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This is the Cubs prospect to watch in camp

The countdown to pitchers and catchers reporting is down to single digits for all 30 MLB clubs, but as exciting as it is to see the return of Major League stars, it's also a time to dream about the next wave of baseball talent. With the help of MLB.com's beat writers, here's a prospect to keep an eye on for each and every team in 2019.

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B The Blue Jays might be in the process of rebuilding, but their upcoming Spring Training will be must-see TV because of one player. Guerrero, arguably one of the most hyped prospects in history, will report to big league camp for the first time in his career. Guerrero appeared in a handful of spring games for Toronto in 2018, but he's never been a full participant in camp and this will be the first time fans get to watch his progress from start to finish. Guerrero vs. Chris Sale, Blake Snell, Aroldis Chapman and Masahiro Tanaka: These matchups have never happened before, but they might this spring -- and if they do the entire baseball world will be watching. If Guerrero comes anywhere close to matching the hype, there are certain milestones of his career people will not want to miss, and his very first Major League Spring Training is one of them. Circle Feb. 23 on the calendar because that's when all of the fun could begin with an afternoon home game vs. the Tigers. -- Gregor Chisholm

Video: MLB Network on Vlad Jr. being game's top prospect

Orioles: Yusniel Diaz, OF Orioles camp will be full of blue-chippers eager to show the new regime what they can do as the club heads into a season in which big league opportunities figure to be available in plenty. The crop includes fast-rising Ryan Mountcastle, rebound candidates Hunter Harvey and Austin Hays, and late bloomers Ryan McKenna and Dean Kremer. But the obvious choice here is Yusniel Diaz, the prize of the Manny Machado trade and the Orioles' No. 1 prospect per MLB Pipeline. The 22-year-old Cuban slumped at Double-A last summer, but has generally rose steadily since signing with the Dodgers in November 2015. He is considered a potential five-tool player with an advanced approach at the plate, an ability to play all three outfield positions and a shot at debuting in Baltimore as early as this summer. -- Joe Trezza

:: Spring Training coverage presented by Camping World ::

Rays: Nate Lowe, 1B Once the Rays decided to trade Jake Bauers to the Indians this offseason, it became clear that the organization believes Nate Lowe is the first baseman of the future. Lowe won the Rays' Minor League Player of the Year Award in 2018 after dominating three levels in the Minors. The Rays' No. 13 prospect according to MLB Pipeline finished with 27 homers in 2018, and scouts have little doubt that the power will translate to the Majors due to his 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame. Lowe is one of the 24 non-roster invitees at this year's Spring Training, and it will be interesting to see what Lowe can show in just over a month. There's a good chance we see Lowe at the big league level at some point in 2019, but the 23-year-old will look to display his power all throughout the spring. -- Juan Toribio

Red Sox: Bobby Dalbec, 3B The power-hitting third baseman will be in big league camp for the first time, and Red Sox fans look forward to watching him take aim at the replica Green Monster at JetBlue Park. Dalbec has the best raw power in Boston's farm system, and his batting practice sessions could be a must-see event for fans roaming the back fields. But Dalbec isn't just about offense; he was a much-improved defender at the hot corner last season, displaying a quick first step and a strong arm. Look for Dalbec to start 2019 at Double-A and likely finish it at Triple-A. A September callup isn't out of the question. -- Ian Browne

Yankees: Clint Frazier, OF Frazier's 2018 season was derailed in the Yankees' second exhibition game, when he sustained a concussion slamming into the left-field wall in Bradenton, Fla. Recurring symptoms dogged the promising outfielder throughout much of the campaign, but he recently received a clean bill of health and has eyes upon claiming the starting left-field job from Brett Gardner. Frazier was lauded for his "legendary" bat speed in 2016, when he served as the centerpiece in the Andrew Miller trade. -- Bryan Hoch

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

Indians: Bobby Bradley, 1B For those who enjoy the long ball, Bradley will be one to keep an eye on during Spring Training. The 22-year-old first baseman has demonstrated plus power in every step of his Minor League career, launching at least 20 home runs over the last four years (27 in Class A Advanced Lake County in 2015, 29 for Class A Advanced Lynchburg in '16, 23 at Double-A Akron in '17 and 27 between Double- and Triple-A in '18). In '16, he also knocked in an impressive 102 runs in 131 contests. Bradley's powerful bat is definitely something the Indians could use in their lineup once he continues to improve his defense and trim his strikeout rate. But it may not be too much longer until he gets his chance to hit long balls and drive in runs for the big league club. Either way, look for his power to be on full display once the team arrives in Arizona. -- Mandy Bell

Royals: Richard Lovelady, LHP As we've mentioned numerous times on royals.com, Lovelady, 23, doesn't have to go on the 40-man roster until next fall. But Lovelady, who posted a 2.47 ERA last year at Triple-A Omaha with nine saves, may force the Royals' hand this spring. And there certainly are plenty of open spots in the bullpen for Lovelady to grab. A lot of eyes will be on Lovelady when camp opens. He has swing-and-miss stuff and a bulldog mentality, and general manager Dayton Moore brought his name up at the team's recent FanFest as one of those pitchers who could be the next Greg Holland, Kelvin Herrera or Wade Davis. Lovelady just needs an opportunity. -- Jeffrey Flanagan

Video: Callis on the potential of No. 17 prospect Casey Mize

Tigers: Casey Mize, RHP Mize won't be pushing for a roster spot after just 13 Minor League innings last summer. But what last year's top Draft pick shows in camp should play a big role in determining his eventual path to the big leagues.

"I'm not going to even touch the delivery," pitching coach Rick Anderson said of Mize a couple weeks ago at TigerFest. "You just let him get adapted to where he's at. I'm excited to see him, just as I was when [Beau] Burrows and [Matt] Manning came up. You get a chance to see these guys and then you sit down with [roving pitching instructor] A.J. Sager and the Minor League people and talk about where we're going with them and what their thoughts are. It's going to be fun to see him."

The Tigers' decision to invite Mize to Major League camp is similar to what Detroit did with fellow right-hander Alex Faedo, their previous year's top Draft pick. The Tigers rested Faedo for the summer of 2017 after taking him with their first pick, letting him rest his arm following extended work during the University of Florida's run to the College World Series. Before Faedo embarked on his first pro season, the Tigers gave him a glimpse of Major League pitchers and the routine they build to prepare for a season. He pitched in the Tigers' spring exhibition game against Florida Southern College before heading over to Minor League camp. Expect much of the same for Mize. -- Jason Beck

Twins: Alex Kirilloff, OF Kirilloff missed the entire 2017 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and his only goal entering '18 was to play a full season of healthy baseball. The former first-round selection from the '16 MLB Draft not only stayed healthy, but also had one of the most productive seasons in the Minor Leagues, leading all full-season Minor League hitters in doubles (44) while hitting .348/.392/.578 with 20 homers and 101 RBIs across two levels. The 21-year-old was named the Twins' Minor League Player of the Year, shot up to No. 9 on MLB Pipeline's top 100 prospects list and earned an invite to big league camp this coming spring.

