CHICAGO | General Developments

[marothisu]

hoping this will actually go through this time.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130925/wicker-park/art-deco-jewel-shine-again-as-boutique-hotel-wicker-park


Love it! Really hope this happens. Will probably give the area just a little more reason for business to move to the general area (well they already are) and maybe it'll make some bars stay open even later :)

[wierdaaron]

AMLI Clark/Polk

Up to 8 floors now.

http://i.imgur.com/N5BKPG8l.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/N5BKPG8.jpg)

Dearborn Station

Still scaffolding up and lots of workers.

http://i.imgur.com/eNK54oAl.jpg

Can't really see what's being done, but they're getting rid of a lot of scrap brick.

http://i.imgur.com/CsJpRpRl.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/CsJpRpR.jpg)

(All pictures, click to enlarge)

[george]

hoping this will actually go through this time.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130925/wicker-park/art-deco-jewel-shine-again-as-boutique-hotel-wicker-park

Glad to hear this, "the current plan for the hotel, to be designed by architect Ted Theodore, whose firm also designed the Walgreens building at 1601 N Milwaukee."

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

Glad to hear this, "the current plan for the hotel, to be designed by architect Ted Theodore, whose firm also designed the Walgreens building at 1601 N Milwaukee."

That. Would. Be. Awesome.

[J_M_Tungsten]

^Definitely. I feel like we have been waiting on this conversion forever!

[emathias]

hoping this will actually go through this time.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130925/wicker-park/art-deco-jewel-shine-again-as-boutique-hotel-wicker-park

I think that the perfect fit for the area might be to get the people who run the Ace hotels in Portland and New York to run a hotel in that building.

[Via Chicago]

I think that the perfect fit for the area might be to get the people who run the Ace hotels in Portland and New York to run a hotel in that building.

I really hope so, seems like a natural fit for the area. I stayed at the Ace in Seattle a couple months ago and it was one of the best bang-for-buck deals I've ever had.

[SamInTheLoop]

Speaking of adaptive re-use hotel projects, visible renovation work is now underway at 168 N. Michigan for its conversion into a new Hotel Indigo and destination restaurant.

I think that as much as any other aspect of the current development boomlet (wonder at what point we might be able to credibly transition to a proper 'boom', even if not as large as the last??) downtown, I'm excited about all of these adaptive reuse projects in historic buildings - at the moment, the vast majority seem to be hotel projects. This is such a huge positive, particularly for the East Loop, but everywhere that it's happening is going to do great things for downtown....

[harperpollock]

Unfortunately Ace's next stop is Pittsburgh. As much as I'd love an Ace in Chicago, I'm not sure we're cool enough for them. haha. I assume this will be branded similarly to the Hotel Lincoln. Curious to know what they will name it. If we are lucky we'll get a rooftop bar/restaurant which would give amazing views of WP.

[J_M_Tungsten]

Pittsburgh's cooler than Chicago!? A wicker park rooftop would be sick. The view from there would be tremendous.

[marothisu]

Was there news about this? I forget. New 11 story, 104 detached unit addition at 922 W Washington - to the already existing 7 story building at 123 N Sangamon (http://www.123sangamon.com:) The site is currently an empty lot.

"NEW CONSTRUCTION OF AN 11 STORY STORY ADDITION WITH 104 DU'S RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT WITH PARKING LEVELS (1-3) TO AN EXISTING 7-STORY 45 DU BLDG FOR A TOTAL OF 149 DWELLING UNITS WITH 130 PARKING SPACES ON SITE AND ASSOCIATED SITEWORK.LEED CERTIFIED - 922 WEST WASHINGTON STREET. CERTIFIED CORRECTIONS - CONDITIONAL APPROVAL. SUBJECT TO FIELD INSPECTION."

$18.7 Million (https://data.cityofchicago.org/Buildings/Building-Permits/ydr8-5enu/319281)

[joeg1985]

^ You know, I read that article, and while some of it has merit, it is far too one-sided. For example:



^ Yes, perhaps it can be looked at this way. But Chicago (and Illinois') biggest problem right now is too many public employee pensions. I'm not sure that eliminating some of these positions is entirely a bad thing. That's what's strangling the goose, so to speak.

In addition, this article keeps harping on the closing of public schools but fails to address the reality that the city is saving money by closing down schools, a process that had to happen because the city lost over 200,000 people in the last decade. Furthermore, those schools can be sold off to private developers and eventually return to the property tax rolls.

Finally, the economic benefit of having thousands of more hotel rooms and an arena in this area of town have yet to be measured. Narry a mention of this in the article either.

Bottom line is, this is a very one sided article, likely written by a disgruntled union liberal.

I just had to point out that it is not a fact and is totally yet-to-be seen that the city is actually saving money by closing down schools. It sounds good in theory but doesn't exactly ink out on paper as most would think it would.

[Justin_Chicago]

Was there news about this? I forget. New 11 story, 104 detached unit addition at 922 W Washington - to the already existing 7 story building at 123 N Sangamon (http://www.123sangamon.com:) The site is currently an empty lot.

"NEW CONSTRUCTION OF AN 11 STORY STORY ADDITION WITH 104 DU'S RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT WITH PARKING LEVELS (1-3) TO AN EXISTING 7-STORY 45 DU BLDG FOR A TOTAL OF 149 DWELLING UNITS WITH 130 PARKING SPACES ON SITE AND ASSOCIATED SITEWORK.LEED CERTIFIED - 922 WEST WASHINGTON STREET. CERTIFIED CORRECTIONS - CONDITIONAL APPROVAL. SUBJECT TO FIELD INSPECTION."

$18.7 Million (https://data.cityofchicago.org/Buildings/Building-Permits/ydr8-5enu/319281)


Addition.... meaning turning the existing structure into an 18 story building? Or just constructing a new 11 story building on the neighboring lot?

