architecure, culture, shopping
I'm always on the prowl for unusual happenings and earlier this week as I was emerging from my dentist's building 
in the Loop, I couldn't help noticing a giant rat being inflated right on the sidewalk in front of the Pittsfield Building at 55 W. Washington near Wabash.
There were some strikers there too so I asked one if the rat had some relation to their mission.
"Sure," he said, "there's demolition going on in the building and they're using non-union workers."
Not sure how to respond to that, I went across the street to take a picture. It's not clear to me who's the rat, the building management, its' tenant, the workers or all three. Mostly, I just loved the big rat there in such a public place.
You might want to stop by and take a look, especially if you're downtown anyway.
Be sure to check out the inside of the Pittsfield Building, a Chicago Landmark. The unusual five story lobby atrium is ablaze with elegant brasswork and marble. The building is Art Deco style and also includes Neo Gothic elements. It was designed by the noted architectural firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst and White and completed in 1927.
You never know when you might need to "rent a rat" or another inflatable creature but this one is from Big Sky Balloons and Searchlights in Plainfield. You can reach them at 800.769.8000 or at www.bigskyballoons.com. No price list there but plenty of ideas for the adventuresome advertiser or party giver. My personal favorite is the cockroach.
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