As the warm summer days of July transition into the vibrant month of August, Chicagoans are reveling in their cherished summertime traditions.
Among the highlights of a Chicago summer are unique experiences that truly capture the essence of the Windy City.
A Cubs game at Wrigley Field, savoring a hot dog and fries from Gene & Jude’s, and enjoying dim sum from MingHin are all considered staples.
A noontime visit to Millennium Park to listen to music of varied genres, from blues to opera, is another vital touchpoint for city dwellers.
Adding to the list of quintessential summer activities is a scenic cruise along the Chicago River.
While some might find pleasure in the more casual Water Taxi, a full architectural boat tour led by the Chicago Architecture Center is often regarded as the ultimate Chicago experience, showcasing the city’s impressive skyline.
Many residents have embarked on this informative journey numerous times, collecting valuable insights about the city’s architectural marvels along the river.
However, some recent passengers have noticed that not all tours provide the depth of historical context they crave.
One enthusiastic local expressed frustration during a recent tour, noting that while the docent was well-meaning and informative, significant historical facts about the iconic Tribune Tower were overlooked.
This passenger lamented, “How can you point out the Tribune Tower and not use the phrase ‘Gothic horror show of a building’?”
He elaborated on the iconic architecture, recalling the 1922 architectural competition which famously saw Eliel Saarinen’s exceptional design come in second, a point often neglected in typical narratives about the building.
The critique didn’t stop there; comments about Tribune publisher Robert McCormick’s troubling history and penchant for xenophobia unveiled another layer of unexpected criticism directed at significant landmarks in the city.
Reflecting on these frustrations, the Sun-Times has presented a lively new event: the Sun-Times Roast of the Chicago Skyline.
Promoted as a deep-dive exploration that offers a no-holds-barred critique of the city’s architecture, this cruise promises an experience not for the faint-hearted.
To ensure a balanced perspective, Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bey will join the cruise as a knowledgeable co-host, bringing his expertise to the mix.
Having experience at notable architectural firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and previously working with the city, Bey ensures that while critiques are made, appreciation for Chicago’s architectural heritage will also be highlighted.
The collaboration between the Sun-Times and Bey promises a unique dialogue about buildings that the city holds dear while embracing some humorous banter along the way.
Take, for instance, the Intercontinental Hotel, where the enthusiastic critic married; he acknowledges it’s a fine establishment but maintains a sense of curious intrigue at its architectural quirks.
The interview featured anecdotes illustrating the need for heightened awareness about Chicago’s structures, addressing common misconceptions such as the confusion between the Willis Tower and John Hancock Building.
One local even asked if they were the same, prompting a gentle but informative correction from the critic who revealed their shared stake in the architecture of Fazlur Khan.
Meanwhile, fascinating architectural facts such as the marble panels of the Aon Building or the size of signage on Trump Tower are shared, keeping participants engaged and informed.
The Sun-Times intended to promote this architectural cruise as a means of supporting their financial efforts.
With the event slated for August 21, tickets quickly became a hot commodity after being offered exclusively to Chicago Public Media supporters.
Those tickets sold out within hours, highlighting the immense popularity of this unique summer event.
Describing this unforeseen demand, the enthusiastic promoter coined the term ‘The Lee Bey Effect,’ capturing how the combination of humor and knowledge resonates equally.
In any case, this sell-out serves as a reminder that membership with Chicago Public Media comes with its own set of privileges, reinforcing the importance of community support and involvement.
As summer rolls on and excitement buzzes through the city, Chicagoans can only hope for similar experiences next time around.
image source from：chicago
