CHICAGO | General Developments

[jbrady3324]

I need to learn more names of architects. I am a fan of modernist design/architecture when done right - I like his stuff and definitely recognize it. I searched in the database and he's on a number of projects for new construction lately.

A number of single family homes actually, but here's some "larger" projects where he's the architect:

* 2008 N Whipple (Whipple & Armitage) | Humboldt Park | 24 detached units
* 1809 W Chicago (Wood & Chicago) | East Village | 9 detached units, 4 stories
* 1929 and 1935 N California (California & Armitage) | Logan Square | 6 units and 1 floor commercial each building

Bunch more though

I was in the market for a condo and I walked into a bunch of Hanna's new and recent (being resold) condo units. I'll admit, the outside of the buildings are rather nice and contemporary, but the inside of the units are nothing but smoke and mirrors (but I guess that is more on the developer).

[Mr Downtown]

What if Chicago were to become a destionation for international investors to park their money?

It already is, but they didn't get money by being clueless.

This project assumes it can tenant 800,000 sq ft of fashion retail at the opposite end of downtown from the rich people and the tourists. It assumes it can lease hundreds of tiny apartments whose only window looks into a light shaft.

It would be a blind sheik indeed who thought that was a promising investment.

[wierdaaron]

Wasn't that whole "shaft of light" thing just based on someone's mockup? It could be that the residential will all go along the edges and the interior of the building will be the retail.

[PKDickman]

I was in the market for a condo and I walked into a bunch of Hanna's new and recent (being resold) condo units. I'll admit, the outside of the buildings are rather nice and contemporary, but the inside of the units are nothing but smoke and mirrors (but I guess that is more on the developer).

That's common with Hanna. He feels his job is done when the permit is issued and doesn't do much more than floor plans for interiors.

You should get a preview of the Division St job here:
http://chicago.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=1287771&GUID=1A882DEF-BC4F-4E4A-A1E3-51BA94F9DF00

They got it rezoned from RT4 to B2-3. That's a mandatory Type 1 rezone and the prints are part of the legislation.

It's in there, but you have to scroll down past 20 pages of legaleze

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

Hmmm... architect is John Hanna. Should be some quality modern infill.

Wait. This guy (http://www.hannaarchitects.com/)? Aside from one or two projects, I think his stuff is banal at best. A lot of it is hideous.

[SamInTheLoop]

Base of tower crane already up. Good thing - assume in no small part due to its very small footprint - that this one is off to a fast start, because it needs to be complete and open for business in little more than 13 months.....

[ardecila]

Wait. This guy (http://www.hannaarchitects.com/)? Aside from one or two projects, I think his stuff is banal at best. A lot of it is hideous.

Go down Belmont and look at the stuff that passes for luxury housing in this town, then come back and tell me Hanna's work isn't on a higher level of quality. Hell, look right across Division at the ParkSide buildings.

I'd rather have Studio Dwell, but why make the perfect the enemy of the good?

[Mr Downtown]

Wasn't that whole "shaft of light" thing just based on someone's mockup? It could be that the residential will all go along the edges and the interior of the building will be the retail.

From the IPD America website: (http://ipdamerica.com/development.html)

• Redevelopment of the upper levels of the center of the Old Post Office Building, above the automated parking spaces, for Residential units by creating generous atriums open to the sky in the middle of the vast floors to allow light to penetrate deep into the Building.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w2Kw8LebCvo/UemN7bfGkwI/AAAAAAAAUeg/PFcN-_Rn5I4/s1600/postofficeriver.jpg
Antunovich Associates rendering via ArchitectureChicago PLUS blog

[ardecila]

Short list for the McPier/DePaul Arena:
Grimshaw Architects, P.C.
John Ronan Architects, LLC
Krueck + Sexton Architects, P.C.
OMA * AMO Architecture, P.C.
Pelli Clark Pelli Architects, Inc.
Ross Barney Architecture, Inc.

[Rizzo]

Deconstruction of the building at Pearson and State. All the architectural detailing are being removed from the building first.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/9338353965_2fffd85be4_b.jpg

And new AMLI buildings in the South Loop
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/9341216114_fa7da66f76_b.jpg

[denizen467]

Antunovich Associates rendering via ArchitectureChicago PLUS blog
I really appreciate the low-rise, human-scaled, soft, contoured treatment of the triangular riverbank plot. I would probably rather prefer the massive post office eastern facade remained fully, impressively visible, but this is the type of thinking that I was hoping for at the Trump Tower site before any renders ever came out, and that still might be doable in a couple other remaining riverfront locations.
Deconstruction of the building at Pearson and State. All the architectural detailing are being removed from the building first.
Very interesting apparatus they've erected there. Almost looks top-heavy though.

[MultiModal]

With Chicago privatizing the Port of Chicago does anyone think this will help the Southworks lakeside development or possibly hurt it?

[Mr Downtown]

Probably little effect. The Port of Chicago is several miles away, at the bottom of Lake Calumet. Even a revitalized port operation would mean only a few new jobs.