"I'd never had an injury like that, that caused me to miss that much time," Kirilloff said. "But once it got past that point and I accepted everything, I took it as a challenge and tried to make myself better from it." -- Do-Hyoung Park

White Sox: Eloy Jimenez, OF White Sox fans continue waiting on decisions from premium free agents Machado and Bryce Harper, but in the meantime, believe they have a star of their own in the making in Jimenez. Those same fans were disappointed to not have Jimenez come to the Majors at all in 2018, especially after getting a glimpse of his raw power during Spring Training and then watching Jimenez tear through the Minors offensively. The game's No. 3 prospect overall, per MLB Pipeline, has worked diligently on his conditioning in the offseason and seems primed for an impressive rookie campaign, which should begin sometime in mid-April. -- Scott Merkin

Video: All eyes on Jimenez at White Sox Spring Training

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

Angels: Jo Adell, OF Adell, ranked as the No. 14 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline, is a true five-tool center fielder who has continued to make impressive adjustments in the Minors. He's coming off a breakout year that saw him hit a combined .290/.355/.543 with 20 homers, 32 doubles and 15 stolen bases in 99 games across three levels, including his first stint at Double-A despite being only 19. He'll be in Major League camp for the first time this spring, but isn't likely to reach the Majors in 2020. He'll be in the upper levels of the Minors this season, however, and is the club's most exciting home-grown prospect since Mike Trout. -- Rhett Bollinger

Video: Callis on Forrest Whitley being top pitching prospect

Astros: Forrest Whitley, RHP Whitley, the seventh-ranked overall prospect by MLB Pipeline, is one of the Astros' most highly touted prospects in the last couple of years. Whitley, who dominated at the Arizona Fall League after being held to 26 1/3 innings at Double-A Corpus Christi last year following a 50-game suspension and a pair of injuries, will probably begin the season at Triple-A Round Rock and should make his way to Houston at some point in 2019. There's a reason the Astros came out publicly and said the 6-foot-7 Whitley isn't available in trades this offseason. -- Brian McTaggart

Athletics: Jesus Luzardo, LHP All eyes will be on Luzardo when camp opens next week. The A's top prospect, all of 21 years old, is the most intriguing Opening Day rotation candidate. The southpaw sensation -- who was recently anointed the game's top left-handed pitching prospect by MLB Pipeline -- climbed three levels in the Minors in 2018 and put together a 10-5 record and 2.88 ERA with 129 strikeouts in 109 1/3 innings. Despite having just four games under his belt at the Triple-A level, the A's won't hesitate to throw him in the big league rotation with a strong spring showing. Conversely, they don't want to rush him if they feel he's not ready, and wouldn't shy away from giving him more time at Triple-A. Either way, the hype is real. Luzardo is armed with a premium arsenal -- including a high-90s fastball that features a high spin rate and an elite changeup -- and the kind of pinpoint command that typically eludes young pitchers. -- Jane Lee

Mariners: Kyle Lewis, OF With all the offseason moves by Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners are suddenly loaded with interesting young prospects, including promising pitchers Justus Sheffield, Justin Dunn and Erik Swanson, who all could impact the rotation before long. Nine of the club's Top 30 prospects per MLB Pipeline were acquired this winter. But there's a returning prospect who might be even more intriguing to keep an eye on this spring, as Lewis -- the club's No. 1 Draft pick in 2016 -- should finally be at full strength in his return from knee surgery. Fans will finally get to see Lewis in action at his first Major League camp as the 23-year-old looks to re-establish himself as a key part of the franchise's future plans. -- Greg Johns

Rangers: Taylor Hearn, LHP Spring Training will give the Rangers a chance to take a good look at Hearn, 24, who was acquired from the Pirates in a trade for Keone Kela at the end of July. He is at the forefront of a group of Minor League starting pitchers who are expected to make an impact at the big league level in two to three years. Hearn, who is from nearby Royse City, has a fastball that hits 97-98 miles per hour but still has to refine his location. He has a good feel for a changeup, but is still working on his slider. He could end up with a future in the bullpen, but the Rangers will give him a chance to start and he could be fun to watch in Spring Training. -- T.R. Sullivan

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

Braves: Cristian Pache, OF Andruw Jones says Pache is already the best defensive outfielder within an organization that includes Ender Inciarte, who has won three straight Gold Glove Awards. Other evaluators have opined the 20-year-old prospect might be the game's best defensive outfield prospect. The young outfielder hit the first nine homers of his professional career last year and his power will likely increase as he continues to physically mature. Pache held his own while experiencing his first big league Spring Training last year. His presence during this year's camp should give Braves fans further reason to be excited about the possibility he might be roaming the outfield with Ronald Acuna Jr. at some point during the 2020 season. -- Mark Bowman

Marlins: Victor Victor Mesa, OF Mesa, Miami's No. 1 prospect and baseball's 99th overall per MLB Pipeline, enters Spring Training as a non-roster invitee and a bit of a mystery. The 22-year-old and his younger brother, Victor Mesa Jr., defected from Cuba last May and he has not seen any real game action since. He signed for $5.25 million (and his brother for $1 million) with the Marlins in October.

The fact that the elder Mesa hasn't played in games in about a year will create plenty of intrigue as to what he can do. A speedster with a cannon for an arm, Mesa draws praises from scouts for his defensive abilities. His approach at the plate is also solid, and the thought is that he will hit for average. But there are questions as to how much power he will provide. The Marlins will give Mesa every chance to showcase himself; along with game action, he is expected to be in the bullpen tracking pitches during pitcher warmups. Marlins fans are wondering when to expect him in the big leagues, but they will have to wait because he will likely start off at either Class A Advanced Jupiter or Double-A Jacksonville. -- Joe Frisaro

Video: WLD@USA: Alonso mashes a 2-run homer to left field

Mets: Peter Alonso, 1B A vocal segment of Mets fans wanted top-ranked prospect Peter Alonso in the Majors last season. They'll be back in full-throated support of Alonso this spring, when he attempts to make the Mets' Opening Day roster despite odds stacked against him. While Alonso has nothing left to prove offensively in the Minors, slugging 36 home runs over two levels last season, the Mets must keep him down until mid-April if they want to ensure an extra year of team control.

