Every day I take the Metra Union Pacific North line from Rogers Park to Ogilvie Station and back. It's the best commute I've ever had. Twenty minutes each way. I can read, or doze, or stare out the window. The view from the train can't be found anywhere else. You go right through the city's backyard, including some very interesting industrial areas. I've always regretted that the windows have a heavy green tint. But last week I made an interesting discovery. If you take a photo and run it through an auto adjust filter the green disappears and (except for reflections) you've got a fairly decent reference photo.
So I thought I would put together a series of views from my commute. And maybe even from some other Metra lines.
The factory complex above was built in 1945, and was most recently part of Hayes Mechanical. Their website doesn't give this address, so maybe they've relocated. And there are never any cars in the parking lot.
At first I couldn't figure out why it was so appealing. But looking a bit closer it approximates an urban plaza. There are a variety of textures and materials and a pleasing sense of enclosure. It probably helps that it's paved with old gravel with grass growing up through it. But I keep imagining it with awnings and cafe tables. As if Chicago needs more of those.
