WBEZ

Questions come from the community
You vote for your favorites
WBEZ investigates, posting updates in real time
Followers help shape the investigation
We discover the answers together!

All | Chicago Architecture Foundation | Economy | Education | Environment | Governance | History | How we live | Pacyga | Urban Planning | What's it like to...

← Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Next →

I would like to know more about the "ghost" billboards on the sides of older buildings. The Boston Store at 2 N. State is an example.

Asked by Ian Larkin

When did aldermanic prerogative become the norm for zoning? Do other cities have something similar?

Asked by Samuel Block

The Blue Cross Blue Shield building's office lights often send messages to onlookers in Grant Park and beyond. Who oversees that effort?

Asked by Mark

Why is terminal 1 at O'Hare so architecturally different from terminals 2 and 3?

Asked by Daniel

I've seen beautiful artwork embossed on manhole covers in Madison & Tel Aviv, but ours are so blah. Who can I ask to help us fix this?

Asked by Arlen

Armitage used to be a dividing line in the 70s; what is the history of RANCH Triangle and Lincoln Park?

Asked by Dax

What would the Near West Side be like today if UIC and the interchange had never been constructed?

Asked by Dax

What block in Chicago has the oldest average building age?

Asked by Alex Bean

Where can I go swimming in the winter?

Asked by Barbara Koenen

Who painted the murals on the inside of the old industrial building at Kilbourn & Belden?

Asked by Paul Skelley

The cornerstone of an older building at NW corner of Hubbard and Wells has "Michigan" along Hubbard St. side. Was Hubbard prev. "Michigan"?

Asked by Brent Buchberger

I'm curious why so many plain brick apartment buildings in town have a thin vertical or horizontal strip containing a stone facade on them.

Asked by Chris

What is the backstory on these murals going up in Lincoln Park like on the side of Hotel Lincoln? Who is the artist? Selection process?

Asked by Marisa Portera

Why are there so many carriage houses all over Chicago? Is this only a Chicago thing? Does it have to do with the alley system we have?

Asked by Lisa M Zimmermann

What happened to "Jeweler's Row" and why are all the stores there so empty, yet (some) continue to stay open?

Asked by Nicole Long

Where did the classic style Chicago Bungalow originate? Who was the architect and why was this style chosen?

Asked by Nick Pandolfi

Why is the Huron Street bridge always up?

Asked by Ty McCarthy

Why are there so many historic family-owned funeral homes in Chicago? How have they stayed open and in the same buildings for so long?

Asked by Jessi DiBartolomeo

The part of Hyde Park that I live in is called Indian Village on Google Maps. Why is that? What is the history?

Asked by Ji Yoon Noh

What is the history behind the lake front "ruins" between 47th Street and 51st Street?

Asked by Laura Mooney

Saw on architecture river tour: black and white mural of seated person holding head. (visible from where Ms. O's cow kicked the lantern.)

Asked by Deborah De Rosa

Where did all the wood come from to rebuild Chicago after the fire? How much was used?

Asked by Rob Marshall

What is the history behind "Chicago common brick", how much was made, where was it made, why can't more be made now, and how valuable is it?

Asked by Rob Marshall

I went to a 4 room school called Thomas Nelson on 51st and Hamlin( K-3). What can you tell me about it. Were there other 4 room schools?

Asked by James Gorski

Which side of town has the most bungalows? Which has the most mansions?

Asked by Derrick Smith

Why do so many Chicago churches have TWO steeples?

Asked by N. Hopp

What is the building on the southeast corner of Devon and McCormick Blvd.? The exterior is constantly changing, but nothing else happens.

Asked by Sharon Bowen

Why are some lights always on in downtown buildings like the Aon Tower, even at night?

Asked by Jasmin

Does the Art Institute employ a crew of carpenters and painters to construct all of the temporary exhibition spaces? Who designs them?

Asked by Chris Bass

What's with the sunken wooden piles and off-kilter metal tower between Navy Pier and the River locks?

Asked by Alex

← Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Next →

Displaying questions 31 - 60 of 358 in total