Regardless of that decision, Alonso promises to be under a microscope this spring, as the Mets try to figure out if he really is their first baseman of the future -- particularly on defense, where he has struggled since the Mets drafted him in the second round in 2016. If all goes well, Alonso has potential to develop into one of the best right-handed sluggers in baseball. -- Anthony DiComo

Nationals: Victor Robles, OF One of the biggest reasons the Nationals could potentially lose Harper and still be OK? Robles, the club's top prospect and MLB Pipeline's No. 4 overall prospect in baseball. Had he not hyperextended his left elbow on a diving catch last April, Robles would have received his chance in D.C. last season. Instead, his friend Juan Soto got the chance and he ran with the opportunity. This year will be Robles' turn.

Washington is going to hand Robles the job as the everyday center fielder because the team believes he is ready to show off all of his tools: The speed around the bases and in the outfield, the instincts and arm on defense and an approach at the plate that they do not believe will be overwhelmed by big league pitching -- along with enough power to make pitchers pay for mistakes. Robles is about to get his chance to prove himself this season, and the Nationals hope he will end up roaming the outfield at Nationals Park for years to come. -- Jamal Collier

Phillies: Adam Haseley, OF The Phillies selected Haseley with the eighth overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, and there is some thought that he could push for a job on the big league roster later this season, if he plays well and if there is a need. Haseley opened last season with Class A Clearwater before being promoted to Double-A Reading. He put up impressive numbers with Reading, batting .316 with six home runs, 17 RBIs and an .880 OPS in 159 plate appearances. If the Phillies sign Harper at some point this spring, it obviously hurts Haseley's chances to make a big league impact in 2019. But if Harper signs elsewhere, the Phillies could have a use for Haseley mid-summer, especially with outfielders like Odubel Herrera and Aaron Altherr trying to rebound from disappointing seasons, and Roman Quinn having an extensive injury history. -- Todd Zolecki

NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL

Brewers: Keston Hiura, 2B In this case, the must-see prospect in camp might also be the one with the chance to make the biggest impact. Hiura impressed manager Craig Counsell and the Major League staff last year by batting .419 with a .986 OPS in 31 Cactus League at-bats before a solid season split between Class A Advanced Carolina and Double-A Biloxi -- as well as a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League, where he posted a .934 OPS. President of baseball operations David Stearns has already said Hiura will begin the season in the Minors, but with the big club poised to start a platoon of Cory Spangenberg and Hernan Perez or Tyler Saladino, Hiura could have callup potential once Super 2 territory is cleared. -- Adam McCalvy

Video: Mayo on Reyes being a prospect to keep an eye out for

Cardinals: Alex Reyes, RHP Reyes has been the Cardinals' top-ranked prospect for four straight seasons, but he's eager to graduate from that list this season. He missed 2017 while recovering from Tommy John surgery and made just one start (four innings) in 2018 before requiring surgery to repair a torn tendon in his lat muscle. His rehab schedule has him on track to be ready to pitch in Spring Training, and the Cards will use the next several weeks to assess his health and optimal fit for the season ahead. They remain open to using him as a starter or reliever, depending on need. -- Jenifer Langosch

Cubs: Nico Hoerner, SS Chicago built its core through position players at the top of the MLB Draft, and the club is hoping that Hoerner (taken 24th overall in the '18 Draft) will soon fit into that same category. The 21-year-old Stanford product has certainly turned heads since turning pro. A left elbow issue limited Hoerner to 14 games last season, but the shortstop posted a 1.021 OPS in 60 plate appearances. He then opened eyes with Mesa in the Arizona Fall League, hitting .337 with one homer, four doubles, four triples and an .867 OPS in 21 games. With his bat-to-ball ability and impressive exit velocities, Hoerner could develop fast and grow into more power. MLB Pipeline listed him in the final spot in the latest Top 100 rankings and projected that he could reach MLB by the 2020 season. If Hoerner gets some Cactus League action this spring, Cubs fans will want to pay attention. -- Jordan Bastian

Pirates: Mitch Keller, RHP Last year, Keller said it was "kind of a big deal" to pitch two innings in a mid-March Grapefruit League game. Pirates fans will get a much longer glimpse at the club's top prospect this spring. Keller, MLB Pipeline's No. 19 overall prospect, will be in big league camp from the start and may be preparing for his Major League debut at some point this summer. He has a plus fastball and curveball, and the Bucs have been stressing the importance of his changeup over the past few years. The 22-year-old right-hander is set to begin the season with Triple-A Indianapolis, where he initially struggled last season before finishing strong. Third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pittsburgh's No. 2 prospect and a dynamic defender with an improving bat, will also be in big league camp for the first time this spring. -- Adam Berry

Reds: Nick Senzel, 3B/2B/OF Cincinnati's prospect to watch happens to also be the organization's No. 1 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, and MLB's No. 6 overall. Senzel is back for his second big league camp, but this one has much more at stake. The Reds have an opening in center field and Senzel -- a career infielder -- has spent most of his offseason learning the position to try to make the team. Senzel could also make the club in a super-utility type role where he plays regularly. If the 23-year-old hadn't had a bout of vertigo and a broken right finger last season, he likely would already be in the Major Leagues. Now he must show not only that he can stay healthy, but that he can also be a quick learner to take on a new position at the game's highest level. -- Mark Sheldon

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST

D-backs: Jazz Chisholm, SS D-backs fans who got out to watch Arizona Fall League games last year got a sneak peek at Chisholm. Signed in the 2015 international class, Chisholm is an athletic shortstop that has moved up steadily through the system. While his ETA in the big leagues is probably not until 2020 and he could be one of the early cuts in camp, D-backs fans should take advantage of the opportunity this spring to get a glimpse of what the future looks like for the organization at shortstop. -- Steve Gilbert

Dodgers: Keibert Ruiz, C Assuming he isn't dealt in a trade for J.T. Realmuto or Corey Kluber, Ruiz will be the prospect that draws the most attention because he's younger than outfielder Alex Verdugo or fellow catcher Will Smith -- and might also have the highest ceiling. Ruiz spent all last year at Double-A and is only 20 years old now. With Austin Barnes, Russell Martin, Rocky Gale and Smith ahead of him on the depth chart, the big question is how much spring playing time Ruiz will get. -- Ken Gurnick

Giants: Joey Bart, C Bart, the Giants' top prospect, will headline the list of 18 non-roster invitees at big league camp this spring. The second overall pick out of Georgia Tech in last June's Draft, Bart quickly lived up to expectations after batting .298 with a .983 OPS and 13 home runs in 45 games with Class A Salem-Keizer in 2018. With Buster Posey on the mend from major hip surgery, the 22-year-old Bart could see a lot of action early in camp, giving the Giants plenty of opportunities to evaluate their promising young catcher. -- Maria Guardado

