Alley of Wood

The blocks are back, returning the Gold Coast's famous wooden alley to its dignified, flammable self. In May, the old blocks were stripped away but, this being a National Historic Landmark, it was less vulnerable to a soulless paving job, like those that did in so many others. Located just south of North Ave, between Astor St. and State Pkwy, this fabled stretch is one of only a few remaining bits of the pre-fire wooden alley system that ran throughout town. Just re-opened to traffic, the neighborhood will convene in celebration Oct. 22 at 11am. [Crain's]