Create Your Own Dream Penthouse Across from Millennium Park: 310 S. Michigan
Looking for raw space that you could design into the home of your dreams?
This 2-story duplex in The Metropolitan Tower at 310 S. Michigan in the Loop awaits.
The building was converted a few years ago into condos. This unit is in the tower portion of the building.
It is currently the most expensive unit for sale in the building.
At 7,632 square feet, the listing says the first floor has 15 foot ceilings.
Current plans call for 4 to 5 bedrooms on the second floor as well as an enclosed terrace on the main level.
The price includes 2-car parking.
Jennifer Ames at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures of the interior, unfinished space and views, here.
Unit #2600: 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 2 car garage, 7632 square feet
- Listed in October 2010 at $4.45 million
- Currently still listed at $4.45 million
- Assessments of $4197 a month (includes heat, A/C, doorman, cable)
- Taxes are “new”
- Unfinished space- so no room sizes
7,600 square feet — it’s hard to determine (from the developer’s standpoint) that sale of this space as “one unit” is the highest and best use. It may be the easiest and laziest approach.
how if your rich like Clio you dont buy this? 360 degree views of the city that will “never” be blocked.
kind of skimpy only throwing in 2 car parking.
why no pictures of the 2nd floor or outdoor space?
I can hear that U2 song right now playing in my head.
“If I could you know I would, if I could I would”
Forget that the rest of the lyrics are out of context.
It also brings up another of their songs.
“it’s a beautiful day” because every morning that you woke up in this place would indeed be a beautiful day!
I could have some fun with this project.
Step one -but the place
Step two – Get Westloopelo under contract to help me make it perfect.
Step three – Live like a king overlooking millennium park.
The place was built in 1924 which makes it older than the Eddystone…shouldn’t this be torn down? It’s past it’s useful life!
someone is going to make it an awesome place.
but i could find quite a few other places i’d rather live for $4MM + ($6MM all in?) in Chicago.
(no, Joe Zekas, not at 235 Van Buren…i don’t care how many interviews you do)
and i really can’t quite explain why, but i’ve never really loved views of Millenium/Grant Park.
I think the views from the Mies building on the north side of lincoln park are better. I also prefer some of the views from the west side of River North (facing Michigan Avenue and Loop), which are city not lake views. I personally would never want only a lake view for 4 Million. You can get a lake view in an Indiana and Michigan vacation home for less and at night there is nothing to see. This has both lake and city views and is in a great building. To do it right, you need 7 million to do puchase and build out.
Floorplan is jacked–how do you not have a half bath accessible to the family room/movie theater/offices/exercise room w/o going thru one of the bedrooms? 5 bathrooms on the floor and not one “public” one.
You could hear the Grant Park Orchestra out your windows during their noon rehearsals. Then in the evening go see them in person at your personal pavilion seats.
In my opinion, you can live a civilized life in Chicago like few places in the world.
I don’t think this place is going to sell even for a million dollars. Seriously, people who spend this type of money generally want to be north of huron and east of state. They would like to live in a “neighborhood” of similar type people (not tourists or artist-types). They also want outdoor space and nice places that you can easily walk to – this place satisfies NONE of those requirements.
but the beanie baby king bought the spire penthouse south of huron
beanie baby king is nouveau riche, so he doesn’t count
“In my opinion, you can live a civilized life in Chicago like few places in the world.”
I think you’re confusing cultural attractions with civilization. And in that department I think most of Europe beats Chicago hands down.
And Iraq being the cradle of civilization beats Europe as far as civilization goes.
“#Bob on December 20th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
“In my opinion, you can live a civilized life in Chicago like few places in the world.”
I think you’re confusing cultural attractions with civilization. And in that department I think most of Europe beats Chicago hands down.”
“Floorplan is jacked–how do you not have a half bath accessible to the family room/movie theater/offices/exercise room w/o going thru one of the bedrooms? 5 bathrooms on the floor and not one “public” one.”
this is my “daydream stuck in traffic” place, i have had for a while a better floorplan for it you just have to be inside my head to see it.
“I don’t think this place is going to sell even for a million dollars. Seriously, people who spend this type of money generally want to be north of huron and east of state. They would like to live in a “neighborhood” of similar type people (not tourists or artist-types). They also want outdoor space and nice places that you can easily walk to – this place satisfies NONE of those requirements”
But clio, srew the lambo and ELSD, nothing will say status symbol like hosting grand parties in your own CUSTOMIZED top floor penthouse with 360 views of the city in a HISTORIC building with a blue light on top.
