CHICAGO | 108 North State (Block 37)

[brian_b]

Great update...glad to see so many are moving into this building! Coach would be a nice addition I think, there isnt one anywhere on that side of the river and it would be great for them to expand!

Coach has a store at LaSalle and Adams, in the lobby/arcade of the building being converted to a JW Marriott (next to the Federal Reserve).

[Chicagoguy]

Coach has a store at LaSalle and Adams, in the lobby/arcade of the building being converted to a JW Marriott (next to the Federal Reserve).

O really? I wasnt aware of that one? Still one would be a nice addition to the State Street shopping!

[denizen467]

Meanwhile, up top, CBS's (and maybe Morningstar's?) satellite dishes are now in place.

Looks like they took a little bit of risk that nothing tall will be erected in the future between Reliance and 33 N Dearborn.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2799177864_40c647abdf_o.jpg
above - jstush photo from 300 N LaSalle thread
below - SolarWind photo from Legacy thread
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5912/dsc0290ya6.jpg

[harryc]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SLZ9J_X3JDI/AAAAAAAAwjc/9YDZjgFYElk/P1020693_1_2.jpg?imgmax=800

[i_am_hydrogen]

The slightest little bit of the CBS building is visible:
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/5453/aonnight3dp5.jpg

[simcityaustin]

^^^ Man I envy your perspective.

[Chicagoguy]

So the retail portion of this building is slated to open when exactly? Beginning 2009 or end of 2008?

[jjk1103]

So the retail portion of this building is slated to open when exactly? Beginning 2009 or end of 2008?

..mid-2009 for the most part........

[Chicagoguy]

..mid-2009 for the most part........

Ok thanks for the info!

[harryc]

Aug 28
http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SLtP4R0_vpI/AAAAAAAAwxY/xvfpUtW8be0/P1030060.JPG?imgmax=800

Aug 29
http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SLtP6gSOisI/AAAAAAAAwxk/TAZOJAxCO5g/P1030365.JPG?imgmax=720

[nomarandlee]

:previous: Despite this projects many other shortcomings I will give props for the mall glass have a rather nice look to it IMO. I think I would perhaps prefer for it to completely wrap around then have the gimmicky waving metallic squares that interrupt it. Maybe when the lightening takes effect though those could add a nice touch, jury still is out.

[Tom Servo]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SLtP6gSOisI/AAAAAAAAwxk/TAZOJAxCO5g/P1030365.JPG?imgmax=720

if this facade were continuous throughout the building, it'd be great! the main problem i have with b37 is the overly busy facade treatment. perhaps if the architects didn't focus so much on creating something so interesting and kept it simple, we'd have something a bit more timeless and perhaps even good. another criticism i have is the mullion system... i'd prefer to see butt glazing system to allow the curtain a more seamless flow. :shrug: sigh...

[sentinel]

^^Your argument is specious Adrian - on one hand you lament the fact that the facade doesn't encompass the whole building (which it actually does) which if it were the same it would be totally bland, but then you also complain about the glazing/mullion system as being too complex - I'm sorry but based on that photo above it doesn't seem like you can get much simpler than that, so I'm trying to figure out what your argument is..

Imagine if the whole facade on all four sides was all window or if it was all wavy, back-lit metal panel system - THAT would be extremely banal and an extreme disappointment - I think Gensler has done a decent job of keeping the facade somewhat interesting the way it alternates from store-front glazing to metal panels to large 4-story window wells and back again - I'll reserve judgement until opening day ;)

[Tom Servo]

^^Your argument is specious Adrian - on one hand you lament the fact that the facade doesn't encompass the whole building (which it actually does) which if it were the same it would be totally bland, but then you also complain about the glazing/mullion system as being too complex - I'm sorry but based on that photo above it doesn't seem like you can get much simpler than that, so I'm trying to figure out what your argument is..

