Tennis is one of the most globally widespread sports in existence. The men’s professional tour held tournaments in 31 countries in 2023, while the women’s tour visited 30 countries on six continents. The main tours combine for over 100 tournaments, in addition to lower-level tours and junior tennis events. However, one tournament stands out above all others as the most enduring, prestigious event in the sport.
The All-England Croquet Club was founded in 1868. A few years later, the new sport of tennis was introduced at the club. In 1877, the organization rebranded itself as the All-England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club and held the first Wimbledon tennis championships. The event has been held almost every year for nearly 150 years.
The US Open held its first event in 1881, making it the second-oldest tennis tournament in the world. The tournament has moved venues on several occasions, but has taken place in Flushing Meadows since 1978 and New York state since 1915. The oldest non-major (the Canadian Open) is also held in North America. Also established in 1881, the event is held in Montreal and Toronto every year.
The French Open, the European Open in Hamburg, and the Austrian Open in Kitzbühel were all established before 1900, as were the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Swiss Open. The Cincinnati Masters was first held in 1899, joining the US Open as one of the nine oldest tennis tournaments.
One proven multifamily real estate strategy is converting rental apartments into condominium units. This conversion process applies to any building where tenants reside in separate units, such as co-op buildings with tenant shareholders or attached row or townhouses. In urban environments like Chicago, condo conversions can extend to buildings initially zoned for commercial purposes. These structures are rezoned and rehabilitated to serve residential needs.
Condo deconversion has been a growing trend. This involves selling a building to a third party responsible for converting condos into apartments. The guidelines for these transactions are outlined in Section 15 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act, and they are organized as bulk transactions that require approval through a vote by the unit owners within the building’s governing association.
For a Section 15 sale to go through, the association must garner at least 75 percent approval from the owners of units. At the end of the deconversion process, the building is no longer operated by singular condo owners, as the purchaser owns it.
There are two pathways by which deconversions come to fruition. One is through an unsolicited offer by a purchaser or developer, and the other involves an association seeking an offer. Unsolicited offers typically come in the form of a letter of intent, which provides the general terms governing a potential purchase. Notably, this does not represent a binding offer or contract and is not an actual purchase agreement. This allows the association to vote on the proposal and reach a workable agreement.
Since 2017, Chicago has been at the forefront of large-scale deconversion projects, including the $60 million Century Tower condo apartment in the Loop and the $112 million property at 1400 N. Lake Shore Drive. Reasons for reconversions include increased home prices for single-person households and declining levels of homeownership among those of retirement age.
At the same time, higher interest rates and increasingly strict mortgage lending standards have made purchasing homes or condos more challenging for families seeking to enter the real estate market. This has increased the demand for rental units, particularly those located close to transportation and shopping amenities.
In historically significant areas like Chicago, many older buildings require extensive, expensive, and time-consuming repairs. When condo associations lack the necessary financial resources, they may face special municipal assessments related to deferred maintenance and essential capital improvements. Investors participating in deconversions can assist in covering these often substantial expenses imposed by local authorities.
For instance, a condominium dealing with a $140,000 special assessment may discover that accepting an attractive sales proposal is a practical choice. This enables them to offset the financial strain of maintenance and renovations, eliminating the need for the association to impose additional special assessments or secure substantial loans.
Given market fluctuations, unit owners may also find it challenging to sell their properties profitably, and deconversion can help recoup losses on unit sales. Investors and developers must carefully consider whether the major upkeep and repair needs of historic condo buildings make them viable deconversion candidates. One potential drawback of reconversions is that, for unit owners, it represents a loss of long-term investment gains for the short-term profit of a sale.
One of the most scenic itineraries in Europe is the Rhone Valley, which follows the contours created by France’s second-longest river. Originating at the Rhone Glacier in the Swiss canton of Valais in the Alps, the 504-mile Rhone River initially flows northwest to Lake Geneva. Exiting the lake at the southwest, it flows into France and joins with the Saone River near the city of Lyon. It then takes a southern course toward the Mediterranean Sea. At the city of Arles in the province of Provence, it branches into the Little Rhone and the Great Rhone, creating the Camargue delta region.
The Rhone River is distinct from the Rhine, which originates in Switzerland and runs through Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and France on its 765-mile journey northwest to Holland and the Atlantic Ocean. For the first leg of its journey, the Rhone is truly Alpine, as it flows through a massive trench that has cut between two of the highest ranges of the Alps.
