Restoration Hardware

The home furnishings store Restoration Hardware recently opened it's Mid-Western flagship store in Chicago inside a historic building called the Three Arts Club. Featuring four floors and an outdoor roof-top deck, the building is an architectural gem and it was really wonderful walking around inside of it on a Sunday afternoon several weeks ago. The renovation included a restaurant inside an atrium, which set the tone of causal but elegant style that Restoration Hardware is trying to achieve. I found some of the placements of chandeliers over beds somewhat unusual and over-the-top, but overall the decor was tasteful and well designed.

Chicago Riverwalk

One of the best features downtown in city is the Chicago Riverwalk. A meandering pedestrian and bike path that goes from the mouth of the river, starting from Lake Michigan, heading west for several blocks. The city is working to expand the walk further, which will be fantastic for runners, dogs, and anyone who wants to go for a stroll. The Riverwalk is actually very close to my office so sometimes before work I like to sit on a bench in the morning to read or finish a crossword. At the mouth of the river is the 1989 Centennial Fountain that shoots a stream of water for about five minutes, every hour on the hour, over the expanse of the river. The Fountain commemorates one hundred years since the city reversed the flow of the water to address public water needs. Being so close to the water is relaxing and it I love how convenient it is to get to. The Riverwalk has many benches and fun alcoves for people to sit and have lunch and it's also wonderful to look at all the great architecture that surrounds the river.