Imagine if the whole facade on all four sides was all window or if it was all wavy, back-lit metal panel system - THAT would be extremely banal and an extreme disappointment - I think Gensler has done a decent job of keeping the facade somewhat interesting the way it alternates from store-front glazing to metal panels to large 4-story window wells and back again - I'll reserve judgement until opening day ;)


my lament is this:
i wish the entire building were a uniform curtain of glass. no wavy metal no interesting variations on the east facade. no grey spandrel panels. b37 would be very nice to see a curtain of glass all the way around. and, extremely banal? perhaps to some people... but i'm wondering, do those same people think 600 is banal? a simplistic glass facade can be a wonderful thing and often is if you ask me.
why are people so scared of simplicity?

[Nowhereman1280]

yes, but 600 has variations in the facade such as balconies, screening behind the glass, and different shaped walls. This has no such features and would just be a glass box that, regardless of our personal opinions, would be found boring and unattractive by most people.

I love simplicity just as much as you do Adrian, but without complex buildings, simple can just be sterile. I mean look at Mies work for example, it was certainly not simple, it was actually very complex and highly detailed, not just seamless and glass. He put those I-beam mullions on his buildings for a reason, even though he didn't have to.

I guess what I'm trying to say is solid glass has no texture.

[Alliance]

I guess what I'm trying to say is solid glass has no texture.

Yes it does, and certianly the various jointing techniques used changes that texture. Any material has texture...and a facade of multiple materials, be it glass and silicon or whatever, certialn has texture.

However, I think the building is too boring to successfully pull off a straight clean facade. 600 is a smaller footprint and has some very wel intentioned curves. B37 is well, a block long and only 3 storeys....but hey I'm always pro flat glass. It can have so slick effects. The panels would have to be rearranged and offset to give it some visual interest. Different size panels would also be fun. I really like the exposed structure between the first and second floors. Too bad they can't clean it up/minimal cladding and leave it as is.

However, I do also lement the gimicky wavy stuff...and I must say I'd always rather have boring than gimicky.

[honte]

^ Yeah, that's pretty much it in a nutshell.

[Nowhereman1280]

However, I think the building is too boring to successfully pull off a straight clean facade. 600 is a smaller footprint and has some very wel intentioned curves. B37 is well, a block long and only 3 storeys....but hey I'm always pro flat glass. It can have so slick effects. The panels would have to be rearranged and offset to give it some visual interest. Different size panels would also be fun. I really like the exposed structure between the first and second floors. Too bad they can't clean it up/minimal cladding and leave it as is.

That's exactly my point, the reason there is texture to the 600 facade is because its not just a solid wall. However, if you just built solid glass walls everywhere then there would be no texture. I guess I'm not saying it doesn't have texture, just that a solid wall of uniform texture is not going to cut it if we put the same thing everywhere. Obviously glass has the texture of "smooth"...

I agree about the wavy panels though...

[Alliance]

Well, not to belabor this too much, because its really a non issue, but I think a monolithic glass wall (1/2 inch silicon joints or something) for three stories along the street in the hear of the loop would rock. An evolution of Mies at its best.

But, I'd only really support that if it was a blatant cube. Once/if the residential towers get added to this, that complicates the issue and probly would make a flat glass cube a more difficult option to work with.

[Nowhereman1280]

I agree, it could be awesome, but if it were like that on every building, or even many buildings, it would suck...

[ardecila]

From State/Washington
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/2830355798_3f2b469c79_o.jpg

Birds' eye view
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2830356744_bf2837e7c2_o.jpg

Uh oh... the trapezoidal shape I thought was a skylight has been roofed over!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/2829519363_a5f0ac8249_o.jpg

Down into the basements/CTA level
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2830356582_03b394a88c_o.jpg

[NYC2ATX]

The State Street side actually looks like it's coming together unexpectedly well. hmmm....

[Alliance]

From State/Washington
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/2830355798_3f2b469c79_o.jpg

This would have been so much better without those panels. WHY! did we feel obligated to add those? Once those towers are added, it could have been sweet.

[Tom Servo]

it wasn't interesting enough without them...

