Stories from the 78

A former South Works steel site will be transformed into a state-of-the-art quantum computing campus. The 128-acre campus will be anchored by PsiQuantum, a Silicon Valley startup with ambitious plans to build the world’s largest quantum computer. PsiQuantum’s facility, spanning about 300,000 square feet, is expected to employ up to 150 people within five years. The U.S. Steel South Works plant, once a powerhouse of Chicago's industrial sector, operated from 1882 until its closure in 1992. At its peak, the plant employed around 20,000 workers and was a key player in the production of steel for various industries, including construction, automotive, and military. The plant's closure marked the end of an era for Chicago's steel industry, leaving behind a vast, unused industrial site. The centerpiece of the new project is a unique super-cold computing facility, replacing the blast furnaces that once defined the site. Quantum computers require parts to operate at extremely cold temperatures, near absolute zero, similar to the conditions of outer space. This necessitates large-scale supplies of helium and nitrogen, along with massive amounts of power and water, making the Chicago site an ideal location for PsiQuantum. This historic investment breathes new life into a neighborhood that has been underserved for years. It's been over 30 years since the site was last in use, and now, the people of Chicago's South Side have the opportunity to once again lead the world in technological advancements. This project adds to Chicago's legacy of world-changing events, from the first sustained nuclear reaction to the contributions of Fermilab, Argonne National Laboratory, and our prestigious universities. This is the moment Chicago has been waiting for. Cheers to a future where time travel seems possible!

MASHALLAH is a jewelry label and lifestyle store that specializes in meticulously designed and well-crafted products. Our mission is to curate essential yet elevated items that bring simple pleasures to the urban lifestyle. Nestled in the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood, our store is a beacon of positivity and light, expanding the MASHALLAH brand beyond just jewelry. Explore our collection and indulge in our expansive array of accessories, distinctive vintage clothing, home décor, spiritual products, paper goods, gifts, and more. MASHALLAH is the vision of designer Mashallah Ghouleh. Drawing from her international travels and experiences with a diverse clientele, she founded MASHALLAH in 2011 to fill the gap in women's wardrobes with versatile, beautifully crafted staples. As both a designer and collector of all things beautiful, her natural creative energy radiates through every product she creates.

Nestled in the heart of Chicago, the Palmer House Hilton stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant history and enduring charm. As one of the longest continually operating hotels in North America, the Palmer House has played host to countless notable figures and events, weaving itself into the very fabric of Chicago's cultural and social life. The Palmer House story begins in 1870, with a love-struck real estate magnate named Potter Palmer. As a wedding gift to his new bride, Bertha Honoré, Palmer built the original Palmer House. This luxurious hotel was a symbol of elegance and opulence, designed to be the pinnacle of hospitality. However, fate took a cruel turn. Just 13 days after its grand opening, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 swept through the city, reducing the Palmer House to ashes. Undeterred, Palmer immediately set to work rebuilding, determined to create an even grander hotel on the same site. In 1873, the new Palmer House opened its doors, becoming the first hotel in Chicago to be fireproof. With its state-of-the-art amenities, including electric lights, telephones, and elevators, the Palmer House quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest hotels in the country. The hotel’s stunning architecture, featuring French-inspired décor and a grand lobby adorned with intricate murals, became a hallmark of its allure. Bertha Palmer, an influential socialite and art patron, played a significant role in shaping the hotel’s aesthetic, ensuring it remained a beacon of sophistication and style. Over the decades, the Palmer House has hosted an array of illustrious guests, from U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries to celebrities and artists. Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, and Frank Sinatra are just a few of the famous names who have graced its halls. One of the most delightful chapters in the Palmer House’s history is the invention of the brownie. During the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, Bertha Palmer requested the hotel’s pastry chef create a dessert that was easier to eat than a pie but more elegant than a cookie, specifically to be included in boxed lunches for the fair's visitors. The result was the first-ever brownie, a chocolate confection that has since become a beloved treat around the world. In addition to its notable guests, the Palmer House has been the backdrop for significant historical events. During World War II, it served as a gathering place for military personnel and their families. The hotel also played a role in the 1968 Democratic National Convention, providing lodging for delegates and journalists during one of the most turbulent times in American political history. Today, the Palmer House Hilton continues to blend its rich history with modern luxury. The hotel’s recent renovations have preserved its historic charm while incorporating contemporary comforts. Visitors can still marvel at the magnificent lobby ceiling, designed by French muralist Louis Pierre Rigal, and enjoy the elegant ambiance that has captivated guests for over a century. [The Palmer House](https://www.palmerhousehiltonhotel.com/) also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, including the legendary Empire Room, which has hosted performances by entertainment giants such as Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. The hotel's Lockwood Restaurant & Bar offers a modern take on classic American cuisine, while the Potter’s Lounge provides a stylish setting for cocktails and conversation. As the Palmer House Hilton approaches its 150th anniversary, it remains a beloved Chicago landmark and a symbol of resilience, luxury, and timeless elegance. Its storied past and continued relevance make it a living testament to the city’s enduring spirit and rich cultural heritage. For visitors to Chicago, a stay at the Palmer House Hilton is more than just a hotel experience; it’s a journey through history, a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era, and a celebration of the city’s vibrant present. Whether for a night or a lifetime, the Palmer House promises an unforgettable experience steeped in the legacy of one of America’s most iconic hotels.

