Mayor Emanuel joined Choose Chicago in announcing 2012 visitation to Chicago returned to pre-recession and near record level totaling 46.2 million visitors to Chicago. The growth was fueled by a significant increase of 10.2 percent in overnight leisure visitation.

This month’s Then and Now highlights the first Ferris Wheel, the centerpiece of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Considered an engineering wonder, the Ferris wheel was meant not only to be a ride, but to demonstrate the technological mastery of American industry. Today, our Ferris Wheel stands on the equally famous Navy Pier that still attracts millions to Chicago each year.

Introducing the Gateway -- an experiment in placemaking from Chicago Loop Alliance. Located at the intersection of State and Wacker, the Gateway will transform an under-acknowledged public space with blue and red canopied tables and chairs, flowerboxes, trees, and banners, welcoming visitors to the Loop all summer long.