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

This would have been so much better without those panels. WHY! did we feel obligated to add those? Once those towers are added, it could have been sweet.

I'm not sure about sweet, but definitely better: Those panels appear totally irrelevant to this design. Pure gimmick.

[Nowhereman1280]

it wasn't interesting enough without them...

No, it would have been plenty interesting without them, however, if you took the tall skylight looking thingys off of it as well as the panels then it would have been a lot less engaging. Though even then, there are some other elements to this facade that would still have given it a little detailing. I think it would be better without the panels, but lets wait and see if they do that LED thing or something and how that looks.

[emathias]

I like the panels. I was south of the building on State Street last week and the red, white and golden-yellow of the Chicago Theater sign was reflecting off of some of the curves in a very visually pleasing way. With the change of ambient color and light, plus the lighting effects they'll be adding, I think it'll end up adding a lot of interest to that stretch of the street.

---------------

It's already close to being this way, but if the stretch of Michigan between Randolph and the River gets retailed up over the next few years like some have talked about, it wouldn't take much on the stretch of Randolph between Michigan and State to have a solid retail strip all the way from Oak Street to Van Buren. With only a little more work, it could stretch to Polk and with any luck in less than 20 years there would be solid retail on the Michigan/State corridors from Oak to Roosevelt, nearly three miles of solid shops and such. Unfortunately, even though it might normally be natural for it to keep going south, those Dearborn Park homes and the Jewel at Roosevelt seem to be killers again continuation.

[Tom Servo]

No, it would have been plenty interesting without them, however, if you took the tall skylight looking thingys off of it as well as the panels then it would have been a lot less engaging. Though even then, there are some other elements to this facade that would still have given it a little detailing. I think it would be better without the panels, but lets wait and see if they do that LED thing or something and how that looks.

i was being sarcastic...

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^ Oh I know, the main point of my comment in reference to you was to say, maybe it won't be so bad if the panels exhibit a really nicely done integration with electronics. The LED display will hopefully be subtle and un-tacky.

[Tom Servo]

good to see that stupid 'you are beautiful' thing come down... hopefully it won't be too long before we can actually use that side of state!

[jjk1103]

...this whole Block 37 project is going to be hard to judge until it is complete and operating (ie: next year) ....a lot of the visual elements of this building are going to be in the neon and other "Times Square" effects that are planned for the facade.....with the addition of the Carson's re-hab ....2009 is going to be a blockbuster year for State St. ........also, (a little off topic but....).......the 7th floor of the Carson's (Sullivan) Building is now open to the public as an art gallery space.....there are some great State St. views from the windows up there........

[harryc]

Classic reflection
http://lh6.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SMu7bRbR-PI/AAAAAAAAyOQ/e5ifVyrW6_I/s720/P1040885.JPG

Trees !
http://lh5.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SMu7c5q-riI/AAAAAAAAyOc/S1nbwBPgHEk/s800/P1040886.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SMu7eQ1nPwI/AAAAAAAAyOo/NXb6Nf5hmqY/s800/P1040898_899_900.jpg

Yet another protest march.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SMu7gKDTZAI/AAAAAAAAyO0/FJ7POyPpqG4/s800/P1040903.JPG

Looks prmising
http://lh5.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SMu7x3ZeUrI/AAAAAAAAyPA/pWG1zkR2Hew/s800/P1040909.JPG

[denizen467]

Yet another protest march.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SMu7gKDTZAI/AAAAAAAAyO0/FJ7POyPpqG4/s800/P1040903.JPG

God bless 'em. Even if quixotic, it's important to propagate the public notion that protest marches are possible and potentially effective in certain situations, whether the fight is for tangible or for intangible cultural treasures. Here, I'm still holding out hope that the past is revived in at least some small way (more than just baking Frango's upstairs) by the Macy's corporate goons. Even as small a gesture as changing all Macy's shopping bags / local logos to dark green would make me happy (that one's not gonna happen though).

