Chicago General Tips by deecat

Old Majestic Theatre Building

by deecat , 1 more photos

Favorite Thing: The building is located at 22 West Monroe Street

After attending a terrific musical, Jersey Boys, at the LaSalle Bank Theatre a few weeks ago, I became intrigued by the theatre itself. I knew that it had not always been called the LaSalle Bank Theatre. I remembered going there when it was called the Shubert Theatre.

I further discovered that it was originally called the Majestic Theatre.
At that time it was built, around 1906, it was Chicago's tallest building! In order to build it, the Newport Hotel and Gambling House was torn down. When the new building was constructed, it was a combination of Office Building and Theatre. The popular Beaux Arts style as well as neoclassical Roman and Greek architecture were used. Originally the theatre served as a spot for vaudeville acts.

But, during the Great Depression, the theatre closed its doors, which remained shuttered for 15 long years. Fortunately, in the 1940's, it was remodeled and became a venue for favorite musicals of the time [Guys and Dolls and South Pacific, for example].

Today this building is again a combination location which includes the LaSalle Bank Theatre and a theatre district hotel [Hampton Majestic Hotel]. The hotel was restored in 2005, costing about $20 million dollars. The hotel is Art Deco inspired, but the interior of the rooms are quite up-to-date and comfortable.

Fondest Memory: Although I could not take photographs inside the theatre, I vividly recall its opulent beauty and true Art Deco Style! Seeing the musical Jersey Boys was a delightful experience. I still have the music running through my head three weeks after the show. The acoustics in this old [yet newly remodeled] theatre are remarkable.

If you are visiting Chicago and have the opportunity to see a play here or to stay in the hotel, by all means do so. You won't regret it.

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General Tips: Goudy Square Park in Chicago's Gold Coast

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Written by deecat

on Aug 29, 2007

Wrought-Iron Gate of Gouty Square

Favorite Thing: Please click on ALL the photographs

Located in the "Gold Coast Area of Chicago", Goudy Square Playlot Park is named in honor of William C. Goudy, a highly-respected attorney in the late 1800's. He was counsel to the Lincoln Park Board. This park was originally called Union Square and later known as Astor Square. The city of Chicago came into possession of this area in 1847 when Mr. H.O. Stone [a famed real estate developer] dedicated it as parkland. It took 50 years, but finally the City Council placed the park under control of the Lincoln Park Board of Commissioners. In the 1930's, The Chicago Park Districttook it over [this is when the city's 22 independent park commissioners were consolidated.

The exact location of this lovely park is:
1255 North Astor Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: 312-742-7891

One of the marvelous features of Goudy Square Park is the Turtle drinking fountain that was created by Walter S. Arnold who is a Sculptor and Stone Carver here in Chicago. He specializes in "art in public places". It was carved from limestone, and it has sea creatures such as fish and a sea horse carved around the bowl, It also has three bronze spigots: one is a fish; one is a frog, and one is a water lily.

This park, although primarily a Playlot Park, attracts people of all ages because of its wonderful location, shady areas, plenty of well constructed park benches, and a multitude of children's play equipment. In addition, the areas with children's activities has a rubberized surface for safety.

Fondest Memory: Allan and I discovered this park because we used a parking facility nearby when we went to Oak Street Beach. We took our granddaughter, Sabrina Dee there, and she loved it. She spent a great deal of time playing at the Turtle Drinking Fountain.

Photographs:

1. The wrought-iron gate with the name of the park. The whole area is enclosed by a beautiful wrought-iron fence.

2. Close-up of the darling Turtle Drinking Fountain.

3. Sabrina Dee playing with the water from the "bronze fish spigot".

4. Sabrina Dee playing with the "X and O play area"

5. View of the trees, paths, and park benches.

If you are ever near 1200 Lake Shore, walk about a block west, and you'll experience this delightful park.

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General Tips: Why all the Rocks on the Tribune Tower?

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Written by deecat

on Aug 14, 2007

Arch of Triumph in Paris, France

Favorite Thing: If you have managed to get up close to the Tribune Tower entrance on Michigan Avenue, you might very well ask yourself why there are rocks from all over the world embedded in the limestone.

Well, this collection of rocks started in Ypres, France in 1941 when Colonel McCormick was touring a cathedral. At that time, he found a piece of stone that had been damaged by German shelling. Yes, he took the stone and brought it back to Chicago. Then, he asked his working reporters [for the Chicago Tribune paper] to collect more stones as they traveled all over the world. He reminded them that getting the stones should be done in an honorable fashion. So, the correspondents for the paper did bring back rocks and bricks from historically important sites. Some were gotten legally [honorably], but others were collected in less honest ways.