[Rizzo]

Very interesting apparatus they've erected there. Almost looks top-heavy though.

Yep. They'll just be sliding the bracing on the scaffold down as they move lower. I'm happy they are salvaging stuff though. At least some of the ornamentation may see a second life.

[SamInTheLoop]

Curbed reported at the end of last week that tomorrow the design (at least conceptual, not sure just how advanced it is) for the new student residences/dining hall at the University of Chicago will be unveiled. Don't know who architect is (unless I completely missed it in Curbed-linked-to announcement/article/whatever it was)....but, we shall find out tomorrow....

[untitledreality]

Short list for the McPier/DePaul Arena:

Seems like a strong list, either one of Koolhaas, Ronan, or K+S could make for a noteworthy project. I didn't expect to see their names on this list.

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

Go down Belmont and look at the stuff that passes for luxury housing in this town, then come back and tell me Hanna's work isn't on a higher level of quality. Hell, look right across Division at the ParkSide buildings.

I'd rather have Studio Dwell, but why make the perfect the enemy of the good?

I'm quite familiar with the development along Belmont, thank you, and, no, I don't think Hanna's work is overall of a higher quality.

Let me remind you that Hanna is responsible for this:

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/uploadedImages/News/Chicago/Images/Urban/structure1.jpg

source: Karla Dawn Meier for Medill (http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=176161)

[untitledreality]

...then come back and tell me Hanna's work isn't on a higher level of quality.

It isn't. Most of the firm's work is cheap schlock, in many cases worse than the faux classical infill crap.

[Rizzo]

I'm not a fan of the Devon Garage but I do like their residential work. The use of masonry is timeless and the heavy cantilevering balconies are very Chicago. I had a friend that rented in one of their buildings. The interior was nice, the layout was great and was sort of a duplex level unit. It had high ceilings and a good finishes palette.

It's good in my book. What I really can't stand are some of the houses built out of split face cmu. Seriously who is designing those?

[ardecila]

Let me remind you that Hanna is responsible for this:

I like the garage! C'mon, I've heard you praise some buildings for being delightfully tacky. This building is like Hooters.

[spyguy]

^ Can't blame the NIMBY's. That looks like shit

Careful what you ask for:
http://imageshack.us/a/img23/6204/mc82.jpg

[J_M_Tungsten]

When will it end!? This beige fad is so bad for Chicago. Truly awful.

[SamInTheLoop]

^^ Tell me that's not a real, current proposal........please. Looks almost Dick Mannish, or perhaps Mark McKinneyish.....or their hideous designphobic scandalous love child....at any rate a nightmare.

[Mikemak27]

Careful what you ask for:
http://imageshack.us/a/img23/6204/mc82.jpg

Please tell me that isn't the rendering for the small / mid rise apartment proposal in the river north neighborhood along Dearborn. Yuck!!!

[Rizzo]

^ That is soooooooooooo River North!

[Jibba]

Yeah, that's not wonderful. That rendering, along with the rendering for the previous iteration, are from a weird perspective, though (maybe not even a real one?). I'd still like to see an elevation for this before I lament the presence of this. At least the first four floors are more contextual...

......

[r18tdi]

That is soooooooooooo River North! It hurts. It hurts so bad.

[emathias]

I like the garage! C'mon, I've heard you praise some buildings for being delightfully tacky. This building is like Hooters.

Needs more orange. I live near the River North Hooters, and two Germans I have been hosting over the weekend went there last night "just to say they'd been." No accounting for taste ...

Careful what you ask for:
http://imageshack.us/a/img23/6204/mc82.jpg

Is that a real variant?

For those who couldn't figure it out, that's the location of the proposal for 707 N Wells, but a lot of surrounding buildings are missing for some reason.

I suppose it is more "contextual" but only if the context is that Flair Tower thing on Erie ...

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

I like the garage! C'mon, I've heard you praise some buildings for being delightfully tacky. This building is like Hooters.

Ed Debevics is delightfully tacky. Hooters is awful. But point taken. Sort of. I mean, I enjoy that garage, too, but precisely because it's so bad/not-good. And I don't think kitsch is evidence of an architect's talents.

[Koodoo25]

It's over now, but this weekend there was a movie (Jupiter Ascending) that was being filmed on Canal, close to the construction site for 444 West Lake.

http://i.imgur.com/Gp6Vq3d.jpg?1?4163

There were also several other locations all over the city, mainly along the river and around the Gold Coast where they filmed this weekend.

[harryc]

It's over now, but this weekend there was a movie (Jupiter Ascending) that was being filmed on Canal, close to the construction site for 444 West Lake.

http://i.imgur.com/Gp6Vq3d.jpg?1?4163

There were also several other locations all over the city, mainly along the river and around the Gold Coast where they filmed this weekend.

They were rigging lights on the Lake st bridge yesterday afternoon.