Video: MLB Network highlights No. 2 prospect Tatis' talents

Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr., SS Who else? Tatis is presumably the answer to the Padres' decade-long shortstop question, and there's a chance he answers it in a big way. MLB Pipeline rated him as the sport's No. 2 overall prospect, and he's the rare five-tool talent without a glaring flaw in his game. Tatis, who has only played a few months at Double-A, will have his work cut out for him to make the Opening Day roster. He's got service-time concerns working against him as well. But he's going to arrive in San Diego soon enough. And he'll bring plenty of swagger with him. -- AJ Cassavell

Rockies: Brendan Rodgers, INF Rodgers -- the No. 10 prospect in the Majors according to MLB Pipeline -- is in Major League camp for the second straight year, but this is his first shot at breaking with the big club as he competes for the starting second base job. Ryan McMahon, Garrett Hampson (the Rockies' No. 4 prospect) and Pat Valaika also are in the running for the job. Realistically, for Rodgers to not start the season at Triple-A Albuquerque, he'll have to win the job with a breakthrough spring -- like the one shortstop Trevor Story accomplished in 2016. -- Thomas Harding

Source: https://www.mlb.com/news/each-mlb-teams-prospect-to-watch-in-2019/c-303523464

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$20 million building permit issued as part of more than $40 million Logan Square mixed-use project

Chicago has issued a $20 million building permit for the new six-story Logan Crossing Building at 2480 N. Milwaukee Ave. The structure’s northern end is linked by an overpass to a similar building at 2522 N. Milwaukee Ave. for which a separate $20 million permit was issued in January.

Focus Construction Inc. is the general contractor for the project reportedly revived last year by developer Terraco, Inc. Overall, the buildings were to deliver 240 rental apartments, with more than 112,000 sq. ft. of commercial space (Target will occupy 27,400 sq. ft. , which leaves room for another retailer), 313 vehicle parking spaces and parking for 125 bicycles, according to a February, 2018 Streetsblog Chicago article. The buildings have been designed by Antunovich Associates.

You can see the bridge in this rendering (renderings from Antunovich Associates)

Subtrades for 2522 N. Milwaukee include: Electrical – Bonus Electric; masonry – Alright Concrete Co. and Midwest Masonry; and plumbing, refrigeration and mechanical – AMS Mechanical Systems Inc.

Source: https://chicagoconstructionnews.com/20-million-building-permit-issued-as-part-of-more-than-40-million-logan-square-mixed-use-project/

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April construction starts retreat 15 percent in April after sharp gains in March: Dodge

The value of new construction starts in April fell 15% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $685.2 billion, pulling back following the 16% hike that was reported in March, according to Dodge Data & Analytics.

Steep declines were registered by two of the three main construction sectors. Nonbuilding construction, which is comprised of public works and electric utilities/gas plants, plunged 31% from its elevated March amount which was lifted by the start of the $4.3 billion Calcasieu Pass liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal in Cameron LA. Nonresidential building fell 18% in April after being boosted in March by groundbreaking for the $1.6 billion Toyota-Mazda automotive manufacturing facility in Huntsville AL, among other large projects.

Nonresidential building in April did receive support from the start of the $1.3 billion new airport terminal project at Kansas City International Airport. Meanwhile, residential building in April decreased 1%, as a modest rebound for multifamily housing was outweighed by further slippage for single family housing.

During the first four months of 2019, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $224.5 billion, down 8% from the same period of 2018. On a twelve-month moving total basis, total construction starts for the twelve months ending April 2019 held steady with the corresponding amount for the twelve months ending April 2018.

April’s data lowered the Dodge Index to 145 (2000=100), down from 171 in March. Taking the average for March and April produces an Index reading of 158, which is above the 150 average for January and February, yet still below the 171 average for all of 2018.

“The construction start statistics can be volatile on a month-to-month basis, and that’s certainly been true in March and April, as a 16% jump was followed by a 15% decline,” Robert A. Murray, chief economist for Dodge Data & Analytics, said in a statement. “Much of the volatility can be attributed to the presence or absence of large projects – in March there were ten projects valued each at $500 million or more that reached groundbreaking, while April saw only two such projects.

“Amidst this volatility, there are several trends about 2019 construction activity that are beginning to emerge. Overall construction activity continues to show deceleration around an up-and-down monthly pattern, with a varied performance by major construction sector.

“The public works side of nonbuilding construction got off to a slow start in 2019, which at least through March was partially offset by an upturn for electric utilities/gas plants. Some improvement for public works is expected as the current year proceeds, given the fiscal 2019 federal funding approved back in February as well as the continued support of state construction bond measures. Nonresidential building is staying close to its pace of last year, helped by continued strength for office buildings, hotels, educational facilities, and transportation terminals. The multifamily side of residential building is retreating, even with the occasional monthly upturn, while single family housing has not yet provided evidence that it can rebound from the slower pace that took hold towards the end of last year.”

Nonbuilding construction in April plunged 31% to $147.2 billion (annual rate), which followed a 40% surge in March. The $4.3 billion LNG export terminal in Louisiana that was included as a March start caused much of this volatility – if this project is excluded, the decline for nonbuilding construction in April would have been a more moderate 9% following a 7% increase in March. The electric utility/gas plant category plummeted 87% in April, reflecting both weak activity for the month and the comparison to March that included the $4.3 billion LNG export terminal.

The public works categories as a group dropped 5% in April, slowing after a 21% increase in March. The miscellaneous public works category (which includes site work, rail transit, and pipelines) fell 29%, although April did include the start of a $307 million rail transit extension at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta GA and a $290 million riverfront revitalization project in Omaha NE. Declines were also reported in April for water supply construction, down 17%; and river/harbor development, down 40%. On the plus side for public works, sewer construction in April climbed 88%, led by a $631 million water pollution control effluent tunnel in Carson CA and a $412 million sewer project in Redwood City CA. Highway and bridge construction in April edged up 1%, rising for the second month a row after declines in January and February.

Supporting April’s improved highway and bridge amount was $253 million for the start of renovation work on the Throgs Neck Bridge in the Bronx NY. The top five states for highway and bridge construction starts in April, ranked by dollar volume, were – California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Ohio.

Nonresidential building in April dropped 18% to $248.5 billion (annual rate), which followed a 24% increase in March. The manufacturing plant category fell 72% in April after soaring 90% in March that included the $1.6 billion Toyota-Mazda automotive manufacturing plant in Alabama. By contrast, the largest manufacturing plant project that reached groundbreaking in April was a $250 million paper mill in Green Bay WI. The institutional side of nonresidential building decreased 9% in April, which reflected a mixed pattern by project type.

