Completed in 1916 as a multi use wharf, the 3,300 foot long pier was completed in 1916.  It was named “Navy Pier” in honor of U.S. naval personel who served in W.W.I. As an ongoing tribute to our servicemen and women, there is a USO at their disposal.  Seemingly in a constant state of flux, Navy Pier has been used by the U.S. Navy during W.W. II and the University of Illinois.  Its storied history continues to this day.

Since 1995, Navy Pier has been a family orientated tourist destination.  The Ferris Wheel alone is a great attraction; remember the Ferris Wheel was invented right here in Chicago.  There is plenty here for the whole family.  The Children’s Museum is a constant source of delight as are the roving entertainers who specialize in everything from story telling to magic shows.

Then there is the dizzying array of shops.  Everything from souvenirs to clothing to games and toys can be found here.  Gifts and candy seem to be everywhere.  If you want something that says “Chicago,” this is the place.

Navy Pier is also host to an IMAX Theater which shows some of the latest releases on its giant screen.  The indoor gardens are a tropical oasis right here in the city.  There is also a stained glass museum which exhibits priceless artifacts salvaged from Chicago buildings, both religious and secular.  Even the Bard is here, at least in spirit, at the Chicago Shakespeare TheaterChicago’s award winning public radio station – WBEZ — has its studios here. Other entertainment includes the Pepsi Skyline Stage, which will again feature the Cirque Shanghai troupe. The Dock Street Stage offers outdoor entertainment, weather permitting (this is Chicago).

Special events also find their way to Navy Pier.  The Chicago Flower and Garden Show, usually held in March, attracts visitors from all over the world.  Seasonal events at various holidays are also held here.  Again, Navy Pier is for the whole family — children and adults all have something to interest them.

Are you hungry yet?  Navy Pier has more restaurants per square foot than just about any other place in Chicago.  The food court and outdoor vendors offer all sorts of fast bites and treats.  There are also sit-down restaurants: Buba Gump, Capi’s Italian Kitchen, Dock Street Cafe, Haray Caray’s, The Billy Goat Tavern, Charlie’s Ale House are all inviting.  And don’t forget to check out Riva.  This swanky seafood restaurant is perfectly suited for an elegant evening.
Thirsty?  There is a great Beer Garden, too.

Like I said, it may take a day or two.

Remember, we are on the lake.  One can get any number of boat rides here: from the sleek Sea Dogs (I, II, IV) to the elegant Tall Ship Windy.  Water taxis go upriver and architectural boat tours prowl the lake shore.  Tour guides give a thorough description of the Windy City’s one-of-a-kind skyline.  Other boats (oops, ships), include the Spirit of Chicago, the Odyssey, and Mystic Blue Cruise.  Fine dining aboard ship looking at Chicago is quite a treat.

More? Yes, there’s always more.

Starting in May and going through Labor Day Chicago’s Navy Pier hosts fireworks twice a week on Wednesdays at 9:30 and Saturdays at 10:15. Of course, extra holidays get celebrated and Chicago team triumphs get some sparks, too.

USO Illinois

Chicago Flower

Bubba Gump Shrimp

Harry Carays

Billy Goat Tavern

Charlie’s Ale House

Riva Crabhouse

Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago

Sea Dog Cruises

Shoreline Water Taxi

Spirit of Chicago

Odyssey Cruises

Mystic Blue Cruises

See you next time.

- Mia Wilkinson

512 N. McClurg — River East – is one of the most popular buildings in the neighborhood.  It’s glass and brushed steal exterior combined with its 45 degree orientation from the street makes River East stand out.  Designed by DeStefano + Partners, 512 was built with light in mind.  Its exterior glistens in the sun at any time of day.  At night, lights from the units seem like stars.

Then there is the inside.  Managed by Sudler Property Management, the lobby and common areas are immaculate.  The ever friendly staff is always there to help; they truly take pride in the work they do, and it shows.  The airy lobby is always bright.  This building was designed with light in mind.  Six elevators and two service elevators quickly reach all 58 residential floors.

It’s always good to stop on the fourth floor.  There you can find a state-of-the-art fitness room, party room, and deck.  The deck is a quite a feature: it gives a glorious view of the river; south, west, and east city views; and a nightime view of the city that rivals any fireworks display (oh, you can see those, too).  The fourth floor also houses the management office with a team of first rate pros to answer all residents’ questions.

Then there are the units!  512 towers skyward, and it was designed to let the sunlight in.  Floorplans reflect the designers’ wish to let sky and sunlight be part of the units.  First rate finishes accent each unit.  But you don’t have to stop there.  Many designers use the clean plans of 512 floor plans as a canvas to create beautiful custom creations.

