CHICAGO | General Developments

[Vlajos]

I know some people had doubts that a suburban Indiana residential developer could do a Chicago historic renovation right, but looking at this website gives me hope.

Somerset Place in Uptown:
http://www.somersetplace-apartments.com/news.aspx

Its nice to see that some original details can be restored.

Wow, maybe they will pull this off. I was concerned when I read about the asbestos issue. They certainly came off amateurish.

[marothisu]

Wow, maybe they will pull this off. I was concerned when I read about the asbestos issue. They certainly came off amateurish.

The amenities sound pretty decent. Nest thermostat, stainless steel everything, granite countertops, central air and heat, USB outlets in the kitchen, fitness center, skydecks, 9 foot ceilings, bike racks, etc. Not bad if they do it well

[Vlajos]

The amenities sound pretty decent. Nest thermostat, stainless steel everything, granite countertops, central air and heat, USB outlets in the kitchen, fitness center, skydecks, 9 foot ceilings, bike racks, etc. Not bad if they do it well

I agree, and a huge turn for the area from essentially a prison for old poor people to a new and refreshed building at market rents.

[Kenmore]

As a resident of this far north portion of Uptown, this is great news. If Somerset and Lawrence House turn out as advertised it will be HUGE.

[marothisu]

I agree, and a huge turn for the area from essentially a prison for old poor people to a new and refreshed building at market rents.

That is one area of Uptown I would live in, especially if there were nice housing options (there are some). I love SE Asia - cheap markets with cheap Asian food and cheap Asian restaurants next to a 24 hour train stop? Yes please.

[emathias]

I got two developer letters in the mail today, and one last week.

The one last week was for the development on Wells just north of Huron.

The two today include the one for the former Ginos East in River North for 450 units plus 6,700 square feet of retail, also on Wells, and a new one for what appears to be the Howard Johnson on LaSalle, for 298 residential units plus 10,000 square feet of retail.

[harryc]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MgC19yQxHVA/UzbolLuDHSI/AAAAAAAB3xI/vYqaf6AZpVo/w958-h719-no/IMG_2870.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-he9CgsBq2Rc/Uzbol3I0hjI/AAAAAAAB3xQ/AV4sLYNtyUI/w958-h719-no/IMG_2974.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2iGLtrhg8XY/UzbonnwhHQI/AAAAAAAB3xY/HqXqhq5robk/w958-h719-no/IMG_3037.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3tBNhdWj4Ac/UzbooSl8GkI/AAAAAAAB3xg/G03pwB6Oph4/w958-h719-no/IMG_3040.JPG

[untitledreality]

Interesting tool on Metropolitan Planning Council's website, it shows individual lots available for TOD ordinance application, which can receive density bonuses and parking reductions, and which are parking reduction only. It is handy to see such detail on a citywide scale.

MPC: Equitable TOD (http://www.metroplanning.org/work/project/30/subpage/4)

MPC TOD Ordinance Map (http://www.metroplanning.org/mpcstaff/maps/tod/ordinance/ordinance-tod-full.html)



Note: Check out the potential for North Broadway from Montrose to Granville.

[ardecila]

Imagine what this map would look like if all those Metra stations weren't in the midst of Planned Manufacturing Districts.

As a next step, they should add a layer for planned/proposed stations. Cermak(Green), Peterson/Ridge, Auburn Park, Washington/Wabash, Division(Brown). It does look like the mapmakers already took the new LaSalle entrance into account at Clark/Division.

[harryc]

Feb 28
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gEhAkj3rELc/UxaXMk7odAI/AAAAAAAB28Y/Xhjhr9NAw8M/w751-h563-no/P1410876.JPG

Mar 27
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ttA5hhEvGCc/UzcW0XmRRVI/AAAAAAAB3zM/Q8VjGQB2uI4/w958-h719-no/IMG_2956.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4CF-l1ylgaE/UzcW1aCX3iI/AAAAAAAB3zU/OxbqQkAiCcs/w958-h719-no/IMG_2957.JPG

[the urban politician]

Interesting article in this week's Crains about the West Loop/Fulton Market district and the issues regarding its dramatic transformation. Robert DeNiro's Nobu hotel was highlighted.

[the urban politician]

^ Along the lines of this topic, if I were one of the meat processors in that area I would be reaching out to other businesses to co-invest in a giant meat producer/distributor in vacant land elsewhere, perhaps one of the PMD's on the southwest side. Imagine a giant facility near the highway with
all of these businesses, with separate stalls, under one roof. In turn, they can sell off their West Loop facilities to developers for huge profits, this area being so hot lately.

[streetline]

In terms of high volume wholesale-only businesses, the neighborhood may be shifting away from them. I wish them well, and agree that coordinating on a new location might be a good idea, but keeping them happy doesn't seem worth sacrificing a whole neighborhood full of new hotels (it's not just Nobu and Brooklyn Bowl, Sterling Bay was thinking of putting one in across Morgan from Google's new offices as well).


On the other hand, there are a several old neighborhood businesses with retail sides that it'd be a shame to lose going forward. These types of businesses could potentially thrive in a more business/hotel/residential oriented west loop, I just hope they stick it out through the transition:

N & G Produce (We're losing this in favor of the new Rick Bayless restaurant, which leaves us without a greengrocer beyond the big chain grocery stores),
Olympia Meats,
Columbus Meat Market,
Nicholas Quality Meats,
J.P. Graziano,
Isaacson & Stein (It looks like Rubino’s Seafood is leaving soon to make way for apartments, so this will now be the neighborhood's only fish market.),
B A Florist & Nursery,
etc...

[untitledreality]

Imagine what this map would look like if all those Metra stations weren't in the midst of Planned Manufacturing Districts.