The amusement-related category fell 50% after being boosted in March by the $850 million renovation of the KeyArena in Seattle WA. Healthcare facilities fell 29% in April following growth during the previous two months, while the public buildings category (courthouses and detention facilities) dropped 22%. On the plus side, the transportation terminal category soared 159% in April, lifted by the $972 million terminal building portion of the $1.3 billion new airport terminal project at Kansas City International Airport. Educational facilities grew 6% in April, registering improvement for the second month in a row after a lackluster performance in January and February. Large high school projects that reached groundbreaking in April were located in Fall River MA ($215 million), Upper Arlington OH ($140 million), and Santa Monica CA ($98 million). The top five states for K-12 school construction starts in April, ranked by dollar volume, were – Texas, Ohio, California, Washington, and Massachusetts.

The commercial building categories as a group fell 16% in April, after a 22% rise in March. Hotel construction dropped 51% from its March amount, which featured the start of the $850 million hotel portion of a $1.1 billion hotel and theater redevelopment project located in Times Square New York City. The largest hotel project that reached groundbreaking in April was a $229 million Embassy Suites hotel in Nashville TN. Office construction in April retreated 9% from its March amount, which included such projects as a $750 million Facebook data center in Sandston VA, the $550 million Norfolk Southern headquarters building in Atlanta GA, and a $300 million CloudHQ data center in Ashburn VA. In April, new data center projects continued at a brisk pace, with six projects valued each at $100 million or more reaching groundbreaking, led by a $315 million Facebook data center in New Albany OH.

Other noteworthy office projects in April were a $300 million upgrade to the One Post Office Square Tower in Boston MA, a $170 million office building in Chicago IL, and two Charles Schwab office buildings in Westlake TX valued at $84 million and $81 million respectively. The top five metropolitan areas for office construction starts in April, ranked by dollar volume, were – Dallas-Ft. Worth TX, New York NY, Boston MA, Columbus OH, and Portland OR. Store construction weakened in April, sliding 25%, while warehouse construction dropped 12%. The commercial garage category was the one commercial project type that posted an April gain, rising 33% with the boost coming from the $288 million garage portion of the new airport terminal project at Kansas City International Airport.

Residential building in April slipped 1% to $289.5 billion (annual rate), receding for the third month in a row. Single family housing dropped 4%, and April’s level of activity was down 9% from the average monthly pace during 2018. By geography, single family housing in April showed this pattern relative to March – the South Atlantic, down 8%; the Northeast, down 6%; the South Central, down 5%; the West, down 1%; and the Midwest, up 8%. Multifamily housing in April advanced 5% after a 9% decline in March, but April’s level of activity was still down 18% from the average monthly pace during 2018. There were ten multifamily projects valued at $100 million or more that reached groundbreaking in April, led by the $220 million multifamily portion of a $300 million mixed-use development on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles CA and a $200 million apartment building in the Bronx NY. The top five metropolitan areas ranked by the dollar amount of multifamily starts in April were – New York NY, Los Angeles CA, Miami FL, Chicago IL, and Austin TX.

The 8% downturn for total construction starts on an unadjusted basis during the January-April period of 2019 was the result of lower activity for each of the three main construction sectors. Nonresidential building decreased 3% year-to-date, with respective declines of 4% and 37% for institutional building and manufacturing building, while commercial building was able to post a 5% gain. Nonbuilding construction dropped 10% year-to-date, as a 21% retreat for public works was partially offset by a 94% jump for electric utilities/gas plants. Residential building fell 12% year-to-date, with single family housing down 8% and multifamily housing down 20%. By major region, total construction starts for the first four months of 2019 revealed this pattern compared to last year – the Midwest, down 17%; the South Atlantic, down 11%; the West, down 9%; the Northeast, down 7%; and the South Central, up 1%

Useful perspective comes from looking at twelve-month moving totals, in this case the twelve months ending April 2019 versus the twelve months ending April 2018. On this basis, total construction starts essentially maintained the same volume as the previous period. By major sector, nonresidential building rose 4%, with commercial building up 9%, manufacturing building up 7%, and institutional building unchanged. Residential building held steady with the previous period, with single family housing unchanged and multifamily housing up 1%. Nonbuilding construction dropped 6%, with electric utilities/gas plants down 1% and public works down 7%.

Source: https://chicagoconstructionnews.com/april-construction-starts-retreat-15-percent-in-april-after-sharp-gains-in-march-dodge/

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feetglider2-blog · 5 years

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Eagles claim Cre’von LeBlanc off waivers from Lions, waive Dexter McDougle

The Philadelphia Eagles claimed cornerback Cre’von LeBlanc off waivers from the Detroit Lions on Monday.

To clear a roster spot, the Eagles waived veteran cornerback Dexter McDougle. Since the trade deadline has passed, all players must clear waivers before becoming a free agent.

LeBlanc was waived by the Lions on Saturday to make room for the activation of wide receiver Andy Jones from the physically unable to perform list.

LeBlanc had appeared in three games for the Lions this season, recording three tackles. He appeared in 28 games with 10 starts for the Chicago Bears over the previous two seasons. The Bears waived LeBlanc at the end of training camp and he signed with the Lions practice squad before being promoted to the active roster.

McDougle played in two games with one start for the Eagles this season recording five tackles and a pass defended. He also played eight games for Philadelphia last season. He’s appeared in 31 career games for the Eagles, New Orleans Saints and New York Jets.

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-claim-cre-von-leblanc-071249585.html?src=rss

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feetglider2-blog · 5 years

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'You take this thing over right now:' How Bears Trubisky responded to Nagy's challenge

When the Bears came out for the second half last week with a slim 7-3 lead over the Jets after a decidedly unimpressive 30 minutes of offense, coach Matt Nagy challenged Mitch Trubisky.

The second-year quarterback's first half numbers weren't bad, but only because running back Tarik Cohen had taken a screen pass 70 yards for a touchdown. Without that one play, Trubisky's passer rating would have been 45.8, so Nagy put it to him.

"I'm gonna challenge you, right now, these two quarters for greatness, you got me," Nagy shouted, a clip that can be heard at ChicagoBears.com, which had Nagy miked up for the game.

"Yes sir," Trubisky replied.

"I wanna see it come out of you," Nagy said.

"Yes sir," Trubisky replied again.

"You take this thing over right now."

"Yes sir," Trubisky says a third time.

Minutes later Trubisky made arguably his most impressive throw of the season, a back shoulder connection to Anthony Miller in the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown and a 14-3 lead.

"I think he responded well," Nagy said. "Mitch'll be the first to tell you that as an offense, we weren't clicking in the first half, and sometimes you need that spark. Mitch naturally does that, he has that in him, and he'll get the guys going.