512 is the third tallest all residential tower in the city.  It does, however, share its podium.  Neighbors include: Harris Bank, Holmes Gym, Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge, Walgreens, P.J. Clark’s, and Embassy Suites.  Then there is the AMC 21 Cinema complex.  This is the largest cinema complex in downtown Chicago.  It is also home to the Lucky Strike Lanes, one of the most popular sites around.

River East Center is all this and more.  People love living here, and it shows.  This is a modern neighborhood within a neighborhood.

See you next time.

- Mia Wilkinson

See you next time.

- Mia Wilkinson

Streeterville stretches from the Chicago River (south) to East Lake Shore Drive (north) and from Michigan Avenue (west) to Lake Michigan (east).  Some feel that Streeterville extends as far west as Rush Street — the debate goes on.  Named after George Wellington “Cap” Streeter, whose beached boat became his home, this neighborhood has become home to some of Chicago’s most beautiful buildings.  From stately co-ops to the ultra modern, this neighborhood hosts the John Hancock Building, Lake Point Tower, 680 North Lake Shore, 600 North Fairbanks, and River East, to name a few.

Key landmarks bracket Streeterville.  Navy Pier jutting out into the lake, continues to be one of the city’s most visited sites.  Complete with restaurants, theater, Imax screen and many other attractions, the pier draws visitors from all over the world.  It is also home to Chicago’s National Public Radio Station, WBEZ.  On the western side of Streeterville you will find Chicago’s most famous landmark — the Water Tower.  This storied structure stands as both historic landmark and a symbol of Chicago’s future:  this is the city that works.  The John Hancock building also sits astride Michigan Avenue.  It’s observatory offers wonderful views.  On the south end of Streeterville, one finds the Chicago River, the second water front.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital dominates much of the north end of Streeterville.  This world renown institution continues to grow in both physical and medical stature.  It is the cutting edge at the water’s edge.  It latest addition, The Prentice Women’s Hospital is one of the best of its type in the world.  Its new state-of-the-art facility at 250 East Superior offers the highest level of care.  The lovely campus offers an oasis in the urban landscape.

There is also the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) on Fairbanks, between Pearson and Chicago.  This is a world class institution which houses a great many modern and post-modern works.  The MCA continues to show some of the newest trends in art.  The MCA also offers classes, events, and get-togethers.  Also, remember to visit the museum shop and bookstore.

Join me next time for an in depth tour of Streeterville: restaurants, art galleries, shopping and more.  This is a neighborhood of Prime Condos, come walk with and see the views.

- Mia Wilkinson

Chicago real estate is unique.  This city has always been a blank canvas for world class architects.  The skyline is a majestic line of some of the world’s most sought after residences.  Vintage mid-rises nestle against towering, ultra modern monuments to the builder’s art.  Trump Tower, 680 Lake Shore, The Palmolive, Lake Point Tower, and River East are just a few of the gems that people call home.  Art Deco merges with the post-modern, traditional with the avant garde.

The Windy City is home to world class institutions that are treasured by locals and visitors alike.  The Lyric Opera, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Art Institute of Chicago, Oriental Institute, Field Museum and many more, Chicago is truly a jewel on the prairie. Also, let’s not forget that Bulls, Bears, Cubs, Sox, and Hawks call this town home, too.

Putting people and their well being is a Chicago legacy.  The city motto Urbus in Horto (City in a Garden) is taken as seriously today as it was over a century ago.  Chicago was “green” when streetcars ran on brick streets.  Parks offer oases throughout the city – a verdant picture whose frame is Burnham’s great, green lakefront: a place for people to meet the earth, sky, and water.

At its heart, though, Chicago is all about its people.  Businesspeople, artists, entertainers, doctors, traders, and countless others call this place home for a reason.  This is a city of neighborhoods, places where people care about their communities and the other people who live there.  This is the quality of life that is at the center of the City of Big Shoulders.

As your blog guide through Chicago, I hope to introduce you to the dynamic metropolis that welcomes change as much as people.  This is a commercial, manufacturing, transportation, and financial center; it’s “the city that works.”  See you next time.

- Mia Wilkinson

My blog will soon feature a Walking Tour so you can get a more intimate view of each neighborhood. You can also check out the following sites:

• Zipskinny: This gives demographic information as well as school information for each zip code
• Chicago Traveler: This is a most informative site giving useful information for each neighborhood; shopping, transportation, cultural events, restaurants and more are featured

If you would like to see current listings of available properties, please contact me today!

- Mia Wilkinson