Coming Soon: Sod Room at 1454 S. Michigan Ave.

Have no fear, Sod Room (formerly called Sprout Playroom) at 1454 S. Michigan Ave. will open soon. The unique playroom on the second floor of the old Buick building has faced some challenges. Opening any new business is a challenge for sure. But when you’re renovating a building that is architecturally and historically significant, that adds a whole new layer of challenges.

The Buick Building, which was completed in 1906, was home to the first Buick dealership in Chicago and part of its famed Motor Row. The Buick shield and logo are clearly visible on the building’s façade. But husband and wife owners Abdón and Cynthia Valenciana promise they’ll “soon” be open. I visited with the couple this week and they’re feverishly working on the finishing touches.

The Slide a Sod Room

To make the Sod Room a safe environment for young children required a lot of special construction, not to mention applying for city permits and passing the required inspections. What is taking shape, is a play space for children ages 0-6. Almost everything in the space is made from repurposed materials, all of which are environmentally friendly. Cynthia expects to host a lot of birthday parties—the space includes a party room—and she’s gotten lots of inquiries and requests for reservations. She also wants the space to be a place for parental workshops and classes, including a prenatal classes for new parents. But the space is a wonderland for kids. A two-level play area with a slide is the room’s major feature and sure to be popular.

To stay on top of their grand opening, follow Sod Room on Twitter and like them on Facebook. We’ll keep you posted here with any new developments.

Leftover hardwood samples make for a fine floor in the party room

Around the South Loop: 2011 Volume 3

No Parking
It was an interesting week, even though the Bears didn't make it to the Super Bowl. There was lots of activity surrounding the game here in the South Loop, especially on Wabash Ave., where flatbed trucks were towing cars at a brisk pace. It begs the question, who are these people that park on Wabash during the game? Are they from the suburbs? Are they unable to read the signs posted everywhere? Do they think they won't get towed because they're special? Well, as the photo below illustrates, the tow truck man is no respecter of persons.

Don't park here: Why do Bears fans continue to park on Wabash during home games?

Good-bye South Loop Wine Cellar
Another small business closed its doors in the South Loop. Many may have noticed that the South Loop Wine Cellar hasn't been open since before the December holidays. I was hoping things would improve and owner/operator Amy Garman would be able to stay open, but it wasn't meant to be. I visited the shop many times and attended numerous events there as well. Amy was someone I enjoyed knowing as a local merchant. She contributed several posts on wine to the South Loop Connection, which are still very popular. I wish Amy the best.

I'm sorry that South Loop Wine Cellar is no more.

Car Capital
During the early years of the 20th century, the South Loop was famous for it's many car dealerships and businesses related to the automobile industry. So famous that the area was nicknamed Motor Row. Michigan Ave. was one of the smoothest roads in America at the time and perfect for taking that new coupe out for a test drive. The Buick building, built in 1906, at 1454 S. Michigan was the first Buick dealership in Chicago. For many months it was home to the sales offices of the Marquee and Terrazio condo developments. Just recently, the banner covering the Buick shield came down.

The Buick building was built in 1906.

Art in the Everyday
When I walk around the South Loop, it's interesting to see utilitarian structures take on intriguing shapes and shadows. Even the L tracks above our heads can become works of art. When the light is shining just right, even rusty old steel beams look great.

The L tracks above Wabash Ave.

And the Oscar (nomination) Goes To...
One of the great things about living in a city like Chicago is you don't miss out on anything, even when you're walking to work in the morning. Where else can you see the Academy Award nominations on your commute to the office and on a jumbo screen no less?

The giant screen at CBS on Washington and Dearborn

Perfectly Centered
Remember the picture of the white clock in the lobby of the Chicago Hilton and Towers? During the holidays, it was replaced by a Christmas tree. After the New Year, they put the clock back, but it wasn't centered on the rug and it kind of drove me crazy. Someone from the Hilton read my blog post and had it fixed. See, people do read the stuff I write!

The clock in the Chicago Hilton and Towers lobby is "right" on the carpet.

2010 Chicago Auto Show

Oldest in North America
The 2010 Chicago Auto Show is at McCormick Place until Sunday February 21. The Chicago auto show is the largest of its kind in North America. Chicago has been hosting the auto show since 1901 (now in its 102nd year).

Historic Motor Row
During the turn of the century the South Loop section of Michigan Ave. was called motor row, with numerous car dealerships. To help sell cars, Michigan Ave. was one of the smoothest roads anywhere.

Many of the loft-style condos and offices in the neighborhood are former auto dealerships. The McHugh Construction Company at 1737 S. Michigan Ave. was the former home of the Maxwell-Briscoe Automobile Company. The original building, restored by McHugh, was constructed in 1909.




Dealerships Past
You can't see it today because it's covered up with a banner advertising condos for sale, but 1452 S. Michigan Ave. was home to a Buick dealership. In fact, the Buick name and logo is carved into the building. Someday, when that banner comes down, it will be on display once again. The building for the last couple of years has served as the sales showroom for the Marquee and Terrazio condominium complexes.