Council mustexercise its oversight role and require regular reporting on the Games' status, including full public disclosure of budgets, contracts and construction updates.

After intense negotiations over the language of the authorizing legislation, the Chicago City Council unanimously approved legislation that provides significant protections for Chicago taxpayers, in the event the city wins its bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

The ordinance outlines the following obligations of the Host Committee and City Council and requires that all reporting requirements detailed below must be posted on the Organizing Committee website in an easily downloadable format:

1. Provide the City Council and general public with detailed quarterly financial reports of all expenditures, revenue, construction costs, and contingency reserve funds, with actual vs. budgeted amounts, and actual amounts submitted to the IOC. Includes an update on construction budgets, schedules and progress. All annual financial audits and reports to the State of Illinois must also be submitted to the City Council.

2. Regularly update the public regarding compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the City of Chicago and the 2016 Committee to ensure community benefit agreements are fulfilled;

3. Purchase additional insurance policies to ensure taxpayers are protected from potential cost overruns or financing problems associated with the development of the Olympic Village;

4. Regular disclosure of all Requests for Proposals and Requests for Qualifications, a copy of all final construction contracts, including award amounts and the identifications of contractors and subcontractors, and whether any contract recipient donated to the Organizing Committee;

5. Organizing Committee must implement a conflict of interest policy for all staff, with public filings by the board of directors and all senior managers;

6. Grants authority to the City Council to enlist the Office of the Inspector General or other third-party organizations to help the Council scrutinize financial reports, perform audits and conduct independent analyses of all components of the 2016 planning process moving forward.

This Olympics Oversight legislation provides the framework to ensure an open and transparent planning process related to the 2016 Games. However, this ordinance is just one small step. It is absolutely crucial that each member of the City Council remain fully engaged in the Olympic reporting and review process.

Please know that I will demand total transparency and full public disclosure - and will advocate on behalf of fiscal responsibility and budgetary discipline to ensure Chicago taxpayers are protected as the 2016 Games progress.

As always, I will be sure to share updates and financial data with you, as they become available.

Status Update: Crown Fountain

It's unusual for us to do a "Status Update" for something that's already completed.  But if, like us, you have people in town from other parts of the country for a wedding, you should know that the Crown Fountain (let's call it 1 North Michigan Avenue) is being repaired.  So when you bring your guests down to Millennium Park, be sure to spend extra time at The Bean, because while the water is flowing at Crown, none of your neighbors' faces are being projected on the glassy monoliths.

A Date With Marc Jacobs

New signs have gone up at the Elysian Chicago (11 East Walton Street) at the corner of Walton and Rush streets in the Gold Coast.  Click on the CrappyCameraPhone™ picture above and you'll barely be able to read the declaration "Marc Jacobs Opening Spring 2010" in the windows.  That's news to us.  Last we heard, MJ was slated for Fall, 2009.  

Of course, the hotel itself still has signs up proudly claiming a "Summer 2009" opening.  Unless the Elysian plans to cater to meteorologists, it's time to change those banners.

Chicago Brick of the Day: Old University of Chicago

In an effort to showcase the magnificent architecture of Chicago's Tribune Tower, and to help people understand just how powerful and influential the Chicago Tribune newspaper once was, the Chicago Architecture Blog presents: Chicago Brick of the Day.

Today's brick is from:

Douglas Hall from the Old University of Chicago .

Each day we'll show a photograph of a rock, brick, or other piece of stonework embedded in the exterior of the Tribune Tower .

If you haven't done it yet, play tourist for a couple of hours and wander around the outside of 435 North Michigan Avenue and marvel at an architectural work that will not be equalled in our lifetimes.

Slice of Life: Skywalks of Chicago

Chicago is not a big skywalk city.  In places like Minneapolis and Cincinnati, skywalks are common areas linking many buildings and often lined with shops, kiosks, and eateries.  In Chicago, we have the Pedway, but it's buried like the one in Houston, and not what it once was or could possibly be.

But there are many private skywalks in Chicago -- if you know where to look.  On a recent sunny day when I had some time to kill in the Loop, I went looking for these things.  In less than ten minutes I found 17.  I bet there are many more.  Almost none had windows, and I wonder if the people using them realize they're actually passing from one building to another.

Chicago Brick of the Day: Mount McKinley

In an effort to showcase the magnificent architecture of Chicago's Tribune Tower, and to help people understand just how powerful and influential the Chicago Tribune newspaper once was, the Chicago Architecture Blog presents: Chicago Brick of the Day.

Today's brick is from:

Mount McKinley in Alaska. 

Each day we'll show a photograph of a rock, brick, or other piece of stonework embedded in the exterior of the Tribune Tower .

If you haven't done it yet, play tourist for a couple of hours and wander around the outside of 435 North Michigan Avenue and marvel at an architectural work that will not be equalled in our lifetimes.

Slice of Life: The Miesian McDonald's

Chicago is a great restaurant town.  And a great architecture town.  So it only makes sense that the McDonald's in the heart of the Loop is in a building that looks like it was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.  It's actually a 1973 addition by C.F. Murphy Associates, and was once known as Two First National Plaza (20 South Clark Street), and on the other side of McDonald's is an upscale seafood restaurant.

Chicago Brick of the Day: Saint John's Church

In an effort to showcase the magnificent architecture of Chicago's Tribune Tower, and to help people understand just how powerful and influential the Chicago Tribune newspaper once was, the Chicago Architecture Blog presents: Chicago Brick of the Day.

Today's brick is from:

Saint John's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia .

Each day we'll show a photograph of a rock, brick, or other piece of stonework embedded in the exterior of the Tribune Tower .

If you haven't done it yet, play tourist for a couple of hours and wander around the outside of 435 North Michigan Avenue and marvel at an architectural work that will not be equalled in our lifetimes.