Field Museum's T-Rex Sue Begins To Be Dismantled Today

A couple weeks ago we wrote about how the Field Museum was getting a new, larger Titanosaur.  Before that happens they have to move Sue.  The Tribune has an interesting read if you're curious:

The Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton we know as Sue exists somewhere on the spectrum between sculpture and erector set. Sue stands in the Field Museum's central Stanley Field Hall thanks to an armature, a metal framework, that holds in their proper place the bones discovered in the South Dakota earth in 1990. The skeleton was mounted to convey ferocity but also with dismantling in mind, so that scientists wielding Allen wrenches could take out bones and study them as needed.

Beginning Monday, the Field's $8.36 million apex predator - and apex museum specimen - will begin the process of permanent removal from the only Chicago home it has ever known. Sue is making way for a replica skeleton of a new dinosaur, the largest-ever-found Patagotitan mayorum, to take occupancy of the central hall. Over the course of February, the tyrannosaur will be deconstructed, spirited upstairs to its new home in the museum's former 3-D theater on the second floor and then remounted in place for an unveiling in early 2019.

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: Snow Day

(Hat tip: JH!)

"No Condo" Yard Signs appear on Vacant 630 S. Wabash Lot

A reader writes:

Do you know what this is about? It's the vacant lot at 630 S Wabash next to Warehouse Liquors.

Not sure what this is about, but not sure if this vacant lot is serving much of a purpose right now.  If we were playing devils advocate our rebuttal would be "If no condos, then what?".

Maybe a Columbia building?

Anyway, the only thing we've written about regarding the lot was that a reader saw soil boring equipment taking samples way back in 2014...so clearly not much movement has happened since then.

(Hat tip:  MJ!)

Lowcountry Soft Opens and it Looks Amazing!

Looks freaking amazing - both the food and the space (via Eater):

After a successful three years in Wrigleyville, the owners of Lowcountry hope to duplicate the formula in the South Loop at their second restaurant. Lowcountry, known for its Cajun seafood boils, started serving patrons over the weekend at 1132 S. Wabash Avenue. Besides spicy crab legs, shrimp, and lobster tails, this Lowcountry features surprises including drinks from a Japanese highball machine, deep-fried Oreos, and plenty of liquor on tap.

As a reminder, we posted about this back in the fall of last year.  They've been clearly working on this and we're super excited to check it out.

Best of luck to them!

(Hat tip:  TC!)

Sign Appears For ilovekickboxing.com and Seems to Indicate Progress

A reader writes:

Came across what looks like a new kickboxing gym on Michigan between 13th and 14th, basically next door to UFC gym. Interesting location.

While we posted about this back in November, the addition of the sign seems to indicate things are moving forward.

We agree with the writer that this blocks is becoming a fitness haven - Air Aerial Fitness, UFC Gym and Pure Bare all call this block home!

(Hat tip:  KK!)

1 Dead and 11 Injured in Scary Crash at Congress and Wells on Saturday

A scary scene this past Saturday at Congress and Wells (via Chicago Tribune):

One man is dead and 11 people were injured in a multiple-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon near Congress Parkway and Wells Street, officials said.  

The accident happened around 4:30 p.m. and Chicago police said eight cars collided. Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said, citing preliminary information, that a motorist appeared to have lost control of a vehicle before it crashed into others near Congress and Wells.

The Lex is Getting a Subway

Ok ok - the addition of a Subway sandwich store to your neighborhood shouldn't warrant excitement, but for some reason it feels like this is worthy.  Judging by the giant sign that recently popped up within some of the longstanding vacant space at the Lex, it looks like Cermak is getting another tenant.

Is this a game changer?  No.

Is it a sign of progress?  Sure.

(Hat tip:  KS!)

Looks Like Taco Bell Cantina is (Finally) Moving into 407 S. Dearborn

A reader writes:

Taco Bell Cantina coming to SLoop. It's on Dearborn in one of the retail spaces for the ARC at Old Colony building. I walk by there all the time and this seems to have come out of nowhere. See attached pictures.

We wrote about this in April, but haven't seen much action until this user sent us these pictures.

(Hat tip:  DS!)

Bar22 Opens on Motor Row at 2244 S. Michigan Avenue

Looks like we have a new bar in Motor Row (via Eater Chicago):

SOUTH LOOP— Bar22 on Motor Row opened earlier this month. They’re promising a relaxed vibe and TVs to watch sports. Take a look at the photos here. Status: Certified open, 2244 S. Michigan Avenue.

The Last Printer in Printer's Row is Moving!

