CHICAGO | General Developments

[M II A II R II K]

City finds money for abandoned rail to become Bloomingdale Trail


March 12, 2012

By LISA DONOVAN

Read More: http://www.suntimes.com/11228760-417/abandoned-rail-will-become-bloomingdale-trail.html

The long-anticipated transformation of an abandoned railway to a linear park on Chicago’s Northwest Side is getting the $9 million needed to begin construction. That means groundbreaking for the 2.7-mile Bloomingdale Trail, which will include bicycling and pedestrian paths, will begin next year and finish in 2014, city officials say.

- While funneling bicyclists and pedestrians toward and out of downtown, planners say the trail will connect six existing and planned parks flanking the railway along with the neighborhoods of Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Wicker Park and Bucktown. “We’re taking this industrial-use site and converting it in to a space for community members,” said David Spielfogel, the city’s chief of policy and strategic planning.

.....

[Rizzo]

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120313/NEWS10/120319951/ctas-2011-ridership-at-20-year-high
It's off topic but Chicago ridership is at 20 year high. 531 million rides in one year, its a disappointment for me.

Disappointment for me too.....it needs to be higher.

[untitledreality]

Disappointment for me too.....it needs to be higher.
With the direction gas prices are heading so far in 2012 I would expect another 3-5% growth bringing the system to 548mm+

ps - this should really be in the Transit thread

[Dan in Chicago]

Photos taken this morning of Earl Shapiro Hall, the new Lab School building facing Jackson Park on the site of the old Doctors Hospital (Stony Island Avenue between 57th and 58th):

http://picture.shotsharing.com/photo/774529852/mid/Earl-Shapiro-Hall,-Chicago.jpg http://file.shotsharing.com/photo/154741860/mid/Earl-Shapiro-Hall,-Chicago.jpg

[ardecila]

I'd be interested to know how they proposed to pull this off.

Looks like I was mistaken. Students are producing the designs under Jeanne Gang but I assume construction will be left to the professionals.

The budget overall is $16 million for 4 boathouses, so assuming an even split that leaves $4 million for the Bridgeport site, including any site improvements or required remediation. That seems like enough for the design pictured (roughly 44k SF).

[Mr Downtown]

Steel rose out of the ground yesterday at Jones HS.

[Rizzo]

Photos taken this morning of Earl Shapiro Hall, the new Lab School building facing Jackson Park on the site of the old Doctors Hospital (Stony Island Avenue between 57th and 58th):

http://picture.shotsharing.com/photo/774529852/mid/Earl-Shapiro-Hall,-Chicago.jpg http://file.shotsharing.com/photo/154741860/mid/Earl-Shapiro-Hall,-Chicago.jpg

Thanks for the update. I went past about 10 days ago and the site was mostly flat. It moves fast with that precast structure.

[Buckman821]

Not sure, but I thought this rendering might not have been seen here before.

From East Village Association.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sk7OcopWuuQ/T17HGMu-ksI/AAAAAAAAApQ/uTWFlGU_y6I/s400/view%2Bfrom%2Bpolish%2Btriangle.jpg

http://news.eastvillagechicago.org/2012/03/pizza-hut-no-more-division-ashlands-new.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+eastvillagechicago+%28East+Village+Association%2C+neighbors+working+together+in+Chicago%27s+West+Town+community%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

larger image:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sk7OcopWuuQ/T17HGMu-ksI/AAAAAAAAApQ/uTWFlGU_y6I/s1600/view%2Bfrom%2Bpolish%2Btriangle.jpg

[tyler1]

^So great. Now if they'd just get rid of that Wendy's next to the site..

[Rizzo]

What a great development. I agree tyler, we need to continue building that area up. There's alot of great stuff further west. Just imagine that build up of density and commercial activity as you move Eastward toward the plaza.

[ardecila]

Hopefully this can be the foot in the door for a handful of taller buildings in that area. There was a highrise proposal for the superblock to the north, but I don't think it ever got very far.

[Buckman821]

Sara Lee project.

Apologize for the poor photo quality. The sun was overpowering and I was stopped at the light so I shot with my cell phone.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DSukHAvg5ZI/T2Dga4Gjg6I/AAAAAAAAAFA/XN7KIQLWg_Q/s912/sara%2520lee%25201.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ULFZe2cT5GU/T2DgbIDyjpI/AAAAAAAAAFE/jDgOekLH5Xk/s912/sara%2520lee%25202.jpg

For reference:

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20120214/CRED03/120219904/sterling-bay-pays-10-million-for-new-sara-lee-home

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CG/20120214/CRED03/120219904/AR/0/AR-120219904.jpg&maxw=368&q=100

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^ Lol, if by "one of the few" you mean one of like a dozen or so companies that have announced major job relocations to downtown in the past few months?

That's only half the story too, I can't tell you the number of mid-sized prospects I know of looking for space in Chicago because they know Rahm will work with them.

[Steely Dan]

Honestly that's good for the downtown Chicago but I'm not enthusiastic about it.

why not? do you want downtown chicago to be more like downtown detroit?

[Vlajos]

I want urban sprawl not urban decay , but like I said this is good news for Downtown Chicago. The suburban dream set back 1950s is really fading.

Sounds good.

[Buckman821]

You aren't going to find much news about urban sprawl here so perhaps you are in the wrong place.

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

I want urban sprawl not urban decay , but like I said this is good news for Downtown Chicago. The suburban dream set back 1950s is really fading.

Awesome. The "suburban dream" was racist, classist and unsustainable.

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

Not sure, but I thought this rendering might not have been seen here before.

From East Village Association.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sk7OcopWuuQ/T17HGMu-ksI/AAAAAAAAApQ/uTWFlGU_y6I/s400/view%2Bfrom%2Bpolish%2Btriangle.jpg

http://news.eastvillagechicago.org/2012/03/pizza-hut-no-more-division-ashlands-new.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+eastvillagechicago+%28East+Village+Association%2C+neighbors+working+together+in+Chicago%27s+West+Town+community%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

larger image:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sk7OcopWuuQ/T17HGMu-ksI/AAAAAAAAApQ/uTWFlGU_y6I/s1600/view%2Bfrom%2Bpolish%2Btriangle.jpg

So dope.

