Lee Bey
Architecture Columnist and Editorial Board Member
Bey, the only architecture critic for a major newspaper in the Midwest, is the author of the well-received book “Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago’s South Side” and was the Emmy-nominated host of the WTTW special “Building Blocks: The Architecture of Chicago’s South Side.” Bey returned to the Sun-Times as an editorial writer in 2019. He previously held several positions in organizations involved in planning, development and architecture, and was also deputy chief of staff for architecture and urban planning in the administration of Mayor Richard M. Daley. Bey is now working on a book about architecture on the West Side. He lives in an 1893 rowhouse in Chicago’s historic Pullman community.
Northerly Island should be a stunning urban space on par with Millennium Park. Instead, it’s the architectural equivalent of Felix and Oscar, with a 30,000-seat concert venue oddly coupled with a nature preserve.
The city is willing to put private interests ahead of public benefit and cheer on a wrongheaded effort to build a massive domed stadium — that would be perfect for Arlington Heights — on Chicago’s lakefront.
The swirl-patterned granite panels will contribute much to the visual identity — while perhaps adding color and life to a structure that appeared cold and mausoleum-like in renderings.
Whatever happens with the upcoming Chase Tower renovation, here’s hoping the little Mickey D’s on the plaza survives.
A pair of tapering, faceted towers designed by architecture firm Skidmore Owings & Merrill that holds the promise of finally delivering the come-up the historic 3-acre parcel has always deserved.
The city and state officials should think long and hard before helping reward the team with a new stadium at The 78, particularly when it could come at the expense of the South Side and the Armour Square and Bridgeport neighborhoods.
Bally’s planned casino and the fate of the Century and Consumers buildings are among the five architectural projects worth watching as this new year progresses.
The renovation would keep the atrium and have a more transparent facade and a new plaza. But we need to see more, architecture critic Lee Bey writes.
The fire is under investigation, but the 131-year-old home’s survival could rest with the results of a structural report now being prepared by city building inspectors.