[george]

7-21

Wrigley Plaza rehab

http://imageshack.us/a/img577/2230/rvxx.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img824/937/g9w7.jpg
Existing glazed terra-cotta

http://imageshack.us/a/img40/5124/t0b1.jpg
Recreated glazed terra-cotta

http://imageshack.us/a/img853/5488/ck2b.jpg

[marothisu]

5 three-story, 6 residential unit buildings (30 total units) got approved for work in "South Old Irving Park" on Milwaukee, not terribly far from Kilbourn Park. This is nice because the site is currently a small open field - More infill. Architect is Bill G. Kokalias.

Buildings at 3408, 3414, 3420, 3426, 3434 N Milwaukee Ave

[MultiModal]

When will the Wrigley Plaza get retail?

[SamInTheLoop]

Needs more orange. I live near the River North Hooters, and two Germans I have been hosting over the weekend went there last night "just to say they'd been." No accounting for taste ...



Is that a real variant?

For those who couldn't figure it out, that's the location of the proposal for 707 N Wells, but a lot of surrounding buildings are missing for some reason.

I suppose it is more "contextual" but only if the context is that Flair Tower thing on Erie ...


Let's just really hope that this wasn't an unsophisticated developer/architect team's response to unsophisticated River North NIMBYs. For me, this is absolutely the most frustrating type of awful design that I see in this city. Either when you have a development/design team that simply doesn't know any better, or just caves to any uninformed, unknowing neighborhood 'feedback', and produces a design to be more 'contextual', inoffensive etc when in fact it is not at all, and usually ends up being ridiculously bad postmodern or neotraditional garbage. The obviously better contextualism would be to keep the design modern, but respectful, taking some scaling, massing cues, etc. Just the slightest bit of design sophistication is needed. By appearances, nobody seems to have it in the case of 707 Wells. The first version (if this was infact the chronological order) was right to be modern, but it was a clumsy, disrespectful attempt. So then there's this preposterous over(mis)reaction by pulling a 180 and making it some beige painted concrete pomo schlock in an attempt to be more contextual, when in fact it is anything but!

[J_M_Tungsten]

They were rigging lights on the Lake st bridge yesterday afternoon.

They are filming in a house near Dearborn and Schiller in the Gold Coast as well for this movie. I was running when I came across the quiet set and a bunch of people trying to get a glimpse of Channing Tatum. I kept running.

[the urban politician]

Retail-apartment tower planned at busy Lakeview intersection (http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20130724/CRED03/130729925/retail-apartment-tower-planned-at-busy-lakeview-intersection)

:superwhip:banger::righton::ahhh::ohyeah

HELLLLLS yeah, I've been waiting YEARS for something here to happen. That Dunkin donuts parking lot is such a pathetic use of that space. Even if the NIMBY's whittle this down to half its size, it will be a huge (and much needed) boost for that intersection.

[k1052]

Retail-apartment tower planned at busy Lakeview intersection (http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20130724/CRED03/130729925/retail-apartment-tower-planned-at-busy-lakeview-intersection)

:superwhip:banger::righton::ahhh::ohyeah

HELLLLLS yeah, I've been waiting YEARS for something here to happen. That Dunkin donuts parking lot is such a pathetic use of that space. Even if the NIMBY's whittle this down to half its size, it will be a huge (and much needed) boost for that intersection.

Besides getting the height reduced I wouldn't expect significant neighborhood interference. The DD it's and parking lot are magnets for problems late at night...many people around here would be very pleased to see it go away.

[gallo]

As a neighborhood resident, the Belmont and Clark project would be fantastic, though I'll hate to see the Taboo building on Belmont get demoed. The next step would be redeveloping the huge wasted parking area/drive through bank zone at Belmont and Halsted. It will be interesting to see how the height-fight plays out as there is a 15 story senior building 1/2 block away down Clark.

[OhioGuy]

The developers plan to tear down the existing structures to make way for an eight- to 12-story building that would include two levels of retail, two floors of parking and several stories of apartments, Mr. Lake said. The pair hopes to secure a grocer as an anchor tenant for the estimated $50 million project, Mr. Blitz said.

I wish they could at least incorporate the facade of 850-854 Belmont into the design rather than tear everything down. Is the exterior terra-cotta? Regardless of what it is, I like the detail... more interesting than most new construction ever produces. But otherwise I'm thrilled to hear this corner will finally be redeveloped into something more appropriate for a location just two minutes from the L.

[BrinChi]

I wish they could at least incorporate the facade of 850-854 Belmont into the design rather than tear everything down. Is the exterior terra-cotta? Regardless of what it is, I like the detail... more interesting than most new construction ever produces. But otherwise I'm thrilled to hear this corner will finally be redeveloped into something more appropriate for a location just two minutes from the L.

I've been wondering the same thing about at least incorporating the facade!

[tjp]

Wow - that would change the whole feel of that area in such an awesome way.

I wonder if they already have financing lined up - I feel like that'd be tough to do without first securing a tenant for the retail floors.

[Beta_Magellan]

Goodbye, Pierce Hall (http://housing.uchicago.edu/sites/housing.uchicago.edu/files/styles/galleryimage/public/uploads/images/1_5.jpeg?itok=IldufAdf)!