These gatherings began before the Tribune Tower was built and continued after its completion. Many of these rock/stones/bricks have become reliefs that are incorporated into the lowest levels of the Tribune Tower. Each is labeled [chiseled into the limestone] with the location and its origins.

Some of the most famous are:

The Parthenon
Great Pyramid
Taj Mahal
Notre-Dame
Great Wall of China
Berlin Wall

There are a total of 136 in the building. Sadly, a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center was recently added.

Fondest Memory: Here are the "rocks" that I was able to photograph on our recent up-close visit in August of 2007:

1. Arch of Triumph in Paris, France

2. Roof of Roman Ruins in Birecik, Turkey

3. Santa Sophia taken from Constantinople, Turkey [now called Istabul]

4. Westminster Abbey

The 5th photograph is a distant shot of the Tribune Tower.

In 2006, the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum was opened, and it occupies two stories of the building.

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Local Specialities: Great Performers of Illinois, Millennium Park

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Written by deecat

on Aug 12, 2007

The Great Lawn

Favorite Thing: While Allan and I were in Chicago celebrating our 44th anniversary, we just had to visit Chicago's Millennium Park [located between Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, Randolph and Monroe Streets] It just so happened that on August 10-12, 2007, "Great Performers of Illinois" was being presented for FREE. It was presented as a showcase of the State of Illinois's diverse performing arts, foods, wines, and attractions. This is the second year that this activity has been held. It included music, dance, poetry, cuisine, children's program, and storytelling.

You can take a free park tour with Millennium Park Greeters. You could also taste regional foods and wines from Illinois.

There were presentations at origley Square Stage [pop music] and Grant Park Music Festival-Mahler, Symphony No. 5 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

The next day many musical events were planned. One of the most interesting, I thought, was Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln circulating throughout the park so that you could stop and talk to them. [Fritz and Linda Klein].

At the McCormick Tribune Plaza [2-8 pm] they would have Illinois wine tasting.

Sunday was also jam-packed with more events. I noticed that on all three days, they had several events just for children and a huge tent where kids could go to do crafts.

Fondest Memory: Photographs:

1. People enjoying the symphony from the Great Lawn. Many brought their own food.

2. Jay Pritzker Pavilion with Conductor Carlos Kalmar and the Grant Park Orchestra performing Mahler's Symphony No. 5.

3. So many children were playing at the Crown Fountain...laughing, running, splashing, and we observers were smiling the entire time.

4. Close up of the inter-active Crown Fountain.

5. A reflection on the outside of "Cloud Gate" Sculpture of the buildings across from Millennium Park on Michigan Avenue.

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General Tips: Excellent Anniversary Present

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Written by deecat

on Aug 12, 2007

Mario Tricoci Logo

Favorite Thing: For our 44th Wedding anniversary, our daughter Jill gave my husband Allan and I gift certificates for an hour massage for each of us at MARIO TRICOCI in Chicago

At four in the afternoon of August 10, 2007 [our anniversary], we walked a block from our hotel [The Seneca] to the Tricoci Spa at 900 North Michigan Avenue.

This is a beautiful spa with outstanding services. We were escorted to the spa area, given instructions and led to the appropriate dressing rooms. I can only tell about my own experience. I was given a locker and instructed how to use the lock. Inside was a huge robe and sandals for me. After changing into the robe and shoes, I was led to "waiting area" and sat on a comfortable couch where soft music was playing, water and juices were provided. Shortly, Terese, my massage therapist came and led me to the massage room.

After I was arranged correctly on the massage table, the extraordinary Swedish Massage began.
What a treat it was....it is so relaxing and creates better blood circulation.

After the massage was done, the available services include:

A steam room
A "rain-forest' shower
A quiet room for relaxation
juice drinks

Allan and I met in the Relaxation room and talked about this wonderful experience and how much we appreciated this lovely gift.

