HIGHRISE LIVING
Welcome to Chicago, Illinois, the third largest city in the United States.
For years it was called the "second city", but after World War 2, a
generally westward movement of Americans raised the population of
Los Angeles above that of Chicago. The city, nevertheless could
boast that its Sears Tower was the tallest building in this country as
were the tallest apartment buildings, John Hancock, and Lake Point
Tower. These buildings are within my view as I write my new
Website perched on the top of Maple Pointe Tower, 20 stories above the street. This view is enhanced by a pair of SuperZoom binoculars with
a range of 20-80 magnification permitting me to peer into the Sears
Tower skydeck and the John Hancock Observatory at remarkably
close range. I will write monthly about life in this great city centered
in my neighborhood, the Chicago Gold Coast. The Galleria
Condominium across the street calls it the "Premier neighborhood...
Prestige Address, known nationally as the city's coolest place to shop,
play, eat, see and be seen." I will be telling you about some of the
finest hotels and restaurants here, and taking you on shopping
expeditions as well as sightseeing. This page will cover the newest
attractions each month. But of course, by its title, it will cover the
advantages of Highrise Living, where a button in the lobby will hail
a cab and bring it to the front door, and where buses and trains are
a block away.
AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY. Maple Pointe had its own bash
on New Years eve. We had live music, a buffet, noisemakers and
hats, chanpaign to toast the 2000 moment. We danced until 2:00 AM.
I joined a great table of young people and had a wonderful time.
Mayor Daley was a genial host for the city. I quote: "Chicago's
cultural attractions, community centers, hotels and nightclubs will
'swing' the New Year in with a citywide 2000-Minute Party. Choose
from dance parties, performances, lessons and more in locations
downtown and in every part of the city. At midnight even the skies
will dance with a laser light show and the largest fireworks display
in the city's history." His invitation list mentioned more than fifty
affairs. Many were expensive. The Palace Theatre presented a
new musical AIDA by Elton John and Time Rice, admission $99.
The Palmer House Hilton's "One Magic Moment" included a night's
lodging at $2000 per couple. Pleasant Home Foundation's " A Tale
of Two Centuries" celebrated in their 100 year old mansion, with dinner, open bar, dancing, and horse drawn carriage rides, (period costumes
welcomed) $100. The gala at the Chicago Symphony Center, with
concert, dancing, cocktails, buffet, and balloon drop $200-$500.
But there were many low cost celebrations as well. If you didn't want
a one-price all inclusive deal, Spike's Rat Bar offered a great buffet
and champaign toast at midnight for $10. It's where ladies are
encouraged to dance up on the bar. Bus transportation was one
penny a ride from 8:00PM to 8:00AM New Years Day. So Happy
New Year to all!
WELCOME TO CHICAGO LIVE. It's your onramp to the Chicago
fastlane. This is YOUR link to the Chicago scene. It will be a
permanent link to this Website which you can click on below. It will
give you a full evening of entertainment and then some. You will
find articles on what is going on in our neighborhood. It will
take you club hopping to night spots. It lists the top 20 restaurants
in our area. Music, Music, Music; listing current concerts and
prices, new audios and videos to sample. If you don't have RealAudio/
Video, you can download it free. Arts list local theatre and film;
Fun things, you can send Chicago scene postcards for free; and
other surprises too. In the People Section you can chat with Chicago
neighbors, enter your own ideas on the Bulletin Board; and best
of all you can listen to fifty or more new tunes on the Juke Box.
MORE TO COME; Next month's page will bring new stories and
links about the neighborhood. DON'T MISS IT!
My Links