"But I felt like at that time right there, it was still a very close game, we were getting ready to get the ball to start the third quarter, and you look for that spark. For what it's worth, I just want him to know that I'm behind him and that I support him. But I also want him to know that I'm going to put my thumb on him, too. I expect him to be great, so I want to challenge him to do great things."

Trubisky finished with a 102.7 passer rating, clearly buoyed by the Cohen touchdown, but still it was his third 100.0-plus mark in the past four games. He had just three in 12 starts last year before Nagy arrived. It's only natural that Trubisky would be under Nagy's thumb, since the head coach's work as a QB mentor and offensive coordinator catapulted him to the Bears' top job. Trubisky is more than fine with the relationship.

"I love it," he said. "I think the best players, they want to be the hardest workers and they also want to be pushed the most. So we have a really good relationship, where I want him criticizing and I want him pushing me all the time. But we also have that loving relationship, and then we have that respect that goes both ways. I know he just wants the best for me, and I just want the best for him as well. No hard feelings, and no sensitivity when I'm being criticized, because he does want me to be great. He said it the second half, and that's what I'm trying to do."

Nagy has often praised Trubisky for his desire to get immediate feedback on his mistakes, even before he reaches the sideline, for his focus on improving and his tireless work at honing his craft. So Nagy is steadfast in the knowledge that Trubisky will accept criticism with the right attitude.

"There's no one on our football team that's going to accept the challenge more than him," Nagy said. "Ultimately we want to come out with the win, and I was really proud of him on the touchdown pass that he made. We always talk about, 'Is it the plays or the players?' and that one was the players."

• Bob LeGere is a senior writer at Pro Football Weekly. Follow Bob's Bears reports on Twitter @BobLeGere or @PFWeekly.

Source: https://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20181031/you-take-this-thing-over-right-now-how-bears-trubisky-responded-to-nagys-challenge

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feetglider2-blog · 5 years

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Thompson Center sale advances with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s support

A bill authorizing the sale of Chicago’s polarizing James R. Thompson Center made it to the desk of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. The politician is still reviewing the legislation but supports selling the state-owned property, a spokesperson told The Daily Line on Thursday.

Known as SB 886, the measure passed the Illinois House and Senate in 2017 but remained stuck in legislative limbo during the budgetary standoff. If signed by Pritzker as expected, it would allow the state to move its offices out of the blue and pink building at 100 W. Randolph Street and clear a path for the structure’s eventual sale. Pritzker has 60 days to act on the measure, according to the report.

Redeveloping the aging Thompson Center was a top priority of former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, who believed the sale could net $300 million for the state and avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in deferred maintenance costs. In 2017, the politician even presented conceptual renderings from architecture firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill showing a 1,700-foot supertall skyscraper rising in the Thompson Center’s place.

Chicago politicians including Mayor Rahm Emanuel and downtown Alderman Brendan Reilly were lukewarm to the redevelopment plan, doubting that the parcel could fetch Rauner’s estimated dollar amount and expressing concern over its potential impact on CTA infrastructure. When the sale did not go ahead under Rauner’s watch, it left behind a $300 million hole in the state’s 2019 budget.

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With a different administration now in Springfield, the plan appears to be gathering momentum once again. “The Thompson Center is something that we are serious about selling,” Deputy Governor Dan Hynes told Crain’s on Thursday. “I think there’s a new dialogue that exists between the governor and the mayor.”

Although Rauner had planned to use the Thompson Center’s sale proceeds to balance the state’s operating budget, Pritzker’s office says it will use the funds to address the state’s unfunded pension liabilities and other unpaid bills, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Chicago’s preservation community continues its fight to save the Thompson Center. Efforts to landmark the 1984 building, designed by distinguished Chicago-based architect Helmut Jahn, have culminated in rallies, petitions, and even a short-subject documentary film. The movement is framed by the larger debate regarding the historical significance of postmodern architecture.

Perhaps accepting the reality that something needs to be done with the neglected and inefficient building, Jahn himself unveiled a new vision for the site which preserves the existing structure while adding a slender 110-story tower to its southwest corner. Whether or not a new owner would consider the architect’s plan, however, is another matter.

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Source: https://chicago.curbed.com/2019/2/15/18226397/thompson-center-sale-pritzker

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feetglider2-blog · 5 years

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Character-rich updated apartments at the Loop’s landmark Fisher Building

Fisher Building City Club Apartments has a great walk-to-work, walk-to-campus Loop location at 343 S Dearborn.

The historic Fisher Building’s elaborate terra cotta exterior puts you on notice to expect out-of-the-ordinary apartments.

The apartments have plank flooring in living areas and bay windows. Designer kitchens have islands, tile backsplashes, dishwashers, built-in microwaves and ample cabinet and counter space. The oversized baths have soaking tubs, and walk-in showers in apartments with multiple baths.

Available studio apartments start at $1,550, and 1-bedrooms at $1,630. Two-bedroom, 1-baths start at $2,230, and 2-bedrooms with a bath-and-a-half at $3,670. A 3-bedroom, 2-bath is available for $3,215. Floor plans and near real-time rent and availability info are online. Scroll down to view.

A Dollop Coffee outlet is on-site.

Additional amenities include a business center, a fitness room with cardio and strength-training equipment, and a large resident lounge / party room with a gaming area.

Fisher Building City Club is pet-friendly and has on-site management, maintenance and leasing staff.

Source: http://yochicago.com/character-rich-updated-apartments-at-the-loops-landmark-fisher-building/60777/

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feetglider2-blog · 5 years

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What ideas do you have for improving Cubs player development?

Baseball operations, or Ops for most of the time from here on, is a rather irregularly revolving concept. For instance, years ago, weight training in baseball was a no-no. Many teams were very late to the “newer statistics” revolution. Bullpens have grown in numbers with added concern and activism toward keeping pitchers healthy. Can you think of anything that might be a positive for a baseball Ops program to consider?

A decade ago, Mental Skills programs were considered unnecessary. After all, if a player was having concentration or confidence issues, he should “suck it up” and be better about it. Eventually, teams began to stream toward valuing the mental aspect of the game. Almost all teams now have a Mental Skills program, and I’d guess the worst one now is better than the premiere ones eight years ago.

This article encourages you to think of something in your world that, however slightly, could belong in a baseball Ops department. Perhaps you’re in pre-teen learning, and there’s a new corporate term that seems more valid, and less mumbo-jumbo, than most. Maybe there’s a medical mindset that seems to be breaking through regarding health and wellness. Possibly, a new cross-fit exercise or regimen ought to be being considered.

