A NEWSLETTER FROM THE NEW EASTSIDE COMMUNITY
WINTER 2013 VOL1. NO. 3
FREE
Find out about what’s going on in the New Eastside and Lakeshore East. www.neweastsidecommunity.com Disclaimer: The New Eastside Community is independently operated and is not affiliated with the New Eastside Association of Residents or Magellan Development Group.
Photo credit: nathanmac87on flickr
Winter Announcements
H O L I D A Y
1. Chicago Public Library Winter Programs and Workshops. Try out your design skill in the innovation lab with laser and vinyl cutters, as well as learn how to use the MarketBot 3D printers! Lap sit story time for kids. Make crafts, attend video production workshops or educational lectures. Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S State Street. Visit www.chipublib.org. 2. CTA's Holiday Train Ushers In Christmas Season. Santa and his elves will ride the decorated train passing out candy canes and season's greetings. Detailed schedules for holiday train available on transitchicago.com.
I S S U E
3. Winter Overnight Parking Ban. No parking overnight on Chicago streets runs till 7 a.m. daily from Dec. 1-April 1. The ban is a precautionary measure in case the city needs to plow the streets after a snowfall, but it remains in effect even if it doesn't snow. 4. Eataly OPENING WEEK. Visit Mario Batali’s Eataly! Chicago’s shiny new Italian themed market located at 43 E Ohio St.
Inside …. Pedway – First Timers Guide P2. Local Indoor Play Spaces for Kids P4. Staying Fit for the Holidays P5. New Eastside & Lakeshore East Buildings P6. Local Events/To Do – P7 & 8. `
5. Chicago Park District Winter Programs. Online registration now open for Daley Bicentennial, Northerly Island programs and Lakeshore Park. Aquatics, weightlifting, basketball fitness, and children’s programs and more. Programs run Jan. 6 - March 17. Email info@neweastsidecommunity to post announcements.
First Timer’s Guide to the New Eastside Pedway
Places accessible via the Pedway from Lakeshore East/New Eastside
-By Elaine Hyde | Editor The winter chill drives you out of your comfort zone to attempt spelunking in dimly lit tunnels under Chicago in search of the fabled Pedway. You liken yourself to an intrepid cave explorer in order to boost your confidence. Five minutes into the adventure, a pink colored light beckons. Could it be? Dunkin Donuts. Next you spot something green. Starbucks. And then a few steps later, like the sun radiating through a daylight hole, hallelujah, MacDonald’s!
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Block 37 Art Institute of Chicago Millennium Station Access middle Columbus St bridge Blue Cross Blue shield Aon Prudential Towers lllinois Center Macy’s Post Office (Aon Center) FedEx (Illinois Center) Aqua & GEMS World Academy (when completed) 155, 175 & 195 North Harbor Drive
The Pedway Logo marks the underground path.
Suddenly, you feel toasty and warm, and not only because of the heating and neon sign bioluminescence of this cave. You have discovered that an entire city exists beneath your apartment in the sky. It sustains the 45,000 employees that work in the commercial towers of the New Eastside and is stocked with so much food your mind swims. It might take three or more tries over several months before you successfully chart the fastest route to your work place and into the Loop. So from the explorers who went before you, we bring you the New Eastside Community Pedway Guide. Maps, directions and instructional pedway video can also be found on, www.neweastsidecommunity.com.
Aqua pedway corridor (left). Chicago Cultural Center is accessible via the pedway (right). Photo – Elaine Hyde
Aqua Pedway Hours -> Mon-Fri 6:30AM - 9:00PM. Saturday 6:30PM - 6:00PM. Sunday* Closed *Some parts of the pedway have different hours and are open on Sunday
Food in the Pedway. – Stay warm and dine at these pedway accessible local restaurants this winter.
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Au Bon Pain
Giordano's
Potbelly Sandwich Works
Starbucks
Burrito Beach
Hannah’s Bretzel
Prét a Manger
Stetson's Modern Steak and Sushi
Café Rom
Houlihans
Café Rom
Sweetwater Tavern and Grille
Cosi
Jimmy John's
Simply Thalia
Tavern on the Park
Filini's
Kyber Pass
Snarf's
Tokyo Lunch Boxes & Catering
Geneva Restaurant
Palm Court
Sopraffina MarketCaffè
Wildberry
Pedway Map Tips 1. Set aside some time to do scouting trips and explore the pedway. 2. Don’t be scared of getting lost. It’s part of the learning process. 3. Avoid exploring during lunch hour. It’s just too crowded. On Sundays, some parts of the pedway are closed. 4. It’s not just for cold days. Use the pedway to avoid rain, extreme heat and wind.
