First off, Anthony was flexible when I glitched on my departure time. I appreciate his willingness to work it out with me.
I’m a solo traveler with an interest in history, architecture, art and baseball, and Anthony’s place was perfect for me. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Roloson townhouses are about a 3-minute walk in one direction, and Mies van der Roh’s influence reigns on the campus of Illinois Institute of Technology, about a 10-minute walk in the other direction — and near a stop on the CTA’s Green Line. White Sox Park is a few minutes farther, past IIT. And the 31st Street Beach and Burnham Park stretches a few blocks to the east, again, an easy walk away.
Most of all, visitors have a chance to soak up the history of Bronzeville, one of the historic capitals of African-American culture. On the Walk of Fame on King, you’ll see markers noting the lives and work of people from Mahalia Jackson to Langston Hughes, and throughout the neighborhood, you can see scattered markers, plaques and monuments that recognize the impact of Bronzeville’s citizens. (And who knew the tomb of Stephen A. Douglas is there?)
Anthony’s garden apartment is long, narrow and tastefully furnished, with a full kitchen. It’s just right for one person or a couple. And Anthony is close by and very communicative.
About the only negative is that there aren’t a lot of great choices for dining within easy walking distance, at least not that I found. A good grocery store and some fast food options are nearby.
All in all, I feel I struck gold with Anthony’s place, and I hope to visit again.