Chicago Cultural Mile representatives and elected officials cut ribbon on new bronze signs on Michigan Avenue

CHICAGO, June 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Representatives from the Chicago Cultural Mile Association and elected officials announced the ribbon cutting of the two new bronze signs that have been placed on Michigan Avenue at Wacker and Roosevelt Road.  The new signage, on both ends of the Chicago Cultural Mile, spotlights one of the richest cultural, commercial and educational districts in the nation. The Chicago Cultural Mile is Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River south to Roosevelt Road, extending eastward to the Museum Campus. 

"As an association dedicated to raising awareness of the strengths of this unique part of Chicago, we couldn't be more thrilled that the beautiful signs bookending this great area are in place ," according to J.R. Davis, Chairman and President of the Chicago Cultural Mile Association.  "We are confident that the new signage will help raise a new awareness of this part of Michigan Avenue and the Museum Campus as the destination for art, culture and fun," he continued. 

"I couldn't be more pleased to help bring awareness to the Chicago Cultural Mile," said Alderman Robert Fioretti, (2^nd Ward) about his efforts to bring the signage to Michigan Avenue. "This stretch of Michigan Avenue is home to many of the country's most renowned institutions and parks, but in spite of its distinct features, it lacked a recognizable identity.  The installation of the official markers will help the Chicago Cultural Mile take a giant step towards becoming one of the premier tourist destinations in the city."

Alderman Brendan Reilly (42^nd Ward) congratulated the Chicago Cultural Mile for their work to recruit stakeholders along the Michigan Avenue corridor south of the Chicago River to join the organization and discussed his support for the Cultural Mile. "It has been a pleasure working with the Chicago Cultural Mile and their members to raise awareness of the many fantastic tourism attractions, retail opportunities and dining destinations on Michigan Avenue, south of the River.  There is a renewed sense of community spirit and collaboration along the Cultural Mile and I think that new energy will translate into a higher aesthetic for the corridor which residents, visitors and tourists are sure to notice and appreciate."

At the ribbon cutting ceremony, J.R. Davis also took the opportunity recognize Caryl Pucci Rettaliata and her brother Lawrence, who passed away in 2009.  "Caryl and Lawrence's high-end men's clothing store was the first tenant in the 333 N. Michigan Avenue Building, recognized as the cornerstone of the Chicago Cultural Mile," Davis said.  "Caryl and Lawrence Pucci spent their lives re-establishing the elegance and class to the Chicago Cultural Mile.  We are excited that Caryl was here today and that we have the opportunity to continue to implement her and Lawrence's vision for this community," he concluded.

For more information about the Chicago Cultural Mile Association and its programs and links to partner websites, please visit www.chicagoculturalmile.org.

Chicago Cultural Mile Association partner organizations include: American Rhythm Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Bobby's Bike Hike, Chicago Architecture Foundation, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library, Chicago Trolley and Double Decker, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, Choose Chicago, Chuck's, City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, The Cliff Dwellers, Columbia College Chicago, Community Media Workshop, Coulsons, The Field Museum, the Fine Arts Building Studios, Gene Siskel Film Center at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, Harris Theater at Millennium Park, Hilton Chicago, Hostelling International, Italian Village Restaurants, Mercat a la Planxa, Metropolitan Towers, Millennium Garages, Millennium Park, Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College, National Louis University, New Music School, Pritzker Military Library, Ossia Musical Forum, Park Grill Millennium Park, Skydeck Chicago, Social Policy Institute, Tesori, U.S. Equities Realty, Women's Business Development Center, World Chicago.                      

Contact:
John Pastuovic
312-925-9092 (cell)

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140617/119127

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140617/119128

SOURCE Chicago Cultural Mile Association