Today In The Culture, March 8, 2023: Hulu Kills “Devil In The White City” | Competition to Address Housing’s Missing Middle | Indiana University Northwest Censured

300 North LaSalle/Rendering: Irvine Company

DESIGN

David Chipperfield Is 2023 Pritzker Prize Laureate

Architecture’s highest honor, the Pritzker Architecture Prize, has named David Alan Chipperfield laureate of its 2023 edition, reports ArchDaily. “‘Embracing the preexisting, designing and intervening in dialogue with time and place,’ while creating ‘structures able to last, physically and culturally,'” as the official statement says, David Chipperfield is the fifty-second winner of the award founded in 1979. The Forty-Fifth Pritzker Prize ceremony will be held in Athens, Greece in May. More here.

Forty-Two Architecture Firms Advance In “Missing Middle Infill” Housing Competition

The Chicago Architecture Center is inviting Chicago residents to an exhibition to view and provide feedback on reimagined housing typologies by forty-two local and national architecture firms that have advanced to Phase Two of the Come Home Initiative. “Come Home is a design competition and wealth-building initiative that supports missing middle density infill housing in the neighborhoods of Auburn Gresham, Bronzeville, East Garfield Park, Englewood, Humboldt Park and Woodlawn,” CAC relays. The exhibition is at the Chicago Architecture Center until March 26. (Dwell has a look at some submissions here.)

“Chicago is at the forefront of housing design for twenty-first century living,” Eleanor Esser Gorski, CEO of the Chicago Architecture Center says in a release. “Whether it’s the return to multi-generational housing or the rise of the gig economy and micro-mobility, the way people live has evolved—and housing must evolve with it.” “Missing middle density” housing “can be defined in some circumstances as vacant lot gaps that are missing density in residential blocks like other parts of an urban environment. It can also refer to the middle class, which has been squeezed out of some parts of the city. With an increase in density comes a diversity of housing choices with potential to jumpstart generational wealth through home ownership.” More here.

Plan Submitted For New State Flag

“State Senator Doris Turner wants to take a closer look at the Illinois flag. She has introduced a plan to create a commission to develop a new design,” reports NPR Illinois. “After more than a hundred years of the same design, I think it’s time to rework it,” the Springfield rep says. “I’d like to see us take a community approach to create a new design for Illinois’ official state flag.”

Lime Launches Equity And Safety Focus And Gen4 E-Scooters

Lime returned to Chicago in 2022 with more than 575,000 e-scooter rides by nearly 11,000 unique riders, the company relays in a release. “As always, Lime’s program in Chicago focuses its program on safety, proper riding and parking, and equitable service for all Chicagoans, especially those on the South and West sides. Lime has announced that it became the first micromobility operator to post a full profitable year in 2022 and looks forward to leveraging that global success to build an even better shared e-scooter program for Chicago.” More here.

300 North LaSalle Set For $30 Million Investment

Irvine Company has unveiled a nearly $30 million reinvestment plan for 300 North LaSalle, the sixty-story riverfront tower. Plans call for a three-story lobby modernization “with premium finishes and digital media elements, upscale indoor-outdoor customer terrace connected to the Riverwalk, day-to- night dining experiences, inviting craft coffee bar and walk-up bar, high-end fitness studio, hospitality-level conference center and other experiences for customers and visitors.” The investment will take advantage of the location on the north bank of the Chicago River and its panoramic views. “The plans piqued the interest of leading private equity firm GTCR and legendary Chicago Cut Steakhouse. Both signed long-term lease extensions and expansions. Chicago brokers expect strong continued demand for 300 North LaSalle.” More here.

Forty-Six-Story, 593-Unit High-Rise Proposed At 1300 West Lake

“A Chicago developer has proposed a forty-six-story apartment tower in the Fulton Market District, adding to the swelling pipeline of multifamily projects” in the area, reports Crain’s. “Loukas Development wants to build the 593-unit high-rise at 1300 West Lake, currently the home of the Peoria Packing butcher shop… Designed by bKL Architecture, the building would include a sawtooth glass facade on its upper floors and large public plaza at ground level along Elizabeth Street.”

Ford Files Patent For Self-Repossessing Car

First submitted in 2021, a patent, not yet approved, titled “Systems and Methods to Repossess a Vehicle,” was published last week by the U.S. Patent Office, reports Futurism.com. “Ford envisions it being capable of outright disabling different functions in your vehicle, dispensed as increasing tiers of forewarning punishment. First, it could nix your power windows and lock you out of parts of your infotainment system. If that still doesn’t get your attention, you’ll next lose your air conditioning and the ability to automatically lock and unlock doors… If your car has autonomous driving capabilities, Ford’s system could drive your car away to a different location without even informing you, to avoid [using] repo men.”

