The City that Works? by CoreyBlack
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Description
A short way from Mayor Daley's spit-polished-tourist-trap downtown lies the rest of Chicago: a strange paradox of overpriced, generic looking new construction (a bewildering number of condominium complexes that have completely changed the landscape and character of entire neighborhoods) butting up against well-worn architectural gems and a seriously decaying infrastructure in desperate need of repair. The attitude of the Daley Political Machine seems to be much akin to the Wizard of Oz: dazzle people with a swanky downtown and zillions of flowers planted everywhere, and maybe they won't notice that the city is falling apart around its own ankles. We have some of the highest, and most draconian taxes in America for some of the worst roads, schools, and basic city services around. You have to wonder where all that money is going.
This crumbling, Howard/Red Line train viaduct is at Catalpa Avenue, in the Edgewater neighborhood, and was photographed on April 27th, 2009.
Comments (14)
West_coaster07
Very nice!!
ragouc
Cool POV
artaddict2
interesting shot, great textures and colours. the people add much more to the composition, Bravo!
evs69
Interesting, as I've only ever been aware of the swanky downtown (I've never visited Chicago), but I expect all cities have a story such as this one. Am I right in thinking this viaduct at Catalpa Avenue is actually IN USE? In this state? Scary stuff indeed :(
thecytron
Stunning clarity and details!
beachzz
Boy, that's so true of so many cities, isn't it? Polish what is seen most, and god forbid anyone should see the REAL deal. This is a great shot for so many reasons. Great work!!!
durleybeachbum
Fascinating to read what you say, so true of so many places. A really interesting composition from a purely ascetic point of view, too.
MrsRatbag
Beautiful urban decay...I know it's sad, but it's lovely in its own way...great capture!
auntietk
What a great capture! I agree with Denise ... it has its own beauty. The composition is wonderful - you found the perfect place to stand!
Chipka
The textures are fantastic and the gritty underside of the city really comes through here. Chicago has long been billed as "the city that works" but my question has always been: "What does it work on?" Self improvement doesn't seem to be its focus, nor does the pursuit of authenticity. I have to say though, that I love scenes of urban decay like this, and in the case of Chicago, it's an interesting peek into the city's psyche as decay is the only way that this city gains any character these days. Funny how personality and decrepitude have become so interlinked, but considering the inarticulate mass of senile dementia in City Hall, it's no wonder. Great photograph! That annoying municipal yellow actually looks like a real color, rather than pigmented resin secreted from the hind-quarters of the Chicago Political Machine, as it lumbers on many-jointed-legs inserting its ovipositor in interesting areas and laying eggs that hatch into shopping malls.
Markintosh
Great composition.
e-brink
Fabulous location - great shot.
mblackhill
I love this shot. I love your commentary. The aging of a city adds to its character and flavor.
yons
Are you sure you are speaking about Chicago? It sounds exactly like my City Melbourne Australia. Same oh same oh problems my friend welcome to the modern age. Oh loved the photo by the way.