Hopefully this can be the foot in the door for a handful of taller buildings in that area. There was a highrise proposal for the superblock to the north, but I don't think it ever got very far.

This would be such an awesome node for the the West Side. Fingers crossed. BTW, what's that kinda ugly but kinda great high-rise awkwardly situated on the triangular parcel at Division and Milwaukee?

[Steely Dan]

The suburban dream set back 1950s is really fading.
you say that like it's a bad thing. :koko:

[i_am_hydrogen]

Why even bother responding to this guy? He's clearly just here to troll the forum.

[sammyg]

I think it's just poor English skills.

[aic4ever]

Awesome. The "suburban dream" was racist, classist and unsustainable.

It's still alive & kickin in Bridgeport

[aic4ever]

Looks like I was mistaken. Students are producing the designs under Jeanne Gang but I assume construction will be left to the professionals.

The budget overall is $16 million for 4 boathouses, so assuming an even split that leaves $4 million for the Bridgeport site, including any site improvements or required remediation. That seems like enough for the design pictured (roughly 44k SF).

Aha...under the IPRO program I'm sure. Either that or she'll just be stealing design ideas under their architecture school's "anything you design belongs to IIT, not you" clause.

[Nowhereman1280]

It's still alive & kickin in Bridgeport

Alive and kicking in the face of any "negro" that dares cross into Bridgeport you mean?

This guy is such a troll. Though I hope he isn't so he can experience the utmost despair as he spends his life watching the problems that used to plague the inner city gradually spread outwards into the suburbs while the inner city continues to revitalize itself.

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

Aha...under the IPRO program I'm sure. Either that or she'll just be stealing design ideas under their architecture school's "anything you design belongs to IIT, not you" clause.

You mad, bro?

[OrdoSeclorum]

I want urban sprawl not urban decay , but like I said this is good news for Downtown Chicago. The suburban dream set back 1950s is really fading.

Ignore this dude. He's not serious. He just pops up once in a while to try to ruffle feathers.

[emathias]

So dope.



This would be such an awesome node for the the West Side. Fingers crossed. BTW, what's that kinda ugly but kinda great high-rise awkwardly situated on the triangular parcel at Division and Milwaukee?

On the SE corner? That's the Noble Square Co-op (http://www.noblesquarecoop.com/).

I've been in there a few times, and the south units have some pretty unbeatable views of downtown (as you probably suspected).

[george]

Ignore this dude. He's not serious. He just pops up once in a while to try to ruffle feathers.

He's amusing, as in "funny like a clown".^

3-13 Burberry

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/3927/burb2.jpg

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/4915/burb1.jpg

[J_M_Tungsten]

Awesome close ups george. They make me feel so "Young and Egotistic"..

[headcase]

BTW, what's that kinda ugly but kinda great high-rise awkwardly situated on the triangular parcel at Division and Milwaukee?

Noble Square Co-op (http://www.emporis.com/building/noblesquarecoop-chicago-il-usa)

SSDD

[headcase]

On the SE corner? That's the Noble Square Co-op (http://www.noblesquarecoop.com/).

I've been in there a few times, and the south units have some pretty unbeatable views of downtown (as you probably suspected).


I should have read the entire thread before posting.....

:coolugh:

SSDD

[Rizzo]

Seriously people, if you don't like what he has to say, just ignore it. I have a couple friends who complain endlessly about Chicago's lack of free parking and what a pain it is to walk everywhere...on the flip side, they graduated and moved to shittiest places you could imagine....bland apartment complexes in the middle of nowhere far from any place of interest paying $200/month in rent and all the free parking they could possibly imagine. But they're still my friends...

[aic4ever]

You mad, bro?

Not really. The architecture school does try to make all of their students sign a document to that effect, though. And a friend of mine that studied under Jeanne did a project years ago that I have a hard time believing didn't become the facade for her building at Columbia.

That said, I do fall on the side of the intellectual property argument that says once an idea is in the public domain it's a public idea. You can't really own the idea of a multi-colored glass facade, ya know?

[Nowhereman1280]

Seriously people, if you don't like what he has to say, just ignore it. I have a couple friends who complain endlessly about Chicago's lack of free parking and what a pain it is to walk everywhere...on the flip side, they graduated and moved to shittiest places you could imagine....bland apartment complexes in the middle of nowhere far from any place of interest paying $200/month in rent and all the free parking they could possibly imagine. But they're still my friends...

No, not acceptable, I refuse to be friends with anyone who willingly submits themselves that lifestyle! :D


Seriously though Hayward, he is a troll, doesn't mean we should take the bait, but none of his comments have any substance beyond trying to say what would most contradict the prevailing opinion on the forum. They are often completely unrelated to the topic at hand like "nice building, but it's too bad they aren't making a parking lot instead"... That's not an opinion, that's an attempt to get a rise out of people.

[wrab]

Navy Pier's trustees have selected the James Corner team for the Navy Pier redesign.

Link (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-navy-pier-selection-0315-20120315,0,380487.story)

[ardecila]

Wasn't my favorite entry, but there's a lot to like in their proposal. It seems like something Jean Nouvel would come up with (definitely not a bad thing).

There's no actual funding for this, right? It's just a refreshing of the master plan?

I would start with revitalizing the amusement area. James Corner proposes to replace the ferris-wheel cars, swing seats, and carousel roof with something much more polychrome and modern. Seems like a relatively low-cost, big-impact move.

[Mr Downtown]

MPEA has set aside "seed funding" of approximately $50 million.

[untitledreality]

Hopefully this can be the foot in the door for a handful of taller buildings in that area. There was a highrise proposal for the superblock to the north, but I don't think it ever got very far.

Not only this area, but all transit rich areas. If a building as dense as this one can be successful and disprove all the typical NIMBY BS I would hope that more developers could be inclined to go after similar projects (atop transit, dense, mixed use, minimal parking) throughout the city. Both Western and California seem poised to allow similar developments take place as well.

[Mr Downtown]

I don't remember seeing this mentioned, even though there have been renderings in the window since last spring.

http://i39.tinypic.com/35d8906.jpg

This would be a renovation of the old Chicago Federation of Musicians Building (later Rose Records) at 175 W. Washington. Design by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Subject of a Lunch Talk® at CAF next Wednesday, March 21, at 12:15 pm.