Map courtesy of New Eastside Association of Residents
Directions Aqua (225 N Columbus Drive) to Millennium Station, Macy’s on State St, CTA Red Line, Block 37 (Randolph & State Streets) 1. At Park level or Aqua street level, go to elevator at NW corner of Lakeshore East Park. Exit at Pedway level. Enter the Pedway through glass doors. 2. Walk straight until the first fork. Continue straight to Fairmont. (Turn right heading towards Swissotél for wheelchair accessible route) 3. Continue through Fairmont through glass doors. At the fork you will see stairs on the left leading up and out of the Aon Center and a path that continues straight to Lakeshore Sport and Fitness and Park Millennium. Turn left at this fork into the Aon Center. 4. Continue down corridor past the post office and Jimmy Johns. Head down escalator on right to Prudential Center. 5. Walk through the Prudential Center lobby towards Michigan Avenue. Take escalator at the other end of the building down to Millennium Station. 6. Veer right through Millennium Station around Starbucks and follow the route though glass doors. Turn right to follow the pedway path crossing underneath the junction of Michigan and Randolph into the Chicago Cultural Center 7. Walk through the Chicago Cultural Center to the Heritage Building marked by two silver pillars reading "Underground Shoppes". Continue straight past the LA fitness swimming pool. 8. Go through doors into the Macy's building identifiable by red walls. Follow corridor to Macy's food court entrance at Lower Level. 9. For Red Line train and Block 37 continue past Macy's and
follow Pedway signs. Time: 15 minutes.
No car? No problem. Alternative Transport in Lakeshore East Lakeshore East Shuttle runs 7AM – 9:30AM Mon – Fri. Loops from Lakeshore East sales gallery to Café Rom. Transports passengers to Michigan and Randolph. Dropping off on Beaubein Ct. 400 Condominium Shuttle (400 E Randolph residents only) transports residents into and around the loop. For schedule and maps visit www.neweastsidecommunity. Bus #60, 20, 6 & 4. Train Catch the Metra at Millennium Station, CTA Lines from Randolph & Wabash or Clark & Lake Stations. Enterprise Car Share (formerly Igo) and Zip Car car sharing services, offer a total of 11 cars located in a number of residential and commercial parking lots in the New Eastside. Divvy Bikes, Chicago’s newest bike sharing initiative has bicycles for rent at Columbus Dr. & Randolph St and Michigan Ave & Washington St. What did you think of the New Eastside Community Pedway Tour? - After living here for over a year, the underground pedway system is something I tried for the first time today. The tour was practical and exploratory. I experienced quite a new world and felt much like Dorthy in the Wizard of Oz. There is access to restaurants and the train system and I found Macy's and saw Block 37 for the first time. I felt more comfortable knowing that this is a safe, cleaner-than-I-expected route into the Loop. And while there is no place like home, it's nice to get out into a different part of the city, the underground city of Chicago. – Serena Wadhwa | New Eastside Resident. New Eastside Community hosts instructional Pedway Tours every season. Contact info@neweastsidecommunity.com for tour dates.
Did you know…Lakeshore East operates a courtesy shuttle to Water Tower Place every Saturday until December 28th. Pick-up locations in front of Caffè RōM and Eggy's from 11AM – 2PM every 30 minutes.