All images copyright Studio Gang Architects, via chicagomag.com (http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/The-312/July-2013/Jeanne-Gang-to-Design-Spectacular-Social-New-University-of-Chicago-Dorm/?photo=0):

http://www.chicagomag.com/images/cache/65d2002c50c92484a474e6f30ce5a64a.jpeg

http://www.chicagomag.com/images/cache/c579e71f3bc879505cd72a5496fafa58.jpeg

http://www.chicagomag.com/images/cache/cbf771b4afcbcb1dbc2019ac101619ed.jpeg

http://www.chicagomag.com/images/cache/5529b3ead39352f86f402653ceeee029.jpeg

http://www.chicagomag.com/images/cache/65d2002c50c92484a474e6f30ce5a64a.jpeg

As an alum I have to admit to being somewhat torn about this—while it’s a great improvement over Pierce (admittedly, not hard), the site plan really opens up what was an awkward corner of the campus, and in the article Gang notes she takes inspiration from Harry Weese (whose work in the Regenstein Library I’ve always felt was underappreciated), the new dormitory’s also reflective of the university’s attempt to keep more students on-campus and in campus housing. As someone who fled campus housing as soon as I had the chance, I’m generally not fond of this. Living the neighborhood was not only less expensive, but also gave me field-training in acting like an adult and, most importantly, got me out the the University’s bubble, which can be rather awful. In the past, the University semi-expected students to do this, provisioning less housing for upperclassmen. Now, with four-year stays in housing encouraged, more students will choose to remain in the bubble and refrain from both growing up and remain even more isolated in already-isolated Hyde Park.

[r18tdi]

In the past, the University semi-expected students to do this, provisioning less housing for upperclassmen. Now, with four-year stays in housing encouraged, more students will choose to remain in the bubble and refrain from both growing up and being even more isolated in already-isolated Hyde Park.
Good points here. A number of my friends are U of C alumni and all echo your thoughts regarding isolation.

[Mr Downtown]

Harry Weese (whose work in the Regenstein Library I’ve always felt was underappreciated)

What did Weese do in Regenstein?

[Beta_Magellan]

Nothing—it was Walter Netsch and I brain-farted. :slob:

I’m moving from Chicago soon so you won’t have to deal with my idiocy anymore.

[thewaterman11]

Looks like Halsted Flats is gaining some height. Photos from Chicago Architecture Blog, and the article accompanying it is pretty cool too.

http://blog.chicagoarchitecture.info/2013/07/24/lake-shore-condo-towers-roof-deck-goes-from-tragic-to-epic/

http://blog.chicagoarchitecture.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Chicago-Illinois-July-2013-004-1024x682.jpg

http://blog.chicagoarchitecture.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Gill-Park-Cooperative-Chicago-Illinois-July-2013-001-1024x682.jpg

[Tom In Chicago]

GEMS school LSE

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/151513074.jpg

. . .

[J_M_Tungsten]

I'm very confused about the site plan for GEMS. There is the lower part that I think many of us know, but then there is an upper part that looks to face the east wall of Coast and faces upper wacker as well. Are there two separate schools separated by the Tides parking podium or what? Has any one seen a site plan for this layout?
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/2a2d9b07b2bfaac74d1d9e3e4e88f783.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/97ac89cdf219b55a9d9ad5dd461d76b1.jpg
Source: http://arcchicago.blogspot.com/2012/07/finally-school-for-lakeshore-east-cps.html

Imagine Coast is there
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/bfdb06d224f56d0ce539a023f758de84.jpg

[J_M_Tungsten]

Just found my answer from curbed: http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2013/06/03/gems-world-academy-ready-to-rise-at-lakeshore-east.php

It's a two phase project. Phase 1, starting now, is grades k-4, and phase 2 is 5-12. Still not sure if they connect in any way.

[ardecila]

IIRC there is a connection in the podium/at the pedway level. I believe parents will also do their pickup/dropoff using Lowest Wacker, and will be discouraged from queuing up around the park.

[LouisVanDerWright]

Lowest Wacker

This is the best term to describe service level Wacker I've ever heard. I think we should get a petition to city hall asking to rename all Service Level Streets "Lowest Wacker" or "Lowest Columbus"...

[chris08876]

Method, the eco-friendly cleaning supply company, is opening its first U.S. manufacturing plant, and residents of Chicago's South Side can look out for the 150,000-square-foot, LEEDs-certified soap production facility next year.

he San Francisco-based company, which Belgian company Ecover acquired last year, will set up shop on the site of the old Ryerson steel mill as part of the Pullman Park redevelopment project. Pullman is a 174-acre mixed-use development that will need a zoning change for Method, as it initially had not planned for a factory as part of the project. The developer, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, is expected to apply for about $10 million in TIF subsidies, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Chicago's South Side needs jobs. Method is bringing them there. I'm not going to say American manufacturing is booming, because it's not. But it's time to stop talking about the slow death of American manufacturing and start talking about how small-scale operations such as Method can be a robust part of our economy.

http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2013/07/25/method-open-manufacturing-plant-chicago , Bill Bradley, July 25, 2013

[LouisVanDerWright]

Two construction trailers have been delivered to the site of the new Bulls Practice facility. Could they be getting ready to break ground? One is under the Paulina connector on East side of the site and the other is on the South side of the site. There was also a pickup truck with some guys in construction vests doing something on the site when I rode by.

