On a blustery February day in 1922, the Wells Street Bridge officially opened, a mechanical marvel connecting Chicago’s Near North Side to “The Loop.” The Wells Street Bridge isn’t just any bridge. It’s a double-decker giant, with cars and pedestrians flowing on the lower level, while the rumble of the CTA’s Brown and Purple Line trains echoes from above. This bridge replaced an earlier swing bridge, but the city, fueled by the ambitious Chicago Plan, wanted something grander. Architect E. H. Bennett, with input from the Chicago Plan Commission and the Chicago Art Commission, designed a bridge that was both functional and beautiful. The Wells Street Bridge, standing east of the Franklin Street Bridge and southeast of the Merchandise Mart, boasts a double-leaf bascule design. Imagine the two massive leaves of the bridge rising, allowing boats to pass on the Chicago River below. This intricate dance of engineering was made possible by bridge tenders housed in small structures on the northwest and southeast corners of the bridge. In 2012, the Wells Street Bridge underwent a major reconstruction. This wasn’t a simple patch-up job. The two leaves were actually built off-site and then floated down the river to be installed. The central sections, housing the counterweights, were rebuilt in place. This meticulous process allowed the bridge to remain partially operational during the reconstruction, minimizing disruption to the bustling city. The Wells Street Bridge stands today as a testament to Chicago’s ingenuity and its commitment to progress. It’s a vital artery of the city, a symbol of connection, and a reminder of the ambitious spirit that shaped Chicago’s skyline.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to