Throwback Thursday: Chicago Never Looked So Bad
Lots of TV shows use the cities they’re set in as a kind of supporting actor that adds color and depth to the production. If it’s a situation comedy, the cities are celebrated for being wonderful places for fun and family (Full House, Laverne & Shirley). If it’s a cop drama, the city can be moody and interesting (Dragnet, Hill Street Blues). And then there’s Lady Blue. It’s a cop drama. But...
Throwback Thursday, Revisited: North Morgan Mystery Lot Loses Acreage
Last month, we shared a story about a plot of land in Chicago’s Meat Packing District with a bizarre and sordid history. Summed up, the gist is that there’s a 15-year-old permit still posted at 373 North Morgan Street, for a project that almost started, then sorta did, then was torn down, and then sat idle. At the time, we had noticed some work being done on the site, but couldn’t figure out what it might have been,...
Throwback Thursday: A Permit Frozen In Time
It is a requirement of the City of Chicago that a building permit be displayed in plain view on every active construction site. You may have to walk the entire perimeter of a project, but you’ll see it eventually. It’s often posted on the fencing, though there are sometimes bulletin board-type setups with permits, safety information, etc. The permit shown in the photo above is for a development at 373 North Morgan Street,...
Throwback Thursday: Preservation Chicago Echos Our Laments
Each year the advocacy group Preservation Chicago puts out a list of buildings it considers both important to the fabric of Chicago, and also in danger of being demolished, altered beyond recognition, or otherwise threatened. At an event held yesterday at the Chicago Architecture Foundation, the group released its 2016 roster. It includes: The Thompson Center (100 West Randolph Street) — The state office building is just over 30...