My two ideas today run the gamut from very new to quite old, from my thoughts. My first one was from a tweet recently. Tom Griffin (@catchblockthrow) noted the benefits of training boxing to players:

It might be absolute rubbish, but I’d imagine that, for some players, adding the sweet science of pugilism could help with getting muscles to “twitch” better (or whatever the accepted term is. I’m far from a boxing guy). No, you wouldn’t want grueling boxing tournaments in spring training. If boxing could add 10 feet in length, and shave a few feet in height, from an opposite field liner, it could help.

One of mine I’ve been in favor of for a few years is playing more games in extended spring training. Historically a repository for injured players returning to health, Extended Spring Training (XST) has become a chance for players to gradually get ready for a June placement, whatever that placement is. XST has players from spring training that weren’t released or assigned to a full-season squad.

Spring training sees the Cubs with (in the range of) 300 players in the organization at the time. Some make the parent club. Others will be assigned to one of four full-season affiliates. A few, often veterans of numerous spring training camps before, will be released. A handful might, to use a term, disappear. (Perhaps they decide to retire. Some might merely consider it.) Either way, quite a few players will remain in the Mesa area, pushing to be assigned somewhere, sooner than later.

Imagine you have a number of players wanting to play baseball in a somewhat organized fashion, numerous times per week. Winning the game is less of a priority than getting better. The goal, it would seem, would be to get everyone involved in four or five games per week, with the better players getting in five, and the lesser players four.

The number of games you can play collectively should be determined by the number of pitchers and catchers. If you have pitchers who can account for 30 games per week, but only catchers for 25 games per week, you would seem to have two primary options. Play 25 games, or find five games per week more catchers.

I figure a team that drafts and signs internationally as many middle infielders as the Cubs do, finding enough bats to play more extended spring games shouldn’t be any sort of a problem. In XST, the goal with pitchers is to start the starting pitchers at two (or possibly three) innings per start, and finish off the session with an inning or two per reliever. The relievers rest one to three days in-between outings, and the starters wait five or six days to pitch again, and likely get some side throwing sessions in addition.

In general, extended spring training is fairly well mapped out. The Cubs go to the Brewers ballpark, or maybe the Giants squad comes to Mesa. Some teams take XST more seriously than others. As the Brewers have added a second AZL squad for their 2019 plans, they will want to play more XST games than last year.

The current standard is one game or two games per day, based on which pitchers need how many innings. In other words, the Cubs are highly unlikely to play more than 14 games in XST per week. These games are ideal for development practices, for a few reasons. The primary reason being, nobody cares much what the final score is. Yes, a team would prefer “win 7-2” than “lose 5-1”. When development is the key, though, the development is what you’re after.

For instance, imagine a team brings in a right fielder for the last four innings of a game. At the plate, he’s facing the first time is a rather ordinary pitcher at the XST level. He isn’t considered the type likely to get a bump to full-season ball if an injury occurs. The hitter fans on four pitches, including a loopy curve that would generously be graded out at 40 on the 20/80 scale. What is learned from this at-bat? The hitter appears less advanced than the pitcher.

That’s all. Nothing more major than that. The hitter doesn’t need to be released. He’s merely “less than” regarding that pitcher, for today. As it happens, the game has an extra inning tacked on at the end. Not because of a tie, but both teams had a pitcher ready to go another inning. The last hitter is the same hitter from before. He’s facing a pitcher likely to be returned to the Dominican League in 18 days. Running up an 0-2 count on the hitter, the pitcher goes “high and hard’ above the zone. High is only 87, but the swinger misses. His offensive day is seven pitches, and two strikeouts. He might be less advanced than a DSL-bound pitcher.

By having enough players, a team ought to be able to play more than 18 innings per day. They ought to be able to play more than fourteen games per week. If the number of games and innings can be increased, more hitters can get chances to play in extended spring training. Some, like the hitter above, will be shown as “not ready yet.” If he is a college veteran, and can’t catch up with middling pitching in extended spring training, he might be released after the draft. If he’s a 17-year-old who will be in the Dominican League himself in a month, he might be seeing the best pitching he’s ever seen. This could be an upgrade in his learning curve.

More games won’t always be better for every player. If more games are played, more players might get injured. Injuries are rarely sought out and requested. The players left in Mesa in April through June continue to practice, and play in games. The pitchers extend their distance to three, four, and five innings. Those pitchers will be asked to take similar roles in Eugene or with one of the two Arizona League sides.

The Cubs ought to team with a forward-looking organization in the Cactus League (the Indians and Dodgers might be the best options) to play an extra game a day, six days a week. With this added “burden” the team might need to add a few pitchers or catchers to complete their daily line-ups. (I wouldn’t want a catcher playing any more than four “half games” per week in extended spring training.) Locating talent that can represent defensively in XST would be a great reason to draft a catcher or two extra per June draft. Perhaps, sign another one or two after the draft, instead, or as well. These players are as much about “allowing the teams to play more games” than them ever being expected to reach Double-A.

As a reminder, the Cubs concluded last season with two teams in the Arizona League, and one in the Northwest League. A couple from Arizona might reach full-season ball in April. About half of the low-thirties of players from Eugene might go to full-season ball. As such, you’re looking at about 80 players looking for a game to play in.

Now, add in however many players are summoned from the Dominican League squad. About 30 are likely to be added for Instructional Ball in January. Some may be returned before XST. I’d prefer to keep any able-bodied option north, and add a few, if needed. If you’re looking at 100 players or so in XST, the Cubs ought to be able to play three or even four games most days, regardless any pitch limits.

Down-time in camp is helpful. However, my guess is that a developing hitter/fielder could probably benefit from four or five games (or half games) per week, regardless how good they are. The player who can field his position, but lags hitting, displays how well how well he is (or isn’t) advancing every day.

Playing more games should help players in the development stage, develop. It would seem, getting more at-bats for a player likely to be in the Arizona League come June, adding another game or two in April through June would help baseball Ops. I have another idea I’ve poached from a better mind than mine. That will wait for next time. Until then, is there anything in your world that you think might help pro players get better at playing baseball, regardless the level? That would be the Ops umbrella.

Source: https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2018/12/29/18035710/cubs-player-development-extended-spring-training

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feetglider2-blog · 5 years

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Looking for million dollar new construction in West Town / Logan Square

We viewed this new construction home on 1853 N North Fairfield with our client near the 606 in Logan Square priced at $999,900. The property previously sold for $375K for redevelopment.

One of our long time clients is looking to upgrade to a modern new construction or gut rehab single family home. She'd like to stay near her current West Town neighborhood of Ashland and Division or Logan Square near the Blue Line. The area just west of of North Western and south of West Armitage is a hotbed of modern new construction fairly close to the Blue Line and the popular 606 trail and park system. Several modern homes are priced under $1 million.