Clio come on you would want to invite that guy “Mr. Brags alot” to your party as he says blah blah blah about his Palmolive condo and as you walk him over to one of the views (either way all are awesome) and during that little walk brag about what ever richie riches brag about and slip in some historical facts about your place (while wearing a monocle) and open the window to hear grant park orchestra rocking out and lead into the convo how you used to live at the drake and found the traffic too “poor class”, and say (as you dramatically take out your monocle) luxury is not waiting five lights to make a right hand turn.
“In my opinion, you can live a civilized life in Chicago like few places in the world.”
“And in that department I think most of Europe beats Chicago hands down.”
Chicago is far from civilized. Western to Harlem to the west and everything south, as a point of fact.
Clio, I did pause briefly and consider the “S” preceeding “Michigan” in the Address, then realized that it’s only 2 blocks south of my office.
It is not my ideal location but if I am fantasizing about living here I will also fantasize about having a chauffer taking me around to all the places I love that are nowhere near this 😉
“It is not my ideal location but if I am fantasizing about living here I will also fantasize about having a chauffer taking me around to all the places I love that are nowhere near this”
RV – you bring up a very interesting and valid point. I was calculating how much my in-town costs and realized that I could take a limo every time I went out and STILL save money by just having my place in the suburbs. Again, it sounds obnoxious and idiotic, but when you do the math, it works. I wonder if anyone thinks like this – they really should. Seriously, at 500/night for the 5 nights that I go out/month = 2500. That is about what I pay in taxes and assessments (not to mention the money lost on my principal amount, electricity, and parking). Hell, I could hire a driver for 25k/year and just tell him the dates I need him – I’m sure I could find someone to do it for me.
Clio, why not simply crash at the Peninsula/Four Seasons/Ritz/Trump/ParkHyatt/Drake/Sofitel five nights out of the month?
anonny,
it is too much of a hassle to check in, lug your clothes/toiletries around, and then sleep in a strange bed only having to make sure you wake up in time to check out, do the walk of shame back to your car and drive home. I am way more comfortable in my own bed in my own house.
I’ll take the Elysian penthouse but thank you.
“It is not my ideal location but if I am fantasizing about living here I will also fantasize about having a chauffer taking me around to all the places I love that are nowhere near this”
shoot if your going fantasizing why not hire a WNBA team to pull you around in a radio flyer?
I can get used to the walk of shame coming out of the Peninsula, F.S., or maybe on a bad day the Park Hyatt but you can bag the rest of them. I don’t know why but I have never been a Ritz fan. The Trump massive rating thing has me really confused. I think that Mr. Trump must have bought that review. Been there not bad but a LONG way from the best hotel in Chicago.
I have a two night prestige coupon for most Ritz properties and cant find one I am willing to stay at. Yes I’m a hotel snob. You should see my tripadvisor reviews. That is my other internet black hole. At least they sent me a T-shirt for all my reviews. How come no Crib Chatter shirts Sabrina?
“Been there not bad but a LONG way from the best hotel in Chicago. ”
American consumers, especially ones from suburbia, like brand names. That’s why they’ll choose McDonalds most of the time over their local burger joint even though its crap. Its also likely why they think that tower is so special–branding.
“I have a two night prestige coupon for most Ritz properties and cant find one I am willing to stay at.”
Ugh. That’s not music to my ears. Heading to a Ritz this weekend (Half Moon Bay).
The branding thing in Chicago is interesting. I am not sure who decided that being like NYC was a good thing. I don’t think rebranding Marshall Field’s on State Street “Macy’s” was a net positive and I just don’t think people here give a care about the Donald – let alone are willing to pay anything extra to stay/live there.
“I am not sure who decided that being like NYC was a good thing.”
Uh, NY’rs, of course, who believe that everyone is either jealous or too stupid to realize how much better NY is than anyplace else.
The Macys thing was a stab at using a national brand to salvage a dying retail concept. I, too, don’t think it was a net positive, and I mean from Federated’s perspective. It was definitely not a net positive for Chicago.
People in NY don’t care that much about the Donald. His buildings in NYC are not exclusive. Expensive and a brand name yes, but they attract foreign investors/owners and wannabe rich NYers, not wealthy, old school NYers. His buildings in NY are not even as nice as Trump Chicago…most or overly glitzy, 80-90s decor.
Does the idea of going to a Neolithic dentist give anyone else the heebee jeebees?
I’ve noticed if you are in the first city, you don’t think about the second city. If you are in the second city, you think a lot more about the first city than it thinks about you.