The first village the river encounters is Oberwald, and it passes through the ancient burg of St. Maurice shortly before it exits the canton of Valais. Guarding the dramatic entrance of the Upper Rhone Valley, the town is situated on a relatively flat stretch of land between the river and rock face. It originally served as a Roman customs station and contains a castle and a historic abbey.
The town gained religious significance in the 4th century BCE when the martyred saint Maurice’s relics were transferred there. Exiting the town, the Rhone immediately flows through a narrow natural gateway strongly fortified over the centuries and drops into the wide alluvial plain that houses Lake Geneva.
Upon exiting Lake Geneva, the Rhone’s waters turn blue and slow-moving, though it speeds up as torrents from the Mont Blanc range join it. It runs through several narrow gorges along the southern spur of the Jura mountains before traveling freely westward through France to Lyon. Here, the Rhone Valley, one of Southeast France’s premier wine-growing regions, commences, with the river running 150 miles from Lyon to the Bouches-du-Rhone or the delta along the Mediterranean coast.
Fed by the water provided by the Rhone River, the valley has two distinct northern and southern viticultural sections. They are separated by a 25-mile stretch between Valance and Montelimar, where grapes are rarely grown. The smaller north section, known for appellations such as Cote Rotie and Hermitage, almost exclusively produces Syrah for red wines and Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier for whites.
The southern region, which is considered less prestigious, accounts for 95 percent of the valley’s wine production and boasts a much wider array of wine varietals. It includes the renowned Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation and is celebrated for its robust red and white wine blends.
This section of the Rhone has historical importance, as it connected traders in the central and eastern sections of Gaul, an important Roman province, with the Mediterranean. Goods were hauled by barge from Mediterranean ports up the river in a journey that took around three weeks. From medieval times to the 19th century, passengers would travel by “coches d’eau,” or water barges drawn by horses walking along the banks. Following World War II, 10 canal locks were constructed, and diesel-powered motor barges were introduced, making transportation much more efficient.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lyon is the third largest city in France and combines a lively gastronomic culture centered on local bistros and Beaujolais wine production.
Chicago, IL – July 12, 2023 – Robert Palley, a principal and founder of Granite Realty Partners , a Chicago-based real estate investment firm,(www.granitepartners.com), is thrilled to announce the successful restructuring of a distressed condominium property outside of Miami, Florida. This transformative project marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of the local area.
The condominium, once plagued by neglect and deferred maintenance, is now poised for a remarkable comeback. With over 120 units in disrepair and critical capital expenditure items exceeding two million dollars, the complex had been facing significant challenges. However, thanks to the unwavering commitment of Palley and his team, this “broken condominium” will soon be restored to its former quality condition, meeting modern standards and exceeding expectations.
The homeowners’ association (HOA) is ecstatic about the restructuring, as it offers a new lease on life for the entire complex. The comprehensive renovation plan will address long-standing issues, providing residents with improved living conditions and enhanced amenities. The revitalized condominium will offer a vibrant, modern community that residents can be proud to call home.
Robert Palley’s visionary approach and strong track record in real estate development played a pivotal role in securing the necessary resources for this project. Through his efforts, Palley successfully borrowed and raised over $15 million from a private lender and private investor. Their trust and confidence in the potential of the condominium contributed to the realization of this ambitious undertaking.
Impressively, the entire transaction was completed in less than six months, showcasing the exceptional organizational skills and efficiency of the development team. The project’s swift execution reflects Robert Palley’s commitment to delivering results promptly while ensuring the highest standards of quality.
“I am delighted to announce the successful restructuring of this condominium community,” said Robert Palley. “This project represents a significant step forward for the local area, and I am honored to have played a part in revitalizing this neighborhood. With the generous support of our lender and investor, we can now bring this complex up to modern standards and create a thriving, desirable living environment for all residents.”
About Robert Palley: Robert Palley is a highly respected developer and Founding Partner at Granite Realty Partners (www.granitepartners.com), a leading real estate development firm which he co-founded in 1998.With a wealth of experience and expertise, Palley has spearheaded numerous successful projects, revitalizing communities and leaving a lasting impact on the built environment.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most successful National Football League (NFL) franchises of all time. Following the 2022 NFL season, the Steelers were tied with the New England Patriots for most Super Bowl victories, at six. Pittsburgh has also excelled during the regular season. With 665 wins, the franchise ranks fourth all-time, though the teams ranked ahead of the Steelers have played significantly more games. The Steelers have won 13 or more games four times, plus six additional 12-win seasons.