[budman]

I didnt like the panels in the rendering, but in person they dont look so bad, even good in the sunlight. This building is turning out to be less offensive than I had imagined, particularly in person. It could have been better, but it could have been much, much worse.

[GregBear24]

^ If it were any worse, I'd rather have a field of dust like the one that used to be there.

[wrab]

The reflections on the South face are gonna be freaky.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/20080919pm24.jpg

[chicubs111]

ARCHITECTURE

22 West Washington doesn't reflect strong streetscape
By Blair Kamin Tribune critic | Chicago Tribune critic
September 21, 2008


http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/arts/chi-cbs-block37-0921sep21,0,303612.story

[wrab]

^ Good encapsulation of all those design mutations.

[hdtvtechno]

Curtains open 2morrow morning @ 5am Live Broadcast from the CBS Studio dubbed (CBS2 Broadcast Center) HD

Everyone is invited to come join the party at across the Daley Center Plaza 2morrow morning...

[Marcu]

Yet another protest march.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SMu7gKDTZAI/AAAAAAAAyO0/FJ7POyPpqG4/s800/P1040903.JPG



Still? Aren't there more important things in the world to protest than the name and logo of a department store?...Years after the freakin' change.

[hdtvtechno]

CBS2 News Studio looks impressive wow just pure amazing

[wrab]

^ You work there, for CBS? Perhaps you can post some inside pics of the studio for us...

[NBear927]

There is a link at CBS 2's website where they preview the inside of the building. Looks pretty cool!

They put up a special website for their new studio here, complete with a nice video: http://cbs2chicago.com/heart

[wrab]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/20080924_3269a.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/20080924pm2.jpg

(Edit: The screen is more robust & true than these exposures indicate)

[bnk]

:previous: :yuck:

[spyguy]

^Is that for the screen, or what's on the screen?

Looks like they've learned some lessons from the ABC studio and the car crash incident there.

[cbotnyse]

are the sides of the screen going to get filled in with anything, or will it permanently look half-assed?

[2PRUROCKS!]

According to Blair Kamin's recent review they are working with Ralph Johnson to come up with somthing to fill that space. They have to do something, right now it looks like a joke (a bad one).

[nomarandlee]

:previous: wasn't a financial ticker supposed to go somewhere on the complex? May not be a bad place to move/put one on at least some of the space.

[Tom Servo]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/20080924_3269a.jpg


...wow, that's frightening
...yikes

[Alliance]

I also just cr@pped myself. Maybe we do want just the one isolated screen after all? Can't imagine how bad it would be going all the way around the building.

[harryc]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SN22aAbaXFI/AAAAAAAAzTk/ivVdrksEQPo/s800/P1050911.JPG

Techno Brutalism
http://lh6.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SN22bs8CNzI/AAAAAAAAzTw/MtSPRjmr0hY/s800/P1060112.JPG

Form Follows Function (and maintenance)
http://lh5.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SN22cljRG9I/AAAAAAAAzT8/o1UqdOXugD4/s640/P1060113.JPG

The studio
http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SN22d-7zFTI/AAAAAAAAzUI/EMEZOt5JlNc/s800/P1060114.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SN22fBofamI/AAAAAAAAzUU/1FV609irY8E/s800/P1060115.JPG

You gotta love union electricians.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SN22gN-GC7I/AAAAAAAAzUg/pU_FYQkGLHk/s800/P1060116.JPG

[denizen467]

Looks like they've learned some lessons from the ABC studio and the car crash incident there.
I wonder how hard or easy it would be to get city hall to allow for those?

Also, the sidewalk I think is narrower than at State-Lake, so maybe it was needed anyway to protect crowds from the occasionally straying SUV-driver-on-a-cellphone.

[denizen467]

You gotta love union electricians.
harry, your technical eye again delivers us findings that many of us cannot even grasp..

[jjk1103]

....the exposed steel work behind the CBS "jumbo tron" may look ok now (if you like that style) .....but give it a few years (add rust & dirt) and that exposed steel will look like crap !

