A socialist urbanist’s field notes on their first time in Chicago (a thread by me)
Conversation
Something that has really struck me about Chicago is how much more pleasant it is to be in downtown Chicago than it is to be in Midtown Manhattan. I think that’s because it feels more beautiful - the historic old buildings in the city’s core have been preserved.
4
1
28
I want to make a note to that middle Manhattan is largely non-residential district - it’s an office district. Preservation is a different beast there.
1
15
The real estate industry has gutted all sense of history in many parts of Midtown Manhattan - it feels like a glass city. Chicago feels different for the most part, and I like that.
2
1
15
I love Chicago but have a totally opposite experience. Many American cities, Chicago incld, destroyed their downtowns w convention centers and skyways so ppl wouldn’t have to go out on “crime ridden” streets or whatever
2
3
I love Chicago n’hoods but every time I’m in “the loop” or whatever I’m like 1) buildings and blocks are not manageable, too big and midwestern and 2) so much GLASS
Whereas midtown Manhattan (which low key I love!) has some of the most beautiful 50-60s modernist skyscrapers and old Art Deco bdgs in the world. Chrysler bdg, Empire State, Rockefeller center, UN, but tons and tons more
3
6
This is fair - I also think I’m noticing more in Chicago (and more good particularly) because it is new to me, and Midtown has given me weird anxiety since I was a kid - this is interesting to think about!
1
Show replies