Before and after Mies: Chicago's Canyon of Skyscrapers

Bertrand Goldberg's Marina City . They are fun and subversive standing out across from the loop downtown. They embody a dated futurism, which I love.

Built when cars ruled.



This hulking structure is the Merchandising Mart. Fomerly owned by the Kennedy Family.


This building was voted most loved by Chicagoans. It mimics the curve in the EL line track.



Tribune Tower. This neo-gothic design was the winner of an open contest. Architects Howells and Hood were the designers.



Cantilevered bridge, a local innovation in its own right. This scene nods towards Chicago's manufacturing and rail past.



The canyon continues downtown.



There was a speakeasy at the top.



Willis Tower just doesn't seem right.



I love the geometry of this. Angles, notches and crags. Take note of the patterned positioning of the terraces.



In response to boxy Bauhaus.



Some more retro-futurism bordering the river.



The only building west of Lake Shore Drive. The Ogden family erected this when local pols were distracted. Fortunately it's a beauty.

Field Trip to Quebec Part III: Corvette and Pontois Rivers

The cascade at the top of First Gorge.

The river begins to build.

The gorge widens.

Bone crusher.

Falls from a far.

Neighborhood goon checks out visitors. We banged pots. He ate with indifference.

We called the day early. Afternoon cafe by the current.

The rough elegance of the north.

Dough for somosas.

Somosas du Quebecois.


Drying shoes. Rain is getting old.

First Gorge from above. Our campsite hides among the spruce.

Why we do this kind of thing.

The Corvette matures.

Yes? yes? no.

Gorge 2.0

Grating the reggiano. The view is the first thing considered

One of a few.

Power V.

Energy that you feel and eat beside.

Apres dinner by the rapid.

Brushing teeth. Gorge 2.0.
The intensity of the quick draw.

On point.
Steady, steady!

Matthew down the middle Mckean

Gman and Mateo stepped up.

Vitamin D shot.

It's hot. It's cold. Whatever

Osprey circles her nest.

Oh hello sun and big river. The Pontois gets wide. Very wide.

Here's your granite kitchen counter tops! You happy now?

That scottish mist again. There's a falls behind that.

Embarrassingly large lure from Canadian Tire: 10 bucks. Garrett knowing he's about to get what he came for. Much more than 10 bucks.

A portrait of pure joy.

Garrett is drained from his battle. Joe wants in.

I'm here too.
Power lines. It was fun while it lasted.

The Mohomo creek of Quebec, the lower Pontois. Ah, the monotony of meanders.

Done.

Golden Gate du Nord

Perfect parting shot. "Boy" rocked tats and Ecko wear.