Ground zero of Sterling Bay’s massive (and still taxpayer-subsidized) development project and highly disputed future home of Chicago’s most inanely named neighborhood—Lincoln Yards (I suppose “Live Nation Green” was deemed too on the nose)—the Cortland Street Bridge (built in 1902) sports one of the most spectacularly destitute views on the city’s North Side, a landscape of rubble awaiting condos, gringo mescal bars and riverfront locations for fast casuals. The contest over this desecrated land is pure Chicago: corruption, racism and unions collide daily in an ongoing struggle of will against capital. The issues are complex, and seem to single-handedly pay Ben Joravsky’s rent. And while the view from this particular bridge may not inspire the pathos that the potential loss of The Hideout does, it feels like a sign o’ the times: another brick in the moat of local history. (Kevin Greene) Cortland Street between Mendell and Southport
