The magnificent 1.23-kilometer Chicago Mile is recognized as one of the most prestigious areas of the city. This is the stretch from Michigan Avenue in the central part of the metropolis, which stretches from the Chicago River to the beach on Oak Street. There are tourist attractions, banks, about 50 hotels, 300 restaurants and 500 shops.
History of creation
Chicago's Magnificent Mile is called the main trade corridor between the Loop business district and the Gold Coast area. After a fire in 1871, State Street in the Loop District became a retail center. Due to the convenient location and accessibility of public transport, the trade corridor began to develop.
The idea to create the Magnificent Chicago Mile is described in the city plan from 1909, but the project was implemented in the 1920s. The opening of the Michigan Avenue Bridge in 1920 led to the launch of a new commercial district. During this period, large shopping malls began to open. The Wrigley Building was built to attract the attention of buyers and businessmen. Then the attractions of the Drake Hotel, Tribune Tower and the InterContinental appeared. The reconstruction of the old buildings after the Second World War and the Great Depression was also carried out.
Short description
The area has been called the Magnificent Mile of Chicago since 1947, and it is a registered trademark of the Magnificent Mile Association, formerly known as Grand Avenue North Michigan. Various social events are held here. The Magnificent Chicago Mile is 1.23 kilometers long, and there are:
- The Chicago water Tower, built in 1869. It is believed that this is the only facility that survived the fire in 1871.
- The Drake Hotel, built in 1920, became widely known due to the fact that Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe and other celebrities who have fans all over the world stayed here.
- The IV Presbyterian Church is an architectural monument and an active temple, where free concerts are organized once a week (on Friday).
- Chicago Fire Station No. 98 was built in 1902, it looks like a small castle.
- With a height of 344 meters, the John Hancock Center is considered one of the largest buildings in the world. On the 95th floor, you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner in the restaurant with glass observation walls and admire the views of the Magnificent Mile.
How to get
The Magnificent Chicago Mile can be reached by public transport – buses No3 will do., 65, 66, 146, 151, 157, The nearest metro station on the red and brown lines is Chicago. You can rent a car from a carsharing company in the city from the age of 21. A taxi ride is considered as an alternative.
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