Columbia College Buys Johnson Publishing Building on Michigan

Johnson Publishing Company has announced that they've sold their building headquarters at 820 S. Michigan Ave. to Columbia College Chicago. The publishing company's most famous publications include Jet and Ebony magazines.

Johnson Publishing has been at 820 S. Michigan Ave. since 1972

Although the exact cost of the sale has not been revealed, it is estimated to be in the neighborhood of $8 million. Johnson Publishing plans on leasing the building for 18 months before moving elsewhere. Like many publishers, Johnson has gone through a period of downsizing and restructuring.

Around the South Loop: The Day After the Big Wind

The empty building just south of Trevi Square is boarded up after high winds knocked out the windows yesterday

Close-up of workman boarding up the empty building

I'm glad I wasn't in a Smart car yesterday.

A street light on the ground at 1601 S. Michigan

Construction continues on the new school foundation at Old St. Mary's

Strong Wind Damages Building on S. Michigan Ave.

Chicago Winds
If you were outside yesterday or today, you know it's windy out there. The evidence of the blustery days is all around us: stray garbage cans, leaves blowing into building lobbies every time a door is opened, and flowers on my balcony...that aren't mine!

Walking around the city today, I noticed the winds weren't keeping folks inside. State St. was as busy as normal as was the rest of the city. Getting closer to home I spotted a building in the 1500 block of S. Michigan Ave., that had been boarded up for years, was damaged by the strong winds. The front window was smashed in, breaking the glass and twisting the metal framing. Check out the pictures and video below to see the damage.

The view of the damaged building from the west side of S. Michigan Ave.

Shoppers were out in force along State St. in spite of the high winds today.

Pizza Night with a Twist at South Loop Wine Cellar

What's more American than Friday pizza night?
South Loop Wine Cellar at 1442 S. Michigan Ave. is hosting a wine and pizza pairing this evening (October 22) from 7-9 p.m. The cost for this event is $10 per person. Pizzas courtesy of Doreen's Gourmet Frozen Pizza. Each pizza will be paired with a different wine. Wines and Pizzas will be available for purchase.

To learn more about South Loop Wine Cellar, visit their Web site. To read an article on owner/proprietor Amy Garman, click here.