Ian

Architectural Tour Guide on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan; 23; lifelong Chicagoan; lives in the Rogers Park Neighborhood

What neighborhood do you live in?

I live in West Rogers Park. It’s one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. Warren Park, where I frequently go running, has groups of Hispanics, Africans, Eastern Europeans, Indian & Pakistanis, all enjoying outdoor leisure activities.

What is your favorite thing about Chicago?
In my time as a tour guide, I’ve become more and more fascinated with the diversity of architecture in Chicago. The 1871 Great Chicago Fire really gave us a profound opportunity to revive our city and become a major center of architecture for the world, and I think we took full advantage of it. And to this day, the architecture in Chicago reflects that desire to constantly reinvent by looking both backwards and forwards. I also love the seasons.

What is your favorite place for hot dogs?
Superdawg

Favorite pizza place?
Pizanos

Favorite summertime activity?
Summer Solstice at the MCA, going running in the evening, Jazz and Blues Fest, and the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival.

Where can you find the best view of the Chicago skyline?
Lakeshore Drive, just north past the Museum Campus, returning home from out of town. Sometimes I request to come in to Chicago that way just to see that view.

Where do you like to bring visiting friends or out-of-town guests?
You can really see a lot of Chicago by going on an architectural boat tour on the river. But if they’re up for it, I like to take them to the shore of Lake Michigan, and walk either north towards Oak Street Beach or even jog to the Planetarium.

Favorite hidden spot?
The beach just around the bend of the jogging path circling the Adler Planetarium or the Art Institute gardens.