People are fascinated by the el, specifically by the experience of being under the el in the middle of the city. I admit to sharing this fascination, though I also like to imagine how much more beautiful downtown would be without the elevated—if, like all the other train lines, it were buried underground in this part of the city.
Be that as it may, the rusty old Loop isn’t going anywhere soon. So all of us chroniclers of Chicago can carry on with one of our favorite projects: trying to capture what it’s like being under the el. Go to any summer art fair and you’ll find entire booths filled with views of this kind. The el is fun and grabs us, let’s face it.
Here I messed with the perspective in Photoshop to heighten the sense of enclosure that occurs when you drive under the el.
Rob Moses says
I love that! I wish they had the train elevated downtown here!
Celia says
Rob–Thanks for commenting. I notice you are a Seattlite; I have some family there and visit there often.
Cheers,
Celia
Rob Moses says
Hey that’s awesome! Yes Seattle is a wonderful city. I miss it tons!
Celia says
Maybe blog about everyday Calgary? I have no idea what it’s like. . .
Harley says
I drive under the “L” every now and then and yup —it sure is rusty looking. Nice picture !
Celia says
Yes, some of it is VERY rusty; almost alarmingly so. I would love to take some pictures of the decrepit old LaSalle/Van Buren station but I have a feeling it isn’t allowed. . . . Thanks for the kind words.