I visit NYC about once a year, and really love it as a tourist. I’ve walked and biked everywhere.
But no way would I want to live there. The salaries and bonuses of Wall Street have skewed prices of everything (including real estate) to such an extent that a regular professional has a diminished standard of living.
(on a related note, the presence of alleys makes Chicago’s garbage situation tolerable compared to Manhattan)
I agree; talk about a 3rd world way of dealing with garbage
“(on a related note, the presence of alleys makes Chicago’s garbage situation tolerable compared to Manhattan)”
I just returned from a trip to NYC in October. It is a nice, fun, and vibrant city. I love urban settings way more than country etc. but it did not grab me visually. I’ll take Chicago, Hong Kong, Cape Town, London or Vancouver over NYC any day. What is the true benefit of NYC. My take is it is just bigger, more crowded, and angrier than Chicago and my other (obviously they are tourist driven opinions) favorite cities.
Amen.
“Chicago is far from civilized. Western to Harlem to the west and everything south, as a point of fact.”
PS take Cape Town over New York City???? Insane,
““Chicago is far from civilized. Western to Harlem to the west and everything south, as a point of fact.””
umm i should take offense to that as that where is live.
i also think growing up in chicago, the the NY allure doesnt tickle my fancy. maybe if i was a artsie fartsie type living in Iowa, NY energy and vibrance would be my escape. but for chicago groove, NY is a great place to VISIT, and even that has been a few years as other places have more appeal and my dollar goes farther other places too.
Cape town with the water, tabletop mtn, and surrounding beauty is way more visually interesting than NYC. In other areas such as size, amenities, and density it does not compare. I’d rather have a weekend place there in a heartbeat. He’ll ofnanlong commute for a weekend though…..ha ha!
Sabrina, (or other folks)
Are there any other penthouse (built out or raw) on the Michigan wall?
I remember Six North michigan was turning the wards office space to a penthouse with higher level of finishes than the rest of the units. (which are darn sweet already).
is there any at the legacy, park monroe, heritage that compare in size?
“Are there any other penthouse (built out or raw) on the Michigan wall?
I remember Six North michigan was turning the wards office space to a penthouse with higher level of finishes than the rest of the units.”
Yes- there was a similar non-built out Penthouse at 6 N. Michigan that we chattered about awhile ago. I can’t find the post at the moment. None of the other buildings have non-built out units.
“None of the other buildings have non-built out units.”
thanks sabrina! I guess this makes this place all the more unique. 4mil unique? and 4k ass fee unique? that is the main question.
i will say if i had “clio” cash you can look up from grant park and see a ear to ear smile on groves face in this units windows 😀
jp3chicago…I am available for this project and can begin immediately!
Another raw space we toured some time ago and it has an enormous amount of potential. I would scrap the proposed plans in favor of my own dream plans though. I remember the night we saw this place we stayed up til 4 am (with a bottle of JWB) perfecting the layout…so many options.
The one thing that bothers me about this listing is the absence of interior photos. While I know it is a raw space, eliminate the pics of the views (which we all know are there) and replace them with usable photos of what can be possible with the unit. Considering the amazing job Jennifer usually does on brochures of her listings, it is quite a disapppointment as it does not at all reflect the massiveness of the space. At this price point, a minimum of 40 pics are required! If I want views from a high floor raw space I would watch Zekas’ You Tube videos…
“I don’t think this place is going to sell even for a million dollars.”
Please elaborate Mr “I know a ton of millionaires who are waiting for a chance to spend their money on RE”. I am disappointed that you are not heading the cheerleading group for this place as it is screaming for a multi millionaire to complete it the right way.
The rest of your posts are so ridiculously elitist I almost lost my bagel and OJ!! LOL…if nothing else you are always worth a good morning laugh! Thanks!!
is Wrigley’s raw space still available – can’t remember the address…
We will eventually get to see this finished space in AD or Chicago Home mag. It will be impressive and I think could be a unit that holds whatever value is attached to the final product. There are very few unique homes like this in Chicago. NYC slickers will equate this to being close to Chicago’s Central Park. The 6 North Michigan Ave is better but not by much. Clio or Westloopelo please sell Oak Brook or the NYC pad and come downtown. If you get going quickly and pull some permits I bet that we can have the CC holiday or New Years party there next December.