What is more disappointing, to me anyways, is that so few lots qualify for immediate density bonuses. I mean, isn't that one of the driving principles behind transit oriented design?

[ardecila]

Yeah R lots don't qualify so many stations have little to no TOD potential. Look at Harlem (O'Hare) on the Blue Line... it's a transit hub for several bus lines as well as rail, like a mini-Jeff. Park, but there's almost no allowance for TOD because the surroundings are zoned for single-family.

[denizen467]

Tiny bit of news that snuck by, that's actually long-awaited, dancing fruit news:

The Franklin/Randolph Walgreen's is finally getting a visit from the grim reaper -- they just leased replacement space in the Thompson Center, street level along Randolph.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20140327/CRED03/140329802/buck-bumps-walgreens-to-thompson-center

Hopefully, the old store will be replaced by a parking lot (rather than some store with a short-term lease?) until such time as Buck can finally get a tower going there. I've never cheered for a surface lot before -- but I am now because that hideous Walgreen's structure absolutely has got to go.

[Kenmore]

More positive N. Broadway news

http://edgevillebuzz.com/news/new-loft-rentals-with-retailrestaurant-space-continue-broadway-redevelopment

Construction is underway ... of the mixed-use building located at 5427-37 N. Broadway.

The remodeling includes “preserving a portion of the façade to maintain the character of the existing 3 story building. That said, a great deal of the front will be rebuilt at each floor level with new windows & balconies to create a modern yet classical end result,” added Gold.

So glad this wasn't demo'd to make way for a strip mall as it has a major presence on what remains of the street wall.

[J_M_Tungsten]

Yesterday
Old Borders on North and Halsted (anyone know about this project?)
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/6f86a7a8f7607efeb8ecc4133f699d60.jpg (http://s592.photobucket.com/user/JMTUNGSTEN/media/New%20pics/6f86a7a8f7607efeb8ecc4133f699d60.jpg.html)

St Joseph Hospital expansion (taking a long time with foundation work)
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/16d90b99e9779a00ba53ad10610f717c.jpg (http://s592.photobucket.com/user/JMTUNGSTEN/media/New%20pics/16d90b99e9779a00ba53ad10610f717c.jpg.html)

Chestnut and Franklin
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/7febbb74dc062aa87fe4d6891ea39adb.jpg (http://s592.photobucket.com/user/JMTUNGSTEN/media/New%20pics/7febbb74dc062aa87fe4d6891ea39adb.jpg.html)

El Centro Campus
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/cd52ebbdbb775eebf323a7b114ba6105.jpg (http://s592.photobucket.com/user/JMTUNGSTEN/media/New%20pics/cd52ebbdbb775eebf323a7b114ba6105.jpg.html)

[DonMendigo]

Yesterday
Old Borders on North and Halsted (anyone know about this)
I'd heard its going to be Design Within Reach. It's currently located just west by the massive Whole Foods

[tjp]

It's going to be a Design Within Reach on the second floor and I believe either a Comcast store or Verizon store on the first level.

[gallo]

Interesting tool on Metropolitan Planning Council's website, it shows individual lots available for TOD ordinance application, which can receive density bonuses and parking reductions, and which are parking reduction only. It is handy to see such detail on a citywide scale.

MPC: Equitable TOD (http://www.metroplanning.org/work/project/30/subpage/4)

MPC TOD Ordinance Map (http://www.metroplanning.org/mpcstaff/maps/tod/ordinance/ordinance-tod-full.html)



Note: Check out the potential for North Broadway from Montrose to Granville.

As a related note, the midrise at Clark/Belmont will likely be proposing a significant parking reduction from about 100 units & 20k of retail w 76 spaces to about 90 units & 20k of retail w 23 spaces along with car share spots and significant bike parking. These developers "get it" and the tenants their courting (including a small grocer) are saying they don't need parking. This is a great step in setting the precedent for TOD in the neighborhoods.

[J_M_Tungsten]

I'd heard its going to be Design Within Reach. It's currently located just west by the massive Whole Foods

Thanks all.
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/6f86a7a8f7607efeb8ecc4133f699d60.jpg (http://s592.photobucket.com/user/JMTUNGSTEN/media/New%20pics/6f86a7a8f7607efeb8ecc4133f699d60.jpg.html)
I think it is a good idea to open up the corner here with a larger curved wall. Should make for a better pedestrian navigation on that corner. It feels pretty congested on there. I wonder if that is in part to the Apple store just to the west with it's blank wall along Halsted.

Also, the red light camera is just beyond visually pleasing! Thanks for that.

[LouisVanDerWright]

El Centro Campus
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/cd52ebbdbb775eebf323a7b114ba6105.jpg (http://s592.photobucket.com/user/JMTUNGSTEN/media/New%20pics/cd52ebbdbb775eebf323a7b114ba6105.jpg.html)

FYI, I saw them putting up the first fin on this project the other day. The colors are bold, looking forward to the full effect! Everyone keeps asking me what this project is already, can't wait for everyone to be even more intrigued by the fins.

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

FYI, I saw them putting up the first fin on this project the other day. The colors are bold, looking forward to the full effect! Everyone keeps asking me what this project is already, can't wait for everyone to be even more intrigued by the fins.

Squee!!!

[LouisVanDerWright]

Squee!!!

I know, I saw them doing it from the freeway and drove around the back side of it to take a look on my way back later in the day. It's just one fin now, but you can already see the color-change effect. This is going to be an instant landmark along the freeway when they finish the facade. Talk about paying a little more to make a big statement. This whole building will be like one giant billboard for NEIU.

[streetline]

Thanks all.
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/6f86a7a8f7607efeb8ecc4133f699d60.jpg (http://s592.photobucket.com/user/JMTUNGSTEN/media/New%20pics/6f86a7a8f7607efeb8ecc4133f699d60.jpg.html)
I think it is a good idea to open up the corner here with a larger curved wall. Should make for a better pedestrian navigation on that corner. It feels pretty congested on there. I wonder if that is in part to the Apple store just to the west with it's blank wall along Halsted.

