Around the South Loop: Volume 13

Seasons Change
When the seasons change, many of us have certain touchstones that remind us we’re entering the warmer months. For me, the French Open tennis tournament is my unofficial beginning of summer. Around the South Loop, the "unwrapping" of the fountain at Trevi Square on S. Michigan is another. This morning I noticed  bubbling water was flowing out of it. A beautiful sight; I always try to walk by Trevi Square during the summer just to gaze at the fountain and the beautiful courtyard.

The fountain at Trevi Square on S. Michigan Ave.

What signs or touchstones do you have that say summer is upon us?

"South Loop pics"

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Around the South Loop

Pimp my bus stop
Perhaps you've noticed the souped up bus stops by Van Buren and Harrison? Absolut Vodka has gone to the extreme to promote their brand around Chicagoland. I wouldn't mind if they kept them up permanently, but that's probably not going to happen.

Absolut Bloody by Van Buren

Absolut Lemmon by Harrison

Pick-up game of bags in Grant Park

Winter is coming: The Trevi Square fountain is now a Christmas tree.

Still a few more days to go before the road work is completed on S. Indiana

Around the South Loop: The Day After the Big Wind

The empty building just south of Trevi Square is boarded up after high winds knocked out the windows yesterday

Close-up of workman boarding up the empty building

I'm glad I wasn't in a Smart car yesterday.

A street light on the ground at 1601 S. Michigan

Construction continues on the new school foundation at Old St. Mary's

It's Official: Spring is here!

The Trevi Square fountain is now bubbling forth, a sure sign that spring has finally come to the South Loop.

More signs of spring

Walking around the South Loop this morning, I couldn't help but notice signs of spring all around me. For one, I couldn't believe I was actually looking for shady spots while walking up Michigan Ave. After months of looking for sunbeams, during what seemed like the longest winter on record, that was an odd occurence.

Getting closer!

The fountain at Trevi Square isn't working yet, but I noticed something new today. The green tarp that has been covering it all winter has been removed, revealing the fountain. Can't wait until it's bubbling forth once again. If you look closely, you'll see a garden hose off to the left. Maybe they're filling it up as I type this!

Walking to Jewel, I noticed potted plants for sale...outside! It's amazing what a difference a day makes. Beautiful, lush looking spring plants and flowers on display at last.

Signs of spring?

The fountains of Chicago

One of the signs of spring in Chicago is when all the beautiful fountains are uncovered and up-and-running. But here in the South Loop, the uncovering of the fountain at Trevi Square, 1439 S. Michigan, is a sign that spring has arrived. Alas, the Trevi Square Fountain is still covered.

Oh, and that other fountain in the South Loop isn't up-and-running yet either.