Goodbye kitsch, hello class: River North continues transformation into modern, cosmopolitan neighborhood

A common-area space at River North’s Exhibit on Superior residential tower.

Remember the days when you could stroll past giant pizza slices, an orange-roofed Howard Johnson hotel and retro ’50s diners in Chicago’s River North neighborhood? Well, those days are ending.

High-end residential towers are replacing many of the kitchy establishments that once called River North home. It’s one more sign that this neighborhood — which still attracts the tourists, of course — is becoming more sophisticated. That’s good news for residents moving into all the new apartment towers: When they’re ready for shopping, eating or entertainment, they now have plenty of higher-end options. Continue reading “Goodbye kitsch, hello class: River North continues transformation into modern, cosmopolitan neighborhood”