Walking The Loop

The Loop in downtown Chicago derives its name from the circular route on which the elevated train lines of the Chicago Transit Authority rumbles. It´s the historic, business and administrative heart of the city. It boasts many of the iconic early highrises that were built here after the great fire, the earliest having been erected in the 1880s. But todays post isn´t about those in particular, rather it´s about getting an impression of the busy city, the street scenes and how consequently urban the inner core of downtown is. From what I´ve learnt and seen, the only other US city that is comparable with its dense urbanity is New York City. What better way of getting impressed by a place than to walk about. Since I live close-by, there´ll be many more walks. 

The name-giving loop tracks and elevated train. This reminds me

of the elevated trains of Berlin, only that the

Chicago version create a deafening noise.

Old foundation, modern top and a stretch limo.

There are many narrow alleys in between buildings serving as

service streets for trash pick-up and loading/unloading zones.

Willis Tower is the citys highest building, note the protruding glass

cubicles sticking out at the top. I´ve written about it a few

years back after a visit to Chicago.

Part of the supporting structure for the elevated tracks.

The back of the grand Opera House seen from the river.

The great Federal Plaza surrounded by Mies van der Rohe buildings

and the public art work Flamingo by Alexander Calder.

The loop is full of public sculptures by famous artists, this is The Picasso

in front of another Mies van der Rohe building at Daley Plaza.

To get away from the hectic action, there are a

few pockets of reclusion here and there.

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