[ardecila]

According to Blair Kamin's recent review they are working with Ralph Johnson to come up with somthing to fill that space. They have to do something, right now it looks like a joke (a bad one).

I hope this is true... When CBS decided to cut back and skip the other screens, Johnson designed a series of perforated stainless-steel panels with a few CBS logos in it. This could look quite nice - especially since CBS' logo is a stylized eye. This would add to the symbolism of the studio as an eye watching over the government, as represented by City Hall, the Daley Center, etc.

[Tom Servo]

....the exposed steel work behind the CBS "jumbo tron" may look ok now (if you like that style) .....but give it a few years (add rust & dirt) and that exposed steel will look like crap !

hahaha, oh... so galvanized steel rusts now?

[1ajs]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/20080924_3269a.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/20080924pm2.jpg

(Edit: The screen is more robust & true than these exposures indicate)

doesnt she look like the president of batlestar galatical?

[jjk1103]

hahaha, oh... so galvanized steel rusts now?

....alright let's not get overly technical here .........:rolleyes:

[honte]

hahaha, oh... so galvanized steel rusts now?

Actually, yes it will eventually.

But, if I remember correctly, these were painted sections anyway.

[Tom Servo]

i wasn't aware that galvanized steel could rust...
and since they're painted, nevermind completely.

[Marcu]

Even if it does eventualy rust, they are not gonna let it completely deteriorate. First, they need to attract shoppers and appeal to tenants. Second, since it's private it will cost them a couple of grand instead of $24 million to put a fresh coat of paint on.

[jjk1103]

..have they finished digging out the CTA station ? ....is there at least going to be a pedestrian crossover (assuming the station doesn't get finished ) ?

[ardecila]

^ Yes... the pedestrian connection is not just part of the CTA stations, but also an essential part of the pedway network. I doubt CTA or the city will keep the passage closed any longer than necessary.

[honte]

^ Maybe they can turn the pedway into a tollway, and use the proceeds to fund the superstation?

By my quick estimate, this way we can fund the station in around 1000 years, reducing the wait by about 90%.

[jjk1103]

...the pace of this building is absolutely glacial....they still don't even have the outside finished........it may be a block square but it's only 3 stories ....:sly: :sly: :sly:

[VivaLFuego]

^ Maybe they can turn the pedway into a tollway, and use the proceeds to fund the superstation?

By my quick estimate, this way we can fund the station in around 1000 years, reducing the wait by about 90%.

What do you mean? All we have to do is improve the technology and find a private concessionaire to invest some equity in a money-losing venture.

;)

[Northwest]

Techno Brutalism
http://lh6.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SN22bs8CNzI/AAAAAAAAzTw/MtSPRjmr0hY/s800/P1060112.JPG


Wow, I cant imagine this being left open like that. Wouldnt it become a paradise for the pigeons, if it hasnt already?

[Taft]

Wow, I cant imagine this being left open like that. Wouldnt it become a paradise for the pigeons, if it hasnt already?

Heh...I hadn't thought of that. They can just throw up some of that crappy-looking anti-pigeon "barb-wire" that they use in CTA stations. Now THAT would be a classy finish. :rolleyes:

Taft

[the urban politician]

I saw this project for the first time in person last weekend. Keep in mind, for those of you who live in Chicago, that the last time I was in the city this entire block was a vacant lot.

It was a bit weird (and pleasant) to see this site finally occupied. Of course, I don't mind the architecture except that I'd like to see one more highrise arise from this site eventually. To me, the mix of retail is crucial to this development. State St is very lively especially on weekdays, but it still somewhat lags areas north of the river on weekends. Considering how crowded Millennium Park was past weekend, a good retail mix at Block 37 can really go a long way towards pulling more people towards State St. I can say one thing for sure--Macy's sure as hell ain't gonna do it.

Just my 2 cents (I realize I just stated the obvious, but whatever..)

[Marcu]

What do you mean? All we have to do is improve the technology and find a private concessionaire to invest some equity in a money-losing venture.

