January 2024

Located at the corner of State and Elm this 29-story mixed-use tower is close to final approval.  Designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz and developed by seasoned builder Newcastle Limited who was also the developer for mega apartment complex NEMA in the Southloop is closer to breaking ground after a long drawn-out battle with Alderman and surrounding neighbors regarding the height and density of the project.  Located on the corner of State and Elm, currently where the vacant Barnes and Noble resides the building will offer larger one and two-bedroom units catering to young professionals and couples. Consisting of 304 upscale residences, 10,000 ft of retail located street level, and 105 parking spaces it will be only 1 of 3 new apartment buildings to be built

You will always find a Burger King across the street from McDonald's so it appears Rivian is following suit as it opens its first showroom one block south of Tesla on Rush Street at the base of the 50 E. Chestnut condo tower.  The retail space has been vacant since the building was completed back in 2008 so it is nice to see something go in there.  I stopped in to take a look around and from what I could see they did a nice job.  High ceilings and polished concrete floors give it that cool trendy look. On display are 2 Rivian trucks and some accessories.  The sales guys are friendly and offer to take me for a test ride.  If you happen to be an EV fan or just be passing by I would say it's worth stopping in and checking out.

If you just moved to Chicago and live in one of the more popular neighborhoods for nightlife such as River North, Gold Coast, or Old Town you may wonder where you go for some good grub after a late night of Expresso Martinis and shots of Tequila.  You would think that would be an easy question to answer, however, most of the restaurants (like 95%) close their kitchens at 10 pm.  Well low and behold we have not 1 but 5 places that not only are open late, but the food is pretty dam good!

 #1 - Dublins - Gold Coast
Dublins is located in the Gold Coast, 1035 N. State St. to be exact.  It serves food until 3 am, 365 days a year, that's correct 365 days a year!  Although the name infers it's an Irish Pub, it's more the likes of your local watering hole.