Also, it appears some kind of site prep or soil testing is going on in the very large empty lot at Medill and Talman in Logan Sqaure. This is a particularly large, ugly, and nasty lot for this area so hopefully this is a sign it will be built on soon.

[chris08876]

Two construction trailers have been delivered to the site of the new Bulls Practice facility. Could they be getting ready to break ground? One is under the Paulina connector on East side of the site and the other is on the South side of the site. There was also a pickup truck with some guys in construction vests doing something on the site when I rode by.

Also, it appears some kind of site prep or soil testing is going on in the very large empty lot at Medill and Talman in Logan Square. This is a particularly large, ugly, and nasty lot for this area so hopefully this is a sign it will be built on soon.

Just the required environmental and hydrogeological work. Part of the assessment before projects go up. Don't want to build on something potentially hazardous without first cleaning it up, etc. They also did break ground on the site.
===================

Chicago Bulls break ground on state-of-the-art practice facility

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
The Chicago Bulls broke ground on a new, state-of-the-art practice facility next to the United Center Monday afternoon.

The project is completely funded by the Bulls, and is scheduled to be completed in time to kick off the NBA regular season in 2014.

The Bulls have practiced at the Berto Center in Deerfield since 1992.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, citing how the Bulls organization's investments in the Near West Side have developed the area into great center for tourism, local businesses, schools and residents.

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/story/22549989/chicago-bulls-to-break-ground-on-state-of-the-art-practice-facility#ixzz2aBaTAqHN

[marothisu]

Well, looks like no potential high rise on the corner of Clark & Belmont :( But at least they look to be doing something on that corner that could be good for the community if done right (what good is that dunkin donuts and parking lot doing?).

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130726/lakeview/belmont-clark-corner-wont-see-tower-but-cafes-new-retail-possible

[marothisu]

===================

Chicago Bulls break ground on state-of-the-art practice facility


Hopefully this spurs other development in the area. I have seen proposals for stuff not far away floating around. Even if it doesn't, at least it helps the urbanity of the area and not look as much like a wasteland.

Now, let's see what happens to that big entertainment center the owners of the Bulls and Blackhawks want to build on another lot..

What do you all think the chances of them building another CTA station in the area is somewhere between Warren and Adams (or even a little more south)?

[chris08876]

What do you all think the chances of them building another CTA station in the area is somewhere between Warren and Adams (or even a little more south)?

Might happen if theres enough traffic to that area/stadiums. But I'd say limited. I could be wrong though, time will tell. Maybe if this does spur some more developments around that area then yes.

[the urban politician]

Well, looks like no potential high rise on the corner of Clark & Belmont :( But at least they look to be doing something on that corner that could be good for the community if done right (what good is that dunkin donuts and parking lot doing?).

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130726/lakeview/belmont-clark-corner-wont-see-tower-but-cafes-new-retail-possible

^ Sucks, although I was never expecting a highrise to go through anyhow. At least they seem to have some plans for that intersection, which should invariable entail getting rid of that worthless Dunkin Donuts lot.

Too much land in Chicago's northside neighborhoods is underutilized. I mean, where are the developers? Why are parking lots in Ukrainian Village being developed while lots in Lakeview (I'm talking about you, old Dominick's site on Broadway) stay empty for years on end?

[Baronvonellis]

This-
"Blitz told him the company "understands the community would never want a building of that size," Thomas said, and the two chatted about the neighborhood's reaction to The Out Hotel Chicago proposal. "

NIBMYs in Lakeview and Lincoln Park are out of control. Developers know they don't even want to try to go toe to toe with the NIBMYs there.

[marothisu]

^ Yep, it's sad. Though, there have been a number of SFH built on some empty lots of Lakeview on Lakewood semi recently. The site on Broadway blows my mind though. I'm sure the land owner isn't making it easy though. That site is fairly prime real estate.

Anyway, they don't want a building of a maximum of 12 stories right near a major train station? I understand not putting a 50 story building in there, but 12 stories is not going to ruin the feel of the neighborhood, and there are no views being protected either. I guess I just don't get it..a maximum of 12 stories would scale decently in that area.

[emathias]

^ Yep, it's sad. Though, there have been a number of SFH built on some empty lots of Lakeview on Lakewood semi recently. The site on Broadway blows my mind though. I'm sure the land owner isn't making it easy though. That site is fairly prime real estate.

Anyway, they don't want a building of a maximum of 12 stories right near a major train station? I understand not putting a 50 story building in there, but 12 stories is not going to ruin the feel of the neighborhood, and there are no views being protected either. I guess I just don't get it..a maximum of 12 stories would scale decently in that area.

This is exactly why the TOD ordinance needs more teeth.