;)

Maybe some of the Midway privatization money can go towards towards the airport express project.

[ChicagoChicago]

Maybe some of the Midway privatization money can go towards towards the airport express project.From what I read, 90% of it has to go to infrastructure per state law. I have to believe that means a healthy chunk of it will be put in play for the RTA. I just hope they don't write them another blank check.

[ChicagoChicago]

Heh...I hadn't thought of that. They can just throw up some of that crappy-looking anti-pigeon "barb-wire" that they use in CTA stations. Now THAT would be a classy finish. :rolleyes:

Taft
I was thinking chain link fence, ala Wrigley.

In all seriousness, is there any doubt it's going to be left open? The electrical boxes are facing the street and they've used exterior finishings on the walls.

[ChicagoChicago]

hahaha, oh... so galvanized steel rusts now?

Galvanized steel rusts. It takes longer, but it's still steel.

[jjk1103]

..they were furiously digging under Dearborn & Randolph on Sunday....is that related to the Superstation / pedway connection ?

[i_am_hydrogen]

I'm at the Lake station daily and often hear a lot of jackhammering and other construction-related sounds. If I recall, the site is being brought along to enough of a point that a private developer will be willing take the reins from the CTA and complete it.

[jjk1103]

From what I read, 90% of it has to go to infrastructure per state law. I have to believe that means a healthy chunk of it will be put in play for the RTA. I just hope they don't write them another blank check.

.....why the RTA ??? ....Midway is a Chicago airport .the money should go to the CTA....

[hdtvtechno]

I was thinking chain link fence, ala Wrigley.

In all seriousness, is there any doubt it's going to be left open? The electrical boxes are facing the street and they've used exterior finishings on the walls.

Maybe they left it open for Quick access in a event a technical issue comes up with the TV Screen... :shrug: :rolleyes:

[ChicagoChicago]

.....why the RTA ??? ....Midway is a Chicago airport .the money should go to the CTA....
Here is what I read...

"while 90 percent of the $1 billion Chicago expects to net from the deal will be earmarked for infrastructure improvements and city pension funds under state law."

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssFinancialServicesAndRealEstateNews/idUSN0851434920081008

Now I'm really starting to question how much will even be spent on infrastructure. $900 million under Daley's control to be spent on infrastructure or pension funds... Is there any doubt that a good chunk of that will be used to pay off the city pension fund shortfall?

[budman]

Block 37 subsidy clears city commission
(Crain’s) — The Chicago Community Development Commission approved Tuesday a $12-million subsidy for Block 37, a move that paves the way for the construction of a new tower that will include ...

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=31401

[honte]

Forum is acting strange...sorry

[honte]

^ Ugh, here we go again - different developer, different plan, more subsidies...

This came out of left field for me - did I miss that this was in the works?

Pretty soon, they should just start paying funds from a "Block 37 Developer Transfer" line item that's in the annual budget. You wouldn't have to do anything with the money except sit on it for a few months and then lose it somehow, then pass the title in the following year to the upcoming recipient.

2010 target start date is not encouraging either.

[spyguy]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chicago-block37-puma-zara-oct21,0,4357855.story

Zara, Puma and Ben Sherman sign leases at Block 37

By Sandra Jones
12:51 PM CDT, October 21, 2008

The developer of the long-awaited shopping center at Block 37 on State Street said it signed three new tenants, bringing to 60 percent the amount of retail space that has been leased.

Joseph Freed and Associates LLC signed Spanish fast-fashion clothing store Zara, German athletic wear company Puma and British clothing label Ben Sherman.

Zara plans to occupy 15,000 square feet on the first and second floors along Randolph Street. Puma is leasing 8,000 square feet on two floors on the corner of State and Randolph Streets. And Ben Sherman is taking 3,100 square feet on State Street.

[trvlr70]

These retailers are fairly high end. I expect, even with our given economy, that more boutiques will sign up now at an increased pace. I would not be surprised in a Banana Republic was in the mix.

