Pro-Union. Voting is now open for the Metropolitan Planning Council’s Activate Union Station contest, which seeks to find exciting new designs that will complement three underutilized spaces in the West Loop transportation center. The public can select their favorite of the 25 proposals for the spaces through Wednesday. A panel of judges will consider the public’s feedback when selecting the winners, which will be announced on Monday, Aug. 5. Visit activateunionstation.com to cast your vote.
Bocce, anyone? The city’s transformation of a vacant, city-owned lot at 1944 W. Crystal St. in Wicker Park into a neighborhood bocce ball court will be finished next week, according to DNAinfo Chicago. The city plans to lease the lot to the Wicker Park Bocce Club for $1 a year, and the club will be responsible for maintaining the space. The court will be open to the public.
Say what? Wrigleyville Alderman Tom Tunney (44th) on Wednesday declared that he would be “up the butt[s]” of both Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Ricketts family to ensure that all parties meet their obligations under plans for the Chicago Cubs’ $500 million Wrigley Field-area renovation. Naturally, Time Out Chicago superimposed the alderman’s heated commentary with a record from classic Chicago house music producer Mr. Fingers.
-Tom Butala