Hard to believe this is one of the hottest developing spots in Chicago! But notice the name on the office building in the distance. This street was once the site of the meatpacking district, produce distribution, fresh fish market. The fish market was the last to sell, selling the property about 3 weeks ago after over 60 years in business. Our temporary rental unit looks out on this street. We're in the same building above two hot new restaurants (Publican, Duck Duck Goat). I'm sure we've raised the age in the neighborhood by several decades!
BTW, earlier this afternoon we saw a large military helicopter traveling south outside our window -- Obama flying by on his way 'home' to give his final public address as President tomorrow morning.
CORRECTION: It was Obama's advance staff, he didn't arrive until the evening of his address and it was too windy for him to use a helicopter.
You and Google are neighbors! How fun. :) Especially so, to be above trending restaurants. I am of mixed minds, as the presidential transition approaches. Kind of glad that the final speech will be in Chicagoland. I enjoy how the street diagonal lines contrast with the verticals and squares in the windows.
Super viewed on a black background. Lots to look at and I'm sure we'll see more of the area as you settle into your new temporary abode. How cool to see that helicopter fly over!
Except for the security camera and new cars, one must think that this is a picture of the past. Great one. Are the floor business on the main street active? Or they are looking for a new entrepeneur.
Such an iconic American view from my Aussie eyes point of view! I'm sure this street has been a movie/tv location before :) The b&w does give this shot a cinematic aspect.
Super shot made even better by the interesting commentary. I bet your apartment is filled with fabulous aromas from the restaurants downstairs. I love city life!
My first impression was how quiet it looked then I realised that the pic was taken on a Sunday. I guess midweek will look very different. The black and white makes it ageless.
@joansmor Joan, it's Google. They are really the driving force (or were as now McDonald's headquarters and a Nobu hotel/restaurant are coming into the area) in the renovation. But it also is totally changing the character of the neighborhood. We are really sad to lose the fish market!
@maggiemae There are great coffee shops within a block...but the really dangerous place is called Glazed & Infused -- home made donuts and other kinds of sweet treats!
@salza@jgpittenger I was up about 3:00 a.m. this morning and heard some noise outside. When I peeked out, the whole street on the north size was a huge hustle/bustle of activity -- all the gates were up and there were trucks and loaders and stacks of goods around. The south side of the street has already been converted to restaurants. I think it will be fun to do a series of the street over the next few months or so. It was SO quiet on Sunday!
@lesip I love being back in the city. I love public transportation, so much within walking distance, the theater, restaurants, museums, etc. It's a great place to live. THEN, I love being away on Beaver Island for 3 months of quiet, no people, mostly woods and lake. And I like traveling. But to me, a base in the city is perfect.
Lovely shot of a neighborhood in transition. Sorry to hear about the fish market, it was an icon. But there is only so much real estate in a city and gentrification of old neighborhoods seems to be the norm. I look forward to more shots as it changes around you. Enjoy.
@rosiekind We're especially sad to lose the fish market, especially just as we are returning to the neighborhood. We've bought fish there a few times a week for over a decade. And we were thrilled to think we would only be a block away. Very sad!
I saw this yesterday on my phone but could not make out the sign on the building so had to return to it on my computer. Times are really changing Taffy. These wonderful old markets will disappear and that is so sad. It looks like you are going to be living in an up and coming area of the city - so many photo opportunities!!