[SamInTheLoop]

Pittsburgh's cooler than Chicago!? A wicker park rooftop would be sick. The view from there would be tremendous.


Yes, I believe in the summer, by a degree or two....

[LouisVanDerWright]

I think that the perfect fit for the area might be to get the people who run the Ace hotels in Portland and New York to run a hotel in that building.

I've heard a rumor that Ace will be coming to Chicago soon.

[marothisu]

Addition.... meaning turning the existing structure into an 18 story building? Or just constructing a new 11 story building on the neighboring lot?

They're constructing a new 11 story building on the neighboring lot with 104 more residential units.

[J_M_Tungsten]

Bloomingdale Trail Construction to Begin Next Week
http://the606.org/bloomingdale-trail-construction-to-begin-next-week/

"The construction includes the rehabilitation of the viaducts and retaining walls, as well as removing the railroad tracks and converting the railway to a multi-use path. CDOT will oversee the construction of the linear park, which will be open to visitors by the end of 2014.
“Construction crews are moving quickly to build the trail, but are also working to ensure that disruptions are kept to minimum,” said CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein. “Neighbors can expect some parking and travel restrictions during the construction period..."

[nomarandlee]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-emanuel-privatize-plazas-20130927,0,6787159.story

Mayor wants to cash in on Chicago's random parcels with plazas plan
City seeks partnership with company to transform plots into cultural spaces inviting to the public

By John Byrne
Tribune reporter

7:00 p.m. CDT, September 26, 2013


......Mayor Rahm Emanuel is betting a company will look at those random plots and see dollar signs. He's looking for someone to transform the bulk of them into plazas with cultural programs and attractive landscaping. The firm could raise money by selling advertising, securing sponsorships and getting businesses to set up shop.

In return, the city would add inviting public spaces to its neighborhoods, offload maintenance onto a private operator and share in the profits.

The People Plazas program is the latest Emanuel effort to raise revenue by marketing city property to private operators and advertisers.........

That's not stopping the city from going to the same well with the plaza program, which could be awarded as soon as November.......

Supporters envision welcoming communal spaces for people to relax and hang out like those becoming more common in New York, San Francisco and many European cities. But some observers of similar programs elsewhere warn that they can lead to de facto privatization or over-commercialization of ostensibly public areas..............

The city is looking for a single company to do maintenance and upkeep and set up cultural offerings like art or music year-round at 51 plazas. In some cases, the city-owned parcels resemble parks or empty lots, while others look like medians or glorified street corners..........

The city put 51 parcels in the proposal after weeding out some. Transportation spokesman Peter Scales said there are 65 to 70 pieces of city-controlled property in the public right of way. The ones removed were considered too small or inaccessible to be practical or were owned by other city departments, he said.............
I've always thought Chicago has way too many of these dead spot medians/plazas. This could turn into inviting neighborhoods assets IMO. Even if they are end up being a bit over commercialized or are seen to bring in the wrong "element" at times. Certainly nearly anything done is better then weeds and cement taking up potentially vital and highly trafficked space.

[ardecila]

I agree that these spaces need to be activated. I don't know if they're going about it the right way, though. I'd prefer if zoning allowed adjacent property owners to open businesses/retail, in exchange for a contract that offloads maintenance duties. A lot of these are in residential areas so currently they can't have businesses.

Trying to find a single company to manage and keep up ALL these spaces won't end well. My guess is, we'll end up with JCDecaux or Clear Channel or something, and an expansion of billboards in these areas. Possibly Morris columns or light boxes.

This might be a positive if it gets the city to consider removing the ban on street vendors, but it sounds like the city wants some big corporation and not a bunch of cart-pushers from Pakistan or Mexico.

[marothisu]

I always wondered why the city didn't turn a few areas into more public spaces for neighborhoods. One of my favorite things about European cities - and actually the Gold Coast here, is the public plazas that are both vibrant social and cultural intimate meeting places of the city. I know it may have been met with some resistance, but I really, really like what has happened with Connors Park in the Gold Coast. It's already a meeting/relaxation spot amongst a number of residents, and elevates the area even that much more. The place in my opinion could turn into something really special - especially with the new 35 story rental tower being built right near it and a hotel right across the street (Sofitel). I only wish 50 E Chestnut would sell its commercial/retail space and I wish it were a restaurant with outdoor seating, but sadly I think the rent there is probably too high for most people. I digress though.

Of course I think the city has to be careful with the spots they pick and which areas of town, but it's something I do love the Rahm is doing with realizing that the city needs free, intimate settings for people to be able to meet in.

[Notyrview]

Of course I think the city has to be careful with the spots they pick and which areas of town, but it's something I do love the Rahm is doing with realizing that the city needs free, intimate settings for people to be able to meet in.

Lol, yes, the city better be extremely "careful" to racially profile the neighborhoods they put these warm, cozy, saccharine settings from which one may drawl on and on about their sensible approaches to divvying out the wistful splendor of public spaces.

[ardecila]

I don't really like what they did in Connors Park. There's no way you can possibly call that massive Argo a kiosk, which is really what the park needed.

Would you feel comfortable hanging out in Connors Park if you didn't purchase a drink? It's a public park and that's your right (unless you're being a nuisance) but I doubt many people would feel comfortable doing that.

It might have been better if the Argo was shoved to one side (either along Chestnut or at the pointy tip) and a wider green space opened up, but they put it right in the middle. It feels like a suburban store with a grassy setback.

[marothisu]

Lol, yes, the city better be extremely "careful" to racially profile the neighborhoods they put these warm, cozy, saccharine settings from which one may drawl on and on about their sensible approaches to divvying out the wistful splendor of public spaces.

