While I still don’t think it was the brightest idea to have the Macy*s Red Star replace Marshall Fields sheath of wheat, the inevitable reality is that State Street isn’t what it was, it never will be, and we must all move on. This is especially true now that Carson’s is leaving next spring. So in preparation for the “unveiling” of Macy’s on State Street (or is that Avenue?), they have begun to put up the new awnings that are a trademark of the building.

It is my understanding that Macy*s is going be mounting brass plaque’s with their name right above the historic Marshall Fields nameplates which are historically protected and cannot be removed.

The real question will be if Chicago will ever embrace the Red Star. While I can envision the carving up of the Carson’s Building into smaller retailers, I cannot imagine how horrible it would be to see the attempt at carving up the Marshall Fields Building into smaller retail spaces.

Unrelated but still interesting… Adding to the “You Are Beautiful” campaign atop the protected sidewalk across the street from Fields/Macy*s, are the words “You Are Beautiful” in several languages, done by local artists. You should check it out.

Oh, and congratulations Michael for the quote in today’s Tribune (sign up required).