Roosevelt Road Bridge, Chicago, originally uploaded by barst.

Roosevelt Road is one of my favorite walks in Chicago. It combines the old gritty industrial Chicago with a spectacular view of the skyline from the bridge over the south branch of the Chicago River.

Walking along Roosevelt Road, one also sees many other contrasts. There still are remnants of the old Jewish commercial district--mainly Manny's Delicatessen on Jefferson. More recently big box stores are opening on Roosevelt following the huge upscale housing explosion in the West and South Loop. Target opened a few years ago, Home Depot opened recently, and Whole Foods is following next month.