Fondest Memory: Other services that are available at Mario Tricoci would be:
Manicures
Pedicures
Facials
Hair Design
Makeup Services
Nail Enhancements
Glycolic Peels
Microdermabrasion
Collagen injections
Body Polishes
Masks and Therapeutic Wraps
Waxing Services

Also available are Classic Spa Packages which include a basic manicure, basic pedicure, and a Swedish Massage

It certainly would be "heaven" to have such a massage once a week [dream on, Dee]

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History, Architecture, & Landmarks: Tallest Skyscraper West of the Chicago River

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Updated by deecat

on Aug 12, 2007

Chicago History, Architecture, & Landmarks

Heller International Tower

by deecat , 2 more photos

Favorite Thing: Heller International Tower is the tallest skyscraper west of the Chicago river. It's corner tower is 45 stories high and is quite imposing.

The tower has narrow windows that are highlighted with aluminum bands. They contrast sharply with the other windows which are set flush in the walls.

I like the light-colored granite of the building which appears to descend westward because of the series of setbacks.

The eastern facade has such interesting asymmetry, which I always find appealing.

And on the Monroe Street side is an arcaded pedestrian sidewalk.

This is a building that looks better from a distance than it does when you see it close up.

Fondest Memory: The Heller International Tower was built in 1992 and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

It is located at 500 West Monroe Street.

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General Tips: Losing Another of Chicago's Finest

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Written by deecat

on Feb 12, 2007

From inside Vestibule of State

Street Carsons

Favorite Thing: Another loss for Chicago. The famed Carson Pirie Scott department store on State Street is closing [all the other Carson stores remain open]. The parent company [Bon-Bon Stores, Inc.] decided that this fabulous Louis Sullivan masterpiece for over a century was just not profitable enough; thus, it would be closed.

Rumor has it that "floors three and above will be converted to offices, but the lowest two floors will be preserved for retail use." I've also heard that some of the top floors will be used as residences. Who knows.

Joseph Freed and Associates bought the property and just spent millions restoring Sullivan's original recessed top floor arcade and cornice. Thank goodness.

I am so upset by this closure because it leaves too much room for the present owners to make the retail space a kind of "cookie cutter kind of chain store" where all of Sullivan's "sea of columns topped by ornate capitals" would be replaced. Now, that would, indeed, be a crime.

Yes, I know, the so-called "Big Box retailers do bring in people and profit but without any class. Carson's State Street Store brought architectual beauty and a kind of midwest elegance to Chicago. Hopefully, those in power will not take those positives away.

Fondest Memory: Carson Pirie Scott & Co was started in 1854 by two Scotch-Irish immigrants. By 1940, the store had moved into the present Louis Sullivan-designed building at State and Madison. By 1991, the store [owned then by a Milwaukee-based subsidiary of a Swiss company] went through bankruptcy but reemerged with new owners. At that time, I thought things would improve for the State Street Carsons. But, alas, it did not.

What I like about the State Street store is that it is a great example of Louis Sullivan's work as a commercial architect. Sullivan designed the first phase of the building, which was a nine-story building. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark because of its elaborate ironwork ornament on the 1st and 2nd floor facades. The steel structure was remarkable because it allowed an huge increase in window area. I also love the rounded tower. Sullivan designed the corner entry so that it could be seen from both State and Madison streets. Sullivan is famous for merging beauty and function, which he did so well when he designed this building.

Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company has been around for more than 150 years...too bad this beautiful Sullivan structure at State and Madison will no longer be affliated with that grand old store.

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General Tips: True Chicago Style Architecture: Reliance Bldg

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Written by deecat

on Feb 11, 2007

Some of famed "Grillwork" of

Reliance Building

Favorite Thing: Please view all the hidden photographs

Again, I am always amazed when I am able to see a part of Chicago's history within its famed architectual excellence. This was the case on Febraury of 2007 when Kristi (Dabs) took us inside the historical Realiance Building, which now is the Burnham Hotel. We were in awe of the lobby, the elevator doors and stairway that is decorated with extensive iron grillwork. I was thrilled to see upclose the beautiful marble mosaic floors in the lobby of this 1975 City Landmark Building.

Charles B. Atwood of the D.H. Burnham & Company Architectural Firm was the main architect for the Reliance Building. Thus, the Atwood Cafe is named after him. Furthermore, the Burnham Hotel is named after D.H. Burnham.

Ironically, the original retail tenant [1891] was Carson Pirie Scott & Company! This original Carson Pirie Scott & Company's base was decorated with the still-intact mosaic floors, mahogany woodwork, English alabaster walls, ceiling murals.

The Reliance Building is internationally recognized as an ancestor of today's "glass-and-steel skyscraper". It has an airy facade that is made up most entirely of windows that are known as a "Chicago Window". Thank goodness, the City of Chicago was smart enough to completely restore this building in 1996 because its exterior was quite badly deteriorated.