Also, the red light camera is just beyond visually pleasing! Thanks for that.
The Borders already had a pretty significant curve, are they really increasing it's radius?

And, yes, I've never been wild about that Apple Store's blank wall on Halsted.
With the plaza and CTA station renovation they threw in, it's hard to complain; but when compared with the flagship stores Apple is building (or renovating from historic buildings) in some other cities, the Lincoln Park Apple Store seems like a missed opportunity.

[SamInTheLoop]

Tiny bit of news that snuck by, that's actually long-awaited, dancing fruit news:

The Franklin/Randolph Walgreen's is finally getting a visit from the grim reaper -- they just leased replacement space in the Thompson Center, street level along Randolph.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20140327/CRED03/140329802/buck-bumps-walgreens-to-thompson-center

Hopefully, the old store will be replaced by a parking lot (rather than some store with a short-term lease?) until such time as Buck can finally get a tower going there. I've never cheered for a surface lot before -- but I am now because that hideous Walgreen's structure absolutely has got to go.


This will not be an operating surface parking lot. Buck wants to move on their tower this year - and I believe they'll line up the necessary tenant and/or financing to make it happen.

[denizen467]

the Lincoln Park Apple Store seems like a missed opportunity.
I thought that from the start - putting the square, Scottsdale design onto a triangular, non-shopping center site. The architects ought to have acknowledged the Clybourn diagonal and the fact that it's a triangular island. To some extent this design sort of just spits in the face of one of the city's unique streets, and pays respect to North (an auto sewer) and Halsted (not much better in that stretch). Not that I can easily come up with a better idea, and there certainly is a lot to like about the final building, but a better effort could have been made. Frankly I think the torus hq design is also ridiculous eye candy - you get the impression they believe their excellent product design can just be scaled up by a thousand to conquer the realm of architecture. Well Jony Ive is not an architect and product design and building design are totally different endeavors and require different mindsets.

[denizen467]

Chestnut and Franklin
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/7febbb74dc062aa87fe4d6891ea39adb.jpg

Is this an experiment in using no concrete whatsoever? Could someone explain this? (Isn't this expensive? What about floor slabs - strength, sound propagation, etc?)

[untitledreality]

Is this an experiment in using no concrete whatsoever? Could someone explain this? (Isn't this expensive? What about floor slabs - strength, sound propagation, etc?)

Poured concrete atop corrugated metal decking atop a steel frame. Pretty typical.

[denizen467]

^ Presumably you could see the slab in those photos if the concrete had been poured already. Are you saying they come in later to pour it? Seems like it would be harder to pour an entire floor's concrete if you already have another floor above limiting your clearance to 9 feet or something. Also, wouldn't the weight of just-added concrete possibly induce very slight bending or shifts in the steel in the rest of the structure? Seems like you'd want to pour a floor before continuing to erect a bunch of floors of steel above it.

Also the columns seem thin, and with long spans, to bear the weight of concrete slabs, but what do I know.

[paytonc]

^ Along the lines of this topic, if I were one of the meat processors in that area I would be reaching out to other businesses to co-invest in a giant meat producer/distributor in vacant land elsewhere, perhaps one of the PMD's on the southwest side.

That's assuming that these companies are profitable enough to undertake the costs of a move -- moving a factory is no small task. That said, the produce distributors did this several years ago, moving from what's now University Commons to a site by Damen and Blue Island.

As a next step, they should add a layer for planned/proposed stations.

Can't do that until the stations have entrance locations set.

[jc5680]

^ Presumably you could see the slab in those photos if the concrete had been poured already. Are you saying they come in later to pour it? Seems like it would be harder to pour an entire floor's concrete if you already have another floor above limiting your clearance to 9 feet or something. Also, wouldn't the weight of just-added concrete possibly induce very slight bending or shifts in the steel in the rest of the structure? Seems like you'd want to pour a floor before continuing to erect a bunch of floors of steel above it.

Also the columns seem thin, and with long spans, to bear the weight of concrete slabs, but what do I know.

They were pouring concrete last week. Cant see in the photos, but you could see them doing it from the brown line in the mornings. It looked like a relatively manual process, at least compared to what you typically see in slab pours. Lots of distribution by shovel from what I saw.

[Chi-Sky21]

Received notice of an addition to 1222 W Madison, the green dog area directly west would be 5 stories with an additional 46 units and ground floor retail. This along with them finishing "The Madison at Racine" pretty much rounds out that block. Looks like it is Fifield.

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

I thought that from the start - putting the square, Scottsdale design onto a triangular, non-shopping center site. The architects ought to have acknowledged the Clybourn diagonal and the fact that it's a triangular island. To some extent this design sort of just spits in the face of one of the city's unique streets, and pays respect to North (an auto sewer) and Halsted (not much better in that stretch). Not that I can easily come up with a better idea, and there certainly is a lot to like about the final building, but a better effort could have been made. Frankly I think the torus hq design is also ridiculous eye candy - you get the impression they believe their excellent product design can just be scaled up by a thousand to conquer the realm of architecture. Well Jony Ive is not an architect and product design and building design are totally different endeavors and require different mindsets.

Auto sewer is right. Lots of missed opportunities.

[the urban politician]

The Chestnut/Franklin building is drawing a blank. Can someone point me to a rendering?

[Rizzo]

^ Presumably you could see the slab in those photos if the concrete had been poured already. Are you saying they come in later to pour it? Seems like it would be harder to pour an entire floor's concrete if you already have another floor above limiting your clearance to 9 feet or something. Also, wouldn't the weight of just-added concrete possibly induce very slight bending or shifts in the steel in the rest of the structure? Seems like you'd want to pour a floor before continuing to erect a bunch of floors of steel above it.

