Pete Rodriguez (Photo by David Aguirre)
During the early 2000s, Pete Rodriguez lived large in a former photography studio above the Cafe Jumping Bean, 1439 W. 18th St. in the heart of Pilsen. The three-story building with an aqua dome top was constructed in 1907.
Pete used the 18-foot skylight as a backdrop to photograph neighbors and Chicago cultural icons, including the late artist Carlos Cortez. Rodriguez was also a former Marine, house painter, contrarian, and colorful activist.
Many called him the “Mayor of 18th Street.”
Rodriguez died of a diabetic coma on July 6 in his upstairs apartment a block [...]
