Comet of 1811 (1879), from Flowers of the Sky.

Source: Library of Congress / Internet Archive

https://pdimagearchive.org/images/e997e821-d73f-4cab-859a-0fbd41ab7804

#urban #trouvelot #space #astronomy #night #skylines #cityscape #stars #comets #art #publicdomain

#Google Street View Contrast: #London City Island, E14

2008 vs. 2025

From #industrial isolation to one of East London’s most recognisable #skylines. The "Mini Manhattan" effect is real. The Leamouth Peninsula has turned from derelict land into a vibrant hub.🏙️

#ThenAndNow #Urbanism #GlowUp #UrbanDesign

A pantone of classic Chicago: Printers Row & S. Dearborn

“The excellence of every art must consist in the complete accomplishment of its purpose.” Source: Quote on the Second Franklin Building on Printer’s Row.

Easily this blog author’s favorite part of Chicago’s Loop, the classic skyscrapers of Printers Row and South Dearborn Street evoke the city’s robust architectural and manufacturing heritage within a few square blocks. From the exterior iron and steel fire escapes, to the brick and masonry facades, to the literal heartbeat of city’s printing and publishing industry, this illustrative historic district in the South Loop showcases a fascinating aspect of Chicago’s muscle and might.

“Arguably the most famous publisher located on Printers Row was Rand McNally, which was founded in 1856 in Chicago and opened its fourth headquarters in 1912 at 536 S. Clark. But perhaps the most-read publications came from Lakeside Press, a division of R.R. Donnelley & Sons. The company printed both the Montgomery Ward and Sears catalogs, as well as the Encyclopedia Britannica, Time and Life magazines, at 731 S. Plymouth.” Source: playeatlas.com

Most of these magnificent buildings, once used for offices and/or production of print materials, have been lovingly restored and adapted into mixed uses or residential structures. Many of the ground floors now contain a delightful mix of small shops, pubs, and dining establishments.

Frankly, today’s modern glass edifices can hardly compete for attention given the distinctive architectural embellishments and adornments set upon these classic Chicago high-rises. They are simply a visual feast for the eyes. One can also easily imagine the continuously rumbling sounds of gigantic printing presses, as the machinery churned out multitudes of documents, magazines, and publications.

If you are in Chicago, skip the typical tourist venues around downtown and take a stroll along South Dearborn Street (and paralleling streets) through Printer’s Row. If you are lucky enough, perhaps the Printers Row LitFest will be taking place while you are visiting.

Peace and enjoy the images in the post!

#adaptiveReuse #architecture #art #Chicago #cities #design #highRises #highrises #history #Illinois #planning #preservation #PrinterSRow #printing #publishing #skylines #tourism #travel

Cities Skylines developer walks away from the franchise. Given Skylines 2 launch and where it stands a year later I take it that relationship soured over that games problematic development.

I do really hope Colossal Order give the city builder genre one more spin outside of Paradoxes greedy influence. I think they could give it a serious run for its money.

#gaming #cities #skylines #meow