Real Progress at Block 37

As reported in Crain's, the judge overseeing the foreclosure case has given approval to new leases for several new stores. "Eight retailers, with products ranging from high fashion to frozen custard, have received court approval to open at Block 37."

CB Richard Ellis is handling the leasing at Block 37 and has announced the following tenants:

- Andy’s Frozen Custard
- Alternatives Shoes
- Comic Vault
- Which Wich, a Texas-based sandwich chain



- iCandylicious, a candy store
- Simply Thalia, which has sushi and French-Asian sandwiches
- Ladies & Gentlemen, an Aveda lifestyle salon and spa















I think that this great progress for the neighborhood. I will really enjoy walking the two blocks from my Marina City home to Block 37.

No Show at Block 37

The new Block 37 has suffered another set back. Is the Block 37 parcel hallowed ground?

From the Chicago Tribune:

The chance of bringing a long-anticipated movie house to the Loop at the Block 37 mall is fading as a foreclosure battle over the stalled retail project winds its way through the courts.

Michael Whalen, CEO of Paragon Entertainment LLC, which would run the movie house, said he wants to move forward with the theater but is doubtful a deal will be reached.

The article mentions that the foreclosure drama has put the theater in jeopardy of becoming a tenant. Muvico is an upscale movie theater that also serves drinks and dinner to guests.



I was really looking forward to the new theater. Being able to walk one block from my Marina Towers home and get dinner, drinks and a nice movie was an excellent option. I think that the theater would have been a great outlet for all the new downtown residents along with downtown travelers. Let's keep hope alive that the decision makers can come to an agreement.

Commuting the old fashioned way

On the Blue Line today I saw a CTA advertisement that said, "the average rider saves $11,000 a year by switching from their car to the CTA." That got me thinking how much I enjoy not being tethered to a car. Why should I bother with $250 + parking fees and worrying about someone backing into it or taking it for service.




When needed, I have a car at my disposal. I take cabs when I am really pushing time and cannot wait for the bus or train. The occasional Red Line ride to Lakeview to visit my fiance is still very tolerable on more crowded trains after the CTA cuts.














I am honestly not writing this to gloat. This entry is more about one of the great benefits of living downtown in the River North neighborhood. Most everything I need to go to is a nice walk or easy cab ride away from Marina City.




I can honestly say that the 30 - 45 minutes others spend on the train or in their car everyday each way to work is time well spent for me. I do miss the greenery of the neighborhoods and haven't heard birds chirping that often, unless you count cooing pigeons. I do have an outlet for that when I get down to the Printer's Row for a Hackney's burger or up to Roscoe Village to my real estate office.

Looking out this morning, I can say that I am in the right place when I watch the sun rise over Lake Michigan from my 51st floor balcony at Marina Towers.

Aqua Building Still Tall in Uncertain Times

If you have ever walked over on the 'New Eastside', you have probably noticed the beautiful & unique new tower. Aqua was completed last year and has been awarded skyscraper of the year by Frankfort based Emporis. It is also the tallest building ever designed by a woman (Chicago based Jeanne Gang). The building is currently comprised of condominiums and apartments.

The architect speaks about the building here.


Chicago Journal has written an article outlining the building's completion and struggles to find tenants and buyers.