This is the Chicago Tribune printing and distribution center near the intersection of Chicago and Halsted. Enormous only begins to describe it. I have to admit that I'm fascinated by the strange decorative touches, including the half-round windows intended to suggest an arcade. And the strange wall above the loading docks which resembles a garage door. I expect the entire thing to roll up and down, although I'm sure there are offices behind those windows. Apparently you can take a tour of this place. I imagine the most exciting time would be really early in the morning, when the presses are in full motion.
I thought it might be interesting to have a bit more context for this sketches. In the lower left corner you can see my train line. The tracks to the right are for newspaper distrubution. I think. (Thanks Google Maps)
And this is roughly the same area shown in a Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from 1905. Interesting to see the change in scale, as well as the enormous reduction in train lines. There was also a north-south street called Putnam (later Union) which was eliminated at some point. Perhaps it was sold to the Tribune.
This used to be the C&NW Ry's long distance train yard, not needed after Amtrak's beginning in 1971.
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