That's not what I meant at all, but thanks for putting words in my mouth. I meant to make sure they aren't taking away prime real estate that could be used to develop any sort of housing (or commercial/retail), especially TOD, and stuff like that. You don't want to make some sort of public plaza only to say "Oh, whoops, ummm, we're going to knock it down now for some real estate and take away your great public resource."

[marothisu]

I don't really like what they did in Connors Park. There's no way you can possibly call that massive Argo a kiosk, which is really what the park needed.

Would you feel comfortable hanging out in Connors Park if you didn't purchase a drink? It's a public park and that's your right (unless you're being a nuisance) but I doubt many people would feel comfortable doing that.

It might have been better if the Argo was shoved to one side (either along Chestnut or at the pointy tip) and a wider green space opened up, but they put it right in the middle. It feels like a suburban store with a grassy setback.

I agree that Argo could have been smaller, and they should do a better job of advertising that it's actually still a public park. I've actually gone there numerous times to hang out with friends and we haven't purchased anything. I don't feel guilty at all because I know it's a public park - and I do purchase things there sometimes for sure. There's been a few times I've been out there talking with a friend for an hour and then I do end up purchasing something anyway because I get thirsty.

After having "hung out" in the area a number of times, I really like it. As a very close-by resident, the place was extremely under used. Yes, I agree it could have been smaller with more outdoor seating, but what they did is a hell of a lot better than what was there for a long time. It doesn't feel suburban to me at all, especially because the building density in that area seems higher than others because of the street set up that was set up decades ago.

I do think that many people do like it. A few months after open, the outdoor space there had a lot of people hanging out and I personally witnessed many people being "surprised" by it and deciding to hang out there (as well as random tourists taking pictures of it). Although, again, yes it could have been a smaller structure, I do think it's positive for the neighborhood and definitely makes it unique.

[nomarandlee]

A very good rundown list (w/photos) of the spaces considered..........

http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/cdot/MakeWayforPeople/CityPlazasRFP.pdf

[Mr Downtown]

The Illinois Appellate Court upheld Chicago’s landmarks ordinance Thursday, removing a legal cloud that it cast over the law three years ago.


Sun-Times story (http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/22810169-418/illinois-appellate-court-upholds-city-landmark-ordinance.html)

However, the two plaintiffs can still fight the particular designations that affected them: East Village and Arlington-Deming. From the Tribune story: (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-landmarks-law-appeal-20130927,0,5853471.story)

The lawsuit pointed to other neighborhoods, among them Little Village and Pilsen, that are similar but have not been landmarked.

"The area really is not landmark-worthy at all," said attorney Thomas Ramsdell, representing Hanna and Mrowka.

[BWChicago]

The lawsuit pointed to other neighborhoods, among them Little Village and Pilsen, that are similar but have not been landmarked.

"The area really is not landmark-worthy at all," said attorney Thomas Ramsdell, representing Hanna and Mrowka.

I hope they get fast-tracked to landmark districts out of spite.

[Via Chicago]

That's not what I meant at all, but thanks for putting words in my mouth. I meant to make sure they aren't taking away prime real estate that could be used to develop any sort of housing (or commercial/retail), especially TOD, and stuff like that. You don't want to make some sort of public plaza only to say "Oh, whoops, ummm, we're going to knock it down now for some real estate and take away your great public resource."

Im overwhelmingly opposed to the ongoing privatization of the public realm so I reject the concept out of principal more that anything. But to be honest Im not sure what could legitimately be done with a lot of these places. Looking at the list a lot are barely anything more than traffic islands.

[marothisu]

Im overwhelmingly opposed to the ongoing privatization of the public realm so I reject the concept out of principal more that anything. But to be honest Im not sure what could legitimately be done with a lot of these places. Looking at the list a lot are barely anything more than traffic islands.

Well, I don't think they need to be privatized. I have been to enough countries where these things are just there and no business is on them - people hang out in them all the time for the pure social human element factor.

That's also what I meant about being careful - you need to put them in an area that is denser than normal and acts as a type of natural meeting place. I don't think these work as well if you put it in a non dense area honestly. You kind of want people to walk outside and say "Yeah, I want to be there.." and not have to travel long distances to do so.

Really all you need is to provide some sort of seating there and do it in a way that's too too spread out (because you want to make it feel intimate-ish where people can interact with one another), and make it clean (you don't have to make it fancy or immaculate, just comfortable enough where most people don't have a problem being there). You don't even have to put anything in it to be honest minus that. If it was done right, people in certain areas would go regardless, just to hang out around other people, meet new people, converse, etc. Being able to get a music artist or something to perform out there is just cultural icing on the cake that would attract even more people but it's not even needed if you put it in the right spot and do things right.

[Via Chicago]

Well, I don't think they need to be privatized. I have been to enough countries where these things are just there and no business is on them - people hang out in them all the time for the pure social human element factor.

That's also what I meant about being careful - you need to put them in an area that is denser than normal and acts as a type of natural meeting place. I don't think these work as well if you put it in a non dense area honestly. You kind of want people to walk outside and say "Yeah, I want to be there.." and not have to travel long distances to do so.


Right, but a lot of these arent places people want to hang out in the first place....just based on that list. Some have a lot of untapped potential like the Polish Triange, which is clearly underutilized. But others are buried beneath expressways or just in general unpleasant environments to spend time. Take for example the Cermak Triangle...if you want to stick a couple benches there knock yourself out but its not going to change the situation in any meaningful way.

[ardecila]

Most of them are street closures, so they have potential, but they tend to be in sleepy residential neighborhoods.

A few are at triangular intersections, which can be good (at Lincoln Square) or bad (at Jackson/5th Ave) depending on the intactness and the commercial orientation of the area.

There are only a few under expressways or on medians.

