Eco Chic City Guide: CHICAGO
JAN / FEB 2011: ISSUE 15
Chicago is known for unmatched vintage art deco design, the indie at heart, political fervor and now a green mission that offers a multitude of eco-friendly options to tickle your hearts desires. Less than five years ago, the city set forth an Environmental Action Agenda that has not only raised awareness on a tremendous scale, but also the attention of the eco chic in the way of unique and artistic expressions in lodging, dining, shopping and more. Join us as we explore the ever romantic Windy City and find out that eco-consciability can be an affair to remember...
STAY
theWit
At the epicenter of the Chicago loop, theWit exercises intelligence in its use of our environment. Building materials were sourced responsibly and recycling practices were employed during construction. Eco-friendly soaps and personal care products await guests in their luxe baths. One of the most innovative features is the lighting, designed by one of Chicago’s premier design firms. The building’s striking architecture allows newbie, theWit, to sit center-stage against the art deco design of Chicago.**
201 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60601
Ph. 312.467.0200
Hotel Allegro
Hotel Allegro brings you to all the glamour of the famed Chicago theater district, starting with the historic 2500-seat Cadillac Theater, an Art Deco gem housed in the same building as the luxury hotel. Hotel management adheres to a standard for the lodging industry known as GS-33, which encompasses almost 30 environmentally responsible components required by a hotel. The GS-33 ensures a hotel is Green Seal Certified, making the Hotel Allegro beautiful in more ways than one.**
171 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601
Ph. 312.236.0123
Hotel Monaco
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Hotel Monaco is in the Loop business district and just steps from North Michigan Avenue shopping and the popular Millennium Park. A former hat factory on the banks of the Chicago River, the transformed Hotel Monaco draws guests in and surrounds them with all manner of stimulations. Hotel Monaco also holds one of the nation’s 37 Green Seal certifications, meaning excellence in eco standards.**
225 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60601
Ph. 312.960.8500
Hotel Burnham
Hotel Burnham is the essence of a Chicago boutique hotel. The unique establishment brings to life old world elegance with a contemporary sensibility. Situated in Chicago’s Reliance Building, the Hotel Burnham offers luxury accommodations and architectural grandeur. Designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and built in 1895, the Reliance Building was the predecessor to the modern skyscraper. More than a century later, vivid mosaic floors, red marble walls and filigreed elevator grills replicate the original building..**
1 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Ph. 312.782.1111
Hotel Felix
The Hotel Felix presents an upscale and intimate experience with inspiring natural elements. In the works is a very promising “Green Roof” project. Design inside of the building is a sleek and simple elegance, while the exterior is an example of Chicago vintage architecture. Hotel Felix sits in the North Loop, where one can experience the Chicago Loop Bridges for romantically picturesque daytime or midnight strolls. The Miracle Mile is one block away, providing shopping as more than just an option.**
111 W. Huron St. Chicago, IL. 60654
Ph. 312.447.3440
WRITTEN BY
Nikki Lin, Chicago Editor
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Courtesy of Featured Company
SHOP
Grasshopper 510
Color is measured on a wavelength in units called nanometers, and 510 represents the measurement in nanometers for the color green. Combine the 510 with the symbolism of a grasshopper--prosperity, wisdom and a leap of faith-- and you’ve got a name that speaks to the environmental movement. Accessories and handbags, as well as countless gift items and luxury home goods are all made of recycled, organic, sustainable, natural, vintage or repurposed materials.**
1944 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
Ph: 773.292.0510
Vintage Underground
Vintage Underground is 3,500 square feet of vintage jewelry, clothing, antiques and collectibles, custom steampunk jewelry and accessories and other unique finds. Located in the fashionable Wicker Park area literally underground, those in the know peruse a mind-boggling selection in a wide price range. Vintage Underground specializes in costume jewelry and carries a huge number of styles from the mid to late 20th century. Vintage art deco style jewelery is prevalent. **
1834 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Ph: 773.252.4559
www.chicagovintageunderground.com
Greenheart
Greenheart is Chicago’s premier eco-fair trade non-profit shop, carrying both fair trade and eco friendly products. Those in the neighborhood consider themselves lucky to have a resource that enables a greener lifestyle. One can find a variety of goods including recycled accessories and handbags, home goods, gourmet treats, glassware, jewelry, personal care, and more. Greenheart believes consumers have the power to affect a positive world change by supporting sustainable and fair business practices.**
1911 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622
Ph: 312.264.1625
EAT
Bistro Campagne
Bistro Campagne is a warm and friendly neighborhood restaurant in the tradition of a true French bistro. It is the food, however, that is at the heart of a great bistro, and Chef Michael Altenberg offers a seasonally changing menu of classic bistro fare that is based on the best ingredients he can find. Bistro Campagne is committed to the use of organic foods and strongly supports the sustainable, low impact agriculture movement. Favorite dishes are the Côte de Porc and Gâteau au Crabe.**
4518 N. Lincoln. Ave., Chicago, IL. 60625
Ph. 773.271.6100
Bleeding Heart Bakery
The Bleeding Heart Bakery provides amazing and thought provoking pastry that is as delicious as it is beautiful and cutting edge. With their punk baker chic, owners Michelle and Vinny have been featured on several television shows. The baked goods are so exceptional they eventually acquired their own show on TLC. Recommendations are Cake Balls (actually a recycled food item, made to stop waste of cake tops and scraps) and also the Veruca Salt Cupcake.**
1955 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago, IL 60657
Ph. 773.327.6943
www.thebleedingheartbakery.com
Uncommon Ground
For over 20 years, the Chicago eco-classic Uncommon Ground has thrived in the Wrigleyville area while the new Edgewater location boasts the country’s first certified organic rooftop farm. The 2500 square foot deck is made from post-consumer recycled materials. While both restaurants are supplied by the farm year-round they also use seasonal, locally produced, family farmed & organic products whenever possible. Must have dishes include sweet potato fries that come with a goat cheese fondue and also the “Winter Omelet”.**
800 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL. 60613. Ph.
