Morton Salt- 1325-1359 N. Elston

You can't miss the Morton Salt factory.  Something about it... Oh right, the 3-story tall letters.  This is one of the landmarks I always look for when I fly into Chicago.

Morton Salt has a long history in Chicago. The company which eventually became Morton Salt began here in 1848.  In 1889 a controlling interest was sold to Joy Morton, who changed the name to Joy Morton and Co.  In 1910 it became the Morton Salt Co.  You might recognize the name Morton from their philanthropic additions to the city.  Notably, the Morton wing of the Art Institute of Chicago.  Probably the Morton Arboretum too, now that I think about it.

Visit the Morton Salt website and see the different versions of the girl with the umbrella.

1400-1430 N. Elston- A.L.L Masonry Construction

A.L.L. Masonry Construction has been operating in Chicago and surrounding areas for over 50 years.  I was surprised to find more than 150 project photos on their website, including some of the more interesting schools and public buildings that have gone up in the last 15 years.  This includes the new gorilla house at Lincoln Park Zoo, which is pretty sharp.  Their material yard is on the other side of this building. 

This view actually caught my eye because of the trains.  No idea why they're there.  Union Pacific must own this little stretch of track and use it for storage.  Or maybe these are abandoned train cars dropped off in the middle of the night.