[marothisu]

Right, but a lot of these arent places people want to hang out in the first place....just based on that list. Some have a lot of untapped potential like the Polish Triange, which is clearly underutilized. But others are buried beneath expressways or just in general unpleasant environments to spend time. Take for example the Cermak Triangle...if you want to stick a couple benches there knock yourself out but its not going to change the situation in any meaningful way.

Totally agree. Not everywhere should be made into a people plaza and that's what I in part meant by being careful. You need them in denser areas with foot traffic, not sleepy areas. There's one in River North on Ohio which I saw proposed, but it's basically the on/off ramp for the interstate. While its in and of itself a candidate, I don't think it should be done. I think it should be done in areas with lower car speeds, which would create an atmosphere even continuing across the street. With that one in River North - don't think it's going to happen unfortunately.

The Polish Triangle though..everytime I'm there I just wonder how it's THAT underutilized. There's barely any seating out there which I think is nuts. What a great resource for the citizens and you can't even provide seating for many people.

[LouisVanDerWright]

Was the North corner of Milwaukee/Diversey/Kimball on the list? That little triangle is planned to become a big triangle when they shut down that fragment of a street in front of Crown Liquors. Hopefully someone better can take over Crown and turn it into a really cool bar/restaurant with seating out front.

[prelude91]

Would be a shame if this building met the wrecking ball, though I'd be happy to see the buildings directly north gone.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130927/lincoln-park/historic-lincoln-park-building-could-be-torn-down-if-developer-has-his-way

[ardecila]

^^ Yes, that triangle is on the list. So is the SherMon triangle at Broadway/Montrose.

[LouisVanDerWright]

Would be a shame if this building met the wrecking ball, though I'd be happy to see the buildings directly north gone.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130927/lincoln-park/historic-lincoln-park-building-could-be-torn-down-if-developer-has-his-way

IF the article is correct, I won't be happy with this project if any buildings get demolished. Supposedly there are currently 144 units which would be replaced by 70 units. That's a reduction of more than 50% in density. Complete bullshit. I hope this development dies a quick and painful death.

[VivaLFuego]

IF the article is correct, I won't be happy with this project if any buildings get demolished. Supposedly there are currently 144 units which would be replaced by 70 units. That's a reduction of more than 50% in density. Complete bullshit. I hope this development dies a quick and painful death.

There's a rendering of the proposal on Ald. Smith's site. Even if including the suggested townhouses along Dayton, it's hard to see where 144 existing units could be.

edit: the "Halsted Place Apartments" appears to be a scattered site single owner set of buildings in the area, whose website says it comprises 143 apartments. The proposal rendering certainly doesn't imply all buildings would be demolished.

[spyguy]

There's a rendering of the proposal on Ald. Smith's site. Even if including the suggested townhouses along Dayton, it's hard to see where 144 existing units could be.

edit: the "Halsted Place Apartments" appears to be a scattered site single owner set of buildings in the area, whose website says it comprises 143 apartments. The proposal rendering certainly doesn't imply all buildings would be demolished.

It's interesting that there are two renderings on the website. I wonder if they accidentally leaked the second one where the project is taller and they save the corner building - usually they wait until after the meeting and the inevitable outrage.

http://imageshack.us/a/img818/1746/m29g.jpghttp://imageshack.us/a/img850/8688/p6jp.jpg

[Rizzo]

The first one is awful. It looks like a professional building full of medical offices from the 60's. Let's not repeat mistakes. There needs to be a better grip on preservation. Chicago can be other cities any time it wants, but other cities can't be Chicago.

The second version is a mild improvement despite the bland design, but id take it if it preserves an anchor building

Why do we self mutilate our city? It's one thing to tear down a lowrise for a skyscraper, but the proposal has no net benefit. It's also been proven that older important buildings are absolutely necessary to keep neighborhoods diverse and interesting. To me these long linear apartment and condo buildings look like strip malls up against the street. No retailer singularly stands out and these long ground floor retail spaces always seem to take eternity to fill unlike their older neighbors.

[marothisu]

They better not tear down that building...the designs are so bland. The 2nd one is better than the first but it's not saying that much. Does it SUCK? No, but is it bland? Yes..very.

[PKDickman]

They better not tear down that building...the designs are so bland. The 2nd one is better than the first but it's not saying that much. Does it SUCK? No, but is it bland? Yes..very.

Unfortunately, this building is not a landmark or part of a landmark district.
The only protection it has is a demolition delay because it was rated orange back in the '80s.

The demolition delay is of limited use because the only solution to avoid the wrecking ball is for someone to buy the building out of the deal.

The only other hope is that the developer wants a zoning change and they swap approval for saving the building.

[the urban politician]

^ I'm sure Ald Smith and her NIMBY parade will find a way to screw this up...

[ardecila]

I guess I'm the only one who likes the designs, then.

I agree with Hayward's concerns about scale (not height but width) however these buildings are vast improvements over the status quo when they are erected on Western or Irving Park in place of a strip mall or a one-story taxpayer. In fact, beyond a certain height we NEED to accept buildings of this width/bulk because nobody wants to walk up 5+ stories and an elevator isn't cost-effective in a narrow building.

It is interesting how the two renderings were presented. Maybe the developer is trying to give neighborhood groups a choice?

[i_am_hydrogen]

Ald. Cappleman is throwing his support behind saving the old Nick's Uptown building in Uptown, which is one of the few Egyptian-style buildings in the city. (Reebie Storage Warehouse on Clark between Fullerton and Belden is another.)

The full text of his email:
I recently learned that Nick's Uptown (4017 N. Sheridan Rd.) was purchased by null Thorek Hospital. Thorek Hospital would like to eventually build a health-related development on this western edge of their property that borders Sheridan/Irving Park Road.