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Top Indoor Play Spaces Near Lakeshore East Keep active kids occupied by taking the fun indoors during winter. - By Ophelia Dodds 1. Chicago Children’s Museum & Navy Pier This is my number one in so many ways and membership at this kids museum is a must if you live in the New Eastside. It is a convenient 15 minute walk from New Eastside or a short cab ride in the snowy season. A multitude of different themed rooms keep kids of all ages occupied and there is a special room just for toddlers and preschoolers that is safe and fun for imaginative play. Downstairs, the Art Abounds studio runs art classes and programs that offer a more quiet setting and relief from the more active play areas of the museum. There are also lots of options for food in Navy Pier if you want to make it a day trip, and many fun shops outside the museum to visit. Hours: 10am - 5pm (Thurs open until 8pm). Fri & Sun open from 9am for members. Admission: Members and children <1 FREE, Seniors $13, all others $14. Note Membership prices start from $115 for 1 year, check website for more details, www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org 2. Ryan Education Center Family Room– Art Institute of Chicago This play space is housed inside the Art Institute, but admission is free to everyone. A 15 minute walk (since they closed the park) from New Eastside, they have a nice open space with puzzles, building blocks, magnetic boards and computers with art-related games. A whole wall is dedicated to a library of books catering to every age group and there is enough space for the ‘just-walking’ crowd to not get hurt as well as interesting activities for the preschool and school set. A really great option for those long winter days when you really have to get out of the house! Hours: 10.30am - 5pm daily. Admission: FREE. Visit www.artic.edu for more information 3. The Sod Room – 1454 S. Michigan Ave This eco-friendly play space opened in March 2013 and is conveniently located on South Michigan Avenue, a 10 minute bus ride (bus 4 from Upper Columbus) from New Eastside (metered parking available on S Michigan if you prefer to drive). It is small and probably best for the 0- 4 year olds, but has a lovely range of toys (all responsibly sourced), including a climbing wall and slide. There is a separate baby area. The space itself uses a lot of natural light and recycled materials and feels very relaxing. There are comfy chairs for parents and a snack area - plus they also provide free coffee for parents! Hours: M-Fr 9AM-5.30PM, Sa/Su hours vary. Admission: $12 (<6mo and adults free). Visit www.sodroom.com for more information.
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Snow Much Fun at the Chicago Children’s Museum – Photo Courtesy of Chicago Children’s Museum
The play space at the sod room is made from eco friendly materials. Photo courtesy of The Sod Room
Holiday Fitness Strategy Three Diet and Fitness Tactics to keep the Holiday Pounds Off
- By Scott McLain MA | Owner Five Star Fitness Boot Camps We all love holiday festivities and there is no reason to be a food scrooge this year. There is no way I would miss my Aunt Eva’s pecan pie, or my turkey and mashed potatoes. And I am certainly going to ring in 2014 in style. The average American gains seven pounds of fat between Thanksgiving Day and New Years Day. Here are three tactics I use to make it through the season while maintaining my current body weight.
Photo credit: Scott McLain
1. Give yourself Meal Passes First, over the holiday season, give yourself four days to eat as you wish. For me, that means I am going to splurge on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day. Even if I eat an extra 1500 calories on each of these four days, that is only about 1.7 lbs. 2. Earn Your Meal On any other day that you intend to consume significantly more than your normal diet you must Earn Your Meal. That means choosing a 750-calorie workout challenge above your normal workout. For most people, that would amount to a boot camp style workout in addition to your normal workout. 3. Metabolic Training Add metabolic training to your workout. Metabolic training is a workout method that includes bouts of high intensity exercise with brief recovery periods. This type of training not only burns a large number of calories but also revs your metabolism which means you burn more calories in the hours following your workout. Workouts such as boot camps, jumping rope, tabata training, and sprint training are all examples that you may want to try. The holiday season should be enjoyed. It’s a time for family and friends, food and drink. So implement these three tactics and you won’t have to be a food scrooge this year. Scott McLain is the owner of Five Star Fitness Boot Camps and is a two-time finalist for IDEA’s International Personal Trainer of the Year. He has contributed his expertise to publications such as, SHAPE, HER’s Muscle & Fitness, and Cosmo. Five Star Fitness Boot Camps begin their 2014 outdoor schedule in Lakeshore East in March. For more info on the 2014 Schedule or private personal training, contact Scott through FiveStarFitnessBootCamps.com.
Santa Hustle 5K Chicago Be a part of one of the largest growing races as thousands of Santas will hit the streets of Chicago at the Fifth Annual Santa Hustle 5k Run/Walk. Soldier Field on December 7, 2013 at 9:00 A.M. Every participant will receive a free Santa hat, beard, and customized Santa dri-fit shirt to wear while running. With outrageous holiday decorations, festive music, and cookie and candy stations along the course! For more info visit www.santahustle.com.
Travelling this season? Here are some tips for healthier mid air meals – Mike Zimmerman | Weight Watchers • Pack your own food Stick with high-protein, high-fiber choices that help make you feel fuller, longer. Almonds, string cheese and apples all travel well in carry-ons, and are permissible at the security line. • Drink Water A steady supply of water (skip the regular sodas and high-calorie fruit juices) will prevent altitude dehydration and keep you walking down the aisle to the bathroom, something you should do on long flights anyway. • Take a movie over dinner Most plane passengers aren't really hungry and eating is just something to do. If you have nothing better to do, you tend to eat whatever is put in front of you. Beat the urge by opening up a laptop and work or watch a movie until everyone's scraps are taken away.
