Chicago drawbridges as seen from the river

[Brandon]

I took a river and lake cruise last week and caught a few photos of some of Chicago's bridges from the river.

Michigan Avenue


State Street


Lake Street (with L tracks above)


Wells Street (with L tracks above)


Dearborn Street


Lake Shore Drive (behind the lock)


Yes, the building is shaped like a boat.


Into the Lake

[NE2]

Do you trust a Chicago drawbridge? I don't either.

[Alps]

Do you trust a Chicago drawbridge? I don't either.

The entire time I was up there, they didn't open once. That's pretty trustworthy.

[Road Hog]

Very cool!

Has Chicago done any development with its riverfront? Looks like very little there except office buildings.

Don't go near the river when Dave Matthews Band is in town, though! 

[Mr Downtown]

What do you mean?  Are big office buildings not considered development?

If you mean a riverwalk, one is being cobbled together as property is redeveloped.  New projects must observe a 30-foot setback and must build a publicly accessible walkway.  Much of the main branch now can be walked on both banks, and a new city project even allows passage at the river level beneath the Columbus and Michigan Avenue bridges.

For those interested, I'll be doing a lunchtime presentation this Thursday, Sept. 13th, at the Bridgehouse Museum, Wacker at Michigan.  However, the space is small and we expect an overflow crowd.  If weather allows, we'll try to do it outside on the riverwalk.