Chicagoist: Block 37 Woes Continue

Kaonashi

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:06:45 -0600

I agree with you completely. I LOVED those old buildings and what's gone on since then is nothing but a disgrace. Unfortunately, it's typical of this city; it seems like it's on a mad race to genericland and everything uniquely "Chicago" is being demolished and watered down. New isn't always better.

incndnz

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:50:55 -0600

And this is exactly why we shouldn't get the Olympics.

Ward Up

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:46:51 -0600

Though I'd guess that the anniversary has been mentioned elsewhere, let me mention that it is now twenty years since the demolitions, in 1989, of the dozen-or-so history buildings that occupied Block 37. What a waste of tourism-generating historic buildings. If the block had been preserved, this part of the Loop would have been much better off. From the Unity Building on Dearborn to the "Stop and Shop" on Washington, this block was a thriving beehive of businesses. The buildings had tons of character and, in some cases, beauty. Mayor Daley, who had just begun his mayoral career, could have stopped these architectural losses. But he didn't. What a shame. What we are getting is far less special than what we tore down.

Navin

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:50:51 -0600

it's hardly JFA's fault. I agree, Jody Foster's Army had no say in this.

mrdeltoid

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:30:24 -0600

Block 37 should have stayed as a park in the summer and a skating rink in the winter. This just shows that my curse is working...

matty

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:04:23 -0600

Well if it was contingent on a non-existent apple store it's hardly JFA's fault. I don't think this is a big setback. They really need to finish the space though. I mean it looks like they've stopped construction.