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–By
Buildings of the New Eastside
Louis H. Masotti Ph.D. Professor Emeritus Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University.
Starting with early planning for the Prudential building in 1949, New Eastside has become the largest mixed-use downtown development project in America. In a previous newsletter, I described the origins of the New Eastside, which began with the 1955 Prudential building, the first new downtown office building in Chicago since 1934, and at the time, the tallest at 40 stories. It was followed by 400 E. Randolph Street, the largest residential building in the world when completed in 1963. Developer Metropolitan Structures, working closely with land owner Illinois Central Rail Road, added 14 buildings in the 1970's and 1980's in Illinois Center, as the western part of the 83 acre rail yard was known. Met Structures’ successor firm, slowed by the retirement of several senior executives and a sluggish economy, sold the remaining 28 acres to the Magellan Development Group in 2002. To date, Magellan has built 10 highrises, townhouses, a 6 acre park, the Village Market and has the GEMS World Academy, scheduled to open next year, under construction. In addition, Magellan has an estimated 8 highrise sites planned for future development in Lakeshore East, as the eastern section of the New Eastside is known. The bankrupt 120,000 sq. ft. Lakeshore Athletic Club on Stetson has been sold and will reopen soon as Lakeshore Sports and Fitness. This leaves only the large vacant site on Stetson north of Lake Street unaccounted for. Before the recent recession, this was to have been a 76 story Mandarin Oriental condo hotel, and before that, Boulevard Towers (Michigan Plaza) East. The future of this site is uncertain. The IC railroad property has evolved over almost 65 years to become a dynamic, successful, mixed-use urban neighborhood, with a variety of buildings by some world famous architects. The end is in sight, but the New Eastside is not done yet! Prudential building in 1958. Photo: www.chicagopast.com
Real Estate Market Review - By Mckinze Casey | New Eastside Real Estate Specialist | Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty
Units in the New East Side, on average, are selling quicker than the rest of the market. This time last year, units were taking an average of 131 days to sell. Today, the average market time is 76 days market wide for condos and the New Eastside has proven to be popular with the 3rd quarter stats showing market times low as 2 weeks in some buildings.
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New Eastside June 2013. Photo courtesy Larry Okrent.
Upcoming Events Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. For a full calendar of local events visit www.neweastsidecommunity.com. Email info@neweastsidecommunity.com to inform us about your event.
DECEMBER
Thursday 5 – Sunday 8 One of a Kind Show & Sale
The ideal place to find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list. More than 600 talented artists from across North America bring handmade creations -- including ceramics, sculptures, paintings, jewelry, glass and furniture -- to the Merchandise Mart of Chicago. Enjoy gourmet cafes, fashion shows and live music. Cost: $9-$15. Children under 12 free.
Friday 6 Winter Wonderfest Festival Hall at Navy Pier becomes an indoor Winter WonderFest for the holidays, with music, carnival rides, and entertainment. Expect crowds. Free entry. Until Jan 12.
Nutcracker Ballet Joffrey Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that features brilliant costumes, fanciful scenery, entrancing storytelling and Tchaikovsky’s famous score played by the Chicago Philharmonic at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E Congress. Until Dec 28.
Saturday 7 Northerly Island Adventure Day The Chicago Park District presents the ninth annual Polar Adventure Days from 12 - 4 p.m. on three Saturdays, Dec. 7, Jan. 25 and Feb. 22, at Northerly Island, 1521 S. Linn White Dr., on the Museum Campus. The program is admission free. Live Animals, Dog sledding, music, crafts, & snow shoe rental (if there is snow).
Sunday 8 Treasure Hunt & Tea Party Kids make four activity stops then have a tea party with entertainment and party favors at Treasure Hunt and Tea Party at the Art Institute of Chicago. 10:45AM, 12PM or 1:30PM. Cost $15 - $30
Lakeshore East Resident Holiday Event
Complimentary drinks and passed hors D’oeuvres. 5pm-6pm. Sponsored by Magellan Development and III Forks for residents of Lakeshore East buildings.
Monday 9 – Friday 13 The NOSH @ Block 37 This food festival, will take up residence inside the mall at 108 N. State St. during lunchtime Dec. 3-6 and Dec. 9-13. Fifteen restaurants and two food trucks will set up booths from 10:30 a.m. (noon Dec 3). Until 2 p.m in the lobby area on the Dearborn Street side serving up a fresh array of delicious, freshly-made eats. www.thenoshfoodfest.com
Wednesday 11 GEMS World Academy Chicago Open House. Meet the GEMS World Academy Chicago leadership team and learn more about New Eastside’s newest school. Opening September 2014. 5:30PM at GEMS-WA admissions office 333 E. Benton Place, Ste 205. Phone 312-300-6658.
