Four of the Oldest Buildings in the Loop
The oldest buildings in the Loop can be hard to find. Downtown Chicago is justly famous for its wealth of modern skyscrapers. Behemoths like the Willis Tower dominate the skyline and our attention. It always makes me feel like everything in the Loop sprang up in the middle of the 20th century. However, there are […]
Historic Chicago Synagogue Architecture at KAM Isaiah Israel
KAM Isaiah Israel is the oldest Jewish congregation in Chicago. Some may know it for as the building with the striking octagonal architecture and dome, located next door to Obama’s house in the Kenwood-Hyde Park neighborhood. The synagogue traces its roots back to the 1841 arrival of the first Jewish settlers in Chicago. My wife works at KAM Isaiah Israel, so […]
Five of Chicago’s Oldest ‘L’ Stations
The ‘L’ dates back to 1892, when the first elevated train rumbled down public alleys between Congress and 39th Street. Much of the system that Chicagoans know today was built shortly thereafter. While the ‘L’ has gone through many changes since then, some of its original stations are still in operation. Learning that the oldest […]
Three Halsted Street Films Seek the Soul of Chicago
Halsted Street shoots straight through the heart of Chicago, running north from the southern border until it merges with Broadway in Lakeview. Along that route, it covers a vast diversity of neighborhoods. With a recent Halsted Street documentary by VICE, I realized that there are now three different documentaries, made over the past century, which have seized upon […]
Designing an 1893 World’s Fair Tour Unlike Any Other
Our new 1893 World’s Fair Tour with Bars launches on March 16th. This walking tour is a three-hour-long adventure featuring charming pre-1900s buildings, drinks, some light snacks, and games. Guests learn the history of popcorn while snacking on the Chicago-made Cretors brand. We ride in one of the last passenger elevators with a human operator. The tour looks […]
One Book, One Chicago: The Third Coast
The annual One Book, One Chicago program is nearing its conclusion. Launched in the fall of 2001, One Book, One Chicago is a city-wide book club. Since 2011, it has chosen an annual theme for Chicago’s readers to dive into together. The 2015-16 season’s theme is “Chicago: The City That Gives” which is being explored through the book The […]
Four Fun Ways to Celebrate Pulaski Day in Chicago
Pulaski Day is the first Monday of every March, so get ready to celebrate and perhaps have the day off! For those who don’t know many Polish people (or the Sufjan Stevens song), Casimir Pulaski Day is an Illinois state holiday. The holiday honors Casimir Pulaski, a Polish cavalry officer who served in the Continental Army with […]