Due to both my concern and hearing from many of you that this building was at risk for being demolished, I contacted the Historic Preservation Division of the Dept. Housing and Economic Development and asked for their assessment of this building's historic value. Based on their recommendation, I will be supporting efforts to pursue Chicago Landmark Status for this building. It's one of three buildings left in Chicago that has an Egyptian motif design, which when combined with other criteria, deems it as a building that deserves protection from the threat of demolition. I spoke with Thorek Hospital and they agreed.

Obtaining Chicago Landmark Status is not easy, but I told the staff from the Historic Preservation Division that I would give my full support on their final decision. We're fortunate to have a number of buildings in the Ward with historical significance that help make this community a special place to live.

To learn more about the Landmark designation process and criteria, click here. To learn more about the Commission on Chicago Landmarks and see upcoming meeting agendas, click here.

http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs128/1105463465284/img/77.jpg

[the urban politician]

^ That's very good to hear.

[thewaterman11]

I just saw this Lynn Becker article about the grain silos off Damen and some updates made to it.

http://arcchicago.blogspot.com/2013/09/architecture-as-tinder-michael-bays.html

Thanks to Transformers filming, the graffiti was scrubbed and replaced with some Chinese symbols:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bw1ZbXxuMGs/UkG7qKiyUEI/AAAAAAAAV4M/J3G2c3FBeMU/s1600/ymwide.jpg

Which made me curious: has there ever been a proposal to reuse the silos or to sell the land for a new purpose? That thing has been dormant for as long as I can remember...

[harryc]

Nearing completion 9/27

Been parked on this barge for awhile ...
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ijBms4sRboY/UkcffBoGvLI/AAAAAAABzFw/FClKDbCu6xE/w958-h719-no/P1310470.JPG

Grease Moneky ?
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8Hmj1821ZKA/Ukcff4DAwII/AAAAAAABzFs/n4i-B6uHxpo/w958-h598-no/P1310472.JPG

Putting down the walkway
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ji1KXN1svHE/UkcfgbXGl1I/AAAAAAABzF8/F32TyMOev_0/w958-h719-no/P1310473.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I7vQpWZ6wAk/UkcfhH0AFVI/AAAAAAABzGA/f57Fd2InrhE/w957-h597-no/P1310481.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H9mF9Qzoxx4/Ukcfhwx7uXI/AAAAAAABzGE/q7ZRHTcf1Ds/w958-h599-no/P1310482.JPG

[harryc]

It has started (9/27)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gALuKPMtiks/UkdLGA45PhI/AAAAAAABzII/-whvAGP2bZA/w1277-h378-no/20130927b.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ue22m-Jz0F0/UkdLD466sBI/AAAAAAABzH4/mJ7jBPANI_g/w958-h719-no/P1300596.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BN1YRoqdaIE/UkdLEuqMOmI/AAAAAAABzIA/79jJLixB24A/w958-h719-no/IMG_7113.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZUOE1FDU0xQ/UkdLFarF_oI/AAAAAAABzIM/d05ZQoEwsfI/w958-h719-no/IMG_7119.JPG

[wierdaaron]

Is anything planned for the site?

[J_M_Tungsten]

Apparently a 520,000 sq ft warehouse according to this: http://austintalks.org/2013/08/former-brachs-candy-plant-to-be-demolished/

[harryc]

The odd crane observed a few weeks earlier - is indeed working on the Allis Bldg. One of the workers proudly pointed out that it was one of the first concrete "frame" building.

Restoration/Refitting is well under way.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wfg2om481c8/UkeEszzbVlI/AAAAAAABzJQ/a7nYTtl1PCI/w1278-h788-no/20130927g.jpg

Truly old style reinforcing - appears to be a spiral.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-840xqpTj_us/UkeEtn1g1nI/AAAAAAABzJ8/BJWrIf3MNY4/w958-h719-no/P1310417.JPG

Wood embedded
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cQgosvqs7DQ/UkeEuV5zGuI/AAAAAAABzJg/mMdZVhWSlFw/w958-h719-no/P1310419.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cYKsBgezN88/UkeEwqUFE0I/AAAAAAABzKA/7ho3p6u9jTE/w958-h719-no/P1310408.JPG

Cool crane - mounted on the roof - "remote controlled" (operator is on the roof).
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CR5hla7n5l0/UkeFE20UECI/AAAAAAABzKQ/QpwFdHH_ZUs/w958-h719-no/P1310395.JPG


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KhZ-VutZRVo/UkeEvlVgC4I/AAAAAAABzJw/TuZQnHoauLs/w534-h849-no/P1310397.JPG

You can see where they have shored up the floors under the crane - the red scaffolding on the right (behind the brick wall)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xt2CmlNOj14/UkeEwHLkyOI/AAAAAAABzJ4/s1JG8CNVNBo/w958-h719-no/P1310406.JPG


New electric service - that's what alley walls are for.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nWORZsYJwHQ/UkeExPdJ4II/AAAAAAABzKE/k3gzJsoZ0aU/w645-h849-no/P1310411.JPG

Cutting out the old window frames.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wf24cPM1_yo/UkeFEAdvQxI/AAAAAAABzKU/5rIvMvGlBqI/w620-h849-no/P1310430.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RfMAXy8AUto/UkeEvL7T-8I/AAAAAAABzJo/czGCT5Ju-OU/w958-h498-no/P1310423.JPG

[denizen467]

Thanks to Transformers filming, the graffiti was scrubbed and replaced with some Chinese symbols:

Which made me curious: has there ever been a proposal to reuse the silos or to sell the land for a new purpose? That thing has been dormant for as long as I can remember...
Thank you for posting this!


Brachs - Demo
It has started (9/27)

I thought The Joker blew this up or something, no?

I really hope they can save those beautiful medallions.
The odd crane observed a few weeks earlier - is indeed working on the Allis Bldg. One of the workers proudly pointed out that it was one of the first concrete "frame" building.
Harry, by now you must have your own hard hat, or even a collection of autographed hard hats?