Also the columns seem thin, and with long spans, to bear the weight of concrete slabs, but what do I know.

This is standard North American construction that's been common since the 1950's. It's bar joists and steel with concrete topped metal deck. It's run-of-the-mill universal design.

Various construction methods can be employed, but for a 5-6 story building, steel is cheap and fast construction.

The architectural design probably made plank concrete decking not cost effective because of spans and directional shifts

Does the steel deflect after the concrete is poured? A little and the decking a little more.... sometimes that it is noticeable to the human eye. But that's planned for, but your floor above will set even and be level.

Don't forget that concrete can bend and so does wood joists and floors

The joists are good in this project because you can run conduit and pipes through the open web. Maybe some ducts if they are spiral.

[Rizzo]

Also, the El Centro building is looking bad ass. I like the way it responds to the unusual site geometry. I'm also excited that there's yet another layer to be added. With most projects in Chicago, the architectural drama would end with what you see here as a plain glass facade. Shoot, maybe not even that considering the radius corners, sloping parapets and angles at the base. This building is a refreshing departure from the institutional designs I'm used to seeing.

[SamInTheLoop]

Washington + Sangamon
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/q514/intrepidDesign/wash_sag_zps465bb9ac.jpg (http://s1161.photobucket.com/user/intrepidDesign/media/wash_sag_zps465bb9ac.jpg.html)





I always enjoy seeing a new residential project of some size with steel frame construction......here's hoping we get a bunch more this boomlet (on the verge of earning full-fledged "boom" status later this year or next?).....would be really nice to even get one or two legitimate high-rise residential towers with steel the next few years (realize it's typically but not necessarily always special circumstances that bring that about, but you never know)....

[marothisu]

The Chestnut/Franklin building is drawing a blank. Can someone point me to a rendering?

http://chicago.curbed.com/uploads/1307_858Franklin_01-thumb.jpg

[wierdaaron]

Northwestern comings and goings.

http://i.imgur.com/Z8sat5fl.jpg (http://imgur.com/Z8sat5f)

View courtesy of an overnight kidney stone hospitalization.

[J_M_Tungsten]

^sorry about the kidney stone, but that view is pretty awesome!

[N830MH]

^sorry about the kidney stone, but that view is pretty awesome!

Yeah, hope he will get better soon. Just take it easy.

[guesswho]

Northwestern comings and goings.

http://i.imgur.com/Z8sat5fl.jpg (http://imgur.com/Z8sat5f)

View courtesy of an overnight kidney stone hospitalization.
Is anything planned for that huge (double football field size?) empty field? Was that the old broadcast studios or something different?

[Rizzo]

Northwestern comings and goings.

http://i.imgur.com/Z8sat5fl.jpg (http://imgur.com/Z8sat5f)

View courtesy of an overnight kidney stone hospitalization.

Hmm, that must be the room they put all kidney stone operation patients

[left of center]

^ Its been a fallow and empty field for some time.

I assume its Northwestern's "land bank", sitting around until the hospital/school requires an expansion. Although I may be wrong...

[sentinel]

Is anything planned for that huge (double football field size?) empty field? Was that the old broadcast studios or something different?

No, that's the next parcel over to the right, where the RIC-cube tower is currently under construction. This GIANT parcel is NWM's next big hospital site...even though it's probably big enough to accommodate a giant hospital AND the new research center planned for the Prentice site (lack of vision? Very much so, but I digress)...

Feel better weirdaaron..and thanks for the pic!

[wierdaaron]

Is anything planned for that huge (double football field size?) empty field? Was that the old broadcast studios or something different?
Used to be a Veterans Administration hospital until 2008. http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Building/1416/Lakeside-Veterans-Administration-Hospital.php

No idea about future plans, but Northwestern owns it so it will probably be more hospital someday.

Alls well with me and the stone. They sent me home with some lovely pills.

[r18tdi]

Used to be a Veterans Administration hospital until 2008. http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Building/1416/Lakeside-Veterans-Administration-Hospital.php

No idea about future plans, but Northwestern owns it so it will probably be more hospital someday.

Alls well with me and the stone. They sent me home with some lovely pills.
The shitty NIMBYs in Streeterville literally demanded that parcel be completely fenced-in and grass planted and routinely mowed. They we convinced anything less would "lower their properly values," etc.

Idiotic.

[streetline]

The Department of Planning and Development is having a meeting to discuss the Fulton Market / Randolph area in the West Loop tomorrow (April 1st) at 6pm at Venue One (1044 W. Randolph St.).

http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/dcd/general/Meetings/Fulton_Flyer.jpg (http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/provdrs/planning_and_policydivision/alerts/2014/apr/fulton-randolph-market-district.html)

With one boutique hotel almost built (SoHo House), and two or three more in planning (Nobu, Brooklyn Bowl, and the Sterling Bay property across Morgan from Google's new offices), this is a very exciting time for the neighborhood.
Unfortunately, the Randolph/Fulton Market Association seems to want to restrict development severely (http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/03/28/neighborhood-org-seeks-answers-from-robert-de-niro-about-nobu-plan.php) based on existing zoning.

It would be nice if anyone here who is interested in how the area develops would attend.

[denizen467]

The shitty NIMBYs in Streeterville literally demanded that parcel be completely fenced-in and grass planted and routinely mowed. They we convinced anything less would "lower their properly values," etc.

Idiotic.
Go back to square one and learn what "NIMBY" means. The site was a dilapidated demolition ruin that was going nowhere, so people felt it would look better with a modest makeover of grass - until the expected hospital is constructed. There has not been opposition to construction there.

