Chicago, Elevated.

Normally I would put a post such as the one I’m about to share over at my review blog, but this experience was never meant to be a review. I wasn’t asked to participate in what you’re about to read and I did indeed pay for it with my own money. I wanted to share it here because it’s something truly fabulous that I experienced personally in the city of Chicago. It’s my duty to share it with you here!

Over the last five years as I’ve been working on my book, I’ve done lots and lots of research about things to see and do in Chicago. Some of those things are well-known by everybody (the Museum of Science and Industry or Millennium Park, for example). Some? Not so much.

Though my friends who work in the Loop have laughed at me, a Chicago native, for not knowing about this, I just discovered, while doing my research, that Chicago has a Pedway system. The Pedway system is a bunch of tunnels, concourses, and overhead bridges, all enclosed, that pedestrians can use to get from building to building in inclement weather. All along the way are businesses and offices.

I mean, a city underground: how cool is that??

I connected early on via Twitter and Facebook with Margaret of Chicago Elevated. Margaret, who has an improv comedy background as well as extensive training in the Docent program at the Chicago Architecture Foundation, founded Chicago Elevated a couple of years ago and gives tours of the Chicago Pedway in the winter months, as well as tours of Boys Town in warm weather. (I am going to be dragging my sister to the Boys Town tour when the sun finally comes out.) I was thrilled to finally be able to set the date for my Pedway tour, and so excited to finally meet Margaret.

Yesterday I drove into the city (or, as Jim refers to it when it has to do with an activity I’m attending, “Happytown”), parked in the Millennium Park garage, and scurried on foot to the starting point of the Chicago Elevated Pedway tour, 40 E. Lake Street (right around the corner from the Chicago Theater and the ABC7 studio). Meeting Margaret was like meeting an old friend: hugs, big smiles, and instant warmth. There were two others going on the tour with us, and after quick introductions Margaret started the tour by telling us a little bit about what to expect as we walked through the various corridors of the Pedway, including sights and smells. (By the way, the Wednesday tour is the “locals/commuters” tour. It’s an hour long and is more utilitarian than the original tour, which is ninety minutes long and given on Tuesdays and Thursdays.)

I would never give you a play-by-play of the tour here, because really, if you’re local you should just contact Margaret and arrange for her to give you a tour so you can experience it for yourself. What I will say is that, even being a Chicago native, even after extensive Chicago research for my book, I learned SO MUCH in that hour yesterday. Margaret was funny, informative, smart, easy-going, and had answers to every question. It made me feel even prouder to be a Chicagoan, something you probably can’t imagine would be possible if you know me.

Margaret, who has spent hours and hours (days? months?) exploring the Pedway, told us that she has found every kind of business imaginable down there (stores, bars, restaurants, public transportation–there’s a Metra train station in there!–post office, Department of Motor Vehicles, Marriage Court…) EXCEPT for a religious institution. Amazing!

Let me share some pictures from the tour:

In the Thompson Center Pedway connection:

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In City Hall/the County Building:

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The ceiling mosaics feature the “Chicago Y” (click here to learn about that!)

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Shops, shops, and more shops…

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Even Macy’s Marshall Field (sorry, I still can’t make the transition) on State has Pedway access!

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Need to catch a train?

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I found the Pedway to be a fascinating place, more vibrant–and cleaner–than I expected. The hustle-bustle of it all was thrilling to experience. As we walked, I kept trying to orient myself, thinking, “Okay, WHICH building are we walking under, right now? Which street is this???” Margaret warned that the disjointed nature of the Pedway makes it hard to understand, something I totally got. I was completely disoriented, but plan to return in the future so I can put some time into figuring it out.

At the end of the hour, we got into an elevator and went up to the thirty-somethingth floor (I don’t even know!) of a hotel. Stepping out of the elevator, we were treated to one of the most hauntingly breathtaking views of Navy Pier I have ever seen.

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I appreciated the dramatic ending to our tour so much.

Margaret, thanks so much for a memorable afternoon! I’m looking forward to a lunch date and, of course, the Boys Town tour this summer!

If you are interested in learning more about Margaret and Chicago Elevated, click here. And if you decide to go on a tour? Let me know: I might join you!

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©2011 Suburban Scrawl

14 Comments

  • LceeL

    Cool stuff. I was aware of the Pedway – but I haven't been down there in years. Must go again. Next time – I go with you.

  • Megryansmom

    Hey, let's make it a threesome. I imagine they've cleaned it up a bit since I worked downtown in the 80's. It was a great way to get around in the winter.

  • DrLori71

    I did know the pedway existed but had no idea how big it was. It seemed like whenever we tried to use it, we would end up at a dead end or a part was closed. Of course that was the late 90's so maybe it has changed.
    Sounds like a really cool tour! Thanks for sharing it.

  • nuckingfutsmama

    Wow! Who knew?! So cool & now I totally wanna check this out! Thanks for sharing — loved all the pics!

  • @NYCPatty

    Very nice indeed! I love the picture at the end. Just gorgeous!
    Underneath Rockefeller there is something similar and you can go underground for a few blocks but nothing as extensive as this. Interesting indeed!

  • Jennifer

    Since my husband works downtown, I actually have heard about it but have never been through it. I can eat on my way through it right? Sign me up.

  • Michelle

    So cool! And ummm I only just now realized that it wasn't a Segway tour. Duh. I had no idea that was there either… I know Minneapolis does because we used it all the time nad it's elevated, but I'm so bummed I couldn't make it. *sigh*

  • seashore subjects

    Looks like you had a great time.
    And brought back memories of working in the city when I was pregnant with Teen, I loved those tunnels.