[J_M_Tungsten]

Apparently a 520,000 sq ft warehouse according to this: http://austintalks.org/2013/08/former-brachs-candy-plant-to-be-demolished/

^read this. The Joker only blew up part if it! :tup:

[marothisu]

Saw the other day that the building that went up where Jilly's was in Gold Coast is done. Frye Boots is going in there, and it looked like they had built out most of the space too.

[chicubs111]

Saw the other day that the building that went up where Jilly's was in Gold Coast is done. Frye Boots is going in there, and it looked like they had built out most of the space too.

can we get a pic of this?..maybe some pictures around the goldcoast area with all the retail developement going on would be appreciated :)

[Rizzo]

I took a pic sat morning I'll upload it tonight

[Rizzo]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/10018691256_1568772162_b.jpg

[the urban politician]

So my wife, myself, our kids, and a friend were in Navy Pier on Saturday. Probably the last warm Saturday of the year, I'm guessing.

I realize it's a bit tacky, I was once a single man and I get that mentality.

But my wife and I were talking--is this really something that we want to mess with? What is wrong with a carnival-esque atmosphere there? It's a setting for families of all ethnic backgrounds, and it really is an enjoyable and relaxing place to spend your time. Sure, I think they need to improve the food options and a few other things, but why change the overall feel of the place?

Modernism is appropriate in certain settings, but sometimes it can come across as cold and sterile, and I wonder if that would happen with the Navy Pier revamp.

[Via Chicago]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BN1YRoqdaIE/UkdLEuqMOmI/AAAAAAABzIA/79jJLixB24A/w958-h719-no/IMG_7113.JPG


too bad that terra cotta couldnt be saved somehow (maybe it will be?)

[Via Chicago]

Which made me curious: has there ever been a proposal to reuse the silos or to sell the land for a new purpose? That thing has been dormant for as long as I can remember...

the silos have been up for auction at one point. not sure what came of it

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4108/5083100107_9bc553f1bc.jpghttp://farm5.staticflickr.com/4108/5083100107_9bc553f1bc.jpg

dont see any way the structures themselves could possibly be re-used...but they're currently a living art project which i find interesting in its own right

it also serves as the best un-official observation deck of the city

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8086434176_3c547bd629_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8086434176_3c547bd629_c.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2122/2151377355_0d2e219dfc_o.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2122/2151377355_0d2e219dfc_o.jpg

[PerryPendleton]

A very good rundown list (w/photos) of the spaces considered..........

http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/cdot/MakeWayforPeople/CityPlazasRFP.pdf

I love this

[Rizzo]

Unfortunately the silos are in a bad location for anything other than industrial use. If they were downtown, they could probably be converted into fancy condos and lofts like you see in a few cities. The great thing about them is their construction is very strong and durable. So there's alot that can be done to carve away at the monolithic concrete forms to create something else.

I think for the time being, the property could be cleaned up to at least make it look presentable. Tear down the outbuildings, and clean up the site and just let it grow to wild grass. It's going to be around for awhile, so might as well make it not look abandoned.

[Rizzo]

So my wife, myself, our kids, and a friend were in Navy Pier on Saturday. Probably the last warm Saturday of the year, I'm guessing.

I realize it's a bit tacky, I was once a single man and I get that mentality.

But my wife and I were talking--is this really something that we want to mess with? What is wrong with a carnival-esque atmosphere there? It's a setting for families of all ethnic backgrounds, and it really is an enjoyable and relaxing place to spend your time. Sure, I think they need to improve the food options and a few other things, but why change the overall feel of the place?

Modernism is appropriate in certain settings, but sometimes it can come across as cold and sterile, and I wonder if that would happen with the Navy Pier revamp.

That was my immediate reaction to the pier renovation. We are fortunate for it to be the city's playroom. People skateboard on it, spill food, climb on railings. It's kind of nice that when things look a bit rough, a fresh coat of red paint can be brushed on. I think a carnival atmosphere should be maintained, however some areas should be re-worked for better spectator events and a better 'midway' styled layout. I just hope it won't be too pretty to touch. Keep in mind, this is really for kids. As much as many locals scoff at the garish finishes, I think that families enjoy the whimsical atmosphere and that's what keeps it a popular place. It simply needs to be adapted to the carnival flair of today's standards, not totally be re-invented.

[jbrady3324]

Update on the Amber Building.

http://amberbldg.com/blog/

Walked by today and the boards are now down so you can see into the first level. Looking good.

Sterling Bay Companies has "space available" signs up at 1100 W Grand Ave. Did they close on the land?

[prelude91]

Tunney's website has a rendering of the building proposed at Clark/Belmont (Dunkin Donuts site), I would be shocked if the this version gets approved.

My photobucket is on the fritz, so here is the link:

http://www.44thward.org/site/files/1026/146667/485710/673986/3200_N_Clark_-_Plans_Renderings_09-25-13.pdf

[tintinex]

:iagree:

I'd be shocked if that gets approved. Actually I feel it's a little sterile for that area. I've always thought the grittiness of that area is what made it cool (except for the horrible DD lot)

In other news, I decided to take a nice lakefront bike ride and go around Northerly Island on Saturday. I didn't realize that they apparently already started construction of the new park there. There are giant mounds of dirt being moved around and tons of machinery on site. I had to cut my bike ride short right after the Amphitheater. I can't wait until this is complete!

[marothisu]

It is a little sterile, not a bad design in my opinion though it doesn't 100% fit in with the area. I hope the height gets approved though and the neighbors don't complain about it and want a 2 story building instead. Whatever the case, it's a hell of a lot better than looking at that shitty DD and parking lot.

[wierdaaron]

I assume the "Detention Tanks" on the floorplan are where they store unruly kids who've wandered away from their shopping parents.