Also, you need to understand Streeterville is probably the least nimby neighborhood in the city.

Also, as an aside, what do you perceive is the difference between "literally demanding" and "lobbying" or "pushing for" or "petitioning"? This is how democracy works. What a horror that someone would not just figuratively, but literally demand something.

God forbid that the residents or city pursue beautification of junky unoccupied parcels.

[the urban politician]

The shitty NIMBYs in Streeterville literally demanded that parcel be completely fenced-in and grass planted and routinely mowed. They we convinced anything less would "lower their properly values," etc.

Idiotic.

:koko:

No, I think the only thing idiotic I'm seeing here is your comment. Exactly how does their preference for a fenced lot with grass over an ugly gravel lot get catagorized as NIMBYism?

As Denizen said, SOAR is one of the least idiotic NIMBY groups in the city. The actively promote quality design and actually prefer taller buildings. They generally "get it". If you want idiots, go to Lincoln Park--those are the most god-awful self-entitled and tasteless snobs in the city by far.

[r18tdi]

Also, you need to understand Streeterville is probably the least nimby neighborhood in the city. Tell that to RIC.
God forbid that the residents or city pursue beautification of junky unoccupied parcels. God forbid someone have to look out their window and see some gravel across the street.

[the urban politician]

Tell that to RIC.
God forbid someone have to look out their window and see some gravel 16 floors down.

Pardon me for being baffled, but......this offends you....HOW?

[guesswho]

Yea, I actually think that a grassed over site is preferable to just a gravel/construction dumping site if it lays fallow for years and years. Is the property fenced in or is it accessible to dog walkers, kids playing soccer, etc.?

[r18tdi]

is it accessible to dog walkers, kids playing soccer, etc.? No.

[Swicago Swi Sox]

Before NW fixed up the site, it was surrounded by a very temporary looking construction fence. The fence was bent and falling in some places and the fabric screening was ripped and faded. Since NW had indicated that they have no concrete plans for the site yet, and that it would sit empty for sometime, there was pressure on them to fix it up for both aestheic reasons and for safety concerns. In the end NW showed that they are good neighbors and agreed to install a more permanent looking fence, widen the side walks, and do some fairly maintenece free plantings to cut down on dust and dirt. Remember that most of the buildings looking at this site are NW buildings anyway, so it was kind of a no brainer...

[wierdaaron]

Speaking of gravel pits and unpleasantness, I'm happy to announce that last night I gave birth to a bouncing baby stone. 8mm, NaN ounces. We're naming it Rocky. In lieu of flowers please drink lots of water.

[guesswho]

A bit of a random question:

But has there ever been a proposal to develop the METRA tracks between Washington & the half block (to the south), Lake (to the north), Canal (to the east), and Clinton (to the West)? That's two full blocks that could hold at least four (maybe five?) 1MM+ sq foot towers (office?) I'm estimating.

I know that all the other surface lots in that area would be developed first, as the infrastructure costs associated with capping RR tracks are expensive, but you think that with the revenue hole at METRA, (who I assume owns the air rights or would it be someone else?) the owner would be beginning to think about development proposals sometime later this decade....as it seems a good deal of surface lots in the West Loop are actively being developed as residential (rather than office).

Capping has been done extensively in Millennium Park (obviously), but there isn't 5MM sq feet of office space above that, so the only other parallel would be in NYC (i.e. Hudson Yards?) and the area immediately south of Union Station?

[ChiHi]

The shitty NIMBYs in Streeterville literally demanded that parcel be completely fenced-in and grass planted and routinely mowed. They we convinced anything less would "lower their properly values," etc.

Idiotic.

Since it's likely to sit vacant for the next 10 years or so I'd say it's one of the first decent things a NIMBY group has done. NWH owns the garage and lot to the west of Onterie/Axis (building with the Xs on the side) and its just become a muddy gravel pit for locals to take their dogs to crap. Since they don't pay taxes and are holding it for that long I'd say its the least they could do. Hopefully they are eventually talked into doing the same with the lot at McClurg and Ontario as well.

[thewaterman11]

A bit of a random question:

But has there ever been a proposal to develop the METRA tracks between Washington & the half block (to the south), Lake (to the north), Canal (to the east), and Clinton (to the West)? That's two full blocks that could hold at least four (maybe five?) 1MM+ sq foot towers (office?) I'm estimating.

I know that all the other surface lots in that area would be developed first, as the infrastructure costs associated with capping RR tracks are expensive, but you think that with the revenue hole at METRA, (who I assume owns the air rights or would it be someone else?) the owner would be beginning to think about development proposals sometime later this decade....as it seems a good deal of surface lots in the West Loop are actively being developed as residential (rather than office).

Capping has been done extensively in Millennium Park (obviously), but there isn't 5MM sq feet of office space above that, so the only other parallel would be in NYC (i.e. Hudson Yards?) and the area immediately south of Union Station?

The biggest problem I can think of with doing this would be access from the street to the towers above; unlike Millennium Park, these tracks coming out of Ogilvie are above the street level as opposed to below it, making it just about impossible for any kind of car access to be had. Thus, I don't think it's at all possible (or even attractive) for anyone to take on such a difficult and expensive undertaking.

[Rizzo]

A couple noticings...

Home Good is closing their store on Michigan Ave. That leaves the third floor of that complex vacant along with the shuttered Eddie Bauer on the lower floors

Also there's large openings cut in the precast on the nordstrom. I hope they will be windows but I'm not sure.


Regarding the discussion on rail capping , I say we do it where it makes sense. But it's important to note that rail is part of Chicago's character and I think seeing the trains cut through the Fulton river area is cool. Planning for capping rail should have happened decades ago before all those buildings got built with standard surface street access.

