Signfeud Update: This summer, a sign installed on Donald Trump’s Chicago tower was met with a heavy dose of criticism. The letters are roughly 20 feet tall, and face the city’s prominent riverfront. Chicago Tribune critic Blair Kamin was one of the strongest voices in the backlash, and was loud enough to incite a Trump response on Twitter, and even a segment on The Daily Show. In response to this sign, which Rahm Emanuel reportedly believes is “in very poor taste,” the Chicago mayor is expected to propose a new Chicago River Corridor Special Sign District, which would restrict on the materials, size, and location of building signs along the river. [Chicago Tribune]
Instagram of the Day:
Quote of the Day: “Besides, it’s the ‘Windy City’ and there’s nothing like doing this during winter in Chicago.” —acrobat Nik Wallenda plans to tightrope walk between Marina City’s east and west towers then across the Chicago River from the west tower to the Leo Burnett Building on Nov. 2. [Chicago Tribune]
Nik Wallenda to walk the wire between #Chicago skyscrapers http://t.co/UBS7aO07nL pic.twitter.com/CMpNj0vqkM
— Tribune Graphics (@ChiTribGraphics) September 16, 2014
Seven More Stories for Wednesday:
Critic Michael Kimmelman dissects the “9×18” proposal developed by fellows at the Institute for Public Architecture which leverages parking spaces into affordable housing in New York City. [The New York Times]
The Knight Foundation’s Knight Cities Challenge is offering $5 million to projects aimed at the success of cities. [Knight Foundation]
Musician Michael Diamond—better known as Mike D of the Beastie Boys—is now taking up home design. [The New York Times]
Late last month, founder of Kennett Square, Pa.–based Metalwërks Jean Scharr died at 85.
San Francisco is trying to “publicly shame” building owners to address violations to seismic safety codes. [Los Angeles Times]
Indoor air pollution kills more people each year than HIV/AIDS. [Vox]
How Bay Area Rapid Transit is redesigning its subway cars. [CityLab]
Step Up, Step Down:
Architecture columnist David Brussat is no longer at The Providence Journal, but will be writing on his blog, “Architecture Here and There.” [h/t James S. Russell]
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