Westloop – I elaborated already: people with this kind of money want to live north of huron and east of state street. This is where their friends are and where they dine/entertain. Although the subject property is very nice in itself, it is isolated and as soon as you walk out your door, you are surrounded by the masses – not an exclusive “feel” at all. It will probably be bought by a trader/restaurant owner or younger person with more “mobile” and “friendly”, down-to-earth friends who are used to dealing with all sorts of people on a social level everyday – I think the rich people I know are a bit more snobby (not a good thing – but it is what it is) and wouldn’t like it here at all.
re: JP3 idea”
Westloop – let’s buy this together, split it down the middle and have a contest as to who can design a better place. It can be filmed as a reality show which would help defray the costs of the renovation. It would be a win-win situation and would be very fun.
As a Chicagoan I lived in New York for a little while and it can’t hold a candle to Chicago. How is that so? Everyone thinks NY is the greatest city in the world. It’s not. Infastructure wise it is horrenduous (from no trains to the airports to no alley for garbage). The architecture is sub-par and the people are okay. Chicago is a true AMERICAN city. NY is a world-city that isn’t necessarily American.
On brands… I would rather live in a no-name cookie cutter unit on LSD than Trump. Trump has NEGATIVE value in my opinion. There is not reason I would want to be associated with horrible architecture from a ego-maniac with little class.
Marshall Field’s was always superior to Macy’s. Another NY brand that didn’t recognize that a non-NY brand was way better. Too bad now State Street is made into a cookie-cutter outlet of Macy’s. Some folks online have been working to bring back Field’s http://fieldsfanschicago.org/ They’re goign the route of investor-activism and working to obtain numbers that show State Street Macy’s is way less profitable than State Street Field’s. I hope they succeed.
“nd working to obtain numbers that show State Street Macy’s is way less profitable than State Street Field’s. I hope they succeed”
oh man it pains me to say this outloud but…
….and if marshal fields was AT ALL profitable it wouldnt need to have sold to macy’s. (even if macy’s and its parent corp, name slips me, were angling for fields for a while)
hudson was the parent, I believe
Fields, Macy’s, Target were all part of the dayton Hudson conglomo and they consolidated the brand.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Field's
hey,
just throwing it out there, but werent 6 north michigan and the metropolitan on the “do not lend list”?
i forgot were i read about the list, can some one link to it?
I am RSVP’ing now for the CC holiday party in this finished space in 2011.
Thanks, WL/Clio/whoever! See everybody there…
Groove77, there’s a whole history behind the “merger.” Of course Field’s was profitable… that’s why May Department Store bought it. They needed the “crown jewel” so that they could sell themselves to Federated (ie Macy’s Inc.). Saying that Field’s was not profitable was something that was propogaded by Macy’s Inc. Seriously why would they be a super-unprofitable million sq ft space in downtown Chicago just in the hopes of “turning it around.” Would we do that in the real estate market when there are SO many more options? Macy’s made a huge branding mistake… that will either get corrected or go down in history as a big marketing mistake. They could have kept State Street at Field’s and had it play a role similar to Harrod’s of London or Bergdorff Goodman of NYC. One brand name store can and does work.
I have been involved in projects like the one clio mentioned (non reality and non televised of course) where GCs were teamed with designers to design and construct charity based “Dream homes”. After the tours and publicity were over and the charities deposited their money, the projects would be sold to the highest bidder…all furnishings and accessories included.
While they are fantastic projects to be involved with, the end result usually was not a design cohesive home as so many different agencies/companies were involved…but they are a ton of fun (work) and a great experience as well.
I have to address the NYC vs Chicago debate.
Having lived in both cities, I have to admit both have their pros and cons, their highs and lows, but in the end, there is DEFINATELY no contest…NYC will always be the greatest city in the country…notice how LA is usually never compared in this contest?
The culture, the architecture (world class) and access to all things needed for living a comfortable…no superior life…are readily available 24/7. Where as in Chicago, walk down town (or along Michigan Avenue most nights) at 11 PM and it is a ghost town.
Really….Chicago a better enviroment in which to live?
Don’t think so.
It takes far more than to vacation or even to live in NYC for a ‘few years’ to fully appreciate all we have to offer. Native NYers know how to overcome the shortcomings of our city whereas Native Chicagoans have not figured this out…said by a prominent RE baron recently… and also brought up by the frequent griping about the city on this very site.
“I think the rich people I know are a bit more snobby (not a good thing – but it is what it is) and wouldn’t like it here at all.”
Didn’t you spend a week insisting that they weren’t snobby *at all* b/c they are all so kind?
