Where’s the beef? That’s an easy one - Chicago.

When people think of Chicago, they think “steak” - and with good reason. The city has been renowned for world class steakhouses for more than a century and a half. As early as the mid-1800’s, the Union Stock Yards was the meat processing center for the Midwest and West, home to such famous meat packing names as Armour and Swift. It’s no surprise that savory steak dinners could be found all over the City of Big Shoulders.

Today, the tradition continues stronger than ever. Here are a few of the steak restaurants Beal Properties heartily likes to recommend. The steaks are guaranteed to please, and you won’t walk away hungry. Read the rest of this entry »

Ever hear of Chicago Pizza And Oven Grinder Company?  When one thinks Chicago pizza the possibilities are endless!  While stuffed, pan and ultra thin varieties abound, no other establishment makes Pizza like CPOG.

Nestled in the heart of a Beal Properties favorite, Lincoln Park,  CPOG shouts superb pizza and whispers a bit of Chicago history.  Often when someone mentions Chicago a certain gangster comes to mind.  Across the street from Chicago Pizza Oven Grinder’s fine narrow three story Victorian brick home was the site of the bloody 1929 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.  It is even rumored that the house served as a look out post for hoodlum Valentine’s Day gunners! Read the rest of this entry »

Roscoe Village, a Beal Property neighborhood, is known for its village feel.  It has wonderful proximity to downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan.  You will find rows of postwar bungalows and two flats on heavy tree lined streets.  Look for Parisian style columns, funky shops and everything from gourmand to ethnic eclectic dining.  Community members appreciate the ability to walk to the local bakery, the quiet of the surroundings, and established stability and safety.  Beal Properties has found that Roscoe Village is a solid area to raise a family and kitchy enough to attract the young business professional, making the community a great mix. Read the rest of this entry »

Northwestern University’s main campus is situated in Evanston, Illinois, along the shore of Lake Michigan - one of the prettiest spots in the Beal Properties area of coverage. Although Northwestern has a spotless academic record, its athletic record is a little spotty, but not as poor as many people believe it to be.

In the 1970’s and ’80’s, the Northwestern Wildcats earned a reputation for futility because of its hapless football program. During this period the Wildcats set a record for most consecutive losses by a Division I-A football team - 34 in a row between 1979 and 1982. The football team hold a few other dubious records, including most points allowed and largest lead given up. It was thought by many that Northwestern should leave the Big Ten because it was hopelessly uncompetitive. Read the rest of this entry »

Sometimes called “The Harvard of the Midwest”, Northwestern University is a picturesque Big Ten university nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois - right in the heart of the Beal Properties area of operations.

Northwestern was founded way back in 1851. Today it is renowned for its academic excellence in a wide variety of disciplines, including journalism, law, medicine, the performing arts, economics, and education. The Kellogg School of Management is considered by some sources to be the best graduate business school in the U.S. Northwestern also has a Chicago campus, located in the Streeterville neighborhood, which is home to the university’s medical school and hospital. Read the rest of this entry »

Beal Properties has a large presence in Evanston, a thriving community north of the city of Chicago. Evanston goes all the way back to 1857, thanks partly to the 1854 founding of its landmark university, Northwestern. This Big Ten university offers a highly collaborative educational environment that exceeds traditional academic boundaries.

Historically, the town of Evanston argued on the side of the abolitionists, and later supported the prohibition movement. The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was founded in Evanston. The League of Woman’s Voters continues to have a vibrant presence in the community. Read the rest of this entry »

Lincoln Park is a famous Chicago neighborhood, just north of the city’s Magnificent Mile. The centerpiece of this great neighborhood is a Beal Properties favorite, the Lincoln Park Zoo. This world class zoo is the oldest free 365 day a year animal treasure trove in the country. Millions of visitors from around the world come not only to view the 80 different animal species and to enjoy its 1200 acres of natural beauty but also to be educated on the latest in animal conservation and science. Founded in 1868 the zoo is famous for its lovely historical structures, state of the art animal and visitor facilities and manageable attractions. Read the rest of this entry »

Chicago’s iconic treasure Buckingham Fountain is in the midst of a comprehensive $25 million restoration project. The 81 year old architectural marvel will be closed for an extended period, the longest in 15 years. One of the many repairs includes fixing the larger outer basin which currently leaks thousands of gallons of water a week.

The fountain, inspired by the gardens of Versailles, sits centrally in Grant Park, known affectionately as Chicago’s “front yard”. Formerly a dump for charred rubble after the Great Fire, the landfill became part of renowned architect Daniel D. Burnham’s vision for a formal landscape with museums. Stalled by the infamous Aaron Montgomery Ward, the Illinois Supreme Court voted for an open park instead. Read the rest of this entry »

Chicago is known worldwide as an architectural center. The city’s reputation includes being known as the birthplace of the skyscraper. What were Chicago’s tallest buildings through history? Beal Properties takes a look.

Since 1974, the Sears Tower has stood as Chicago’s tallest building. It stands 1,450 feet high, with 108 floors. Since its completion, the Sears Tower has been the tallest building in North America.

In 1973 the Aon Center, which was completed in that year, became the city’s tallest at 1,136 feet and 83 floors. It is located at 200 East Randolph Street and was originally called the Standard Oil Building.

From 1969 to 1973, John Hancock Tower reigned, at 1,127 feet and 100 floors. This majestic building continues to be one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions. Read the rest of this entry »

Now that the Chicago White Sox have joined the Chicago Cubs in the playoffs (for the first time in more than 100 years!), it seems an appropriate time to remember Comiskey Park, the most storied venue in Chicago sports behind Wrigley Field and Soldier Field.

Comiskey Park was built way back in 1910 by Charles Comiskey, a major figure in baseball history who owned the White Sox during the “Black Sox” scandal of 1919. Comiskey made up for it well enough and was later inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The ballpark, which stood on 35th Street and Sheffield Avenue, served as home to the South Siders until 1991, when it was torn down and replaced by a new park across the street. (The new park, U.S. Cellular Field, was actually called Comiskey Park until 2003.)

Although it underwent design changes from time to time, Comiskey Park was always a pitcher’s ballpark, with an outfield of generous proportions. White Sox teams of the past were usually defensive teams, known for deft fielding and precision hitting. Read the rest of this entry »