The real estate reporter who moonlights as a sexual history tour guide

Mary Schmich of the Chicago Tribune writes about Crain’s Chicago real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin, whose side job is leading a sexual history of Chicago walking tour.

Schmich writes, “Rodkin is a journalist who writes about residential real estate for Crain’s Chicago Business. Many of the tales he tells on his tour — with a circus master’s zest — were inspired by what he learned in years of reporting.

“One thing he has learned is that buildings are more than real estate. They contain hidden stories, vanished lives.

“Look at the Travelodge on East Harrison Street.

“Even if you’ve looked up and seen the bare-breasted terra cotta women on its facade, you probably didn’t know that Alfred Kinsey, the famous sexologist, stayed there during research trips that involved hanging out in gay bars on Rush Street.

“Look at the lot across from the Travelodge.

“It holds no hint of its former resident, a porn shop called Weird Harold’s.”

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