Watching two grown men in a social media hissy fit over a building sign is actually a lot more amusing than one might think.
In this corner, Donald Trump, rich guy, who, in the view of one esteemed newspaper critic, has defiled our fine city by slapping his name on the side of his silvery, shiny building.
In the other corner, Blair Kamin, decorated architecture critic for the Chicago Tribune and defender of building aesthetics.
— chicago.cbslocal.com
11 Comments
I don't get the problem at all. Is it just because the sign says "Trump" ???
In fact I'd argue signage is and always has been a part of Chicago's most recognizable streetscapes.
a few no longer existing, but recognizable
and of course, the one replaced by Trump's building...
Trump isn't slapped on the building, its placed within a band of material that is not the glass facade.
It's slapped on, and could easily be removed. There are pictures pre-install without it and there is no empty spot waiting its installation.
The difference between the Trump sign and the others posted is that Trump's is pure ego, the rest are business names and corporate entities. And while some of them obviously derived from family names only Trump has made his ego a brand.
To take it a step further look at Trump's business history. He routinely bankrupts his co-investors, buying back their shares for pennies on the dollar. Just about every project he's ever done has gone bust at some point. It's part of his strategy. What a great thing to celebrate.
Wow, that B&O railroad building is awesome! I'll have to hunt down more pics of it. What was it replaced with, I wonder?
midlander you forgot the best ones - The Drake and Playboy.
That said, you have to laugh when an esteemed voice in architecture calls someone a "comb-over vulgarian". Hilarious.
I've walked past the Trump building last summer and I just felt meh... there is so much more interesting stuff in Chicago anyways, I am happy to see Trump decided not to add much.
Miles - its a symbol or the American can do you spirit! Fake capitalism at its finest. I had the same impression that Non had when I walked by. Still, it was placed not slapped.
tRump, the self-proclaimed self-made man, started with an inheritance estimated between $50-200 million. Born on the third base line just inches from home plate and the asshole thinks he hit a home run.
It was placed for maximum ego impact. I saw Trump leaving the old Plaza one quiet night. He was checking me out like I was supposed to be checking him out. Thank doG he hasn't come to the Hamptons. Probably too many guys here who would eat him for breakfast.
miles - people in the Hamptons actually have money. Trump don't.
^ Thanks Donna - can't believe I forgot those! Also the Tribune Tower.
Manta - it sadly was demolished for no compelling reason. The site - just north of Goldberg's River City complex - remains empty. Last year plans for a residential development were announced. Haven't heard more about that, but if Pappageorge/Hymes is still designing it you can be assured it will be uglier than an empty lot.
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