It's not like we ever expected the underground tunnel between the Blue and Red lines at Washington to ever re-open, though signs have intimated that it was only a matter of time until it did, but we noticed yesterday the city is taking permanent measures to ensure al foot traffic has to go through Block 37 from here on out. We were able to snap a few shots of the construction of the permanent blockade currently underway during our commute this morning, and please note that those towers of cinder blocks are actually cemented to the stairs. We're guessing a set of heavy trapdoors can't be far behind, only to be opened in case of twister or the eventual release of the Morlocks. more ›

Former Chicagoista and local comedienne Margaret Hicks is offering heated tours of the Chicago Pedway this winter. Says Hicks, "These aren't your grandmother's tours, it's more like the Fight Club of tours. We learn things but we laugh a lot too. I'm a performer at heart. Wait till you see my Burnham impression." Hicks says these are great tours for Chicagoans who want to learn more about the city. "You know, you come on your lunch hour, learn about the crazy Pedway system but also learn about cool buildings and Chicago history; all without ever going outside." more ›

We have to admit it; we love the Block 37 concourse that finally connects the pedway between the Blue Line Washington and Red Line Lake stops. It opened just in time for us to be able to avoid the frigid temps this week and walk the entire way to our office without ever surfacing. Only a few shops are currently open, but as you can see from the photos we snapped there are lots more in the works. more ›

In spite of yesterday's ruling that stripped control of the beleaguered Block 37 project from its developer, the project will see the first store opening today after the city gave the project the green light, according to Crain's. Today will see the opening the opening of both the pedway and the Steve Madden store. A spokeswoman for the developer, Joseph Freed & Associates, LLC, said they expect two additional stores - Zara and Puma - to open early next week and several more will follow suit by Thanksgiving. more ›

Thanksgiving is almost here and with that comes the hoped-for opening date for the beleaguered Block 37 project downtown. And two events this week might go a long way towards determining if the project will manage to open on time as scheduled. First, on Thursday, the project will get the final inspection from the city that would give it the okay to proceed with its opening. But Friday sees the hearing where Bank of America, the main lender on a construction loan, will ask a judge to take control of the project away from developer Joseph Freed and Associates LLC and hand it over to a receiver. According to the Tribune: more ›

We're not superstitious, but we got a kick out of the latest announcement from the beleaguered Block 37 project. The project announced a slew of new tenant signings, totaling 13 in all, an unlucky number for an unlucky project. Among the tenants: Sephora, L'Occitane en Provence, and several local stores including a new spot from the Comic Vault and Chicagoist favorite Bleeding Heart Bakery. Developer Joseph Freed and Associates LLC claims the project will open this Thanksgiving - just in time for Christmas shopping - and be complete by the end of next year. Meanwhile, Freed and Associates are battling Bank of America in that foreclosure lawsuit and a hearing is scheduled for November 20 that could decide whether the opening of the project's underground CTA pedway is delayed. According to Crain's: more ›