Attention all hop heads, the 2024 Bourbon County lineup has dropped! As the pioneers of the style, Goose Island Beer Co. continues to lead the bourbon barrel-aged stout category. This year's Bourbon County Brand Family builds on Goose Island’s legacy in barrel-aging, pushing the boundaries of their craft even further. Each brand in the 2024 lineup has its own distinct personality and voice, creating a unique exploration of grain and highlighting its importance in crafting exceptional beers. There's a beer for every type of drinker in this family, appealing to whiskey enthusiasts, flavor seekers, and veteran craft beer drinkers alike. **Check out the five variants this year:** * 2024 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout * 2024 Bourbon County Brand Vanilla Rye Stout * 2024 Bourbon County Brand Macaroon Stout * 2024 Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Barleywine * 2024 Bourbon County Brand Bardstown Cask Finish Stout Find more, [here.](https://www.instagram.com/p/C9ukA4ysv5c/)

This podcast episode covers several stories from Chicago, including the 48th anniversary of The Alley, a jewelry business turned punk store. It also discusses Kuma's Corner, a unique burger joint known for its heavy metal theme, and the Winnetka Music Festival, started by Val Heller of ValsList.com. The episode concludes with a mention of the Summer Camp Sketch Comedy Show and the I Am a Man mural in Bucktown Wicker Park. [Listen here](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wPdQ4U9e1quGRTon9avhh?si=VVF1OyYARnCYrARyBoRuZA).

Get out this weekend and enjoy the best weather of the summer! It's a perfect opportunity to explore our city and all the great neighborhoods, experiencing the true essence of Chicago through its arts, food, and culture. The Taste of River NortH is where you can savor the best culinary delights this trendy neighborhood has to offer. Set in one of Chicago’s hottest areas, this event is a must for food enthusiasts. **WHEN:** * Friday, July 19: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM * Saturday, July 20 & Sunday, July 21: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Visitors will enjoy three days of: **Great River North restaurants** * Live bands * Artists * Local merchants * Family fun area * Impressive architectural views * Chicago’s best party bands Expect delicious offerings from popular local restaurants including Lure Fishbar, Moe’s Cantina, Tree House Chicago, Hubbard Inn, Avli, Tzuco, Ummo, Ground Up Coffee, Joy District, La Grande Boucherie, and others. **Special Events:** **Wine Tasting:** * **Friday, July 19 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM** * **For $20, enjoy ten samples of international wines.** **Spirits Tasting:** * Saturday, July 20 & Sunday, July 21 * For $20, enjoy seven spirits samples. **Dog Parade:** * Saturday, July 20 at 11:00 AM * Bring your furry friend to the main stage for a chance to win prizes. **Kids Zone Hours:** * Friday: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM * Saturday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM * Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Click [here ](https://www.tasteofrivernorth.com/)for more information.