The Steelers recorded two .500 records and one winning record during the team’s first 12 seasons in the NFL. After a 5-5-1 campaign in 1946, head coach Jock Sutherland led the 1947 team to an 8-4 record, a franchise win record that stood for 15 years.
Entering the 1972 season, Pittsburgh had recorded just five winning seasons. Head coach Chuck Noll’s fourth year with the team proved to be a turning point for the franchise. The team won nine of 10 games to close out an 11-3 season and advanced to the playoffs for just the second time, losing in the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship to the Miami Dolphins, 21-17.
The 1972 season was the first of five consecutive years with double-digit wins, including a 12-2 outing in 1975. The franchise set a new all-time win record in 1978, winning 14 of 16 games played. Pittsburgh opened the season on a seven-game winning streak. The team’s two losses had a combined margin of 10 points, while major victories included a 28-3 drubbing of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3 and a 31-7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6.
The franchise enjoyed its best regular season and playoff results under coach Noll during this period. From 1972 to 1979 the team went 88-27-1 during the regular season and won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1974 and 1975, and again in 1978 and 1979. Noll continued with the franchise for 12 seasons but only managed another double-digit win season in 1983.
Coach Bill Cowher led Pittsburgh to several strong regular season results, winning at least 10 games five times in six attempts from 1992 through 1997, including a 12-4 1994 season. An 11-win Steelers team reached the Super Bowl the following season but fell to the Dallas Cowboys by a score of 27-17.
The 2001 Pittsburgh Steelers team won 13 games, the franchise’s best regular-season result in over two decades. A strong defense powered the team to an AFC Championship showing.
Coach Cowher’s last few seasons with the team proved to be even more successful. After an underwhelming 6-10 effort in 2003, the 2004 squad began the year with a 24-21 win over the Oakland Raiders, followed by a 30-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. It proved the only defeat of the regular season for Pittsburgh, who closed out the year on a 14-game winning streak. A 33-30 win over the New York Giants in Week 15 was the team’s only single-score victory. The 15-1 Steelers scored a 20-17 overtime win over the Jets in the opening round of the playoffs but lost to the Patriots in the conference championship.
Pittsburgh won 11 regular-season games in 2005 and won the Super Bowl. A 12-win Steelers team won another championship in 2008. Four Steelers teams have won at least 12 games since then, including a 13-3 team in 2017.
A biennial golf tournament involving the best players from Europe and the United States, the Ryder Cup began in 1927 at the Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts. Since then, it has been held at different venues in the US and Europe and featured a variety of scoring formats. Europe won the most recent Ryder Cup, which took place at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Italy from September 29 to October 1, 2023.
Europe won the competition 16.5-11.5 thanks in large part to the play of Rory McIlroy, who earned four of a possible five points in his matches. The scoring format, which has been in place since 1979, featured three days of competition with two sets of four fourball and foursomes on the first two days and 12 singles matches on the final day.
McIlroy, in his seventh Ryder Cup appearance, beat Sam Burns 3 and 1 in head-to-head competition on Sunday. On Friday, he teamed with Tommy Fleetwood to beat Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay 2 and 1 and with Matt Fitzpatrick to beat Schauffele and Collin Morikawa 5 and 3. He and Fleetwood beat Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth 2 and 1 Saturday morning, while his lone defeat came with Fitzpatrick against Cantlay and Wyndham Clark Saturday afternoon.
McIlroy could have tied the match with Cantlay and Clark by making his putt on the 18th hole. While he missed the putt, the bigger story was the altercation he had with Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, whom McIlroy believed broke golf etiquette by celebrating too long and standing too close to his putting line. Video taken later that night showed a furious McIlroy being held back from LaCava, calling the behavior “[expletive] disgraceful.”
Europe swept Friday’s opening session to jump out to a 4-0 lead and the Americans, despite brief periods of hope on Sunday, were never truly in contention. Europe sealed the victory in the singles match between Fleetwood and Rickie Fowler. The American conceded a birdie to Fleetwood on the 16th hole after his drive sailed into the water. Fowler is now 1-8-5 in 14 career Ryder Cup matches outside of the US. Max Homa was one of the few bright spots for the US team, going 3-1-1 in his first Ryder Cup.