[PKDickman]

^ Sucks, although I was never expecting a highrise to go through anyhow. At least they seem to have some plans for that intersection, which should invariable entail getting rid of that worthless Dunkin Donuts lot.

Too much land in Chicago's northside neighborhoods is underutilized. I mean, where are the developers? Why are parking lots in Ukrainian Village being developed while lots in Lakeview (I'm talking about you, old Dominick's site on Broadway) stay empty for years on end?

On the Clark and Belmont parcel they can build 6 stories, 65000 sq ft and 55DUs as of right. They don't need to build a highrise.

[SamInTheLoop]

I think there's an inaccurate 'read' of the situation as a result of the DNAinfo article. Crain's has absolutely excellent reporting credibility. Their article did state the new owner's plans are for an 8-12 floor building. DNAinfo just quoted a broker involved somehow in the deal that those are not the owner's plans......multiple things could be going on here - the broker could be wrong, the broker could be un or misinformed, the broker may not know what he's talking about, the broker might be trying to pre-emptively diffuse a situation with the alderman and his undeserved prerogative if he was somehow surprised, upset etc by what he read in Crain's as opposed to hearing it from the developers themselves, etc.....point is, by no means is there enough info here to conclude that the Crain's article truly did in fact contain an inacurracy that was subsequently corrected by dnainfo....

[the urban politician]

This-
"Blitz told him the company "understands the community would never want a building of that size," Thomas said, and the two chatted about the neighborhood's reaction to The Out Hotel Chicago proposal. "

NIBMYs in Lakeview and Lincoln Park are out of control. Developers know they don't even want to try to go toe to toe with the NIBMYs there.

I think developers can still build pretty big in those neighborhoods. I agree that the NIMBYism is pretty bad, but it's not insurmountable. And the cost of real estate in these areas is reaching the point where it probably will be worth the effort.

And lets not forget that there is still a lot of underutilized land that can be densified as-of-right. The Clark-Belmont intersection is a perfect example. They can build up to 6 stories, 55 units (as somebody else mentioned) without needing a zoning change, yet it's 2013 and we still have a Dunkin Donuts parking lot.

Look at some of those strip malls on prime spots on the north side: would underlying zoning not allow something denser than what sits there, while still allowing for there to be commercial space?

The question is what the cause of this inertia is. Perhaps a real estate/market guy like SamintheLoop knows? I wonder if very low interest rates have anything to do with it--the payments are nice and comfortable, and hence property owners don't feel obliged to dramatically raise revenues from their holdings...?

[LouisVanDerWright]

Sorry for the crappy cell phone photo, but Pizza Hut tower makes a really great impact on the classic view towards the loop at the Damen Blue Line El platform:

http://imgur.com/NPUZCFB

[Link N. Parker]

Well, looks like no potential high rise on the corner of Clark & Belmont :( But at least they look to be doing something on that corner that could be good for the community if done right (what good is that dunkin donuts and parking lot doing?).

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130726/lakeview/belmont-clark-corner-wont-see-tower-but-cafes-new-retail-possible

I'm actually glad that a high-rise is not going to go in on that tiny lot; but I am happy that the Dunkin Donuts (and the horrible parking lot) are going away. I would be happy with a 6-story mid-rise in this location, with hopefully no parking podium.

[Link N. Parker]

^ Sucks, although I was never expecting a highrise to go through anyhow. At least they seem to have some plans for that intersection, which should invariable entail getting rid of that worthless Dunkin Donuts lot.

Too much land in Chicago's northside neighborhoods is underutilized. I mean, where are the developers? Why are parking lots in Ukrainian Village being developed while lots in Lakeview (I'm talking about you, old Dominick's site on Broadway) stay empty for years on end?

I am not 100% sure, but I believe that the Dominick's site on Broadway was/is tied up in various lawsuits, and this has prevented things from moving forward there.

[J_M_Tungsten]

Today
Godfrey
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/more/6c2403a78a4687ec41745c9111f10af2.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/more/4d7c848b8a2c55e8381fe2b92901c656.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/more/7b80061f209b86c3d317db9f46943734.jpg

Google- A lot left to do on this one.
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/more/cd8f2db980cf141e7f309c64520a8b06.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/more/bf926bc2de92b6629420770580d2d091.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/more/5328e9fb28418858960a40ea9cdd8937.jpg

[wierdaaron]

They've boiled it down to its skeleton like a museum piece.

[Remy_Bork]

Does anyone know if the former cold storage building was going to end up all glass covered or have some sort of replication of the old brick and details? I thought the reuse of the old elements looked nice in the renderings.

Thanks!

[Remy_Bork]

Sorry, double posted, don't know how to delete :(

[Rizzo]

From what I understand, preserving existing brick on the exterior was impossible. There's apparently a long story behind that. But I would guess any masonry that turns up would be new. Though they could use the old bricks on the interior

[pilsenarch]

I think the cold/storage google complex would benefit at this point without recreating any brick historicism... keep the concrete structure as the sole reference to its past and everything else contemporary...