“and if marshal fields was AT ALL profitable it wouldnt need to have sold to macy’s. (even if macy’s and its parent corp, name slips me, were angling for fields for a while)”
Field’s sold to DaytonHudson (nka Target), who changed all Dayton’s (Minneapolis) and Hudson’s (Detroit) stores to Marshall Fields, sold the MF division to May Company (St Louis–many brands, including Lord & Taylor), which was bought entirely by Federated (owner of Macy*s & Bloomingdales). Federated had been on a long term roll up of all of their various regional department store brands into (mostly) Macy*s, in the interest of creating a national brand that would be able to advertise nationally. I didn’t and don’t think that was an especially good idea, but I’m not in the rag trade (also haven’t been thru 2 chapter 11s), so what do I know.
“notice how LA is usually never compared in this contest?”
uhhh that’s because there is no contest – people in LA are happy, content and love it. oh, also, they are outside most of the time participating in tons of physical activity and are not tied to a computer debating the greatness of their city.
Clio, we have been to different LAs then.
Re: New York vs Chicago
It is absolutely about personal choice – both cities have a lot to offer and a lot of drawbacks.
To me, New Yorkers are much more open minded, more physically fit, and more open minded and worldly (yes, it is worth mentioning twice). Chicagoans are outwardly slightly friendlier, but deep down much more prejudiced, small minded and petty.
New York is incredibly expensive – you can live in a palace in Chicago compared to what you can live in in New York.
the list goes on – but you guys obviously know the differences
“They could have kept State Street at Field’s and had it play a role similar to Harrod’s of London or Bergdorff Goodman of NYC. One brand name store can and does work.”
They good have largely avoided the whole branding kerfuffle with a very, very simple adjustment:
“Macy*s at Marshall Field’s State Street”
Integrating, while preserving. All the mall stores could be Macy*s w/o anyone caring. They should have done that with every local brand’s flagship store, and preserved a few aspects of the local experience, while integrating the Macy*s brand in 80-90% of the store.
Yeah, wouldn’t have made everyone happy, but it also would have given Federated an easy rebuttal.
Note that Federated–owner of two major “NY” brands–is HQ’d in Cincinnati.
westloop: “the architecture (world class)” are you kidding? students, professors, practicianers from all over the world come to Chicago to see and experience the world-class architecture. Admit NY has more stuff to do but it isn’t necessarily a better city. I want to get the BEST out of life not the MOST. Hong Kong or Paris beat NY hands down!!!! NYC is so Donald Dump!
anon – different thread…… it doesn’t fit my argument on this thread. God, maybe I should have been an attorney!!!
RV – go to west hollywood/beverly hills or even in Westwood/Brentwood/Santa Monica or even Newport/Laguna Beach/Malibu and hang out at the nice places there- you will never want to move back!!!
come on LA sucks except for the weather
I will say that NYC architecture is on the up and up while Chicago architecture IMO is just kind of bleh right now
I’d still prefer Chicago over NYC for the main reason that everone seems to be missing… LACK OF NEW YORKERS! That bonus can not be understated one bit!
Oh yeah, I wanted to comment on Trump and his failing name recognition/quality product problems lately. ALL NYers know Donald is not ‘all that’ any longer. Sure he had a wild ride, but at this point his name does not carry much weight. I recall when he released his previous projects people were falling all over each other to get their bids accepted…or even noticed…but that is a thing of the past.
His latest project (Trump SOHO) is a huge joke that has had it’s opening date pushed back month by month for over a year now. There have been no sales in the condo part of the project and even the quality of the hotel part is not what was promised when construction was first announced. And I have to agree, the other buildings carrying the brand name are horrendously stuck in mid 80’s ugliness. Have you ever seen his own private residence? YIKES gold leafed everything!! I couldn’t tell which was worse, his own residence or that of Rush Limbaugh which sat on market for months with no offers. Ugliness to the extreme. Were they trying to bring back ‘Dynasty fabulousness’?
It is funny how he and his kids talk about how great their projects are and how fast they are selling, but people simply are not that taken by the Trump brand any longer.
An entertaining (and telling) side note…my ‘hood Liquor store was boycotted until ‘Trump, The Vodka’ was removed from their shelves. It took all of one day of this protest to have the product banished from the store…and several stores followed that week.
I imagine the same thing will soon be said of his many construction projects around the world.
Hopefully.
“Native Chicagoans have not figured … out [how to overcome the shortcomings of our city]…said by a prominent RE baron recently… and also brought up by the frequent griping about the city on this very site.”
In what way does complaining about something indicate any inability to deal with the thing being griped about? There is plenty of griping in NYC about rent and schools and taxes and everything else, yet NY’rs have that all figured out?