PDF brochure (http://www.nmhmchicago.org/nmhmc/images/stories/museum/NMH+MC_Booklet.pdf)

[James2390]

Hopefully this can be the foot in the door for a handful of taller buildings in that area. There was a highrise proposal for the superblock to the north, but I don't think it ever got very far.

I'm intrigued. Would you by chance know if there was ever a rendering released? Or maybe know the name of the old project? Thanks!

[Nowhereman1280]

Not only this area, but all transit rich areas. If a building as dense as this one can be successful and disprove all the typical NIMBY BS I would hope that more developers could be inclined to go after similar projects (atop transit, dense, mixed use, minimal parking) throughout the city. Both Western and California seem poised to allow similar developments take place as well.

I would hope so. I see Logan Square and Avondale (basically Belmont through Western) exploding with infill in the next boom the way Wicker Park, Bucktown, Roscoe Village, and like areas did in the boom. There is enough development pressure in these areas that some infill is still being built. I can think of half a dozen new projects under construction in these areas even now. There's one near Belmont and Central Park, one near Milwaukee and Diversey, one near Western and Belmont (granted that's Roscoe, but it's a dual six flat development), and a handful of single family homes scattered about. It would be really nice to see the rows of new infill along Diversey and Belmont extend all the way from the Lake to the Blue line in 10 years.

I think that will really intensify the critical mass of the central neighborhoods by forcing those development forces to seek areas outside of the North side like Humboldt Park or Bronzeville or even East Garfield Park or, gasp, maybe even Lawndale in 20 years or so...

I don't remember seeing this mentioned, even though there have been renderings in the window since last spring.

http://i39.tinypic.com/35d8906.jpg

This would be a renovation of the old Chicago Federation of Musicians Building (later Rose Records) at 175 W. Washington. Design by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Subject of a Lunch Talk® at CAF next Wednesday, March 21, at 12:15 pm.

PDF brochure (http://www.nmhmchicago.org/nmhmc/images/stories/museum/NMH+MC_Booklet.pdf)

This render popped up a while ago but I haven't seen anything on it for like a year. This could turn out really cool.

[ardecila]

I think that will really intensify the critical mass of the central neighborhoods by forcing those development forces to seek areas outside of the North side like Humboldt Park or Bronzeville or even East Garfield Park or, gasp, maybe even Lawndale in 20 years or so...

Interesting. Bronzeville is ripe for tons of infill and renovation, East Garfield Park too.

Unfortunately I think any gentrification toward the south will refocus on Pilsen because it's not currently blighted, so it presents a far more attractive place for wealthier people to move in. It already has a critical mass of services and businesses.

If the city helps subsidize retail development in Bronzeville or Garfield Park, maybe that might help nudge things in that direction. Draper & Kramer wants to redevelop Lake Meadows Plaza... they should get some assistance.

[aic4ever]

I don't remember seeing this mentioned, even though there have been renderings in the window since last spring.

http://i39.tinypic.com/35d8906.jpg

This would be a renovation of the old Chicago Federation of Musicians Building (later Rose Records) at 175 W. Washington. Design by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Subject of a Lunch Talk® at CAF next Wednesday, March 21, at 12:15 pm.

PDF brochure (http://www.nmhmchicago.org/nmhmc/images/stories/museum/NMH+MC_Booklet.pdf)

It's supposed to be a medical technology museum. There was a Crain's article about this entrepreneur named Mike Doyle who is behind it, maybe a year or so back.

[aic4ever]

Interesting. Bronzeville is ripe for tons of infill and renovation, East Garfield Park too.

Unfortunately I think any gentrification toward the south will refocus on Pilsen because it's not currently blighted, so it presents a far more attractive place for wealthier people to move in. It already has a critical mass of services and businesses.

If the city helps subsidize retail development in Bronzeville or Garfield Park, maybe that might help nudge things in that direction. Draper & Kramer wants to redevelop Lake Meadows Plaza... they should get some assistance.

Bronzeville is tough. The 35th street corridor should be ripe, but the police precinct and DeLasalle parking lots at State & 35th absolutely destroy the corners that would feed people into the neighborhood. If something could be done to build on those lots to connect the Overton building (which sits almost criminally empty) to State Street Village I think that would liven things up a lot. As it is, Starbucks, Jimmy John's and Miller Pizza are crammed basically at all times. More residential is going in there now at 37th as well. I know Alderman Dowell is also pushing to get a grocery store or a Walmart or just something to be an anchor, at 39th & state.

43rd and 47th should also be really good opportunities but a lot of the property owners down there don't seem to entirely understand the concept of improving their own properties to attract tenants, or just don't care to.

[sentinel]

So...in other news, how does everyone like my new avatar??!

To make this post relevant, for me personally, I think the weakest of the five Navy Pier finalists won. It does have some nice aspects to it, but the AECOM/BIG proposal was 100 times better. The James Corner design seems to play it safe, on a number of things: the formal landscaped park fronting the main entrance of the pier, the changes to the central portion, near the Ferris wheel, all of it is rather uninspiring.

[ardecila]

I did like certain aspects of the BIG proposal, especially the changes to the Crystal Garden and the amusement area (LED installation on the ferris wheel = genius). Unfortunately the people at the Shakespeare Theater did NOT like the idea of a huge stair folding up and over their building, and they probably killed any chances for the BIG proposal.

In the end, I'm guessing it was the High Line that sealed the deal for James Corner. It's in NY and it's a huge tourist draw - most of the McPier board probably has personal experience with the High Line and wanted something with a similar kind of magnetism for a certain type of cultural tourist. By contrast, BIG has no built projects in the US currently, so from the board's perspective he's an unknown quantity.

To be honest, though, it seems like a lot of the proposals included the same ideas. Both James Corner and Martha Schwartz proposed repetitive elements to create a linear progression from Lake Shore Drive to the Ballroom along the South Dock. Almost all the proposals included some kind of Copenhagen-esque outdoor baths. None of the proposals did anything too dramatic with the park/circular drive/dropoff area between the Pier and Lake Point Tower. The most dramatic idea was Martha Schwartz's aerial tram, but the tram was probably the downfall of that proposal (everything else was great).