[LouisVanDerWright]

The biggest problem I can think of with doing this would be access from the street to the towers above; unlike Millennium Park, these tracks coming out of Ogilvie are above the street level as opposed to below it, making it just about impossible for any kind of car access to be had. Thus, I don't think it's at all possible (or even attractive) for anyone to take on such a difficult and expensive undertaking.

This is what I was saying a while ago during that discussion about whether 20-25 floors is too short for new near West loop Towers. There are a crap ton of developable sites available in the area that won't become viable until the supply of vacant surface lots are wiped out.

As of right now the Ogilvie tracks make absolutely no sense to develop, but there are creative solutions that will become viable once the value of land in that area increases sufficiently.

The most obvious solution to your problem would be building the lobbies under the tracks where the French market and all that retail is now and then running elevator shafts up between the tracks into towers hovering over the station. Obviously nowhere near practical right now, but could be once the sea of surface lots dries up.

[harryc]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-an6QmsJYwzs/UzrlK_E0aPI/AAAAAAAB31k/xDLCFzN5KpA/w751-h563-no/P1000117.JPG

[k1052]

A
Regarding the discussion on rail capping , I say we do it where it makes sense. But it's important to note that rail is part of Chicago's character and I think seeing the trains cut through the Fulton river area is cool. Planning for capping rail should have happened decades ago before all those buildings got built with standard surface street access.

It is a lot less cool standing there for 10 minutes waiting for trains to clear at -10F wind chill. Capping may be out but I'm strongly in favor of closing at least the Canal crossing and building a pedestrian bridge over it.

[guesswho]

The biggest problem I can think of with doing this would be access from the street to the towers above; unlike Millennium Park, these tracks coming out of Ogilvie are above the street level as opposed to below it, making it just about impossible for any kind of car access to be had. Thus, I don't think it's at all possible (or even attractive) for anyone to take on such a difficult and expensive undertaking.
Good point. I didn't even think that the tracks were at (or above as you mention) street level......that's a major proposal killer for certain.....

Fifield should just cap it with a park like he plans to with the Kennedy......or they could make it into the world's largest outdoor Whirlyball in the summer and the world's largest ice rink in the winter......

But seriously, I think at some point someone will see this as valuable land when all the surface lots are gone and the easy 3 or 4 story redevelopment properties are all gone.......maybe sometime in the 2020's? Again, I believe you could at least put at least four or five 1MM+ sq ft. towers over those tracks if someone really wanted too.....

The Old Post Office is probably easier to revamp/redevelop from an ROI perspective when compared to this land north of Ogilvie, even with 290 running underneath it.

[ardecila]

It is a lot less cool standing there for 10 minutes waiting for trains to clear at -10F wind chill. Capping may be out but I'm strongly in favor of closing at least the Canal crossing and building a pedestrian bridge over it.

River Point will give you a grade-separated route via the riverwalk (if you are walking to the Loop).

I agree that a bridge is needed at Canal though.

[UrbanOasis]

Back in 2008/2009 there was a PDF posted of the Wabash Avenue streetscaping project that showed the new sidewalk planters and lighting to be installed between Roosevelt and Congress. I've searched the forum but can't find this anywhere. I wanted to use it for a community service project I'm working on.

Can someone point me in the right direction or repost if you have access? Thanks!

[denizen467]

Metra rail terminus air rights project would have basically no room for columns, much less space for construction machinery to sink key caissons, because the tracks and platforms are pretty densely spaced. North of Lake, though, it wouldn't be impossible - although we wouldn't want the Powerhouse building to be torn down anyway.

I'm curious what the chances are that Metra will (or can be persuaded to) rebuild their old, column-prolific viaduct at Kinzie, or indeed anywhere between Lake and Grand. This could help traffic flow in that area. They could then sell parking (or even retail) underneath a long-spanned viaduct, hopefully helping defray some of the construction cost.

The thing is, today they still have the opportunity to buy adjacent parcels and tweak the alignment into something straighter; this would also give them elbow room for construction staging. If they wait much longer, things will probably get hemmed in.

[guesswho]

Metra rail terminus air rights project would have basically no room for columns, much less space for construction machinery to sink key caissons, because the tracks and platforms are pretty densely spaced.

Good points, I didn't think about that. The more responses I read, the more it sounds to me like the infrastructure requirements required to make something happen above the tracks are too cost prohibitive.....

[Vlajos]

This is exciting.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20140402/CRED03/140409950/developers-mojo-could-bring-down-river-north-hojos?r=9553D0914134E6S

[Mr Downtown]

Metra doesn't own the railroad tracks coming into Ogilvie; the Union Pacific Railroad does.

Railroads generally aren't creative risk-takers. They tend to be pretty focused on keeping the trains running and the structures where they can easily maintain them.

[wierdaaron]

According to that Crains article, the Hojo replacement and the Gino's East Wells/Ontario tower will be presented at the city council meeting today. I hope there's designs.

[marothisu]

This is exciting.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20140402/CRED03/140409950/developers-mojo-could-bring-down-river-north-hojos?r=9553D0914134E6S

The HoJo is interesting from a 1940s or 1950s American architecture perspective, but I'll be glad to see it go.


In other news, looks like that helipad from that Wheeling-based helicopter tour company has gotten zoning approval for Bridgeport. 2408 - 2424 S Halsted, which is right north of the train tracks and the freeway next to the river I believe. People wise it's not a bad location because it's not too far from the Halsted Orange Line stop either.

http://politics.suntimes.com/article/chicago/zoning-committee-approves-bridgeport-heliport/tue-04012014-428pm

[Tom Servo]

HoJo, like Ohio House, are interesting. But they are only contextually interesting. As stand-alone buildings, they are mostly trash IMO. And no matter how interesting or nostalgic they may be, they do nothing but impede the progress of a modernizing city. Time to say goodbye like the old Chicago Lodge Motel RIP :(

[marothisu]

HoJo, like Ohio House, are interesting. But they are only contextually interesting. As stand-alone buildings, they are mostly trash IMO. And no matter how interesting or nostalgic they may be, they do nothing but impede the progress of a modernizing city. Time to say goodbye like the old Chicago Lodge Motel RIP :(

Totally agreed - they're kind of tacky looking and out of place now in downtown Chicago. If they were on the side of a highway in the middle of Minnesota 2 miles outside of a 5000 person town with similar architecture nearby, they'd be more interesting.