Our buyer clients were surprised by the skyline views from the built out roof deck (appears much closer in person).

We are looking for a new construction home of this portion of West Town/ Logan Square. The area offers new construction homes around one million dollars with access to the CTA Blue Line and close to trendy restaurants and bars. Humboldt Park is just southwest of the shaded area.

Over 2018 the shaded area above of West Town / Logan Square (Armitage to Wabansia and Western to California) twenty-three homes closed with a median price of $870,000.

In 2015 twenty-six homes sold with a median price of $740,000.

Way back in 2012 when the market took off from the recession days twenty-three homes closed with a median price of about $500,000. Seven of those homes were sold as either short-sale or foreclosures. This popular area for home buyers and development has seen a 74% increase in median price of a single family home. Some of that is reflected by the many more new construction homes sold in recent years.

Source: http://www.ericrojasblog.com/2019/01/looking-for-million-dollar-new.html

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feetglider2-blog · 5 years

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From Stockyards To Speakeasies: A Chicago Historian Tackles 5 Questions About The City’s History

Curious City has received nearly 7,000 questions since its first episode in June 2012. During that time, it’s become clear that many of you want to know more about Chicago’s history, neighborhoods, and ethnic groups.

Luckily, we know the man who literally wrote the book on Chicago — Dominic Pacyga.

The Columbia College emeritus professor recently sat down with us for a rapid-fire round of questions.

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Andrew Waple wondered: What’s the record for the number of animals — not just pigs, all animals — killed in a single day at Chicago’s stockyards?

At its peak in the early 1920s, more than 18 million animals were brought to the Chicago yards, Pacyga says. About two-thirds of those animals were slaughtered at nearby packing houses.

That’s an average of about 38,000 animals each city work day.

Because there were so many meatpackers throughout the city, including many smaller shops that didn’t keep written records, the most animals killed on any given day is unknown. However, a large meatpacker like Armour & Co. could have slaughtered 8,500 hogs, 2,500 cattle, and about 7,000 sheep per day.

And people lined up to see the action: About 500,000 tourists came to the stockyards each year at the turn of the 20th century. Some of the more notable names include famed French actress Sarah Bernhardt, Japanese princes, and every presidential candidate of the era.

At its peak in the early 1920s, more than 18 million animals were brought to the stockyard each year — and about two-thirds of them were slaughtered in Chicago. (Courtesy Dominic Pacyga)

Ernesto asked: How frequently do Chicago neighborhoods have major changes in ethnicity?

Pacyga says the average ethnic lifespan of a neighborhood is about three generations.

Bronzeville’s residents have been mostly African-American for more than a century.

Other neighborhoods have seen major changes. The Polish community, for example, settled near Milwaukee Avenue and Division Street in the late 1850s and remained there until the late 1960s. Puerto Ricans then came to the neighborhood, and Mexican immigrants soon followed.

Ethnic churches and grocers are often the last to leave changing neighborhoods because older residents who choose to stay rely heavily on those neighborhood services.

The building for St. Stanislaus Kostka church in the Wicker Park neighborhood was laid in 1877 and the church was dedicated in 1881. It serves a largely Polish community that no longer lives in the area. (Courtesy St. Stanislaus Church and Maureen Miller)

Clyde Behrendt asked: Did the city or developers have more influence over what type of housing was built in North and South Lawndale in the early 20th century?

Paycga says there was no zoning ordinance in the city of Chicago until 1923 — so private developers decided whether to build apartments or single-family homes based on what they believed the market could handle.

When Eastern European Jews first started coming to Chicago in large numbers in the late 19th century, they settled in the manufacturing hub near Maxwell Street on the West Side. Pacyga says the Jewish community preferred apartments, so that’s the kind of housing developers made available as Jews started migrating west to North Lawndale. By 1930, North Lawndale was the largest Jewish community in the history of Chicago.

Early developers took a different approach in South Lawndale or Little Village in the late 1800s. Instead of apartments, they built “worker's cottages” for Eastern European immigrants and their children. These were mass-produced, single-story homes usually made out of wood.

Czechs, Germans, and Poles moved into the area from Pilsen as industry began to boom around South Lawndale after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. As the population grew larger, the housing in South Lawndale got taller with two- and three-flat buildings.

An 1883 flyer advertised the availability of inexpensive brick cottages in Chicago for would-be factory workers. (Courtesy Chicago History Museum ICHi-06577)

Mary Nell Murphy asked: Were there bars or speakeasies in most neighborhoods during Prohibition? Could anyone go or were they just for the upper classes?

During Prohibition, there were “gin joints” in every neighborhood, and they were extremely popular, Pacyga says. A lot of former taverns began to advertise themselves as ice cream parlors. But really, they sold beer.

Along South Ashland Avenue, or “Whiskey Row,” it was the coffee shops that sold beer. Often, the police were willing to look the other way if they were paid off, Pacyga says.

Some establishments did discriminate based on class, but those were more of the speakeasy variety.

In Bronzeville, many places [that served alcohol] were protected by the Republican Party because at the time, African-Americans voted heavily Republican. Mayor William Hale Thompson, aka “Big Bill,” was the last Republican to occupy City Hall. He promised Chicagoans the taps would flow again.

“When I’m elected, we will not only reopen places these people have closed, but we’ll open ten thousand new ones. … .No copper will invade your home and fan your mattress for a hip flask,” Thompson proclaimed.

He was unseated after three terms by Anton Cermak, a “wet Democrat.”

But you could also get alcohol by prescription from a doctor. And if you were really desperate, almost every pharmacy sold Hoffman’s stomach drops. Just add one to a cup of water and you had yourself a hot toddy, Pacyga says.

Brian Brostko asked: What was Ravenswood like before all the breweries moved in?

Pacyga says that in the mid-1850s, Ravenswood was home to a lot of English and German farmers — many of whom grew pickles, flowers, and celery.

Rose Hill Cemetery opened in 1859 and “attracted not only mourners, but picnickers.” Those picnics — and later the additions of a train station and electric streetcars — helped transform the rural district into a neighborhood near the end of the century.

The new transportation helped turn the area from a wealthy neighborhood to a middle-class community filled with factories. Much of the community’s German roots disappeared after World War I, but there are still remnants in some of the shops and restaurants. There’s even an original section of the Berlin Wall that can still be seen from the Brown Line at Western Avenue.

In 2017, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce rebranded a two-mile stretch along Ravenswood Avenue as “Malt Row.” A half-dozen breweries and one distillery are now part of the that strip between Irving Park Road and Balmoral Avenue.