I do think we should be having more competitions for big public projects in Chicago, though. The more world-class proposals the city's movers-and-shakers see, the more they will demand world-class design in every project, with or without a competition.

[Rizzo]

I did like certain aspects of the BIG proposal, especially the changes to the Crystal Garden and the amusement area (LED installation on the ferris wheel = genius). Unfortunately the people at the Shakespeare Theater did NOT like the idea of a huge stair folding up and over their building, and they probably killed any chances for the BIG proposal.

In the end, I'm guessing it was the High Line that sealed the deal for James Corner. It's in NY and it's a huge tourist draw - most of the McPier board probably has personal experience with the High Line and wanted something with a similar kind of magnetism for a certain type of cultural tourist. By contrast, BIG has no built projects in the US currently, so from the board's perspective he's an unknown quantity.

To be honest, though, it seems like a lot of the proposals included the same ideas. Both James Corner and Martha Schwartz proposed repetitive elements to create a linear progression from Lake Shore Drive to the Ballroom along the South Dock. Almost all the proposals included some kind of Copenhagen-esque outdoor baths. None of the proposals did anything too dramatic with the park/circular drive/dropoff area between the Pier and Lake Point Tower. The most dramatic idea was Martha Schwartz's aerial tram, but the tram was probably the downfall of that proposal (everything else was great).

I do think we should be having more competitions for big public projects in Chicago, though. The more world-class proposals the city's movers-and-shakers see, the more they will demand world-class design in every project, with or without a competition.

I'd like to reiterate on my early points that navy pier is for the most part a playground and needs to maintain that spirit. The highline is durable and flexible activity space. If James Corner can apply that architectural spirit here, we'll something very successful.

[ChiPhi]

Hey Guys, head over to the Navy Pier redevelopment thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=156131&page=2). I think it deserves a thread of its own...

See a writeup here (http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/theskyline/2012/03/the-james-corner-team-for-redesigning-navy-pier-.html) and here (http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/theskyline/2012/03/pier-board-unanimously-selects-corner-team-for-revamp.html) by BK. Alot of New York Firms in the mix, but whatever...

[untitledreality]

There is enough development pressure in these areas that some infill is still being built...It would be really nice to see the rows of new infill along Diversey and Belmont extend all the way from the Lake to the Blue line in 10 years.

I think that will really intensify the critical mass of the central neighborhoods by forcing those development forces to seek areas outside of the North side...
While the single lot mid block infill is crucial for these areas (or any area), I am really hoping for larger multi unit, mixed use buildings focused around transportation nodes to create ultra dense hubs of activity. While we wont see buildings like 1601 W Ashland popping up everywhere, buildings even half the size that treat their siting in a similar manner would be fantastic.

[denizen467]

So...in other news, how does everyone like my new avatar??!
Could you splain it?

[Nowhereman1280]

Interesting. Bronzeville is ripe for tons of infill and renovation, East Garfield Park too.

Unfortunately I think any gentrification toward the south will refocus on Pilsen because it's not currently blighted, so it presents a far more attractive place for wealthier people to move in. It already has a critical mass of services and businesses.

If the city helps subsidize retail development in Bronzeville or Garfield Park, maybe that might help nudge things in that direction. Draper & Kramer wants to redevelop Lake Meadows Plaza... they should get some assistance.

Pilsen is already in full on redevelopment mode and doesn't have all that much room for infill. We'll see redevelopment gradually move west down 18th Street from East Pilsen to West Pilsen, but along Halsted and that portion of the neighborhood there isn't much to develop. It's neighborhoods like Pilsen that are going to put pressure on places like Garfield or Bronzeville to develop. Little nodes of development take hold and build up pressure behind natural barriers like the freeway until the development jumps the barrier like the Chicago Fire jumped the river and takes hold on the other side. So in my opinion Pilsen is already "there" and will act as a seed to push into other areas of the South Side. Bridgeport is another such "seeding" area.

I'd look for similar development patterns on the South Side as there have been on the NW side. There was nothing for decades and then Wicker Park flipped and started redevolping. After that happened it was game over because development was now on the West side of the freeway and could rapidly move in any direction it pleased without barriers; W, NW, N, SW...

While the single lot mid block infill is crucial for these areas (or any area), I am really hoping for larger multi unit, mixed use buildings focused around transportation nodes to create ultra dense hubs of activity. While we wont see buildings like 1601 W Ashland popping up everywhere, buildings even half the size that treat their siting in a similar manner would be fantastic.

I don't think you'll see much more than double lot developments outside of a few major nodes like Noble Square (obviously), Logan Square or Milwaukee and Diversey. There aren't many swaths of open land big enough to support such buildings outside of those areas. Even the lots by California and Western are measly.

[lawfin]

I would hope so. I see Logan Square and Avondale (basically Belmont through Western) exploding with infill in the next boom the way Wicker Park, Bucktown, Roscoe Village, and like areas did in the boom. There is enough development pressure in these areas that some infill is still being built. I can think of half a dozen new projects under construction in these areas even now. There's one near Belmont and Central Park, one near Milwaukee and Diversey, one near Western and Belmont (granted that's Roscoe, but it's a dual six flat development), and a handful of single family homes scattered about. It would be really nice to see the rows of new infill along Diversey and Belmont extend all the way from the Lake to the Blue line in 10 years.

I think that will really intensify the critical mass of the central neighborhoods by forcing those development forces to seek areas outside of the North side like Humboldt Park or Bronzeville or even East Garfield Park or, gasp, maybe even Lawndale in 20 years or so...



This render popped up a while ago but I haven't seen anything on it for like a year. This could turn out really cool.

What is the one at Belmont and Western it does not readily come to mind?

Is the belmont and central park building the old gas station on the northwest corner if I recall?

[Nowhereman1280]

What is the one at Belmont and Western it does not readily come to mind?

Is the belmont and central park building the old gas station on the northwest corner if I recall?