[k1052]

Needs more units, less parking, and to wrap lower floors on Belmont with residential. Design is nothing impressive but at least not trying to be something it's not.

I'll still take it to be rid of the DD and parking lot.

[J_M_Tungsten]

Here's the render:
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/4c1fc38d1e0fbabd3792abea086bbc51.jpg
Source: http://www.44thward.org/site/files/1026/146667/485710/673986/3200_N_Clark_-_Plans_Renderings_09-25-13.pdf

[brian_b]

:iagree:

I'd be shocked if that gets approved. Actually I feel it's a little sterile for that area. I've always thought the grittiness of that area is what made it cool (except for the horrible DD lot)

In other news, I decided to take a nice lakefront bike ride and go around Northerly Island on Saturday. I didn't realize that they apparently already started construction of the new park there. There are giant mounds of dirt being moved around and tons of machinery on site. I had to cut my bike ride short right after the Amphitheater. I can't wait until this is complete!

The Northerly Island work is not really park-related. It is a Corps of Engineers project to restore Great Lakes fisheries (http://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorksProjects/NortherlyIsland.aspx).

The Park District/Gang proposal "uses" the work the Corps is doing.

[Link N. Parker]

Here's the render:
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/4c1fc38d1e0fbabd3792abea086bbc51.jpg
Source: http://www.44thward.org/site/files/1026/146667/485710/673986/3200_N_Clark_-_Plans_Renderings_09-25-13.pdf



I agree, I would take this over the existing DD, but just curious, does anyone know what building was there BEFORE the DD was put in? I wonder if it matched the other buildings that hug the intersection?

Im all about tall, but I kind of want a building there to somewhat match the other buildings. Maybe a "recreation", modernized of course, of what was there before?

[the urban politician]

Tunney and the Nimby parade are going to smack that proposal
Down so fast, why even bother with a community meeting?

[k1052]

Tunney and the Nimby parade are going to smack that proposal
Down so fast, why even bother with a community meeting?

A lot of people around here really want to see that parking lot gone yesterday. It's nothing but a magnet for trouble at night. Most of the reaction I've heard from my friends and neighbors is that they'll take it over leaving the site as is.

There is a possibility that it could sail though with minimal opposition for fear of loosing the development and getting stuck with the current situation for another 10 years.

[the urban politician]

^ interesting. Well, I hope they show their support.

[ardecila]

Remember that Tunney is personally trying to sell the properties across the street, and he's still a huge landowner in the area. If the community opposition is not too great, he may approve the development because it sets a precedent for density and raises the resalevalue of his own parcels.

[BWChicago]

Im all about tall, but I kind of want a building there to somewhat match the other buildings. Maybe a "recreation", modernized of course, of what was there before?

Sanborn Map says it was 1 and 2 story retail. Incidentally the building at the NE corner once contained a Hall to the rear that's since been converted to other uses.

[Rizzo]

I'm happy with it. At least it doesn't scream parking podium. Just wish they'd tie in the terra cotta facade of the doomed building next to DD.

[LouisVanDerWright]

Interesting proposal. I hope this trend of new highrises in the neighborhoods continues. Chicago is finally reaching the point where development is not just trickling into the neighborhoods, but starting to flood into places like Wicker Park, Lakeview, and the West Loop which is really starting to make a noticeable difference.

When I first moved to Chicago, I never thought I'd live to see the day when most of the parking lots in River North and the near West Loop were eviscerated and we are quickly headed in that direction. Lately it seems like a week doesn't go by without some 15-25 floor tower breaking ground on another vacant lot. My interest in River North and West Loop filling in has always been that I think filling in those neighborhoods is key to forcing the development pressures further out into the neighborhoods. Once all the easily developed sites in West Loop and River North are gone (at this rate maybe in 10 years) there will be no choice but to start pushing into new frontiers like East Garfield Park, Bronzeville, Tri Taylor, or Little Village and that's when we will start to see real change and progress on the South and West sides. We will also start seeing more highrises go up in already gentrified areas like Lakeview and Wicker Park, and maybe even places like Logan Square or even Uptown. It just seems to me that we are already at the cusp of such an era and I'm damned excited to see it. Hopefully the NIMBY's aren't that bad and can be contained.

[SamInTheLoop]

I like it overall, a bit conservative, but pretty solid, and certainly there should be (but of course unfortunately some will still hold) no discussion of this being "overscaled" for its site, because that's just rubbish.

Also, at least this developer was smart enough to not release their 'plan b' design at the same time! ;)

[emathias]

Gonna make that intersection mighty windy.

[PerryPendleton]

10/1/13

http://i.imgur.com/f6kMSjK.jpg?1

[SamInTheLoop]

^ Drawing a blank.....what is this?

[the urban politician]

^ Is that the senior residences project?

[VivaLFuego]

Gonna make that intersection mighty windy.

And congested --- over 50 parking spaces for the retail uses.

[Jibba]

I like the Belmont/Clark proposal well enough. Get rid of the spandrel panels on the W elevation, and it will look less like a spec office box. Unfortunately, that is presumably their way of making it appear less tall to assuage the fears of whoever may oppose the height. Also, that's a lot of back-to-back curb cuts on Clark, which is kind of sucky. That white grid-like feature that's proud of the E facade is a little non-sympathetic to the neighborhood, too; the height and visual impact of that form alone creates more of a scale disproportion than does the actual building itself, IMO. Of course, this could all be preliminary...

Hirsch have done some nice projects before, though. If we end up with something the caliber of this, I'll be happy:

http://www.hirschassociates.com/images/imagesBIG/RivervillageBIG1.jpg
Source: Hirsch Associates (http://www.hirschassociates.com/rvp.asp)

[BB 1871]

^ Drawing a blank.....what is this?