[lakeviewer]

I am not 100% sure, but I believe that the Dominick's site on Broadway was/is tied up in various lawsuits, and this has prevented things from moving forward there.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BxyojUEmONwpSUFTalpXcDdxZjg/edit?pli=1

Per SELVN minutes, the site is fully owned by the city of Chicago worker and teacher pension funds. Tunney has hired a consultant to determine the best use for the land

[i_am_hydrogen]

I visited the Cold Storage building three months ago, and, judging from the above pics, very little has transpired since then. Not sure why this one has been so slow to progress.

[the urban politician]

^ permit delays, I believe

[LouisVanDerWright]

What is going on with Fulton Market Cold Storage is that, once they started construction, they realized that all of the masonry was completely shot. They were originally planning on retaining all or most of that masonry and, once they realized they needed to gut it, it completely changed their construction plans to the point where they had to redesign the facade system and submit for revised permits on that portion of the project. That means a 30-60 day delay just for permits. That's not to mention the fact that they are also likely facing another delay waiting for whatever facade system they ordered to be fabricated and delivered. I heard it might be precast panels with embedded brick like the Hilshire Farms renovation, but it seems to me that it would have been faster to simply use real brick since you can order it and have it on site the next day.

In any case, there have been permiting and design delays with the facade system and that means no other work can begin since you have to have the building envelope at least partially completed before you can start any real interior work (beyond limited plumbing).

[i_am_hydrogen]

^Thanks for the info.

[the urban politician]

^ Yep, a much more detailed & informative explanation than mine, for sure..

[Remy_Bork]

Thanks for the info on the Cold Storage building.

I happened to be by the amber building on Chicago and Ashland and took a few pictures. I always thought it was a beautiful building and assumed that it would be torn down since it looked so dilapidated. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that somebody cleaned it up and put in new windows. I was even more surprised when I found out that my former landlord is behind the rehab, being a guy who takes years to fix a broken door and never mowed the lawn. Maybe this is where his attentions were focused.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32782375@N04/9394228931/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32782375@N04/9396994202/in/photostream/

[ardecila]

Odd that the upper floors are so beautifully restored while the first floor is still a shitty mid-century storefront.

[jbrady3324]

Odd that the upper floors are so beautifully restored while the first floor is still a shitty mid-century storefront.

My guess is they are waiting for someone to lease the space before making final decisions on the storefront

[Rizzo]

360 N. Michigan inches further along towards hotel conversion

http://www.suntimes.com/news/21609133-418/investment-groups-acquire-landmark-360-n-michigan-office-building-hotel-planned.html

[wierdaaron]

360 N. Michigan inches further along towards hotel conversion

http://www.suntimes.com/news/21609133-418/investment-groups-acquire-landmark-360-n-michigan-office-building-hotel-planned.html
The riverfront revitalization continues?

[chris08876]

Retail-apartment tower planned at busy Lakeview intersection

A relative newcomer to the local real estate market wants to put its stamp on Lakeview.
BlitzLake Capital Partners plans to build a retail-and-apartment building as tall as 12 stories at the busy intersection of Clark Street and Belmont Avenue.
The Chicago-based firm paid $5.5 million for the 23,000 square feet of retail and mixed-use buildings at 850-856 W. Belmont Ave. and 3200-3226 N. Clark St., which includes a Dunkin' Donuts and lingerie shop Taboo Tabou, said Mitch Goltz, vice president at Chody Real Estate who brokered the sale for the buyers.
The purchase gives BlitzLake, founded by Winnetka natives David Blitz and Jeffrey Lake, an opportunity to enhance an underused corner a few blocks from the Belmont el stop, the fourth-busiest station in the city. The developers plan to tear down the existing structures to make way for an eight- to 12-story building that would include two levels of retail, two floors of parking and several stories of apartments, Mr. Lake said. The pair hopes to secure a grocer as an anchor tenant for the estimated $50 million project, Mr. Blitz said.
The acquisition comes as BlitzLake's only other Chicago-area development, a proposed 20-story high-rise in Oak Park, faces a $4.9 million foreclosure lawsuit from Pittsburgh-based PNC Bank N.A. The development venture failed to pay off a $4.5 million mortgage when it came due in March 2012, according to a complaint filed in July in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The project at Lake Street and Forest Avenue would include 270 apartments, 25,000 square feet of retail space and a 588-space indoor parking garage.
Mr. Blitz declined to comment on the suit but said construction on the development will likely begin in early fall.
While it tries to solve that problem, BlitzLake must also run the gantlet with neighborhood groups as it seeks city approval for the Lakeview project.
"The size might get some backlash," said James Letchinger, president of Chicago-based JDL Development Corp. "That would be a tough corner to get eight to 12-stories . . . but it is a great mixed-use location."

==========
http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20130724/CRED03/130729925/retail-apartment-tower-planned-at-busy-lakeview-intersection?r=0441F5850923A1T , Alison Burdo , 2013

[marothisu]

^ You are a few days late on that one..