Belmont and Western is two six flats going up I think in this lot, either that or they tore down one of the industrial building in this picture, I just saw it while driving a friend home and was in the process of merging lanes and didn't want to die so I didn't get a good look, but they were already 1 floor high and I was shocked to see them because there weren't there two weeks before:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Chicago&hl=en&ll=41.939432,-87.689086&spn=0.001722,0.002411&hnear=Chicago,+Cook,+Illinois&gl=us&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=41.939431,-87.689235&panoid=AfxYYfrdmmW0nFD-kAcJQw&cbp=12,188.38,,0,3.6

Unfortunately the Central Park on is not that horrid gas station. I think that site has major environmental contamination from tanks. They razed one of the crappy frame houses on the South Side of Belmont just west of Central Park and built a 4 story brick 4 flat there.

[spyguy]

They're trying to get retail on the first two floors and basement
http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/8559/wrigley1.jpg
http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/2111/wrigley2.jpg
Meanwhile, Trump claims (http://www.marinacityonline.com/news/trump0315.htm) things are happening with the empty retail space in his building.

[J_M_Tungsten]

That looks so much better. Way more inviting from Michigan avenue.

[Rizzo]

They're trying to get retail on the first two floors and basement
http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/8559/wrigley1.jpg
http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/2111/wrigley2.jpg
Meanwhile, Trump claims (http://www.marinacityonline.com/news/trump0315.htm) things are happening with the empty retail space in his building.

Hmmm...NO. Where's the other design? I want the other design. It created a more successful space. It had a huge self supported glass canopy that helped to shelter that area against wind.

I cut through there frequently. I don't believe new pavers, removal of the breezeway, and that modern facade replacement are together a silver bullet solution. I'm not convinced this will assist in attracting new tenants.

Step 1. Restore the building exterior as was
Step 2. Construction the glass canopy I saw originally proposed
Step 3. Install impressive architectural lighting and plants in that space to make it an attractive sheltered plaza.

[ardecila]

Not sure if this was ever posted here... early renderings of the Marianos at Clark/16th. Reminds me very much of the Roosevelt/Wabash Jewel.

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/1332/marianos.jpg
http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/1749/marianosplans.jpg
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/1176/marianos3.jpg

[J_M_Tungsten]

I really hope they do the wrigley building as proposed. It's a very welcoming area off of Michigan ave, and if the Trump holds true to their retail, it will create an impressive gangway. Excellent design!

[Rizzo]

Here's original proposed design for the plaza.

http://www.mkbdesign.net/commercial/wrigley-building/

It also includes the plaza out front, which we have yet to determine from the set of new images.

[Mr Downtown]

Actually, with the rooftop parking, the Mariano's reminds me of the Dominick's at Foster & Sheridan. These showed up on Sloopin a month ago, but I keep hoping to see renderings large enough to make out some details.

[Kngkyle]

Here's original proposed design for the plaza.

http://www.mkbdesign.net/commercial/wrigley-building/

It also includes the plaza out front, which we have yet to determine from the set of new images.

Agreed - that looks much nicer and more likely to attract retail tenants.

[ChiPhi]

^^^ Is the plaza open on one end and closed on the other. If so, I would say that they should close both ends and make it a winter garden. The shops would be visible from the street, but the plaza would also be useable in the winter.

[Busy Bee]

Here's original proposed design for the plaza.

http://www.mkbdesign.net/commercial/wrigley-building/

It also includes the plaza out front, which we have yet to determine from the set of new images.

Oh that is nice! I want that design.

[lawfin]

Agreed - that looks much nicer and more likely to attract retail tenants.

Ditto

[J_M_Tungsten]

Here's original proposed design for the plaza.

http://www.mkbdesign.net/commercial/wrigley-building/

It also includes the plaza out front, which we have yet to determine from the set of new images.

O yea, that's not bad too. Did they not want to pay the extra money for that or what?

[i_am_hydrogen]

I read that the Lakeview NIMBY group is trying to downsize the proposal for the old Dominick's site on Broadway. You've got to be kidding me. The site has been vacant for ages. And, finally, a solid plan comes through, and they want to play games because they think it's too dense. Give me a break.

[lawfin]

I read that the Lakeview NIMBY group is trying to downsize the proposal for the old Dominick's site on Broadway. You've got to be kidding me. The site has been vacant for ages. And, finally, a solid plan comes through, and they want to play games because they think it's too dense. Give me a break.

I don't recall the exact proposal but I thought that it was b3-5 as of right. Was a variance granted or a PD ?

[ardecila]

More on the boathouses. No renderings yet. Apparently Jeanne Gang is only doing two of them - the River Park boathouse is done by Johnson & Lee. No word on the Ping Tom boathouse.

River Park Boathouse to Have Rooftop Deck, Coming in 2013 (http://www.centersquarejournal.com/news/river-park-boathouse-to-have-rooftop-deck-coming-in-2013)
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
By Patty Wetli

The two-story boathouse, one of four announced in 2011 by Mayor Emanuel, will be located on the west bank of the river, near Argyle Street, adjacent to an existing soccer field and playground. While the city is just beginning the bidding process, the expectation is that a canoe/kayak rental vendor will occupy the boathouse, though the boat launch will be open for use to all members of the public. (A larger boathouse planned for Clark Park, 3400 N. Rockwell Ave., just a few miles downstream, will accommodate the longer boats used by rowing clubs.) Bicycle and fishing equipment rentals may be provided in the future but “right now, the priority is to get people to use the river,” Foster said.

Perhaps the most intriguing feature revealed by Foster is a rooftop deck, roomy enough to accommodate roughly 60 people, that will be open to all residents, whether renting a boat or not.

With all of the hype surrounding the announcement of star architect Jeanne Gang’s role in the design of the boathouses, it was a bit of a letdown to learn that her involvement is confined to the structures at Clark Park and Bubbly Creek–nothing against Johnson & Lee, whose plans for River Park appear perfectly serviceable. Clark Park will also have a nifty rowing flume for practice during the winter, so good for them.

Even with a number of elements still in flux, including the length of the boathouse dock, Foster expects the Park District will break ground at the site this summer. “The existing conditions are pretty bad there,” he said, so much of the initial effort, coordinated with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, will be aimed at upgrading the shoreline.