773.929.3680 (Wrigleyville)
1401 W. Devon Ave. Chicago, IL 60660
773.465.9814(Edgewater)
Trattoria No.10
Housed in Chicago’s theater district in a historical landmark building, Trattoria No. 10 pairs fine Chicago Italian cuisine with eco-consciability. The restaurant has achieved environmental certifications through the Green Restaurant Association and the Green Chicago Restaurant Co-op, both of which are standardizing green businesses. Popular items are the Butternut and Acorn Squash Ravioli with sweet walnut butter sauce and their Ravioli filled with asparagus tips and aged provolone cheese with a sundried tomato sauce.**
10 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL. 60602
Ph. 312.984.1718
INDULGE
Studio Within
Studio Within is an eco-friendly salon and spa that provides a soothing atmosphere and award winning salon services. Facial services are of considerable repute at Studio Within, amongst their many featured menu items. Green efforts include use of energy and water efficient methods, use of organic products including color line and interior décor as well as a program to donate all hair that is cut to produce oil spill mats.**
1834 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Ph: 773.252.4559
Allyu Spa
Allyu Spa is a sustainably built and consciously operated luxury day spa in the Rivernorth area of Chicago. Allyu (i-yu) is the Quechua word for community, representing their commitment to the unique and evolving needs of clientele and the earth. In addition to state-of-the-art spa resources, Allyu also offers wellness workshops and other community resources. Allyu incorporates indigineous South American healing practices into Western wellness, in an eco-friendly environement.**
600 W. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
Ph: 312.755.1313
Salon Echo
The concept sustaining Salon Echo is the result of 30 years of experience in beauty and wellness by its artistic director, Maria Sigman. Amongst spa services such as facials, massage and hair care; Salon Echo also offers resources for Reconnective Healing as well proving that beauty comes from within. Products, services and the facility itself help people look, feel and be better in fundamental and meaningful ways. Salon Echo strives to accomplish these goals in ways that are harmonious with the environment.**
1134 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Ph: 773.989.2358
Blueberry Moon
Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park’s Halsted Street Shopping District, Blueberry Moon’s atmosphere is a relaxing blend of original pieces of Chicago Architecture, eco-friendly raw materials along with salvaged antique elements. All treatments and products are Aveda- based. Most recommended treatments are facials and body care, in addition to Pea in a Pod services for expecting mothers.**
2108 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614
Ph: 773.529.3333
The Circle Salon
The Circle Salon selects some of the industry’s finest eco-friendly styling products and tools to introduce to their clients. When building out the salon, all building materials were either salvaged or contained recycled content, all paints used were low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). The Circle Salon staff are many and well experienced in the needs of all clients, offering versatile options in hair styling and salon treatments.**
2135 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622
Ph: 773.715.1026
EXPLORE
The Art Institute of Chicago
The world reknowned Art Institute of Chicago houses both a museum as well as a highly competitive art school. Housing more than 300,000 works of art one finds themselves wandering in awe along silent corridors of some of the most classic pieces of our time. Some notable works on display are Seurat’s Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, Hopper’s Nighthawks, Toulouse-Latrec’s At The Moulin Rouge and one of our favorites, Caillebotte’s Paris Street; Rainy Day.**
111 South Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60603
Ph: 312.443.3600
The Field Museum of Natural History
Located just off of Lake Shore Drive next to Lake Michigan in Campus Park, The Field Museum of Natural History is one of the landmarks of science and knowledge that Chicago is famous for. In exploring the museum, one can expect to encounter Sue the Dinosaur, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex currently known to man (fierce). We also recommend the Grainger Hall of Gems which features a large collection of diamonds and gems from around the world.**
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL. 60605
Ph: 312.922.9410
Millenium Park
One of the newest attractions in Chicago is the Millenium Park, located at the Northwest side of the infamous Grant Park just off of Michigan Ave. The park has quickly become the quintescential location for public artwork displays, free musical entertainment through the summer months as well as ice skating in the winters. The centerpiece of Millenium Park is the Jay Pritzker bandshell designed by Chicago architect Frank Ghery.
201 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601
Ph: 312.742.1168
GETTING AROUND
Cycling in Chicago
Since the advent of the bicycle in the 1860’s, Chicago has been distinguished as one of the premiere cycling locations with such public cycling destinations as Grant Park, Burnham Park and the Chicago Park District’s 34-mile Lakefront Trail which has become a way of Chicago life for residents and visitors alike. Chicago’s Mayor Richard M. Daley made it his goal to see to it that Chicago would become the most bicycle friendly city in the US. **
Walking & Public Transportation
Chicago is an extremely vertical city with its innumerous skyscrapers. To properly experience this city one can rely on a far-reaching public transportation system as well as easy to navigate streets. Taking a walking tour of the city provides the visitor with time to notice every delicate nuance of the city’s architecture and it’s many hidden gems. Venturing about on the CTA system’s “El” Trains is like feeling and listening to the heartbeat of the city. **
City Segway Tours
Growing in popularity, City Segway Tours are perfect for the city of Chicago. Chicago Segway tours as well as private tours are available. Perhaps the most fun place to ride your segway is along the City of Chicago’s beautiful lakefront.**
http://citysegwaytours.com/chicago
Zipcar
Due to the city’s easy to travel subway system many residents have latched onto the occasional Zipcar rental in more of a routine manner. Because of high demand, Zipcar locations are virtually everywhere throughout the city if you want to explore a little further outside of the beaten path.**
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