Good news for Loop retail!

[the urban politician]

^ The article failed to mention Muvico Theatres. Are they still on board?

[Jibba]

^^^Good to hear about Ben Sherman, as it is indicative that State Street can attract retailers of higher caliber. I would have thought that they would locate to that area south of Rush and Oak that has Ugg, Puma, and Original Penguin (which I consider to be the closest analog to Ben Sherman that's currently in the city).

[harryc]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SP8hRiztAyI/AAAAAAAA06k/Wjwpkd6Vhrc/s800/P1100307.JPG

[doug111]

These retailers are fairly high end. I expect, even with our given economy, that more boutiques will sign up now at an increased pace. I would not be surprised in a Banana Republic was in the mix.

Good news for Loop retail!


Honestly, i have heard the exact opposite. I hear that some may pull out.

No concrete evidence yet, but surely companies are re-evaluating Block 37 commitments.

[Jibba]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SP8hRiztAyI/AAAAAAAA06k/Wjwpkd6Vhrc/s800/P1100307.JPG

I can't wait for a hotel to spring up on this corner if/when it happens. It is sorely needed.

[the urban politician]

According to GlobeSt, a deal is very near for a Loews hotel, which will rise 22 stories above the base

[honte]

^ 26 or 27 stories in the heart of the Loop? Sounds like another waste of land to me... sorry to be so negative, but honestly it's not worth it unless they can plan ahead to BCBS it, which is very doubtful. The land is occupied and the base can accommodate a much taller building, to my understanding, so I don't see any rush.

[chicubs111]

I dont understand why they cant go for a taller building in this location...Of all the areas in chicago the Loop is where tall buildings should be and they cant get one...pisses me off :hell: ...I mean doesnt have to be 1000f but something in the 600ft to 700ft range would be nice.

[VivaLFuego]

Doesn't the underlying zoning allow an FAR of 16? Even after the hotel, B37's density would be what, an FAR of 9 perhaps? i.e. half of what would be allowed by right under zoning?

[the urban politician]

I agree that I'd like to see something much taller.

But whatever. I continue to see this development's contribution to the vitality of the Loop/State St/Theater district as its most important role. And so far I think the news has been good.

[harryc]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SQShzDlXqHI/AAAAAAAA8is/_mc1BTZ9XxY/s800/P1110234_5_6.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SQSh1ZAQ8hI/AAAAAAAA8i4/WMY0Wjs5QKs/s800/P1110239.JPG

Subway entrance ? ( along Dearborne )
http://lh6.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SQSh3Ze8wOI/AAAAAAAA8jE/2DIRn0zJPdg/s720/P1110244.JPG

[Jibba]

^I really wish something would be done about that TV. It seems rather pointless. That area of Dearborn doesn't really have that high a level of pedestrian traffic (save for Daley Plaza, which really doesn't count for all that much IMO), so why even have a screen there? I would rather there be nothing and have more of that nice metalwork to look at.

[Taft]

^I really wish something would be done about that TV. It seems rather pointless. That area of Dearborn doesn't really have that high a level of pedestrian traffic (save for Daley Plaza, which really doesn't count for all that much IMO), so why even have a screen there? I would rather there be nothing and have more of that nice metalwork to look at.

To be honest, I'm just hoping they to something to cover up the exposed circuit breaker-type things and electrical piping. This unfinished look is pure fugly. What were they thinking?

Taft

[honte]

^ Maybe the execs in New York wanted to make sure everyone knows this is a half-baked and lame attempt to be like Times Square. :yuck:

[jjk1103]

....I think the lighting (the "dazzle" or "Times Square") effect is going to make or break this project....if the lighting is a big success.....you won't even notice the rest of the building ! ....when is it finally scheduled to open ? .......Spring 2009 .......Fall 2009 ? .......I've forgotten......

[intrepidDesign]

They just need to finish the screen like they had originally planed to do, even then, it will just be par, right now, its just sad.