When completed in spring/summer of 2013, the boathouse will boast Silver LEED certification and will be ADA accessible. Though dependent on the eventual chosen vendor, the Park District hopes to have the boathouse open seven days a week.

[Rizzo]

Niketown interior renovations begin:
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6043/6995348977_c98dcbf0b7_b.jpg

[aic4ever]

More on the boathouses. No renderings yet. Apparently Jeanne Gang is only doing two of them - the River Park boathouse is done by Johnson & Lee. No word on the Ping Tom boathouse.

PBC just issued an RFQ for design-build of the Ping Tom fieldhouse on Friday. Phase I qualification packages are due in on 04-13. They'll shortlist by 04-30 and then accept design-build bids on 05-30. They are targeting 07-16 for an award date.

First time I've seen PBC do this. I like it. This approach works very well for the Navy.

[lakeviewer]

I read that the Lakeview NIMBY group is trying to downsize the proposal for the old Dominick's site on Broadway. You've got to be kidding me. The site has been vacant for ages. And, finally, a solid plan comes through, and they want to play games because they think it's too dense. Give me a break.

‎3030 N. Broadway Planned Development on Hold

The Alderman’s office has been told by the city law department that the proposed development at 3030 N. Broadway is on hold until the city’s differences with the Davis group have been resolved. Consequently there will NOT be any advisory vote on this project by SELVN until the hold is removed. A representative from the Alderman’s office will be at the March 12 SELVN meeting and if there is additional information available he will provide an update.

This is from SELVH Facebook page...doesn't look good all around...

[ardecila]

PBC just issued an RFQ for design-build of the Ping Tom fieldhouse on Friday. Phase I qualification packages are due in on 04-13. They'll shortlist by 04-30 and then accept design-build bids on 05-30. They are targeting 07-16 for an award date.

First time I've seen PBC do this. I like it. This approach works very well for the Navy.

Interesting. The fieldhouse RFP does not include the boathouse, though. I was hoping that, by being in the Central Area, Ping Tom would not get the same awful prototype fieldhouse that's been used on the South Side. Those precast panels are not a dignified material for public architecture.

That's not to knock all prototypes - John Ronan's high school design (http://pbcchicago.com/content/projects/project_detail.asp?pID=CPS-30) for CPS is awesome, as is the Park District's other fieldhouse prototype (http://www.pbcchicago.com/content/projects/project_detail.asp?pID=CPD-43).

[aic4ever]

Interesting. The fieldhouse RFP does not include the boathouse, though. I was hoping that, by being in the Central Area, Ping Tom would not get the same awful prototype fieldhouse that's been used on the South Side. Those precast panels are not a dignified material for public architecture.

That's not to knock all prototypes - John Ronan's high school design (http://pbcchicago.com/content/projects/project_detail.asp?pID=CPS-30) for CPS is awesome, as is the Park District's other fieldhouse prototype (http://www.pbcchicago.com/content/projects/project_detail.asp?pID=CPD-43).

Ronan's designs are awesome, and he's a very cool guy, besides.

The RFP calls for CPD Prototype Fieldhouse I. So while the method of delivery is design-build, it needs to match that prototype. I am not sure which prototype is which.

[spyguy]

Ulta (the cosmetics shop) showed up in BidClerk a few days ago, so I assume an announcement is forthcoming. I might be reading too much into this, but Roosevelt Collection's FB page includes a number of "Likes" for specific stores, including the aforementioned Ulta, H&M, Apple, Homegoods, Aveda, Jos. A Bank, Anthropologie, Z Gallerie, Ann Taylor, Bath & Body Works, LEYE restaurants, FFC gym. Not saying that these will end up opening on Roosevelt but I do remember hearing rumors about a few of them in the past.

In any case, here's a webcam (http://oxblue.com/open/mccafferyinterests/rooseveltcollectionplan) showing the work being done on the plaza.

[Rizzo]

Ulta (the cosmetics shop) showed up in BidClerk a few days ago, so I assume an announcement is forthcoming. I might be reading too much into this, but Roosevelt Collection's FB page includes a number of "Likes" for specific stores, including the aforementioned Ulta, H&M, Apple, Homegoods, Aveda, Jos. A Bank, Anthropologie, Z Gallerie, Ann Taylor, Bath & Body Works, LEYE restaurants, FFC gym. Not saying that these will end up opening on Roosevelt but I do remember hearing rumors about a few of them in the past.

In any case, here's a webcam (http://oxblue.com/open/mccafferyinterests/rooseveltcollectionplan) showing the work being done on the plaza.

That's one creepy camera.

[ardecila]

Ronan's designs are awesome, and he's a very cool guy, besides.

The RFP calls for CPD Prototype Fieldhouse I. So while the method of delivery is design-build, it needs to match that prototype. I am not sure which prototype is which.

Prototype I is the precast concrete one, possibly tilt-up (not sure). It has rounded roofs. Prototype II has masonry walls and flat roofs. Both were designed by Booth Hansen and can be found on their website.

[aic4ever]

Prototype I is the precast concrete one, possibly tilt-up (not sure). It has rounded roofs. Prototype II has masonry walls and flat roofs. Both were designed by Booth Hansen and can be found on their website.

Gotcha. Well it looks like it will be a variation on the precast then. The RFP calls for a natatorium as well, which the current prototype, at least on BH's website, doesn't have. I should think the precast could be livened up with some color changes besides. Perhaps that charcoal color from the precast on the Roosevelt building, and going with a glass that has some more green to it would look interesting. It would certainly have more pop on the whole than that one did, as a big, gray mass.

[ardecila]

Yeah, that would be a big improvement.

[emathias]

...
In any case, here's a webcam (http://oxblue.com/open/mccafferyinterests/rooseveltcollectionplan) showing the work being done on the plaza.

That's one creepy camera.

nice view but, yeah, kinda looks like a set for The Walking Dead - all it needs are some zombie extras.