Remember in October when we posted about the last printing house in Printer's Row?  At the time they relished their location and place in an industry that has since vacated the name it helped coined for the neighborhood.

Well...that's no longer the case - he gone!  (via Chicago Business):

The last printer on Printers Row is preparing to turn out the lights.

Palmer Printing is looking for a new home after selling its plant at 739 S. Clark St. to a developer. Palmer, founded in 1937, has endured over the decades as printing houses in the neighborhood have shut down or moved out and residential developers have moved in.

The sale marks the end of an era for the company and printing industry, which has had a presence in the South Loop since the 1880s.

So what happened?  A highly active real estate developer in the South Loop - CMK - aparently purchased the property for $14M.  So like many things...it pretty much comes down to money:

The vibe in the South Loop has changed a lot over the decades as developers have moved in, converting old buildings into apartments or condominiums or putting up fancy new high-rises. CMK has been especially busy there in recent years, getting started in 2016 on Riverline, a 3,600-unit residential development on the east side of the Chicago River between Congress Parkway and Roosevelt Road. In late October, CMK acquired a 32,400-square-foot parcel at 1415 S. Wabash Ave.

It's unclear what the developer plans on the Palmer Printing site. CMK President Colin Kihnke did not respond to a call or email.

Likely a bittersweet moment for the owners, workers and sentimental types.  All that being said, not terribly surprising.

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: Grab 'Em by the Midterms

2018 Women's March Begins at 9am at Grant Park

In case you're going to or interested in the Women's March (via Sun Times):

Before Chicago area residents take to the street Saturday for the Women’s March, here’s what you should know about traveling to and from the march route, street closures and how bundled up you should to be for the day.

LOGISTICS: The rally site at Grant Park opens at 9 a.m., kicking off with recorded videos and music. The speaking program, which includes Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, begins at 11 a.m.

The march will start at 12:30 p.m.

Starting at Jackson Street at Columbus Drive, marchers are expected to head west on Jackson to Clark Street. From there, they’ll head north on Clark to Federal Plaza. Organizers expect marchers to disband at Jackson and Dearborn Street.

Field Museum's Stanley Hall Getting a Rennovation

Looks like Field Museum's main hall is getting a rennovation (via Curbed):

The Field Museum’s stately marble hall is about to get a lot more wild.

Later this year, the skylit vaulted ceilings of Stanley Hall will be overtaken by a flock of flying reptiles and hanging gardens containing over 1,000 live plants that thrived alongside dinosaurs. These additions accompany a soon-to-be unveiled model of a titanosaur species, the largest dinosaur discovered so far, that will eat up a third of the central hall.

Seems like a good shot in the arm for Field Museum and fear not - the popular T-Rex Sue isn't leaving the museum.  She's being moved upstairs.

Our First Jazz Showcase Experience Prompts a Desire for a Second

We finally made it! 

Late last year, we made our first ever visit to the venerable Jazz Showcase in Dearborn Station (806 S. Plymouth).  It's slightly embarrassing that it's been this difficult for us to go, but enough about that...

On a blustery Saturday evening, we scampered down Plymouth Court in the snow to take in students from the Columbia Jazz Ensemble collaborate with saxophonist Jon Irabagon.  Frankly, we didn't know anything about the show and were mainly going for the overarching experience.

I was a little uncertain on what to expect or if my party would enjoy themselves (since none of them were what I would consider "Jazz Enthusiasts").  What I can say, is that it was an experience that exceeded my expectations.  Upon walking into the venue, you're completely engulfed by Jazz.  Pictures and show posters hang on every wall and ambiance is certainly old-school cool.

We were greeted at the front desk by Joe Segal, the owner and founder of the Jazz Showcase.  His age was showing, but his wit and personality were immediately noticeable upon first blush - namely his comments and excitement for the upcoming show as he took our money.

As a waitress sat our party of five in the back, the buzz of venue was encouraging.  It wasn't packed yet, but was filling up bristly.  Our waitress was bouncing around the venue and although it wasn't the fastest service it was certainly fine - after all, you come for the music first and drinks second.

If you're looking amble space, this place isn't for you.  Tables and seats are packed together very tightly to maximize seating but also adds to the intimacy of the venue.  One exception is the various couches that are situated in the middle.  Those seem like the prime seats and something we would seek out for our next visit.

As the musicians started to assemble on stage, Mr. Segal grabbed the mic and provided the introduction.  Here's what we captured:

The show was fun and if you're a fan of live music we highly suggest a trip to the Jazz Showcase.  
Similarly to Buddy Guy's Legends, we're lucky to have such a unique and highly respected live music venue in our neighborhood.
We'll be back - hopefully soon!