*full disclosure-i still call it field’s and will always refer to it a such
JasonM,
I am not saying they were not “profitable” just not enough. but i dont know the whole story and cant remember the details of the story i heard/read. I do welcome correct info to change my view, and thank you jason for point me to it.
I dont fault macy’s trying to “consolidate” the brand name for marketing and “logistic” perspective. i personally would rather it stayed fields. but as with life the fact there is still a store there and my christmas windows to visit each year, i just take it in stride.
*now honestly i dont know why the couldnt just go with “Marshall Field’s brought to you by Macy’s”
but like you said the had the arrogance that their brand name translates EVERYWHERE
*second disclosure-wife still shops at macy’s frequently
Why on earth would anyone boycott a liquor store because they sold Trump vodka? That is extremely petty and idiotic – it screams ‘jealousy’ and ‘envy’ and is more indicative of the people that live in your neighborhood. How ridiculous that they need to feel empowered by boycotted vodka – what a joke!!
TRUE NYers don’t complain about their city…we leave that to the haters.
As expensive as it is to live here, IMO you get what you pay for…and remember, Chicago is not that much cheaper. The Chicago RE build up and now the massive meltdown…all of the properties on the short sale and foreclosure list is very telling that the city ‘moved on up’ faster than could be afforded. Looking through the same type of list in NYC shows how reality based the RE market is here…again you get what you pay for.
I am extremely fortunate to be able to call NYC my home. While I do have homes in other parts of the county, I would never even think of giving up the opportunity to live here for the rest of my life. I think the simpleness of Chicago would have me going crazy…and it did for the time I was there.
Great city…YES…NYC level…NO.
Sonies – LA is AWESOME!!! What part about it don’t you like?
A. Beautiful people
B. Beautiful homes
C. AWESOME weather
D. Nice people
E. Low stress laid back environment
F. Ocean
G. Beaches
H Ocean (it needs to repeated)
I. AWESOME nightlife
J. Year round convertible weather
K. Year round outdoor dining options
L. You don’t have to wear so many clothes
M. Beautiful people (yes, needs to be repeated)
“Field’s sold to DaytonHudson (nka Target), who changed all Dayton’s (Minneapolis) and Hudson’s (Detroit) stores to Marshall Fields, sold the MF division to May Company (St Louis–many brands, including Lord & Taylor), ”
thanks anon, that was the name in my head “MAY”. man i need to update the data in my organic hardrive, it looks like i am a few mergers/sales behind.
“Why on earth would anyone boycott a liquor store because they sold Trump vodka? That is extremely petty and idiotic – it screams ‘jealousy’ and ‘envy’ and is more indicative of the people that live in your neighborhood. How ridiculous that they need to feel empowered by boycotted vodka – what a joke!!”
The way I see it, it is more of the combined voice of a city than the (slight) ridiculousness of the action. The action to take the product off the shelves was a good indicator of how NYers feel about the man himself…something you took great pride in relating to me yesterday.
Believe me, no one is jealous or envious of Trump here…not by a long shot.
“M. Beautiful people (yes, needs to be repeated)”
yeah umm thats subjective to the person behind the eye socket
LOL @ clio…most of your list of LA’s ‘postive attributes’ turn into negative attributes once a person turns 50 and age rears it’s ugly head.
But leave it to you to promote only the skin deep factors rather than truly usable and valuable characteristics. Those fake boobs fall at some time in their life…and saggy is not at all attractive!
Especially when being paraded down Rodeo Drive in a drop top.
True Groove – but 99.999999999999% of people have similar tastes as to what is beautiful and not.
“I think the simpleness of Chicago would have me going crazy”
“Native Chicagoans have not figured … out [how to overcome the shortcomings of our city]”
WL: You’re better than this. There isn’t any need to tear down Chicago–and, more to the point, Chicagoans–to build up NYC. It comes across as petty and defensive, especially if it soooo evidently true that NY is better.
I do think Chicago is rather simple and I don’t say that as an insult.
Sometimes simplicy = fantastic.
It is just that simpleness is not what I grew up with. Not having a hectic, move-at-the-speed-of-light lifestyle would not be a good thing for me.
Again, something you have to truly have lived with in order for you to understand how life outside of NYC is NOT an option to most native NYers.
Really, I do like Chicago for a number of reasons. But NYC is my home of choice and while I like to occasionally return to Chicago or Miami or now (closer day by day) Denver, I could not accept life without my city!
