harryc, thanks for the pics. You're my hero.

That's an improvement for sure, far more engaging with the street, and even some windows? on the big northern stretch. Also, the charcoal color looks better than the Miami blue they were going with before.

It has Optima's coloring now. I hope that large LOEWS sign doesn't get added on.

The coloring isn't any different from what we have seen since the very first rendering. The only change from what is on the first page is the signage…

I doubt the large loews will end up at the top though, seems counter productive to block views for what would be the highest $ rental tiers in the building.

I think he was referring to this rendering.

I get that, what I was trying to say was that the renderings we have seen since that original have been in this different color. So, what spyguy posted wasn't a new color, just the signage is different.

The base looks decidedly darker, less-blue in this latest rendering (compared with the renderings since the original). Also, the design has changed a bit, with a new window overhanging the base and less separation between the base and tower.

Aside from the signage the only other difference I see is the superficial changes to the northern side of the podium, certainly nothing is else "less blue."

First Page
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5468/4651e.jpg

Most Recent
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5431/ar301199974.jpg

Oh. I was comparing it with a different rendering.

They also added a hat on the mid-rise wing. Maybe a rooftop lounge?

theWit effect?

I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up being a bar. An earlier rendering shows another pool though

This design improves with every revision. You can hardly tell it is an SCB anymore...

Also, I hope they put that sign up there. Chicago doesn't have enough rooftop signs and I think it would add a nice splash to the skyline to have a bit more illuminated text at night. Plus it's not an ugly logo or anything, it's just text.

so that seems to be the restaurant on the SW corner?

^ Even better:

A pool with poolside bar in the summer, which then converts to a covered rooftop bar/lounge in the colder months.

This will have a very noticeable impact on this part of the skyline. With 435 N Park and Optima, things are definitely starting to fill in...

Much better

Does anyone know if this will be condo or rental?

^ Alas, the next condo era still seems to lie somewhat in the future.
Those must be just mechanical floors or partially parapet.