[LouisVanDerWright]

As long as we landmark the Heart 'O Chicago Motel up on Ridge and Peterson, we can tear down every other motel in the city.

[marothisu]

As long as we landmark the Heart 'O Chicago Motel up on Ridge and Peterson, we can tear down every other motel in the city.

Not a fan of many of these BUT Heart 'O Chicago is a lot better fit contextually these days up there versus the ones in River North.

[LouisVanDerWright]

^^^ Denver has an even greater collection of these old motels than Chicago does. I saw one last time I was out there complete with a fantastic, massive neon sign that had been very sensitively converted to storage on the outskirts of town. Perhaps some of the older motels out in Lincolnwood or similar areas could be preserved in such a manner.

[spyguy]

Division and Cleveland
~100 units and another dozen in a separate smaller building along Cleveland
Crappy image, but as you can see, it will definitely be different from the rest of Parkside
http://i59.tinypic.com/308jkzl.jpg

[marothisu]

Division and Cleveland
~100 units and another dozen in a separate smaller building along Cleveland
Crappy image, but as you can see, it will definitely be different from the rest of Parkside
http://i59.tinypic.com/308jkzl.jpg

Cool. This is also right by an 8 unit building that's either newly completed or about to be and then there's that 20+ story building that's supposed to go up across from this basically too.

[george]

^^^ Denver has an even greater collection of these old motels than Chicago does. I saw one last time I was out there complete with a fantastic, massive neon sign that had been very sensitively converted to storage on the outskirts of town. Perhaps some of the older motels out in Lincolnwood or similar areas could be preserved in such a manner.

I know that strip in Denver, it's a good collection of retro cool. Stayed in one about 10 years ago. Checked in late, kinda scary creepy, a real dive... No-tell motel.

[LouisVanDerWright]

^^^ Colfax is the greatest street in America. Michigan Ave, Broadway, The Vegas Strip, Hollywood Bolevard, etc. all pale in comparison. There is no road more authentically American. If you are ever in Denver you must drive the section just west of downtown all the way out to Aurora.

http://i.imgur.com/1Jl5ca0.jpg?1

Could it be that Loyola has decided to save this one last townhome??? They have already finished potholing the rest of the site and are already drilling the cassions for the business school. Why else could they be refraining from destroying this building? They even went through the trouble to put weather proofing over the top of the west party wall of the townhome that has been exposed to the elements by the demolition of it's sister.

You can't see it in the picture, but they also have big bright construction lights strung up and on inside the building which would be odd if they just intended to knock it down any day now. Maybe they decided it would be cheaper to modify their new building than go after this last townhome and have to deal with modifying and reinforcing the party wall with the notoriously persnickety fellow who is sitting on that old artists colony or whatever it is. Then again maybe that's why it is taking so long to raze the last townhome and they decided to get started on the rest of the site while they carefully dismantle this townhome to avoid damaging the neighbors property.

[LouisVanDerWright]

http://c011035cf99f431605b3-347991228b46ee9d365964d5afc064e2.r90.cf2.rackcdn.com/featuredprojects/870_dining.jpg

Construction of Jeanne Gang's new dorms at U of C is slated to kick off in June:

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140403/hyde-park/university-of-chicago-construction-kicks-into-gear-as-weather-breaks

Also the new lab school already broke ground.


The Eckertt Research Center is also nearing completion:

http://c011035cf99f431605b3-347991228b46ee9d365964d5afc064e2.r90.cf2.rackcdn.com/featuredprojects/WERC_EllisWView_Photo1.jpg

http://c011035cf99f431605b3-347991228b46ee9d365964d5afc064e2.r90.cf2.rackcdn.com/featuredprojects/ERC_frame_complete_March_2014.jpg

This really fills out the little quad space/square around the Henry Moore "Nuclear Energy" sculpture which is one of my favorite pieces of public art.

Photos from here:

http://facilities.uchicago.edu/construction/current/

[Rizzo]

There's been several versions of renderings, but one showed an ambiguous area where the row house was since the "tower" has a notch. It was always my understanding the last one would be saved and partially incorporated. But when demolition started, I felt uncertain on this one.

[the urban politician]

One would hope Loyola would preserve that townhome. The nice thing is, individual townhomes next to highrises usually insure their existence in perpetuity, since there rarely is any incentive to demolish it.

[the urban politician]

This really fills out the little quad space/square around the Henry Moore "Nuclear Energy" sculpture which is one of my favorite pieces of public art.


^ Meh, I rarely get excited about a building "filling out" a lot when that lot was already occupied before.

Especially on the south side, we need to fill up vacant lots, not demo and rebuild...

[sentinel]

^ Meh, I rarely get excited about a building "filling out" a lot when that lot was already occupied before.

Especially on the south side, we need to fill up vacant lots, not demo and rebuild...

That's a nice sentiment and I actually agree with you, but for an institution like U of C, the only way to maintain a very high level of research is to continuously upgrade their facilities. Additionally, the new student dorms are admittedly pretty sweet :D

Thanks LVDW!

[LouisVanDerWright]

^^^ While I hate to lose a Weese, I think the Jeanne Gang dorms are unquestionably better. In fact, I am probably more excited for this project than any other in the city right now. U of C always uses top of the line materials (see the new Logan Arts Center) and it will be awesome to see what Gang can do when given a longer leash. Should be an incredible transformation for U of C and an instant landmark.