Fondest Memory: The Reliance Building/Burnham Hotel is located at 32 North State Street
.
It was the first "comprehensive achievement of the stystem now known as Chicago construction". This kind os construction consisted of "a riveted steel-frame superstructure, hallow-tile flooring on steel joists, plaster fire-proofing, perimeter bay windows filled with plate glass, steel-trussed wind bracing and bedrock concrete caissons sometimes extending for as much as 125 feet beneath the footing..." (Architectual Digest). We are so fortunate that it was saved.

In 2004 the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects voted the Hotel Burnham/Reliance Building as "the best preservation or re-use of an existing building in Chicago in the last 10 years."

In my humble opinion, they are more than correct.

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Art Displays: Sculpture Tour of Chicago's Loop Area

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Written by deecat

on Feb 20, 2006

Inside the atrium of Sear is "The

Universe"

Favorite Thing: Each yr when I taught Freshman Honors English at WTHS in Gurnee, IL., the History teacher & I took our students on a field trip to the loop. I would take my group on a Sculpture Tour starting at the Richard J. Daley Civic Center Plaza on Washington Street between Dearborn & Clark.

Here, we would admire the Pablo Picasso "Untitled" sculpture which he donated to the city. It is 50 feet tall & made of steel [installed 1967] & most people in Chicago just call it "The Picasso". Some people say it looks like a woman; others say it looks like Picasso's hound, Kaboul. It's great & has now become an unofficial logo of Chicago.

Across the street next to the Brunswick Building at 69 West Washington street is a 39-foot statue of steel, concrete, wire mesh, bronze, & ceramic tiles which we refer to as Miro's Chicago. It symbolizes a great earth mother. One year I had a blind student, & she loved the bronze plaque with the raised outline of the sculpture which allowed her to "see" it.

Walk one block north along Clark Street to the James R. Thompson Center at 100 West Randolph St. to see Jean Dubuffet's "Monument with Standing Beast". It's made of fiberglass & stands 30 feet high. People enter it..so it's interactive. It has 4 motifs: animal, tree, portal, & Gorthic Church. {By the way, don't miss the inside of the Thompson Center & ride the glass-sided elevator & get a picture from the rotunda to the top!]

Since I taught Ancient Myths, I always pointed out 120 N. LaSalle St. & its colorful mosaic by Roger Brown at the entrance that is called "Art & Science of the Ancient World: The flight of Daedalus & Icarus".

The boys always love the work on the southeastern corner of Madison & Wells at the Paine Webber Tower at 181 W. Madison. In the lobby, you find two piece of low-relief sculptures fabricated from magnesium & aluminum, etched & painted by Frank Stella & are part of his Moby Dick series.

Fondest Memory: Two blocks to the west & south of Madison Plaza, enter the atrium lobby of the Sears Tower, 233 S. Wacker Dr. to see the moving wall sculpture of giant twirling flowers, spinning sun, & swinging pendulum by Alexander Calder called "The Universe"

Next door at 311 S. Wacker you can see Raymond Kaskey's "Gem of the Lakes". It's a traditional bronze fountain and sculpture..it's located in what's called the Wintergarden, 12,000 sq. ft. under an arched, multi-paned glass roof [85 ft high].

Follow Van Buren east to the One Financial Place Plaza at 440 S. LaSalle to see a bronze horse made by Ludovico de Luigi called "San Marco II". He used as his model a set of 4 horses at St. Mark's Masilica in Venice. His horse is posed in midstride atop a fountain outside the headquarters of the Chicago Stock Exchange.

On the northeaster corner of Jackson Blvd & Clark is a sculpture called "RuinsII" by Nita Sunderland [concrete and bronze]. It's not large, but very impressive.

Farther east on Jackson is the Federal Center Plaza, fronting Dearborn St. A vermilion-colored construction stretches across the pavement & is called "Flamingo" by Alexander Calder.

On Dearborn walk 2 blocks north to northwest-corner at Monroe [First National Plaza] is my favorite: "The Four Season" by Marc Chagall. It's a concrete monolith covered in mosaic of pastel-colored stone & glass. There are 6 scenes of Chicago. It's just wonderful!

MORE ON NEXT PAGE!

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Art Displays: Sculpture Tour of Chicago's Loop Area II

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Written by deecat

on Feb 20, 2006

The Fountain of the Great Lakes by

Lorado Taft