Chicago Favorite Tips by deecat Top 5 Page for this destination

What The City of Chicago Offered

Favorite thing: As much as I love Chicago, whenever I introduce someone to this great city for the first time, I'm always nervous that it might not be as impressive as I thought it would be. I should never doubt the impact this city has on visitors....my VT friend Rosie [rozehill] was overwhelmed with Chicago and all it has to offer.

As Photo #1 demonstrates, Chicago is a city of outstanding ARCHITECTURE...both old and new. This photo shows the old Chicago Water Tower and the modern John Hancock building. Both are unique, beautiful, and icons of the city.

Being October, the city was adorned with Fall Flowers. Rosie was so impressed with how many flowers the city provides. We even were able to witness the workers taking out the late summer flowers and replacing them with the dynamic and colorful Mums as pictured in Photograph #2.

We both appreciated the many spots right in the center of the city that provide calm and solitude for weary travelers and locals. My #3 photographs is such an example. Right in the midst of the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue which is packed with tourists, one is able to find calm and comfort at the church garden and fountain.

Fondest memory: My photo #4 shows the famed Lions in front of the Chicago Art Institute on a Thursday evening when it is so crowded because on Thursday nights, there is free entrance. We visited the Art Institute and its lovely and huge gift shop. Once again, Rosie was impressed.

My final photograph #5 reflects the breathtaking visuals of Chicago's Lake Shore. Visitors, especially those from out of the country, are always amazed at the size of Lake Michigan. Except for the lack of tides, Lake Michigan looks like an ocean. And I personally think that the Lake Shore Drive is one of the most beautiful ones ever [and Rosie agrees!]

Importance of Chicago Water Tower/Pump Station

Favorite thing: The Chicago Water Tower & the Pumping Station are two of our city's treasured landmarks. They were constructed about 1869 for Chicago's municipal water system. Both were designed by William W. Boyington.

They are important as survivors of the destructive path of the Great Chicago Fire [1871]. When constructing the buildings, they wanted them to be attractive as well as functional. The Pumping Station was built to contain massive pumping machinery that received water from an underground tunnel that extended two miles out into Lake Michigan in order to create cleaner water.

The Water Tower was built to hdie an ugly cast-iron pressure standpipe from the public. It equalled a 15-story building at a time when Chicago's tallest commercial building was from 4 to 6 stories high. It had a first floor public are with the same stone water fountains in the form of carved lion's heads that still are there today. {See Photo #3] There was also a metal & glass observation dome which was reached by an iron staircase.

The architecture was of Gothic Revival style. Both buildings are designated as historic landmarks [1971]. Today, the Water Tower has The City Gallery inside where Chicago-themed photographs by Chicago photographers are presenting. They change frequently. The Pumping Station [across Michigan Avenue] still serves for its original purpose; however, it also contains a theater (Looking Glass Theatre) and a visitors' information center.

Fondest memory: Both the Chicago Water Tower and The Chicago Pumping Station have undergone several renovations, but none of those renovations have changed their facades.

Photographs:

#1 a study in old and new with the Chicago Water Tower silhouetted against Chicago's modern architecture.

#2 Chicago Pumping Station [view from the Chicago Water Tower across Michigan Avenue].

#3 Inside the Chicago Water Tower where the THE CITY GALLERY resides, you will see the original stone water fountains with the carved Lion Heads.

Old saved by New...

Favorite thing: I pointed out the beautiful Carbide and Carbon Building to Allan. This building with its polished black granite and marble base is 40 stories high and uses glazed green terra cotta. It's topped with a gold Art Deco leaf-trimmed tower that is illuminated at night.

The Carbide and Carbon Building was completed in 1929, and it resembles a champagne bottle. In 2004, it was renovated and became the Hard Rock Hotel. Allan and wanted to see what it looked like inside so we casually walked inside as though we were staying there. Once inside, we sat down on the comfortable modern couches and observed. The interior is quite modern and follows what one would expect of the Hard Rock Franchise.

The Hotel is located at 230 North Michigan Avenue and attracts a much younger crowd. I'm so pleased that this lovely old building and its grand architecture was really saved by the "hip" Hard Rock Hotel.

