No Show at Block 37

The new Block 37 has suffered another set back. Is the Block 37 parcel hallowed ground?

From the Chicago Tribune:

The chance of bringing a long-anticipated movie house to the Loop at the Block 37 mall is fading as a foreclosure battle over the stalled retail project winds its way through the courts.

Michael Whalen, CEO of Paragon Entertainment LLC, which would run the movie house, said he wants to move forward with the theater but is doubtful a deal will be reached.

The article mentions that the foreclosure drama has put the theater in jeopardy of becoming a tenant. Muvico is an upscale movie theater that also serves drinks and dinner to guests.



I was really looking forward to the new theater. Being able to walk out the door at the Heritage / Garland, cross the street, get dinner, drinks and a nice movie was an excellent option. I think that the theater would have been a great outlet for all the new downtown residents along with downtown travelers. Let's keep hope alive that the decision makers can come to an agreement.

Commuting the old fashioned way

On the Blue Line today I saw a CTA advertisement that said, "the average rider saves $11,000 a year by switching from their car to the CTA." That got me thinking how much I enjoy not being tethered to a car. Why should I bother with $250 + parking fees and worrying about someone backing into it or taking it for service.




When needed, I have a car at my disposal. I take cabs when I am really pushing time and cannot wait for the bus or train. The occasional Red Line ride to Lakeview to visit my fiance is still very tolerable on more crowded trains after the CTA cuts.














I am honestly not writing this to gloat. This entry is more about one of the great benefits of living downtown in the River North neighborhood. Most everything I need to go to is a nice walk or easy cab ride away.




I can honestly say that the 30 - 45 minutes others spend on the train or in their car everyday each way to work is time well spent for me. I do miss the greenery of the neighborhoods and haven't heard birds chirping that often, unless you count cooing pigeons. I do have an outlet for that when I get down to the Printer's Row for a Hackney's burger or up to Roscoe Village to my real estate office.

Looking out this morning, I can say that I am in the right place when I watch the sun rise over Lake Michigan from my 51st floor balcony.

Aqua Building Still Tall in Uncertain Times

If you have ever walked over on the 'New Eastside', you have probably noticed the beautiful & unique new tower. Aqua was completed last year and has been awarded skyscraper of the year by Frankfort based Emporis. It is also the tallest building ever designed by a woman (Chicago based Jeanne Gang). The building is currently comprised of condominiums and apartments.

The architect speaks about the building here.


Chicago Journal has written an article outlining the building's completion and struggles to find tenants and buyers.

In a glass box on the 103rd floor

Crain's Chicago has a great article about the opening of the Ledge at the Sears (Willis) Tower Skydeck.



High above Chicagoland on the 103rd floor, this glass cube gives you the opportunity to step out among the clouds. It offers a different perspective on The Heritage and all the other downtown buildings.




Check out the video of The Ledge:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid28200935001?bclid=28210826001&bctid=28223913001

Time to take a walk - a river walk

The Chicago Tribune had a great article on the near completion of the river walk to State Street.

The Michigan Ave to Wabash section is complete. The above picture shows O'Brien's Cafe along with the new walking path.

The good news is that the Wabash to State part will complete in the next two weeks. When complete, it will end near the Vietnam Memorial and The Heritage. You will be able to walk direct on the river level from The Heritage to the lake without having to go up and down stairs at each street and going under all the traffic.



The under bridge elements keep traffic debris off pedestrians and resemble the Cloud Gate (The Bean) exterior.



Just in time for summer!

Scale model of downtown Chicago on display

From Wednesday through Sept. 20, the Chicago Architecture Foundation has a great scale model of Chicago and The Heritage on display. The Chicago Tribune has a great overview of the project.
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The best part of the whole thing is that its only a 15 minute walk from our building and its free!

Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue
312.922.3432 x240.

The new hotel The Wit opens on State Street

This past Wednesday The Wit hotel opened on State Street just down from The Heritage. It is a pretty interesting design that is welcome over the construction debris and scaffolding. I have been watching its construction from my balcony at Marina City.




Govnor's pub, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Dunkin Donuts are gone, but in its place we have three new restaurants. The previous was shut down and ultimately condemned because of instability in its top floor. The new building includes a pretty interesting rooftop restaurant with both an indoor & outdoor area. With really great views that include Marina Towers.





Chicago Tribune's Blair Kamin has also written a review:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-0528-witmay28,0,2521186.story