When it comes to bars and saloons, nondescript is usually the architectural style. With a purpose requiring far less permanence than that of a bank, church, or government building, it makes sense that there are usually few exterior details that reveal the current tenants. Businesses in the hospitality industry come and go, and purposes shift over time.

In stark contrast to this norm are the Schlitz Brewery-tied houses across Chicago and the midwest. One of the finest preserved examples that still serves its original purpose is Schubas in Lake View.

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After a 44 year run, the oldest cars on the CTA roster were retired from service on July 31st. In the weeks leading up to that date, I filmed several afternoon runs of the 2200 series on the Blue Line shown in the video above.

The streamlined stainless steel cars were loved by a few and loathed by many. They had their faults, but the 2200 series represented several firsts and set the design style which has existed on Chicago’s elevated transit cars ever since.

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One Chicago’s most striking and unique structures is the Garfield Park Fieldhouse. Known to many as the “Gold Dome Building,” this dramatic and detailed building is a rare local example of the Spanish Baroque style.

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A few weeks ago we looked at the history of an ornate shuttered factory in Washington Park, the Schulze Baking Company building (interior above). While the structure has been vacant for several years, it will soon live again serving an industry that initially seems unlikely for the South Side: information technology.

But before examining what’s taking place there and elsewhere on the South Side, let’s look at the data center landscape and why much of the future growth will take place in Chicago.

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