Block 37 Photo credit: Chicago History Museum
In 1989, the block bounded by State, Washington, Dearborn, and Randolph streets was mostly demolished as part of a controversial and long-delayed redevelopment plan driven by the City of Chicago — and opposed by preservationists. For the next 20 years, the block stood nearly vacant. Today, it has reemerged as a retail, office, and entertainment complex.
More than a place, the term “Block 37” came to symbolize a power struggle between preservationists and six mayors — including two Mayors Daley — over more than 30 years.