Curbed mentioned something about this.. the owners of the MK Restaurant next door are putting up a 23 unit building. Haven't seen any renderings yet

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2013/03/04/public-notice-points-to-23unit-plan-for-franklin-chestnut.php

[marothisu]

Curbed mentioned something about this.. the owners of the MK Restaurant next door are putting up a 23 unit building. Haven't seen any renderings yet

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2013/03/04/public-notice-points-to-23unit-plan-for-franklin-chestnut.php


According to the building permit, the architect is listed as "Wilson Lewis Edward." Upon Googling that, it's actually Lewis E Wilson, who is a principal architect at Sullivan, Goulette & Wilson (http://sgwarch.com). Most of their stuff looks like older style brick stuff. Nothing amazing IMO.

I didn't find anything on their site for this.

[Via Chicago]

Hirsch have done some nice projects before, though. If we end up with something the caliber of this, I'll be happy:

http://www.hirschassociates.com/images/imagesBIG/RivervillageBIG1.jpg
Source: Hirsch Associates (http://www.hirschassociates.com/rvp.asp)


werent there a bunch of problems with this building right after it opened. i remember crumbling balconies and rust staining....

[Mr Downtown]

certainly there should be . . . no discussion of this being "overscaled" for its site, because that's just rubbish.

It doesn't bother you at all that it's 66 percent bigger than the zoning allows?

[thewaterman11]

I just saw this Lynn Becker article about the grain silos off Damen and some updates made to it.

http://arcchicago.blogspot.com/2013/09/architecture-as-tinder-michael-bays.html

Thanks to Transformers filming, the graffiti was scrubbed and replaced with some Chinese symbols:

Which made me curious: has there ever been a proposal to reuse the silos or to sell the land for a new purpose? That thing has been dormant for as long as I can remember...

Turns out, Michael Bay wants to blow the silos sky high:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-09-30/entertainment/chi-transformers-filming-damen-20130929_1_chicago-cut-steakhouse-michael-bay-hong-kong

The “Transformers: Age of Extinction” director and his crew are scheduled to wrap in Chicago this week, but not before filming what one source with the production called the “mother of all bombs.” The source said the explosion will take place Wednesday afternoon around the silos on S. Damen Avenue and W. 29th Street in the Pilsen area. This is the same site where “Transformers” recently blew up a bridge, while at the same time setting off an impressive fireball.

Someone please get out there and film this or photograph this or something.

[the urban politician]

It doesn't bother you at all that it's 66 percent bigger than the zoning allows?

It doesn't bother you that this site, with such good transit access, isn't already zoned for much higher density?

[SamInTheLoop]

^ Exactly. While 66% seems like a fairly large number, the cause of the discrepancy is the woefully inadequate density of the current underlying zoning, and not the sheer audacity of this proposal....

[hygge]

^This is absurd. The limit should not be about height, but on parking. There really should not be a limit on height at this site. Chicago is the most backwards of all the so-called "global" cities. In the real world the community would be encouraging density and charging development fees to specifically fund transportation and other infrastructure. The taller the project, the more the developer pays. Instead, we get a fight over a crappy insignificant 7 story building. Selfish wealthy NIMBYS. This isn't suburban Des Moines. This site can easily handle 40 stories considering the copious amounts of transportation options. It is absolutely hilarious that we are even having this discussion over this building. Chicago is a complete joke.

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

It doesn't bother you at all that it's 66 percent bigger than the zoning allows?

Mr Downtown, everybody! Right on cue! :rolleyes:

[Rizzo]

Mr. Downtown thinks we are bothered by density on a skyscraper enthusiast web page. Zoning code at this location doesn't "bother me" other than they should change it.

[woodrow]

Wait....has there been any public pushback on the Clark & Belmont spot? I haven't seen any one saying too tall, too big. I am sure that some individuals will, but lets wait before we trash the NIMBYs. The neighborhood groups havent said anything yet, and might not be against this.

That said, there is too much parking.

[Steely Dan]

The neighborhood groups havent said anything yet, and might not be against this.


you can't be serious. a building that is many stories taller than the existing neighborhood standard and you don't think it's an absolute lock that the NIMBY's in the area are going to raise high holy hell over it?

many people in lakeview will be more bent out of shape over this proposal than they were about the holocaust. "a 9 story building in a neighborhood of 3 and 4 stories building!?! won't somebody think of the children!?! this is the greatest crime in the history of human civilization! i'm outraged!"

if this doesn't kick-off a big reactionary NIMBY backlash in lakeview, i'll eat my shirt.

[k1052]

you can't be serious. a building that is many stories taller than the existing neighborhood standard and you don't think it's an absolute lock that the NIMBY's in the area are going to raise high holy hell over it?

many people in lakeview will be more bent out of shape over this proposal than they were about the holocaust. "a 9 story building in a neighborhood of 3 and 4 stories building!?! won't somebody think of the children!?! this is the greatest crime in the history of human civilization! i'm outraged!"

if this doesn't kick-off a big reactionary NIMBY backlash in lakeview, i'll eat my shirt.

There is a 10 story condo building across the street and this project would redevelop a problem property that residents here have long wanted to see gone. I don't think this will see the kind of backlash the Out Hotel did.

[prelude91]

It's interesting that there are two renderings on the website. I wonder if they accidentally leaked the second one where the project is taller and they save the corner building - usually they wait until after the meeting and the inevitable outrage.

http://imageshack.us/a/img818/1746/m29g.jpghttp://imageshack.us/a/img850/8688/p6jp.jpg

Anybody attend the meeting on Monday to discuss this development? An acquaintance of mine went, and his takeaway was that the outlook for the Black Duck building was not good, the developer basically said it was an insignificant building. It really frustrates me how so many of the city's older housing stock is being demoed for crap, cookie cutter buildings.