December 2006 Archives
Our sister project in New York, the High Line, is the subject of an interesting New York Times piece by architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff, on the impact the proposed greenway is having on development in the neighborhoods it runs through, from zoning decisions to gentrification to developer plans.
To be sure, the High Line is being built under conditions that are very unique to the Manhattan environment, but as our own greenspace project progresses, it’s worth noting how this and similar efforts are dealing with issues like how the access points will be integrated with the residential and commercial spaces, to name but one.
Posted by Paul Smith on Dec 28, 2006
Handlebar, 2311 W. North Ave. is hosting a fundraiser for Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail. Come join us at New Gears Eve '06-'07 for a sumptuous meal and open bar while helping raise funds for our trail-building campaign. Download a flyer. All seating options include open bar:
- Early Dinner (6-8:30pm) $60
- Late Dinner (9pm-close) $100
- Bar Only (11pm-close) $50
Dinner menu
- Amuse
- Creamy truffled Yukon gold potato soup with chives and a parmesan crisp.
- Mixed greens, Point Reyes blue cheese, candied walnuts, dried cherries, granny smith apple and sherry-shallot vinaigrette
- Entrée Option #1 - Braised tempeh in a mushroom-red wine sauce with creamy risotto cakes and sautéed broccoli rabe
- Entrée Option #2 - Seafood Entrée: Fettuccine with shrimps, scallops, mussels & vegetables in a white wine cream sauce
- Almond pound cake with lemon curd and fresh berries
Limited to 50 person per seating.
To make reservations, call Handlebar at 773/384-9546.
Posted by Josh Deth on Dec 16, 2006
The elevated embankment of the Bloomingdale Trail – with it’s bright yellow viaducts, great views of surrounding neighborhoods, and plentiful wild plant life – affords terrific photographic opportunities (check out Sarah Morton’s BT pics, some of which adorn this site).
In that vein, I’ve started a new group for photos of the Bloomingdale Trail over at Flickr, the photo sharing site. It’s a public group, and accounts are free, so if you’ve ever snapped a shot of the Trail, or plan to, head over and join the group and add your BT photos to the pool. It’s easy, and it’ll be a great way for everyone in the community to watch and document as this crazy elevated, overgrown railroad evolves into the Trail we’re all looking forward to.
Posted by Paul Smith on Dec 12, 2006
Located at the eastern end of the Bloomingdale Line, A. Finkl & Sons has been a fixture on Chicago’s north side and its potential closure would mean big changes for the neighborhood. Finkl is one of the few remaining users of Canadian Pacific’s freight service to Goose Island, which previously used the Bloomingdale Line. Remaining freight users include Peerless Candy, General Iron and Big Bay Lumber.
From the press release:
A. Finkl & Sons Co., a specialty steel forging company on Chicago’s North Side, today announced it has signed an agreement to be acquired by SCHMOLZ+BICKENBACH AG, a leading global producer of high-grade steels headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany. With the acquisition of Finkl, Schmolz+Bickenbach will become the world’s largest tool steel producer. Finkl, a dominant presence on Chicago’s North Side for more than 100 years, has outgrown its present location and sought a partner with the same commitment to excellence to make the necessary investments in construction of a new plant, the company said in announcing its merger plans.
Posted by Josh Deth on Dec 08, 2006
It’s been an eventful year full of positive developments for the prospects of a Trail, including the acquisition of property alongside the embankment at Whipple & Albany for a future park and access point, and next year promises to be even more momentous. Accordingly, we’re giving the website a face-lift and retooling it to better accommodate all of the news, information, and events surrounding the Trail. More details after the jump.
Continue Reading…
Posted by Paul Smith on Dec 07, 2006
