the Chicago 7 (most endangered)

​I have a soft spot for Chicago.

I grew up a couple of hours outside of the city (in the middle of a cornfield), so visiting Chicago a few times a year was basically THE highlight of my young life. Even as an adult, there is just something about the place- maybe it’s the architecture (definitely), maybe it’s the unpretentious midwestern location (probably), or maybe it’s the food (yes, all of the above). And I know that the city gets a lot of bad press and has its problems, but it really is great and always will be. Plus, the Art Institute continues to be my favorite place on Earth, even after all of these years (thanks, Dad).  

Anyway, Chicago (for good and bad) is a metropolis of many contradictions, and as strong as its architecture and preservation game remains, the city still has some losses on the books that hurt. For example, I’m probably never going to be over this one or this one. 

​So in case you want to start your weekend with a *sigh,* check out Preservation Chicago's 2017 Most Endangered Chicago Buildings- “the Chicago 7.” Honestly, the list is pretty interesting and seems to hit on a lot of issues in terms of planning, development, and real estate costs.

On a happier note, I'll leave you with this brilliant Jean Dubuffet sculpture (unveiled in 1984 outside of the Thompson Center). Even though it made the list above, I have a feeling it will be ok. I hope you will love it as much as I do.

Have a good weekend!

By HaSt (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons