Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Day 3: 31 October 2012

Elegy to Ailanthus Altissima





As trees go, the Ailanthus Altissima, or tree-of-heaven, is not held in very high regard. They aren't as majestic as oaks or noble as elms; they lack the flashiness of maples. In fact, some people think of them as little more than weeds. But i like them: i like most things that can carve out a means of survival in the inhospitable concrete of the city (though i do draw the line at rats and squirrels). For years, i've admired this particular stand of Ailanthus as they clung to existence on a narrow embankment beside the L. They were there this morning, but gone by the end of the day. 

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Day 2: 30 October 2012




The electrical contractors arrived on site today. They removed the street lights and replaced them with ones with smaller armatures, clearing more overhead space for whatever massive pieces of equipment are yet to arrive.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Day 1: 29 October 2012

The CTA project to build a substation along the Red Line tracks between Pratt and Farwell officially began today with the ritual towing of cars and moving of dumpsters. The project is expected to last until  February 2014. My plan is to chronicle the progress of this project in photographs taken at or near the intersection of Glenwood and Farwell, so stay tuned.