Photographs:

#1 I took this photo of the outside of the Carbide & Carbon Building very up close and from the bottom up at a slight angle.

#2 This photo was taken inside the Hard Rock Hotel. As we walked in, we turned to the right and made ourselves comfortable at this small bar/seating area.

Allan thanked me for giving him the "scoop" on this Carbide and Carbon Building, which has become The Hard Rock Hotel.

Lake Point Tower

Favorite thing: For many years (since the 70's), I've admired Lake Point Tower apartment building near Navy Pier. Believe it or not, although it was built about 1967-1968, the concept began about 50 years earlier.

How? Well, famed architect, Mies van der Rohe in about 1921 made plans for a glass-clad tower for offices made of free, curving forms. That building was never built because he could not find financing for it.

However, the actual architects associated with Lake Point Tower were former students of Mies at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Some of them actually worked in his practice.

This is a sleek, very sophisticated tower that, at one time, was a lone sentinel in Navy Pier Park. At the time that it was built, Navy Pier was at its low and in disrepair, horribly neglected. Of course today after a $200-million investment of public funds, Navy Pier, is now one of Chicago's most popular attractions.

Fondest memory: Lake Point Tower Apartments is really tall (645-feet high). There are 900 very expensive apartments here. Atop the building is the exclusive Citi Restaurant (We ate dessert with coffee there once, and the bill was over $40.00!)

The building really has only one wall, and it is a completely smooth curtain of glass that literally flows around "a 3-lobed, clover-leaf plan with a central, triangular core."

I remember the the 1970's going there to see one of our neighbor's grandparents, and I was awe-struck...I still am today!

The Classical London Guarantee & Accident Building History, Architecture, & Landmarks Review

Favorite thing: Designated a Chicago Landmark on April 15, 1996.

Although it is no longer the London Guarantee & Accident Building, that's what it's always called. Today it is known as 360 North Michigan Avenue Building (now, that's a mouthfull!)

It is typical of the neo-Classical conventions of the early 20th century and looks spectacular as you round the bend in the river. Because of the bend in the river and the shape of the lot, it has a trapezoidal shape. It's a good example of the tripartite skyscraper ("the design of the facade is divided like the columns of antiquity, into a base, shaft, and capital").

This is a 21-story building with an elaborate 5-story base that includes a tall triumphal-arched entranceway and four huge Corinthian columns with allegorical figures . The 6th floor is bracketed by 2 cornices, and on top of a 12-story "shaft" of vertical rows of windows is another cornice! Above that cornice, there are 8 three-story-high columns. At the crown of the structure is a columned belvedere (sometimes it is called a "tempietto".

I love the concave facade because it matches the semi-circular plaza that defines the intersection of Michigan Avenue with Wacker Drive.

The London Guarantee & Accident Building faces the prestigious Wrigley Building, which is a position of great prominence.

Fondest memory: Most importantly, this building occupies the historic site of FORT DEARBORN, where Chicago was founded in 1803. That's why is is so cool that it has classical imagery and sculptural references to early history..

Don't miss taking a look at this wonderful classical building.

Excellent Anniversary Present

Favorite thing: For our 44th and 45th Wedding anniversaries, our daughter Jill gave my husband Allan and I gift certificates for an hour massage for each of us at MARIO TRICOCI in Chicago

In August of 2008, as part of our continual quest for good health, Allan and I walked 17 blocks from our hotel near Millennium Park to the Tricoci Spa at 900 North Michigan Avenue. The added benefit is that we really enjoyed the luxury of the massages between the walk there and back to the hotel!

This is a beautiful spa with outstanding services. We were escorted to the spa area, given instructions and led to the appropriate dressing rooms. We were given lockers and instructed how to use the lock. Inside was a huge robe and sandals. After changing into the robe and shoes, we met at the "waiting area" and sat on a comfortable couch where soft music was playing; water and juices were provided. This year Allan and I were put into the same room, and we each had females who gave us the Swedish Massage.

After being 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

In the Relaxation room, Alland and I 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]

Old Majestic Theatre Music, Theatre, and Good Books Review

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.

Goudy Square Park in Chicago's Gold Coast

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.

Why all the Rocks on the Tribune Tower?

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.

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

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.