Saturday 14 Caroling Tea Join in a holiday sing-along while enjoying complimentary snacks, desserts, tea, and hot chocolate at the Art Institute. Adult beverages available at the cash bar. 2PM – 4PM. Dec 14 & 15. Reservations required. www.artic.edu. (312) 553-9675. Cost $15 - $20
Tuesday 17 A Magical Story Time Presented by GEMS World Academy and Mariano’s Fresh Market. Join GEMS World Academy for a magical winter story time 10AM – 10:30AM in the Mariano’s Lakeshore East Café. FREE.
Saturday 21 Handel’s Messiah It’s a holiday tradition to hear the joyful Handel’s Messiah sung by the Apollo Chorus of Chicago. 3PM. Harris Theatre 205 E. Randolph Dr. Cost $40 - $55
Tuesday 31 New Year’s Eve Fireworks Welcome the New Year with New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Navy Pier at midnight. Free.
Thursday 12 Luminary Walk – Lurie Garden
Experience the twilight beauty and variety of textures in Lurie Garden during winter. warm up in the Ryan Education Center at the Art Institute of Chicago and enjoy a free, drop-in family workshop from 5:00-7:00 pm, where you can make a luminous ornament to capture the beauty of the season
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SPECIAL HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Dec 1 – Dec 24 Daley Plaza Christkindlmarket, Christmas Tree & Nativity Scene
Chicago’s
largest open-air European holiday market featuring traditional art, handmade gifts, German foods, choirs & carolers. Washington St & Clark St. Hours: 11AM – 8PM (Sun- Thurs) , 9PM (Fri & Sat). FREE.
Dec 6 – Dec 20 (Fridays only) Caroling at Cloud Gate 6PM - 6:50PM at Cloud Gate - Millennium Park. 12/6 - Chicago Children's Choir 12/13 Wicker Park Choral Singers 12/20 - Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Wednesday 1 Commitment Day
Sunday 2 Chinese New Year Parade
Kick off the new year by running or walking 5K at Commitment Day, beginning in Grant Park heading north towards Balbo. This national event promotes health and charity. Race start time 9AM. Cost $25 - $45.
Monday 6 – Friday 31 (weekdays) Museum of Science and Industry Free Days Show Illinois ID to enter the Museum of Science & Industry free during Free Days. Hours 9:30AM – 4PM.
The Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade features fireworks, dragon floats, and cultural dances on S. Wentworth th Avenue from 24 – 22nd. 1PM – 3PM. Free. chicagochinatown.org
Saturday 8 – Monday 17 Chicago Auto Show Admire new vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show. McCormick Place convention center. 10AM – 10PM. Cost $6-$12.
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 MACY’S on State Street Visit the famous Macy’s Holiday Windows, Santa Land lvl 5, Holiday Lane lvl 6 and the Great Tree lvl 7. Until Jan 5. 111 N. State Street in the Loop (312-781-3139). For more info visit www.visitmacyschicago.com
Friday 24 Chicago Restaurant Week
Dec 14 – Dec 23 Welcome Yule - CSO Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform a program of new arrangements, cherished carols and some musical surprises. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets start at $38. Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Phone 312-294-3000. Visit CSO.org for tickets and more information.
Get a special deal on a fixed-price lunch or dinner at 286 restaurants during Chicago Restaurant Week. Until Feb 6. Prix fixe menus starting at $22 for lunch and $33 and/or $44 for dinner.
Saturday 25 Polar Bear Plunge Register to join the Lakeview Polar Bear Club, and then take the Polar Plunge into Lake Michigan for charity at Oak Street Beach. Arrive by 11AM. Cost $30-$40. Free to watch.
www.neweastsidecommunity.com Keeping the community informed. New Eastside & Lakeshore East
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Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 Snow Days at Navy Pier See teams sculpt masterpieces from snow during Snow Days in Gateway Park at Navy Pier. Live entertainment, snow boarding and kids’ activities like snow painting. Free.
Saturday 8 Cider Tasting Try 80 artisanal ciders from throughout the world during Cider Summit at Navy Pier. Must be 21+. 11AM-3PM & 4PM8PM. Cost $25 $30. Visit cidersummit.com for more info.