“True Groove – but 99.999999999999% of people have similar tastes as to what is beautiful and not.”
and its not created by a knife.
given L.A. has not been a place i have visited or plan to but i do say i have found the most beautiful place to people watch has been outside of the US.
but all the reasons you state for PRO-LA have no substance behind it. as a great woman on a light tube once said to me “WHERES THE BEEF”
Here’s my little salvo in the NYC vs. Chicago wars.
When it comes to classical music and opera, Chicago is the clear winner. In fact, I’d put Chicago on top of the world (maybe alongside Vienna and London).
“Sonies – LA is AWESOME!!!
M. Beautiful people (yes, needs to be repeated)”
I’ve been to LA and I can categorically say that the ladies I meet in Chicago are just as beautiful, even if not as tan, and much, much friendlier and more attainable.
LA women…bleehhhhhhh. Its like they never grow out of the club scene. There’s a reason they call it la la land.
With their attitude at least they are good looking though unlike NYC ladies who are generally fugly and have a huge attitude to boot (and a dumb feminist bent half the time).
“The culture, the architecture (world class) and access to all things needed for living a comfortable…no superior life…are readily available 24/7.”
Having lived in both NYC and Chicago, I would submit that it is a fool’s errand to even engage in the NYC v. Chicago “debate.” I made that mistake for a while after moving here. It’s as pointless as comparing NYC to LA, or NYC to London, or LA to Aspen, Truckee to Sandy, and so on. They’re each individual locations.
Why is “LA is usually never compared in this contest”? Partly becuase LA is not a typical unified city (i.e., it’s several), and party because Chicago better lends itself to a comparison with NYC, in terms of high rises, a rail system, hailing cabs, a banking, legal, trading and advertising district, centrally located major parks, historically enthnic quarters, and significant contributions to history in terms of politics and politicians, civil rights and the development of the nation’s law in general.
Some things are easy to compare between the two. The subway vs. the el: that’s a no-brainer – the subway is vastly superior. Other things are far more subjective. For example, architecture. Yet on that front, contrary to westloopelo’s assertion, I would venture to guess that a majority of architects would favor Chicago over NYC (though not with respect to Chicago’s absurd exposed power/phone/cable wires). Chicago’s top few restaurants can go toe to toe NYC’s, as can its symphony, opera and theater (i.e., the high brow sort, not big musicals), (non art) museums, and sports. NYC’s art offerings (both galleries and the major art musuems) are arguably the best in the world (though I won’t pretent to be an art expert, which is why I’d take a day up at the Getty Center in LA over a day among the better collections housed in NYC or Chi).
There is a certain magic that one feels in NYC, at least in Manhattan, that simply isn’t felt anywhere else in the country (and arguably the world). I think part of that comes from the 24 hour activity that westloopelo touches on (yes, Chicago is a ghost town after a certain hour). Part of it comes from the history of the city: when crossing an old cobble-stone street in the West Village, you feel that you’re literally walking in the footsteps of both George Washington and Mick Jagger. And while it can make for some squalid conditions on garbage mornings (especially during holidays or a strike), the fact that Manhattan does not have alleys really adds to the urban, electric and eclectic magic, as if space and time are so valuable there, that square footage was not to be wasted on alley space. You don’t see “for rent” or “for sale” signs in the best hoods in Manhattan, even when there’s something available in a building.
That said, as between the two, I’d rather make a life – especially with one or more kids – in Chicago. Whether you’re making $75k, $275k, or $2.75 million a year, you will have a vastly superior residnece in Chicago. The home I’m able to afford in ELP, and the quality of outdoor life that area provides, blows my NYC options out of the water. Double my income, and I’m still far better off here. And as a personal preference, I like Chicago’s closer proximity to Colorado and the West Coast.
Again, I’m not “comparing” the two per se. There are aspects of life in other cities and towns in this country that beat certain aspects of life in Chicago, or NYC for that matter. Honestly, I’m more likely to compare Chicago to life in, say, Denver or Seattle, than to NYC…not becuase NYC is superior – but because it’s simply no longer in the running.
Groove – plastic surgery doesn’t need to be as drastic as the media makes it out to be. I think you would be surprised at the number and types of people that undergo plastic surgery (and it is not only for the rich). It can enhance your life, build self confidence and make a HUGE difference in your overall mood. I have had it done and, although nobody really can tell a big difference, I CAN and it DOES have a great psychological impact
Bob,
I think the problem was that LA women are used to good looking men.
Clio,
i dont discount the plastics as bad, its a great mordern invention when “done correctly”. there is nothing wrong with it, but its just a shinny wrapper that is all good until christmas morning and you tear into the wrapper then end up with a jack in the box without the jack.