The Roscoe Village Burger Fest is back for its 17th sizzling year, and it promises to be the best one yet! This culinary and musical celebration features mouth-watering creations from eleven top-notch Chicago restaurants, live music, a kids’ zone, and a variety of arts and crafts vendors. In addition to an array of delectable Beyond patties and sides, visitors can enjoy two stages of eclectic music performances, a vibrant Kids' Zone with face painting, inflatables, games, arts & crafts, and kids' music. Plus, there will be unique artists and merchants showcasing their talents throughout the weekend. **This year's burger vendors include:** * **Reclaimed Bar & Restaurant** * **Byron’s Hot Dogs** * **Epic Burger** * **Fatso's Last Stand** * **Lola's Coney Island** * **Chicago Dog House** * **Reggie’s** * **Select Cut Steakhouse** * **The Stop Along** * **Bust Outs** * **Tandoor Char House** Each vendor will compete for the coveted “Critics' Choice” and “People’s Choice” Best Burger Awards! The Critics' Choice awards, judged by esteemed judges, will take place on Saturday, July 20 at 2 pm. Don't miss out on Chicago's [BEST PATTY PARTY](https://www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org/rv-burgerfest-2024)! Bring your appetite and get ready for a weekend of delicious food and fun!

Jess and John Feller are the husband-and-wife duo behind The Happy Hour Shop, the beloved storefront extension of their locally-operated business, Aged & Infused. Since 2016, they've been growing their alcohol infusion kit company right here in Chicago. Their passion for happy hour is evident. They've poured their hearts and souls into curating a beautiful selection of glassware, barware, and cocktail supplies to make your next happy hour special. This love is proudly displayed in the store, where each item is carefully curated by Jess and John during their weekly ritual of scouring the Midwest for the best vintage finds. Jess draws inspiration from her grandparents, who had a deep appreciation for vintage cocktail and glassware. "I just want a cozy and comfy space that reflects my love for these items," says Jess. As you explore the store, you'll find items made by local artists, carefully blended with vintage pieces and their signature cocktail kits. They also hope to offer cocktail-making classes soon, making it a truly unique space to not only shop but also learn and enjoy the [Happy Hour Shop](https://thehappyhourshop.com/)

The Blues Brothers era was a time when Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi were kings of pop culture. In a candid conversation with Daniel de Visé, we delved into the making of the Blues Brothers movie and the dynamic relationship between Dan and John. “They’re not going to catch us,” Dan Aykroyd as Elwood Blues tells his brother Jake, played by John Belushi. “We’re on a mission from God.” This iconic line opens the musical action comedy The Blues Brothers, which hit theatres on June 20, 1980. While their scripted mission was to save a local Chicago orphanage, Aykroyd, who conceived and wrote the film, had a greater mission: to honor the then-seemingly forgotten tradition of rhythm and blues. The film featured some of the greatest artists of the genre—Aretha Franklin, James Brown, John Lee Hooker, Cab Calloway, and Ray Charles—making it as unforgettable as its wild car chases. Though [The Blues Brothers](https://groveatlantic.com/book/the-blues-brothers/) was late, vastly over budget, and plagued by mercurial, oft-drugged-out stars, it opened to tepid reviews at best. However, in the 44 years since, it has been acknowledged as a classic: inducted into the National Film Registry for its cultural significance, declared a “Catholic classic” by the Church, and re-aired thousands of times on television to huge worldwide audiences. It is, undeniably, one of the most significant films of the 20th century. The story behind any classic is rich, but the saga behind The Blues Brothers is epic. Daniel de Visé reveals a narrative that encompasses the colorful childhoods of Belushi and Aykroyd, the comedic revolution sparked by Harvard’s Lampoon and Chicago’s Second City, the birth and anecdote-rich, drug-filled early years of Saturday Night Live—where the Blues Brothers were born as an act amidst turmoil and rivalry—and, of course, the indelible behind-the-scenes narrative of how the film was made, scene by memorable scene. Based on original research and dozens of interviews with key figures such as director John Landis, producer Bob Weiss, SNL creator Lorne Michaels, and Aykroyd himself, The Blues Brothers vividly portrays the creative geniuses behind modern comedy.