DINING & DRINKING

Yardbird Pairs With Knob Creek For Bourbon Dinner

Yardbird has announced a Bourbon Dinner Series featuring an evening of bourbon and cuisine. A multi-course dinner will be paired with spirits and cocktails highlighting the Knob Creek portfolio. The exclusive dining event will also give guests a sneak peek into the launch of Yardbird’s own barrel-aged bourbon in partnership with Jim Beam. The Chicago menu will include Skillet Seared Jumbo Scallops with Edamame, Hominy, Pear, Onion, Umami Sage Broth, paired with Brown Derby-Knob Creek Rye, Grapefruit, Thyme; and Stuffed Crispy Yardbird Fried Chicken with Foie Gras, Sunchokes, Celeriac, Pickled Mustard Seed Jus paired with a Knob Creek Old Fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel, Orange Bitters). The April 19 evening features the four-course dinner and bourbon pairing for $140 per person. Tickets here.

Chicken Vaccinations Afoot

“The largest outbreak of avian influenza in U.S. history has driven up egg prices and raised concerns about a human pandemic, though CDC experts say the risk of that is low,” reports the New York Times. “The Biden administration, keeping a watchful eye on an outbreak of avian influenza that has led to the deaths of tens of millions of chickens and is driving up the cost of eggs—not to mention raising the frightening specter of a human pandemic—is contemplating a mass vaccination campaign for poultry.”

Bernie Sanders Proposes That Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz Is Not Above A Subpoena

Senator Bernie Sanders has set a Wednesday vote to compel Howard Schultz, billionaire Starbucks chief executive, to testify in front of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, reports the New York Times. “Starbucks had declined an invitation in February for him to testify about his violation of federal labor law and defied congressional oversight inquiries, including by refusing requests for meetings and documents.”

Sueños And Diego On Grand Get Interior Demolition Permits

“Interior demolition permits have been issued as the first step in a double-restaurant renovation at 1235 West Grand,” reports YIMBY Chicago. Chef Stephen Sandoval plans to open Sueños and Diego at the site. “Sueños will be a fine-dining restaurant, while Diego will be a more casual eatery. The architect of the project [is] Chicago-based architect Luis Martinez.”

New Craft Breweries Seek Established Destinations

Last year saw 600 brewery openings, but 250 closings, reports Ryan Ori at CoStar. This year is expected to have the lowest number of openings in a decade. New brewers are going where “people are already gathering, rather than trying to create a standalone destination.” In Chicago, “Guinness plans just its second U.S. brewery in one of the country’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, the Fulton Market District. Less than two miles north… Goose Island Beer is set to move from its original brewpub location in Lincoln Park to a new riverfront concert venue as part of the redevelopment of a Morton Salt warehouse.” North of Chicago, “Leinenkugel is opening a new brewery within the home of the MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers.”

FILM & TELEVISION

Hulu Kills “Devil In The White City”

“‘Devil in the White City’ is officially dead at Hulu,” writes the Hollywood Reporter. “The Disney-backed streamer is no longer moving forward with the limited series that had been in… development for more than a decade.” Another Disney entity, ABC Signature, hopes to still co-produce the Chicago-set series with another corporation with deep pockets. A Jeremy Allen White-starring version is still possible, after the 2022 passing of a Keanu Reeves-Todd Field apparition.

MEDIA

National Critics Institute Taking 2023 Applications

The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center is accepting applications for the National Critics Institute–”the nation’s only program designed for working arts writers and critics to strengthen their skills in an increasingly competitive and fast-paced industry.” Led by director Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune and associate director Naveen Kumar, the program offers a broad course of study for writers with varying levels of experience. Accepted applicants will participate in workshops from July 5–16, taught by a faculty composed of leading arts and cultural writers. “Participants will write about performances viewed both on and off the O’Neill’s campus and will receive in-depth writing critiques and individualized feedback on their work. The O’Neill strives to fully support all attendees at the 2023 National Critics Institute, for which there is no charge for accommodation, meals, tickets or internal travel during the institute and workshops. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from campus at the start and end of the program.” Applications are due by Thursday, March 16 here.

MUSIC

United Center Hosts Lionel Richie And Earth, Wind & Fire

Tickets go on sale to the general public for Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire at United Center here.

Illinois Philharmonic Adds To Board of Directors

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra has added Roosevelt Griffin III Ed. D. to their board of directors. More on Griffin here.

