As you read this, a distinguished panel of architects, urban planners, and other city insiders is deciding what is the appropriate way to honor the only man in history to have more impact on the shape of Chicago than either Mayors Daley. His name is Daniel Burnham, and whether you see the...

The Art Institute of Chicago opens its biggest expansion in years tomorrow. The new 264,000 square foot modern wing comes complete with a slew of eco-friendly features, a big name starchitect, and a $294,000,000.00 price tag. It’s the first major public project for the Italian architect...

I received this e-mail today from Save Grant Park.  I’m passing it along for those who are interested. Dear Supporters, As many of you know, there are currently two lawsuits in progress that were filed in response to the Chicago Children’s Museum’s plans to build their new...

The city of Chicago’s great “front lawn” has been a work in progress for over 100 years.  From swamp to dumping ground to parade ground to playground, it has long been a great urban space that the city almost… but not quite… figured out how to embrace. The latest...

A hundred years after the Burnham plan for Chicago was laid out, another piece that plan may become a reality. CDOT is working on a plan to make Congress Parkway in the Loop more grand, and in the process, more pedestrian-friendly. Right now, Congress between Wells and Michigan Avenue is...

Today is the day that the 2008 edition of Lollapalooza opens at Grant Park in Chicago.  For this long weekend, hundreds of thousands of people will swarm all over Chicago’s front lawn enjoying food, music, and all the city has to offer. Of course, this has the grumpy old ladies and...

Here are three things that most Chicagoans don’t know. The area across Lake Shore Drive from Buckingham Fountain is called Queen’s Landing. It was named that when Queen Elizabeth II’s yacht moored there during a visit to the city. Next year is the 50th anniversary of that...

Anyone who’s wandered around outside the Blackstone Hotel can tell you — there’s something missing in the southern part of Grant Park. It lacks the vibrancy of the north end.  Too much of it is still railroad tracks and a big, hot, open space.  That may be great for...

We have more information on the upcoming renovation of Buckingham Fountain.  The landmark waterpiece has been rehabbed any number of times over the years, but this time the city is going all out.  The preservation effort should also hopefully keep the fountain from leaking as much as it...