Train of thought

Each time we drive down Michigan Avenue through Corktown, we on the Abandoned Structure Squad are intrigued by a particularly quaint building that appears to qualify as a candidate for this space. What could it have been? we wondered. Some sort of office building, maybe. It’s certainly big enough. It has the aura of something else, but we can’t quite figure it out. Whatever it was, we at team ASS feel that it would make a lovely four-star hotel. We can see it now: a red carpet for visiting dignitaries, bellhops in red velvet carrying Louis Vuitton luggage, foreign maids smiling pleasantly as they leave mints on the pillows. Perhaps a small designer clothing boutique near the entrance. It wouldn’t take much. A little dusting, some elbow grease, several thousand hard workers and a few million dollars, and this little beauty could be shipshape in no time. The only problem is the windows. Whoever did that is just downright inconsiderate.