Desolate Michigan Avenue: A Look at the Boarded-Up Businesses Amidst the Pandemic

Desolate Michigan Avenue: A Look at the Boarded-Up Businesses Amidst the Pandemic

Step-by-Step Guide on How Michigan Avenue Was Boarded Up

Michigan Avenue, often referred to as the Magnificent Mile, is one of Chicago’s most famous and treasured shopping destinations. Lined with high-end fashion retailers, luxurious hotels, and fine dining establishments scattered throughout the area; the street attracts millions of visitors every year. However, these times are unprecedented as people worldwide have started protesting against police brutality and racism after the death of George Floyd.

The existing calm on Michigan Avenue was disrupted by the rampant protests that swept across America in recent months. The peaceful protesters converged on Michigan Ave. condemning racial injustice but things quickly escalated into chaos with looting and destruction of property. As a result, businesses along the Mag Mile were forced to make quick decisions on how to safeguard their properties from looters and vandals.

The best solution for most business owners was boarding up their stores with plywood planks over all storefront windows and doors. Boarding up serves as a deterrent – making it difficult for an angry mob to enter commercial establishments while also offering much-needed protection for employees and customers inside.

So how did this massive undertaking come about? Here’s a step-by-step guide on How Michigan Avenue Was Boarded Up:

Step One: Assessment
The first stage involved assessing vulnerability-the possibilities of an impending danger looming in that stretch from Grand River to Oak Street Beach- which later prompted store owners to start thinking about how they can protect their businesses.

Step Two: Preparing Materials
Once an assessment had been completed outlining what would be needed to cover storefronts effectively; materials such as plywoods were purchased or procured from distributors. Plywood sheets usually come in 4’x8′ dimension which needs teamwork amongst individuals focusing adequately when cutting using table saws since mis-measurements can mess up entire panels leading more wastage

Step Three: Measuring Windows/Doors
After acquiring pieces of plywood now comes time measuring window sizes – usually measured by width & height (Inches). The measurements are accurately taken to ensure that the plywood seamlessly fits against the wall surface and fully covers every window edge, making it difficult for looters to pry off boards.

Step Four: Attaching Plywood
Now it’s time for attaching the prepared plywood. Once all cuttings are made with precise-measurements, teams head out to buildings and attach them securely using drill machines or a hammer and nails provided by suppliers who deliver in cases of high demand.

Once they finish nailing each piece set into place on windows/doors’ edges; store owners also need to come in and add a coat of paint over them, giving them an aesthetic look that is not too loud from afar but still noticeable even amidst other boarded-up stores.

In conclusion, boarding up Michigan Avenue was a massive undertaking – one that required businesses owners working together with contractors, carpenters alongside hardware suppliers altogether to reach completion in record time. The process was not only done with a most successful outcome but also showed how Chicagoans can unite despite dividing issues like racism and police brutality.

Michigan Avenue Boarded Up: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

The recent riots and civil unrest in Chicago have led many businesses along Michigan Avenue to board up their storefronts to protect against potential damage. While the boarded up windows may be a stark reminder of the current state of our city, it’s important to understand the reasoning behind these measures. In this blog post, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about why Michigan Avenue is boarded up.

Why are businesses boarding up their storefronts?

In response to protests, looting, and property damage that has occurred in other cities across the country, many stores on Michigan Avenue are taking precautionary measures to protect their property. These precautions include boarding up windows and reinforcing doors.

Is there a curfew in effect?

Yes, there is currently a curfew in effect for Chicago from 9 pm-6 am until further notice. The curfew applies only to non-essential travel activities such as sightseeing or visiting bars and restaurants. Residents can still go out during those hours for essential activities such as medical care, grocery shopping, or work.

Are protests still happening on Michigan Avenue?

Protests have been occurring throughout the city over the past few days but have mostly been peaceful gatherings. However, there have also been incidents of violence and vandalism towards police officers and private property. It’s important to stay informed about any planned demonstrations by checking local news sources.

When will things return to normal?

It’s difficult to predict when things will return completely back to normal in Chicago; however, it’s important for business owners and residents alike to remain vigilant during these uncertain times. Staying informed and following guidance from authorities will help keep everyone safe.