[untitledreality]

Belmont and Western is two six flats going up I think in this lot, either that or they tore down one of the industrial building in this picture, I just saw it while driving a friend home and was in the process of merging lanes and didn't want to die so I didn't get a good look, but they were already 1 floor high and I was shocked to see them because there weren't there two weeks before:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Chicago&hl=en&ll=41.939432,-87.689086&spn=0.001722,0.002411&hnear=Chicago,+Cook,+Illinois&gl=us&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=41.939431,-87.689235&panoid=AfxYYfrdmmW0nFD-kAcJQw&cbp=12,188.38,,0,3.6

Drove by last night on the way to dinner and it looks like there are three six flats going up in that location, all being marketed by Sergio Banks.

*** just google'd Sergio Banks and on their front page they have a blurb about this row of development. Three six flats, with 3/4 bed - 2 bath units, starting just a touch under $260K. http://www.sergioandbanks.com/video-new-3-and-4-bedrooms-a-block-from-roscoe-village-at-a-killer-price/

[Buckman821]

Drove by last night on the way to dinner and it looks like there are three six flats going up in that location, all being marketed by Sergio Banks.

*** just google'd Sergio Banks and on their front page they have a blurb about this row of development. Three six flats, with 3/4 bed - 2 bath units, starting just a touch under $260K. http://www.sergioandbanks.com/video-new-3-and-4-bedrooms-a-block-from-roscoe-village-at-a-killer-price/

Interesting, this Noah Properties guy really seems to be filling a development void out there. The number of active developers seems to have really shrunk but those that are out there appear to be doing well with quick sales (see also the Smart Tech homes http://smartchicagohomes.com/homes/pdf%20brochure/SmartTech%20Homes%20Brochure%2002-03-12.pdf)

Even though these noah properties are often a little quirky stylistically (I'm alright with that) it's nice to see developers making new construction work again.

[untitledreality]

Even though these noah properties are often a little quirky stylistically (I'm alright with that) it's nice to see developers making new construction work again.
Especially since these are more often than not being built on already vacant lots.

I greatly prefer the looks of their six flats (you can see a few on Ashland South of Division) and the SmartTech homes compared to the regurgitated brick/limestone/front porch garbage that is still filling LV and LP... usually taking the place of beautiful two flats.

[untitledreality]

There aren't many swaths of open land big enough to support such buildings outside of those areas. Even the lots by California and Western are measly.
I was curious how many sites (vacant/surface lot/underused) were in these two areas that are of similar size to the 1601 W. Ashland site (which is 15,000SF) ...so off to Google Earth I went.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7Uu8HhXzGek/T2kQwk68yuI/AAAAAAAAANM/wzJR-kXog34/s1152/Western.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lf-rA4tUj9M/T2kQvtZ4MyI/AAAAAAAAANE/F809O5xQya0/s1152/California.jpg

So really each node has only two vacant/surface lots of adequate size, while there are a total of five that are grossly underused (Walgreens, Bank, McD, KFC, Blockbuster). It doesn't seem like much, but Western in particular could do some serious bulking up without deviating from the main intersection.

[ardecila]

The big Bond Cos. retail/apartment project at Canal/Roosevelt has been introduced in City Council. Designer is Gensler. It looks like it will have really great street presence if built.

[denizen467]

^ Awesome!

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

Could somebody who is subscribed to Crain's fill us in on what the following article (one of today's "Most Viewed") is about:

Total wreck: Allstate opts to raze vacated suburban building
I think the link is:
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120317/ISSUE01/303179981

[Rizzo]

It appears they intend to expand their existing campus (visible from the Tri-State) and demolish an office building across the street for future use.

Here is the doomed building
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2700+Sanders+Road+Northbrook,+IL+60062&hl=en&ll=42.101821,-87.871882&spn=0.003136,0.014076&sll=42.100738,-87.871807&sspn=0.013931,0.028152&t=h&gl=us&hnear=2700+Sanders+Rd,+Northbrook,+Illinois+60062&z=17&layer=c&cbll=42.104174,-87.875711&panoid=yUO-ZRZd5qUhyFCNQFEywQ&cbp=11,287.66,,0,-5.83

[ardecila]

You can read the free version at GlobeSt.

http://www.globest.com/news/12_310/chicago/office/Village-Sets-Talks-to-Prevent-Allstate-Campus-Teardown-319745.html

Essentially Allstate has been unsuccessful trying to sell their South Barrington campus, so they're gonna tear it down in hopes that a cleared site will be more attractive to potential buyers. The nearby intersection of Higgins/59 has really exploded in the last few years with two huge retail developments, so this area has some potential. Unfortunately those retail developments cannot fill their spaces and office vacancy in the NW corridor is at 28%.

The campus is actually fairly attractive, with handsome modernist brick buildings. I hope Allstate can find a buyer. If the buildings are torn down, it will likely remain empty just like the massive Sutton Crossing property across the street. In the long run, I hope any new office development can be constrained to Prairie Stone... it's well-planned with sidewalks, landscaping, etc and it's set up on a loop so it can easily be served by buses and connected to Metra/CTA. If - God forbid - the STAR Line is ever built, communities should work to centralize employment at dense nodes around the stations.

[Rizzo]

Oh damn, then I wonder whats the deal with the other info I heard.

[ardecila]

Game of telephone, I guess? Never trust info from the grapevine 100%.

The campus along the Tri-State is the company headquarters. If they were going to raze it, they would have identified a new headquarters and that would have been MAJOR news, whether the company was moving to the city or out-of-state. Aon got weeks of press for their symbolic decision to move the HQ, even though virtually all the employees are staying here.

[Rizzo]

No, they weren't going to raze the headquarters, but an empty building across the street from their campus.

[SamInTheLoop]

Ulta (the cosmetics shop) showed up in BidClerk a few days ago, so I assume an announcement is forthcoming. I might be reading too much into this, but Roosevelt Collection's FB page includes a number of "Likes" for specific stores, including the aforementioned Ulta, H&M, Apple, Homegoods, Aveda, Jos. A Bank, Anthropologie, Z Gallerie, Ann Taylor, Bath & Body Works, LEYE restaurants, FFC gym. Not saying that these will end up opening on Roosevelt but I do remember hearing rumors about a few of them in the past.

In any case, here's a webcam (http://oxblue.com/open/mccafferyinterests/rooseveltcollectionplan) showing the work being done on the plaza.