[sentinel]

^^Agree 100%. U of C has created a very nice architectural haven within a relatively small area. Vinoly, Pelli, Legoretta, Williams & Tsien, Jahn and now Jeannie Gang...and this is just within the past 15 years or so!

[Ned.B]

There's been several versions of renderings, but one showed an ambiguous area where the row house was since the "tower" has a notch. It was always my understanding the last one would be saved and partially incorporated. But when demolition started, I felt uncertain on this one.

However, demolition permits were obtained for both homes back in June, so it could be that they were keeping both options open by delaying demolition for several months. I'm not entirely sure what's happening now.

[Rizzo]

However, demolition permits were obtained for both homes back in June, so it could be that they were keeping both options open by delaying demolition for several months. I'm not entirely sure what's happening now.

Yep, that's what had changed my understanding. But the design retains that step. So if the house ends up being demolished, there will be a lowrise portion there. The tower rises just west of the building in question.

[LouisVanDerWright]

^^Agree 100%. U of C has created a very nice architectural haven within a relatively small area. Vinoly, Pelli, Legoretta, Williams & Tsien, Jahn and now Jeannie Gang...and this is just within the past 15 years or so!

That's not even taking into account the older works they have ranging from the gothic original buildings to one of the most important architectural treasures on earth: Robie House. They also have a relatively rare Saarinen, the Mies Social Sciences School, and Netsch's brutalist masterpiece the Regenstein Library.

As if that weren't enough there are even more treasures just off campus including the Burnham designed MSI, Fredrick Law Olmsted's Jackson Park and Washington Park, another half dozen or so wright houses, and the treasures of Indian Village.

All in all probably one of the most, if not THE most, architecturally significant campuses on earth. There are very few places on the planet where you will find such a collection in such a small area. I always take visitors from out of town down here to demonstrate how massively awesome Chicago is.

[Mikemak27]

Division and Cleveland
~100 units and another dozen in a separate smaller building along Cleveland
Crappy image, but as you can see, it will definitely be different from the rest of Parkside
http://i59.tinypic.com/308jkzl.jpg

One can only hope that they are all market rate units. I'm getting so tired of subsidizing some people to live in great areas while most middle and working class families could only dream of living there.

[chicagogreg]

I'm heading off to college next year and may be attending U. of C. (I'm still deciding but it's likely my first choice). I do have to say that the new Gang dorms play a role in my decision. How awesome would it be to have that skyline view at the top...

[the urban politician]

^^^ While I hate to lose a Weese, I think the Jeanne Gang dorms are unquestionably better. In fact, I am probably more excited for this project than any other in the city right now. U of C always uses top of the line materials (see the new Logan Arts Center) and it will be awesome to see what Gang can do when given a longer leash. Should be an incredible transformation for U of C and an instant landmark.

^ Oh I agree about the Gang dorms, but I'm referring to the Eckhertt center, which also replaced a building.

Otherwise, I agree with your overall sentiment about U of C and their architectural collection. Hyde Park in general and the surrounding areas are a jewel on the south side. If only they were better connected with the rest of the city, think about the possibilities...

[Link N. Parker]

One can only hope that they are all market rate units. I'm getting so tired of subsidizing some people to live in great areas while most middle and working class families could only dream of living there.

Totally agree. Why in the world so some people get to live for free? It's ridiculous.

I believe subsidized housing should only exist for seniors and people who are truly disabled, or in some other way not able to work. It should not be a multi-generational freebie.

[J_M_Tungsten]

Which ever site is being developed on Lake and Halsted, it can't start soon enough.
Today
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/469418f1a243186a19719ffc129c2ea0.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/7cec3b168a79cf839f091931fc8f0568.jpg

Aberdeen and Adams
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/804a9c7c15c4dc504bde414d2f80277a.jpg

Phase 2 has started as well just West on Adams
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/b3788c63025e094253a3afd6e756f934.jpg

Madison and Racine (center) Google (upper left)
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/318fbf047ffbe110e949db40b90897ef.jpg

[J_M_Tungsten]

Today
Bulls practice facility
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/84f9dffdc2db2b007027130050493188.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/207a98a00741a76f3b77308471de0bca.jpg

Madison and Racine
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/709fcdb710e86f42d87e01acbdcbd32f.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/051f1a7d79d10656295ef9bc07b99639.jpg

Google
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/c4b7eb5707910aea909bdf4e445f1e93.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/5d4dac8e5a41b6ecb385c854d3dc4096.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/82f31559886aa2ade29eb47e4abf1e16.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/12d9e09e649117290fee350a4a078f16.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/533ff652e661eb8ee4f76fd75993a40b.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/06fac4bbb0cb1ab08314da6ac45879ae.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/New%20pics/e0bf972736cc96ef24a37d9f3931213c.jpg

[harryc]

Vibrators
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EdbQ0yqIpdc/Uz89gcnMaPI/AAAAAAAB37Q/j3pLVBDLLEg/w958-h719-no/P1000197.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FyzKm3CuDbM/Uz89hUskLTI/AAAAAAAB37c/_h0R4ZGoBSw/w958-h719-no/P1000200.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cEVfxaTUhcU/Uz89iIxeBwI/AAAAAAAB37g/85aYhRbMjI0/w958-h719-no/P1000215.JPG

Measure - and the re-measure
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FAqUOrNFJ8M/Uz89octq_LI/AAAAAAAB37s/JzsTdOKYkdI/w958-h719-no/P1000218.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-b_sWPZlCtHk/Uz89o9ZjKKI/AAAAAAAB37w/9NpHUATZvis/w958-h719-no/P1000462.JPG