What can I do to support local businesses during this time?

It’s more important than ever right now that we support our local businesses during this time of uncertainty. One way you can show your support is by ordering takeout or delivery from restaurants that are still operating. You could also purchase gift cards or merchandise from your favorite local shops and stores. Every little bit helps during tough times like these.

In conclusion, the boarded up storefronts on Michigan Avenue are a necessary precaution in response to recent events. While it may be disheartening to see our city in this state, it’s important that we remain hopeful and continue to support each other. As we look towards a future where things will hopefully return back to normal, let’s remember to stay informed, stay safe, and stay connected with our community.

Top 5 Facts You Need to Know About Michigan Avenue Being Boarded Up

As COVID-19 continues to impact cities across the globe, Chicago is no exception. In an effort to prevent further damage during recent protests and riots, businesses along Michigan Avenue have boarded up their storefronts. While it’s easy to assume that there’s nothing else to say about these plain plywood barricades, here are five facts you need to know about Michigan Avenue being boarded up:

1. It’s not the first time Michigan Avenue was boarded up

While it might seem like a novel occurrence given the current climate, this isn’t the first time Michigan Ave has been boarded up. During previous national events such as political conventions or 9/11, many businesses closed their doors and took similar precautions.

2. The boards aren’t just for protection

The boards covering storefront windows aren’t solely for protection; they’re also a space for creative expression. Many businesses have turned their plywood barriers into public art installations that offer messages of hope, support, and unity in response to recent events.

3. Boarding up can have unintended consequences

Though boarding up may be necessary to protect businesses from looting or vandalism during times of unrest, taking this action can actually harm already marginalized communities further. For example, if buildings are boarded up in low-income neighborhoods already struggling with crime and poverty, residents could face even more difficulty accessing essential goods and services.

4. There are practical implications to choosing wood over metal

Clients who decide on wood instead of metal needn’t worry concerning whether or not the material will hold within the occasion of a storm or different pure disaster—plywood is sturdy and dependable when properly put in! It’s additionally comparatively light-weight which makes it simpler for set up groups.

5. The impact goes beyond just aesthetics

While many people may see board-ups as an eyesore, they actually have a trickle-down effect on various industries including construction companies & vendors providing materials like wood and hardware that often experience substancial surges in business during these times.

Overall, the boarding up of storefronts on Michigan Ave is far from just an aesthetic issue for the city of Chicago. The impacts and implications of this action reach far beyond what meets the eye. But amid all these complexities, one thing can be certain: art and creative expression have played a critical role in bringing hope, support and unity to these uncertain times.

The Impact of Michigan Avenue’s Boarded-Up Stores on Local Businesses

If you have taken a stroll down Michigan Avenue recently, you may have noticed that some of its most iconic stores are boarded up with plywood walls. This isn’t just an eyesore – it’s having a significant impact on local businesses.

For those unfamiliar with Michigan Avenue, it is one of the most famous shopping districts in the world. It is home to luxurious stores and boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Neiman Marcus. However, over the past few months, many of these high-end stores have been forced to board up their windows due to escalating civil unrest in downtown Chicago.

While the boarded-up stores may prevent vandalism and looting, they also create a feeling of unease and discomfort for shoppers. Customers often feel less inclined to visit boarded-up shops because they appear closed or out-of-business. Local eateries and small businesses that rely on foot traffic from bustling streets like Michigan Avenue are feeling the brunt of these negative side effects.

The impact is especially severe for independent retailers or restaurants whose customers can only walk to get there. Without regular patrons passing by their storefronts on busy days or evenings, many businesses face financial uncertainty.

This isn’t just about mom-and-pop storefronts either! The large luxury chains affected will be more financially equipped to weather the temporary storm than small businesses that cater primarily to local clientele without massive advertising budgets.

In addition to impacting sales figures at individual outlets along Michigan Ave., diminishing consumer confidence has also trickled down into other areas revolving around retail business. Business owners who provide goods or services geared towards tourists could potentially suffer even greater losses than those relying on locals alone; no-one wants their product gathering dust simply due to fear-fueled consumer behavior shift caused by cultural turbulence emanating from placid territories thousands of miles away!