Had also seen something about Ulta, and I too am expecting an announcement of a first large group of tenants within the next few weeks at most. The group of tenants you mention above from Facebook are precisely the types of tenants that this was always supposed to house, and I believe will still be the general mix that opens (there was some talk here a couple months ago I think with some posters expecting it to be much more value-oriented, and I didn't understand that then, and still don't, as that wouldn't be the right merchandising/entertainment strategy for the project).....

[SamInTheLoop]

So AMLI has quickly become one of the downtown developers I loathe the most.....I assume I'm in some pretty good company here as there's plenty of cause.

Real estate newletter Bisnow Chicago had some coverage last week of a multifamily summit they held downtown. I found it very interesting that they included a bit on Greg Putz - er, correction - Mutz, Chairman of AMLI's take on retail space in multifamily buildings. He has an unfavorable view, surprise, surprise. Excert from Bisnow:

"And from the sound of it, Greg has had his fill of urban planners, often besotted with the streetscapes of the livelier cities of Europe, forcing multifamily developers to include retail that cannot and does not work at the site. The retailers, he said, might as well bring a bankruptcy lawyer to the lease signing."

Lovely. That's his (their) attitude. We already know AMLI doesn't give a flying fu*k about quality architecture downtown, about smart site design, parking issues, etc, and now this seeming outright hostility to incorporating streetfront retail into their properties is just the blossoming colony of bubonic plague bacteria hidden in AMLI's steaming pile of horsesh*t. Just how anti-urban do they feel they need to be and just how anti-urban will Chicago's politicians and planners (read: politicians) allow them to get? Something to look forward to , as they have one POS under construction in River North, a planned POS in design in the South Loop, and who knows what subsequently.....

[ardecila]

^^ I was trying to say that McCaffery should lower rents if they're not getting any interest from retailers. The carrying costs of such a massive property have to be huge, so any rental income at all is better than none, and a development filled with discounters is better for the city than an empty one.

It depends what the problem is, really. If high-end retailers believe the South Loop market is saturated relative to population, they're not gonna move in regardless of the rent or the physical layout. If the economy is the problem, then it's good that RC was transferred to an owner with deeper pockets who can wait out the recession. If the design is the problem - do whatever is feasible to alter it.

[Rizzo]

So AMLI has quickly become one of the downtown developers I loathe the most.....I assume I'm in some pretty good company here as there's plenty of cause.

Real estate newletter Bisnow Chicago had some coverage last week of a multifamily summit they held downtown. I found it very interesting that they included a bit on Greg Putz - er, correction - Mutz, Chairman of AMLI's take on retail space in multifamily buildings. He has an unfavorable view, surprise, surprise. Excert from Bisnow:

"And from the sound of it, Greg has had his fill of urban planners, often besotted with the streetscapes of the livelier cities of Europe, forcing multifamily developers to include retail that cannot and does not work at the site. The retailers, he said, might as well bring a bankruptcy lawyer to the lease signing."

Lovely. That's his (their) attitude. We already know AMLI doesn't give a flying fu*k about quality architecture downtown, about smart site design, parking issues, etc, and now this seeming outright hostility to incorporating streetfront retail into their properties is just the blossoming colony of bubonic plague bacteria hidden in AMLI's steaming pile of horsesh*t. Just how anti-urban do they feel they need to be and just how anti-urban will Chicago's politicians and planners (read: politicians) allow them to get? Something to look forward to , as they have one POS under construction in River North, a planned POS in design in the South Loop, and who knows what subsequently.....

It is something to keep in mind now isn't it...

[Mr Downtown]

^But while the previous developer (Avalon Bay) proposing two 40-story towers would not agree to include any retail, AMLI's much-criticized midrise propsal for Clark & Polk has 9,000 sq ft of street-level retail and a good broker already on board.

[ardecila]

I don't know how the AMLI River North project could possibly claim that retail space would be difficult to lease. That whole area is possibly the hottest area in the city for clubs/bars, restaurants, or high-end furnishings. If the city demands retail space at that location, that demand is in no way unreasonable. The Clark/Polk project also has proximity to a somewhat successful retail area running down Polk from State.

AMLI 900, on the other hand, is on a particularly barren stretch of Clark St with little pedestrian traffic. I don't think they should be forced to put in retail there. The only way it would work is if the retail was auto-oriented with significant parking provided.

What other projects has AMLI done in the downtown area?

[Buckman821]

I don't know how the AMLI River North project could possibly claim that retail space would be difficult to lease. That whole area is possibly the hottest area in the city for clubs/bars, restaurants, or high-end furnishings. If the city demands retail space at that location, that demand is in no way unreasonable. The Clark/Polk project also has proximity to a somewhat successful retail area running down Polk from State.

AMLI 900, on the other hand, is on a particularly barren stretch of Clark St with little pedestrian traffic. I don't think they should be forced to put in retail there. The only way it would work is if the retail was auto-oriented with significant parking provided.

What other projects has AMLI done in the downtown area?

While I mostly agree with you regarding the feasibility of retail space, 353 N Clark sure is having a rough go with theirs. Seriously, what could be taking them so long?

Anyway, I don't find much to dislike about the River North project from an urban design perspective. Habitat's is much worse.

[Rizzo]

I don't know how the AMLI River North project could possibly claim that retail space would be difficult to lease. That whole area is possibly the hottest area in the city for clubs/bars, restaurants, or high-end furnishings. If the city demands retail space at that location, that demand is in no way unreasonable. The Clark/Polk project also has proximity to a somewhat successful retail area running down Polk from State.

AMLI 900, on the other hand, is on a particularly barren stretch of Clark St with little pedestrian traffic. I don't think they should be forced to put in retail there. The only way it would work is if the retail was auto-oriented with significant parking provided.

What other projects has AMLI done in the downtown area?

Providing retail is no sweat for the developer of these projects. It won't bankrupt them so why should they care. Solution? Low rents. It might....just might encourage some retail that isn't part of the super chains that crowd up downtown and drive up rents. Technically any place is in the city can support a business. It's the cost of doing business that keeps these places empty.

[Rizzo]

Uhhhh ohhhhh!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6858535588_84f27f81ca_b.jpg

[the urban politician]

^ Donde esta?