Evanston: leaving on a slow train
Evanston: leaving on a slow train
The Chicago skyline as shown in the undistinguished photo I took the other day looking south from Northwestern’s campus may soon be dramatically changed by a 2000’ spire designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, which would dwarf even the Sears Tower on the right above. Approval was given for the building by the Chicago Planning Board yesterday. If built the spire would be at the mouth of the Chicago River, next to the building on the left above, and would contain 1,300 condos. The design includes a full 360º twist from bottom to top and looks something like a giant upright wood screw. I’m glad to see the end of boring rectangles and like the design. The developer is from Dublin, Ireland, and it remains to be seen if it will actually be built.
Chicago undeniably has energy and ambition.
Trains are my favorite form of transportation after sailboats. We leave tomorrow for the two day and night ride to Seattle on Amtrak’s The Empire Builder and will fly back from Portland, Oregon next Wednesday. I’m looking forward to the journey.
Friday, April 20, 2007