American Blues Theater Opens at 5627 N Lincoln Avenue In West Ridge

An opening has been held for the new home of The American Blues Theater at 5627 N Lincoln Avenue in West Ridge. Sitting just north of the intersection with W Bryn Mawr Avenue near Rosehill Cemetery, the theater repurposed a vacant one-story commercial building. The project was led by the theater company itself with Morris Architects Planners acting as the architects while Schuler Shook supplied the theater systems.

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1857 W 51st Street, via Google Maps

Demolition Approved For 1857 W 51st Street In Back Of The Yards

An emergency demolition is set to take place at 1857 W 51st Street in Back of the Yards. The City of Chicago has issued a permit for the immediate wrecking and removal of the mixed-use two-story masonry building on the site. The decision for an emergency demolition indicates significant concerns about the structural integrity or safety of the building, necessitating its immediate removal.

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Plan Commission Approves Thrive Exchange In South Shore

Plans have been approved for the first phase of Thrive Exchange at 7901 S Exchange Avenue in South Shore. Sitting right on the intersection with E 79th Street, the project will replace a pair of existing buildings next to the Cheltenham/79th Street Metra station. The proposal was approved by the Chicago Plan Commission, led by developer DL3 Realty and designed by local-firms KOO Architects and Site Design Group.

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Lost Legends #11: The Schiller Building in The Loop

In this edition of ‘Lost Legends,’ we focus on the Schiller Building, a historic tower in The Loop that was pivotal in Chicago’s cultural and architectural history. From its opening in 1892 to its controversial demolition in 1961, its story exhibits a familiar arc in this series: one of architectural innovation, cultural significance, loss, and reflection.

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