“I think the problem was that LA women are used to good looking men.”
The problem actually is LA women are used to wealthy men.
Groove, but sometimes the box is nicer that the present.
“Groove, but sometimes the box is nicer that the present.”
yep my son can attest to that. kid will play with the box hours on end.
NYCvsCHICAGO
NYC is a place that just has this vibe you feel right away i cant describe it (i am not a wordsmith) but even with all its history and energy and awesomeness i choose Chicago to live. we all have can live almost anywhere we want i have chosen chicago because its not olny a great place to visit its a great place to LIVE and stupendacular place to raise a family.
NY is a prefect place to visit.
One memorable trip to NYC right was right before X-mas in perfect snow globe weather. There was a discernible vibe to the place, unlike any other. I walked the whole length of Broadway, from the Cloisters down to Battery Park.
I think that I enjoy NYC much more as a tourist than I ever could as a resident.
I love NYC for a visit. The in-town we spend lots of time at is in Midtown, not my favorite but 5th Ave is a good time in small doses. There is “magic” to it but there is also the huge crush of people you end up surrounded by. I feel like you have the sense of space in Chicago that you do not have in NYC. That alone makes it impossible to compare the two and may be the root of the often repeated notion that given a choice many of us (selection bias) would choose Chicago for families. I know kids who grew up in Manhattan and there is truly a quality that can’t be described about their outlook and lifestyle but I like my extra bedroom and bathroom.
“I feel like you have the sense of space in Chicago that you do not have in NYC”
and people in chicago the need a sense of space move the burbs. its all personal preferance, and i am happy with a 25 foot lot and my neighbor a beer toss away in the back yard.
You’re probably right. Chicago has Luis Gutierrez, Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakhan, the head of AIPAC (Lee Rosenberg) that all call Chicago their home. Lots of prejudice here among many!!
“To me, New Yorkers are much more open minded, more physically fit, and more open minded and worldly (yes, it is worth mentioning twice). Chicagoans are outwardly slightly friendlier, but deep down much more prejudiced, small minded and petty.”
PS now that the Internet has basically opened up the library of the entire world for anyone and everyone everywhere, it’s nonsense in the 21st Century to hold old stereotypes that people in bigger cities are inherently more intelligent, worldly, etc. Who’s more “worldly” the immigrant working at an auto body shop at Grand & Pulaski, or the liberal arts professor somewhere in Wisconsin. Isn’t literacy a requirement for being “worldly”???
“Who’s more “worldly” the immigrant working at an auto body shop at Grand & Pulaski, or the liberal arts professor somewhere in Wisconsin.”
Can I choose “neither”?
“You’re probably right. Chicago has Luis Gutierrez, Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakhan, the head of AIPAC (Lee Rosenberg) that all call Chicago their home. Lots of prejudice here among many!!”
i detect sarcasm but maybe there should not be?
“i detect sarcasm but maybe there should not be?”
You misread, groove. there was no sarcasm intended.
plz guys stop responding to this thread there is a very real concern whats his face might be tempted to come back.
“You misread, groove. there was no sarcasm intended.”
I was worried for a second, ok i feel better now. thought i may need to go on a CC westloopelo long rant.
No, I am serious. Chicago is home to the country’s top racial/prejudicial advocates: jesse, jesse jr., farrakhan, gutierrez, and the head of AIPAC.
They all live here and make our fine cosmopolitan city home while pushing for the interests of subgroups based on skin color and DNA.
“Subgroups”? that’s a strong word! i hope you didn’t mean it the way it sounds.
“They all live here and make our fine cosmopolitan city home while pushing for the interests of subgroups based on skin color and DNA.”
“No, I am serious. Chicago is home to the country’s top racial/prejudicial advocates: jesse, jesse jr., farrakhan, gutierrez, and the head of AIPAC.
They all live here and make our fine cosmopolitan city home while pushing for the interests of subgroups based on skin color and DNA.”
sorry i misread the intentions of the first statement, i know now that you were serious.
one thing though a few in your list when you really look into them USE the “push the interests of their group” to benefit THEMSELF not thier “group” cause actually, as i said when you look into them vote and lobby things that actually rape their said “group”/community
The stereotype that city dwellers were more worldly is of fairly recent design.
The large estates and castles of Europe were not built in major cities; there were built in the countryside. Cities were dirty, disease ridden, polluted disgusting places – no place for a worldly gentleman. The poor in the city never left. The worldly rich in the countryside traveled to foreign courts quite regularly.