[denizen467]

A new era begins for the Cabrini Green area on October 13 - that is the opening date for the new Target (according to signage on site). They'll probably use the "Old Town" moniker or something, but either way this neighborhood is crossing a milestone in becoming one people flock to instead of one they flee from or rush through.


----


A bit north, precast has sprung up faster than weeds at Weed and Kingsbury. It already gives the area a different feel.

[UKVGuy]

My guess is they are waiting for someone to lease the space before making final decisions on the storefront

According to their blog (http://amberbldg.com/blog/), that's exactly the case. Surprised it hasn't been leased yet -- could be an amazing space.

[BB 1871]

A bit north, precast has sprung up faster than weeds at Weed and Kingsbury. It already gives the area a different feel.

I noticed this as well yesterday. Please remind me- what is this going to be?

[marothisu]

I noticed this as well yesterday. Please remind me- what is this going to be?


Isn't it supposed to be Nordstrom Rack, or am I thinking of something else?

[i_am_hydrogen]

I noticed this as well yesterday. Please remind me- what is this going to be?

Chase Bank branch with a drive-thru.

[wierdaaron]

A little progress on Maggie Daley Park/Parking Garage Rehab:

http://i.imgur.com/3tcXlBjl.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/3tcXlBj.jpg)http://i.imgur.com/3JWoogIl.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/3JWoogI.jpg)

Click for big.

[jbrady3324]

According to their blog (http://amberbldg.com/blog/), that's exactly the case. Surprised it hasn't been leased yet -- could be an amazing space.

Same here. It is in the "dead zone" of the block so interested parties could see the area as a risk, not to mention being a little far from the train. Although, I do expect that stretch of Chicago to turnover quickly and a brewery would be a great anchor for Chicago ave

[tintinex]

I'm intrigued. Especially since this is my train stop. As much as I love the current business, this area sure needs the help

Argyle To Become City's First With 'Shared Street' Concept

City officials presented initial designs for the Argyle Streetscape project Monday. Janet Attarian, complete streets director at the Chicago Department of Transportation, said the design concept eliminates curbs, forces cars below 15 miles per hour and creates a shared space without hierarchy between road users.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130730/uptown/argyle-become-citys-first-with-shared-street-concept

[the urban politician]

^ Wow, that indeed is interesting. Hope to see this happen in more pedestrian-oriented shopping strips in the neighborhoods.

Milwaukee/Damen, 18th St, Clark/Diversey/Broadway, Southport, Belmont between Clark and the L stop, and Lincoln Ave in Lincoln Square are strips that immediately come to mind as potential followup candidates.

I'd love to see some renderings

[marothisu]

In some smaller news, I see that there will be a few pedestrian walkways (skyways?) added between 259 E Erie and a few other building which is on the Northwestern Memorial Campus. Also, a restaurant/cafe type of thing is going to be added to Saks Fifth on the 7th floor (700 N Michigan) which I don't believe has hit the news yet...but there's a building permit for it ;-)

[the urban politician]

Did anyone know that 100 W Monroe was going to be converted into a Hyatt hotel? I don't recall hearing that news. Either way, in today's Crains it is reported that that project has just received financing.

Another historic Loop tower being converted from office to other uses. We had the discussion before that the space needs of companies, due to downsizing, has decreased. But still, at some point all of this lost office space must be generating demand for more office space (beyond what can be offered by 444 W Lake). Is the boutique-y office space being created by smaller projects in the West Loop (conversions of vintage cold storage and meat-processing facilities) going to be enough to fulfill this demand?

[Rizzo]

Did anyone know that 100 W Monroe was going to be converted into a Hyatt hotel? I don't recall hearing that news. Either way, in today's Crains it is reported that that project has just received financing.

Another historic Loop tower being converted from office to other uses. We had the discussion before that the space needs of companies, due to downsizing, has decreased. But still, at some point all of this lost office space must be generating demand for more office space (beyond what can be offered by 444 W Lake). Is the boutique-y office space being created by smaller projects in the West Loop (conversions of vintage cold storage and meat-processing facilities) going to be enough to fulfill this demand?

I've said this before, but turning over these vintage buildings to residential or hotel uses does justice to these buildings. It's sad walking into these old pre-war buildings and seeing some ragged conditions or outdated office interiors. Some are stuck in the 70's. From a preservation standpoint, I'd rather see demand for office space shift elsewhere in the loop so we can see older buildings converted to alternative uses as opposed to demolition for larger office towers in the same spot.

With the exception 100 W. Monroe deep in teh loop, I'd like to see everything East of State Street transition primarily to hotel, shopping, residential, and educational uses.

[wierdaaron]

I was wondering if the decline in office space and their replacement by hotels could be considered good/bad, but it could just be a factor of modern companies needing modern amenities in an office space that these old buildings can't easily provide. Newer developments like River Point and 150 N Riverside can attract companies needing the latest tech, wiring, amenities, and super-fast elevators, while aging buildings like 360 N Michigan can take advantage of their prime locations and historic status by catering to hotel guests, who have much simpler needs from an infrastructure standpoint.