Roadway from Chinatown to Downtown being constructed a century after first proposed

According to an article in today’s dnainfo, construction to connect Chinatown and Downtown has finnally begun. According to the article, the “Wells-Wentworth Connector” was originally proposed in Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago. The new roadway will cost $62 million.

What do you think? Will this help ease congestion between Chinatown the South Loop and other north-south roadways?

Wells-Wentworth Connector

10 Things to do this weekend

It's starting to look more and more like fall, but that doesn't mean the fun has to end. Check out the ChicagoBusiness Web site for some weekend activity ideas.

One of the things they mention is the Daniel Burnham Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Chicago Public Radio. This is one of many activities commorating the one-hundreth anniversary of Burnham's Plan of Chicago.

We have our own Burnham exhibit right in our own backyard. At the Glessner House, there are artifacts and architectural remains from some of the grand old homes that used to populate Prairie Ave. in the late nineteenth century. These artifacts are on display in the Glessner carriage house/visitor center. Burnham's firm not only designed some of the homes here; Burnham married into a Prairie Ave. family.

Chicago Model City

The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF), at 224 South Michigan Ave., is featuring the Chicago Model City exhibition in the Atrium Gallery. The focus of the exhibit is a 320-square-foot model of Chicago.

The Chicago city model includes more than 1,000 buildings, that are "accurate and up-to-date." The model goes as far south as 16th St., which includes such South Loop landmarks as the Field Museum and Soldier Field. The city model is part of a series of exhibits that examine the history of Chicago and its urban landscape.

B Like Burnham is another exhibit on display with the Chicago Model City. It examines the "life, work, and legacy of architect and planner, Daniel H. Burnham." One Book, One Chicago is featuring The Plan of Chicago: Daniel Burnham and the Remaking of the American City by Carl Smith. They chose the Smith book in part to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of Burnham's own Plan of Chicago published in 1909.

Both exhibits run till November 20, 2009.

Festival on Prairie Ave.

The Festival on Prairie Ave. took place on Saturday September 12, 2009, from noon to 6 p.m. There was plenty to see and do for children and adults, including a petting zoo, Daniel Burnham exhibit, and tours of the Glessner and Clark houses.

Sponsored by the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA), the annual block party was held at Prairie Ave. at 18th St. Other activities were held at Chicago Women's Park, adjacent to Prairie Ave., including a tug-of-war contest, potato sack races, and obstacle course sponsored by the Illinois National Guard.