STAGE

Steppenwolf Celebrates Forty-Seven Years With Old Post Office Gala

The Steppenwolf 2023 Gala will mark forty-seven years of theater from the company. Emceed by ensemble member Gary Cole, this year’s celebration takes place on Saturday, May 13 at The Old Post Office. “The unforgettable evening begins with a unique opportunity to mingle with ensemble members and artists during a festive cocktail reception,” Steppenwolf relays. “The party continues with a gourmet seated dinner and live auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences with Steppenwolf’s artists. Party into the night with dancing to the beats of DJ Rae Chardonnay and an after-hours lounge. Longtime Steppenwolf supporters Bruce Sagan and Bette Cerf Hill will be honored by Eric and Liz Lefkofsky.” Steppenwolf Theatre co-Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis say, “As ensemble members, the gala is one of our most treasured nights of the year. It’s the one night when we get to gather as an artistic family alongside our greatest supporters to celebrate the past and dream about our future.” Single tickets start at $1,500 and tables for the 2023 Gala are available from Steppenwolf’s Special Events Department at (312) 654-5632 or email.

ARTS & CULTURE & ETC.

Over A Million Illinois Facebook Users Getting Second Check From Settlement

“A second payment of $30.61 was issued beginning February 28 to everyone who cashed their initial $397 settlement check last year in the [biometric privacy settlement] class action lawsuit. The supplemental distribution represents more than $43 million left over in the settlement fund after nearly 110,000 Illinois class members filed a claim but did not cash the first check,” reports the Trib.

AAUP National Council Censures Indiana University Northwest 

The governing Council of the American Association of University Professors voted unanimously to add Indiana University Northwest to the Association’s list of censured administrations. The censure comes just over one month after the publication of an AAUP investigative report on the dismissal of Dr. Mark McPhail, a tenured professor of communication at the school. “The investigating committee found that, in acting against McPhail, the administration disregarded AAUP-supported standards of academic due process. The AAUP investigating committee deemed ‘implausible’ the charge that McPhail had made violent threats, and it found ‘highly credible’ McPhail’s allegation that the administration’s actions were prompted by his criticism of the administration’s handling of racial equity issues and therefore violated his academic freedom. The committee further concluded that conditions for academic governance at the institution are unsound and its racial climate is unwelcoming to faculty members of color. With respect to that climate, the committee noted that McPhail had regularly highlighted racial inequity on the IUN campus and that the criticisms and charges against him employed racial stereotypes of Black men as incompetent, angry and violent.” The initial report is here. The full report is here.

Alzheimer’s Crisis In Native Country

“Alzheimer’s is on the rise across all Americans over sixty-five, with one in nine people in that age [group] living with the disease, a total of over six million people,” reports the New Republic. “But for American Indian and Alaska Native populations—who are more predisposed to Alzheimer’s and dementia than White and Asian populations—Alzheimer’s is growing exponentially, with at least one in three elders predicted to develop the disease.”

New York Mayor: Anti-Shoplifting, Pro-COVID

New York’s mercurial mayor, Eric Adams, calling into WINS 1010, sets a further counterexample for governance of a major city: Adams says it’s more important to him to “help cut down on retail crime” than to protect against exposure to COVID in the ongoing pandemic. “We are putting out a clear call to all of our shops, do not allow people to enter the store without taking off their face mask. And then once they’re inside, they can continue to wear it if they so desire to do so. But we need to use the technology we have available to identify those shoplifters and those who are committing serious crimes. When you see these mask-wearing people, oftentimes it’s not about being fearful of the pandemic, it’s fearful of the police catching them for their deeds, and we’re really putting the call out. But we also brought together all of our major stores to sit down and talk about some safety measures that we’re going to put in place in partnership with them to zero in on this national phenomena of shoplifting taking place in our country and city.”

Is The Four-Day Workweek Coming?

“Researchers at Boston College, think tank Autonomy, and Oxford and Cambridge Universities just wrapped up the largest research study that put the question, [Could you actually work less and be just as productive?], to the test, with sixty-one companies and 2,900 employees in the United Kingdom participating in a pilot program for a four-day workweek,” reports Fast Company. “More than a third of employees reported feeling less stressed, forty-eight percent were more satisfied with work, forty-six percent had less fatigue, forty percent got better sleep, and seventy-one percent felt less workplace burnout.”

California Will Not Do Business With Walgreens

California Governor Newsom posts, “California won’t be doing business with Walgreens—or any company that cowers to the extremists and puts women’s lives at risk. We’re done.” CNN reports that Walgreens refuses to dispense the abortion medication mifepristone in twenty states, “bowing to pressure from anti-abortion lawmakers and lawsuits targeting the legality of medication abortion.”

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