As we enter another holiday season where families gather together and exchange gifts while enjoying all that Chicago has to offer through its hospitality industry–it remains to be seen if we’ll surpass these setbacks from this past summer. Ultimately, it will depend on our ability to come together and focus on community over divisiveness.

In conclusion, while the boarded-up stores on Michigan Avenue may feel like a temporary solution in times of crisis, their presence is creating long-lasting consequences for local businesses. If we can find ways to show support to small businesses that reflect the character and charm of our neighborhoods–it could put them in a better position to not only survive but thrive through any adverse conditions thrown our way once retail business returns in full force along iconic avenues across America!

Exploring the Reasons Behind Michigan Avenue’s Boarding Up Decisions

Michigan Avenue is a popular shopping district that attracts millions of tourists every year. With luxury boutiques, restaurants, and iconic landmarks like the Chicago Water Tower, Michigan Avenue captures the essence of life in the Windy City. However, lately, there has been a notable shift towards boarded-up storefronts on this beloved strip. The question remains: what are the reasons behind these decisions to board up shop?

The primary reason for stores located on Michigan Avenue boarding up their storefront is due to safety concerns. In recent years, Chicago has seen an increase in crime rates affecting businesses on this famous street. According to ABC 7 Chicago news reports, there were multiple instances of looting and vandalism in downtown areas during civil unrest in 2020. As many shops were damaged during these events, business owners decided it was crucial to protect their property by boarding up doors and windows.

Additionally, given that Michigan Avenue tends to attract high-end retailers and boutique shops with expensive merchandise – Boarding up protects against theft and damage resulting from inclement weather conditions such as storms or hurricanes.

Another compelling reason for business owners choosing to board-up storefronts can be attributed to COVID-19; since the pandemic began-a lot of Companies feel that lesser foot traffic comes with enhanced security problems-thus resorts to protect against unexpected occurrences- including theft or burglary attempts.

Overall, it is essential to note that Michigan Avenue is still a desirable location despite these trends towards boarded-up walls& enhances public safety as well as provide an assurance over store merchandise protection for diverse stores within the vicinity— ultimately showcasing why People love visiting this famous destination!

What’s Next for Michigan Avenue Now That It is Boarded Up?

As the world grapples with the unprecedented reality of a global pandemic, it’s evident that nothing is unaffected – not even our beloved Michigan Avenue. Once bustling with tourists and locals alike, the iconic street now stands boarded up and empty, seemingly signaling an uncertain future for Chicago’s most famous thoroughfare. However, let’s dig a little deeper and explore what exactly is next for Michigan Avenue now that it is boarded up.

First things first, why is Michigan Avenue boarded up? The simple answer is that it’s a precautionary measure taken in response to protests against police brutality that occurred across the city following the death of George Floyd. While these protests were largely peaceful, some did result in looting and property damage, including broken windows and theft. To prevent further damage or violence from occurring, many businesses decided to board up their storefronts as a preventative measure.

Now onto what’s next – the good news? It seems like life on Michigan Avenue won’t be stalled forever. As stores begin to reopen after months of Covid-19 shutdowns, we can expect to see boards coming down gradually over time. That being said, it may take some time for all businesses to feel comfortable doing so – especially considering ongoing concerns around secondary waves of protests or unrest.

In terms of how this will impact tourism on Michigan Avenue, there are mixed predictions. On one hand, visitors may be hesitant or even scared away by images of boarded-up streets and storefronts – opting instead for places that feel safer or more welcoming. On the other hand, people may feel drawn towards Chicago as they look for ways to support businesses struggling during such tumultuous times.

Regardless of what happens next for Michigan Avenue specifically (and for Chicago as a whole), there are certainly lessons to be learned from recent events around the world. Whether it’s ongoing conversations around race relations, discussions about policing practices or questions about business continuity planning amid civil unrest – there are important conversations to be had as we move forward.

Ultimately, the fate of Michigan Avenue rests in our collective hands – and it’ll take all of us working together to ensure that this iconic street remains a symbol of strength, resilience and hope for years to come. So let’s roll up our sleeves, get creative and find ways to make Michigan Avenue an even better place than it was before.

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