Despite the Ryder Cup taking place in Europe, captain Luke Donald, who selected the team’s 12 players, said that “not many people gave us a chance,” owing in large part to its performance two years ago at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. The Americans won that match 19-9, marking Europe’s most lopsided loss in the Ryder Cup. However, with their win in Italy, Europe has now won seven consecutive Ryder Cups on home soil, dating back to 1993 when the US won at The Belfry in England. Europe has also won 10 of the 14 Ryder Cups since 1995.
Nonetheless, the United States maintains an overall advantage in Ryder Cup victories since the event’s inception. However, in the modern era, which commenced in 1979, Europe has compiled a record of 12 wins, nine losses, and one tie. Before that, the event was contested between the top players in the US and the top players in Great Britain. The Bethpage Black Course in New York will host the 2025 Ryder Cup, while the event will return to Europe at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027.
Europe has long been considered the cradle of artistic expression, creativity, and cultural heritage. Europe’s capitals are renowned for their iconic museums housing everything from ancient art to Renaissance masterpieces and unique contemporary art. Embarking on a journey through Europe’s art capitals is a delightful adventure for art enthusiasts and history lovers.
The journey begins in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance. The Uffizi Gallery houses an exceptional collection of Renaissance art, including works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli, while the Accademia Gallery houses Michelangelo’s “David,” a true marvel of sculptural perfection. The city’s immersive artistic heritage is visible in its squares, bridges, and Renaissance buildings, including the imposing Duomo, designed by Brunelleschi.
Next on this journey is the enchanting City of Light, Paris. The French capital has been an artistic hub for centuries, attracting creatives from all over the world. The famous Louvre Museum houses an astonishing array of art, including the enigmatic smile of Leonardo’s “Mona Lisa.” The Musée d’Orsay showcases an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Finally, Paris boasts stunning architecture and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.
From France, it’s time to travel to Vienna, a city steeped in artistic elegance and grandeur. The opulent Belvedere Palace houses an impressive collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt’s golden masterpiece, “The Kiss.” Vienna’s artistic legacy extends to music, with the city being the home of composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Finally, the city’s baroque architecture creates a captivating backdrop for any art-focused exploration.
Next, travelers can head to Germany to visit the capital city of Berlin, which has a turbulent history reflected in its art. The East Side Gallery, a remaining segment of the Berlin Wall, serves as a canvas for vibrant murals and political expressions. The city’s Museum Island is home to world-class art collections, including the Pergamon Museum and the Alte Nationalgalerie. Finally, Berlin’s underground art scene and street art contribute to the city’s artistic allure.
The next destination is Amsterdam, a city renowned for its vibrant art scene and rich cultural heritage. The Van Gogh Museum pays homage to the iconic Dutch artist, featuring an extensive collection of his works. The Rijksmuseum showcases Dutch Golden Age paintings, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. In addition, Amsterdam’s charming canals and historic buildings offer a unique setting in which to discover the city’s creative spirit.
This artistic journey continues in London, a melting pot of creativity and culture. Tate Modern is a global icon of contemporary art, showcasing works by prominent artists like Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. The British Museum is an architectural marvel that houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts from ancient and contemporary civilizations. Wandering around the streets of London, visitors can spot iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and the imposing St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Back in the Mediterranean area, Madrid is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, home to some of the world’s finest art galleries. The Prado Museum houses an exquisite collection of European art, including works by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch. The Centro de Arte Reina Sofia displays Spain’s contemporary art, with Picasso’s iconic masterpiece “Guernica” taking center stage. Furthermore, travelers can stroll through the delightful Parque de El Retiro and wonder at the city’s majestic squares.
The art-based journey ends back in Italy, because no trip through Europe would be complete without a stop in Rome, which is a living museum of human history with awe-inspiring architecture and ancient wonders. The Vatican Museums house an extensive art collection, including Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Galleria Borghese is home to a display of paintings and sculptures, including iconic works by Antonio Canova. Finally, visitors can explore the ruins of the Roman Forum and marvel at the iconic Colosseum, a testament to Roman grandeur.
Europe’s art capitals offer an immersive experience into the diverse and evolving world of art. From classical masterpieces to disruptive, political street art, each city leaves an enduring impression on visitors. Embarking on this artistic journey through Europe allows travelers to witness the evolution of artistic expression and discover the continent’s cultural heritage.
