I love Chicago. It's one of the great cities. I'm crazy about the town. It reminds me of New York when it was at its best, the New York that used to be and is no more. I love the architecture, the old stuff and the new stuff.

Peter Falk’s quote, “I love Chicago. It's one of the great cities. I'm crazy about the town. It reminds me of New York when it was at its best, the New York that used to be and is no more. I love the architecture, the old stuff and the new stuff,” is a heartfelt tribute to Chicago’s enduring urban character and especially its rich architectural legacy. Falk, best known for his role as Lieutenant Columbo, expresses a nostalgic admiration for a city that, in his eyes, has preserved the spirit and vibrancy that once defined New York. His words celebrate the way Chicago has maintained a balance between history and progress, making it a living archive of American urban identity.

The origin of this sentiment is rooted in Falk’s experience as an actor who spent much of his career in and around major cities, particularly New York City, where he began his career in theater. Over time, as New York underwent extensive gentrification and commercial transformation, many felt it lost some of its grit, diversity, and architectural variety. In contrast, Falk saw Chicago as a city that still embraced its authenticity, offering a blend of cultural richness, architectural innovation, and urban energy that had once defined New York at its height.

Falk’s appreciation for architecture, both “old stuff and new stuff,” shows a recognition of the city’s diverse built environment—from historic buildings like the Rookery and Tribune Tower, to modern icons like the Aqua Tower and structures by Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe. His inclusive praise suggests a love for the continuity of the city’s visual language, where past and present coexist in a way that enhances the city’s character rather than erasing it.

Ultimately, Falk’s quote reflects more than admiration for a city—it’s an ode to the soul of place. In Chicago, he sees a model of how a city can grow while still retaining its essence, how architecture can be a vehicle for memory, identity, and civic pride. His words resonate with those who cherish cities not just for their landmarks, but for the feelings and histories they evoke.