CHICAGO | General Developments [Archive] - Page 266

PKDickman

Nov 18, 2014, 3:53 AM

True.

...if you choose to ignore his history of bullshit -- such as the giant sculpture illegally overhanging the public right-of-way and the illegal stone wall (as other have noted above). Furthermore, he's no stranger to the city's permitting process and how things are done. Simply put, he knew better yet he thought the rules do not apply... again.

The neighborhood has been watching this potential project for a year (see link: http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20131115/lincoln-park/quaint-workers-cottage-on-armitage-could-be-expanded). Novak knew it would face public scrutiny (especially in a neighborhood where most people incorrectly assume historic = protected). Yet he still went ahead half-cocked. The arrogance!

At the end of the day all he's done is given the local NIMBYs more ammunition to use in their crusade against good projects in the future.

Certainly, Novak deserved to get his dick slapped by Admin Hearings. He is in the trade and should know better.
But I think you're reading more into his actions than there is.
The lot is zoned RM4.5. This lot is not landmarked. (It is in a Nat'l historic district but that is a toothless designation)
He chose to put an addition on the original structure. This was as of right, not subject to landmarks, and well under existing zoning. Nimbys had no leverage in that choice.
His new permit is for a 2 story structure.
I think his structural engineer didn't look close enough. My guess,Novak got into it and found something he couldn't fix.

r18tdi

Nov 18, 2014, 4:00 AM

I think his structural engineer didn't look close enough. My guess,Novak got into it and found something he couldn't fix.
I would like to give Novak the benefit of the doubt. No really...

Skyguy_7

Nov 18, 2014, 1:27 PM

Big bummer: located along the L in Lincoln Park, the former James Mulligan Elementary, which was being converted into apartments, is going up in smoke this morning. This project has been brought up here on SSP several times. Really disappointing for an old relic that was given a second chance. I'm sure the squatters who broke in would like a, errr, mulligan at this point.

http://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/sheffield-fire.jpg?w=620&h=349&crop=1

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/11/18/firefighters-battle-extra-alarm-blaze-at-former-school-building/

Via Chicago

Nov 18, 2014, 3:24 PM

Unbelievable. What a loss. I recall the developer fearing exactly this sort of thing occurring. Hadnt they just hired guard dogs?

sentinel

Nov 18, 2014, 3:28 PM

Holy shit that's terrifying. Is there any chance of salvaging it or is it a complete loss??

Chicago Shawn

Nov 18, 2014, 3:48 PM

Damn, that renovation was moving along so well. Chances are the buidling will be salvaged, at least in part with some flexibility on what the final product may end up like. I hope they had good insurance.

Vue53 in Hyde Park. Construction hasn't started yet, but they've already torn down the gas station.

Speaking of which, has anyone heard any news on when construction might begin?

Ah yes! That's the one I was scratching my head over. I knew another was out there. The Mobil in Lakeview is also poised for redevelopment too. That plan is being actively NIMBYifed though. Of course the magic of replacing gas stations is that just about anything you put on that site is a reduction in auto traffic.

Via Chicago

Nov 18, 2014, 4:12 PM

http://cstbreakingnews.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/bksheffield-cst-111914-01.jpg?w=670
http://cstbreakingnews.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/bksheffield-cst-111914-01.jpg?w=670

cant imagine how much of the original elements inside will be salvageable, looks like the upper floors have totally collapsed, not to mention ice/water damage to just about the entire structure

heartbreaking considering how much work has gone into this...it sounded like it was going to be a beautiful rehab. one has to wonder if this was a homeless person trying to keep warm, or kids hellbent on destroying the property. given the number of break ins and tagging i dont think you could discount either. so much for landmark status.

Chi-Sky21

Nov 18, 2014, 4:33 PM

sentinel

Nov 18, 2014, 4:34 PM

:( That's quite sad. Echoing Shawn, I really hope the developer's insurance can cover a big chunk of this, and that the renovation continues. Given what was mentioned earlier, I would be leaning heavily to this being an act of arson. Terrible.

Via Chicago

Nov 18, 2014, 4:40 PM

Call me mistrustful, but I find it somewhat suspicious that right after the owner of this property says in an interview that his biggest fear is a fire...guess what happens!?! Not sure what the advantage to having it burn would have for him , but what a coincidence.

i seriously doubt it, they were just about done with the whole thing. theres nothing to be gained having it destroyed this late in the game. that building seemed to be a magnet for vandals regardless of its state of repair, and his fears were entirely justified

my very first thought was "this is a bunch of punks pissed off that their old playground is being taken away from them"

Ryanrule

Nov 18, 2014, 4:47 PM

eh with this weather i more expect a homeless fire.

Via Chicago

Nov 18, 2014, 4:51 PM

eh with this weather i more expect a homeless fire.

yeah...maybe. i guess time will tell. if it was, it would be the same set of circumstances that took down that beautiful warehouse on the southside last year. this shit breaks my heart.

Skyguy_7

Nov 18, 2014, 5:03 PM

^On the bright side, the results of structure fires in these temps is somewhat magical and at the very least, they burn up in style

http://www.thisiscolossal.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/chi-2.jpg
fire-and-ice-on-south-ashland-avenue.html (http://allworldbest.blogspot.com/2013/01/fire-and-ice-on-south-ashland-avenue.html)

wrab

Nov 18, 2014, 7:15 PM

I live a block away from Mulligan. Work there had picked up noticeably over the last few months. Between Mulligan & CTA, lots of electrical work going on in the alleyway.

Kngkyle

Nov 18, 2014, 8:18 PM

So I take it that's what made my commute this morning a living hell? Brown line running on red line tracks and purple line express wasn't even running. Packed in like sardines and all the stations were overflowing with people unable to get on.

Vlajos

Nov 18, 2014, 8:59 PM

Rizzo

Nov 19, 2014, 12:43 AM

Holy shit that's terrifying. Is there any chance of salvaging it or is it a complete loss??

I can be sure it's salvageable even from an armchair perspective. Just look what was salvaged of the same-sage destroyed buildings in Detroit that had been subjected to decades of nasty winters without roofs or windows and countless fires. I'm sure the south side of the building will require substantial reconstruction. Hopefully the money will be there.

wierdaaron

Nov 19, 2014, 1:33 AM

Looks like I'll be getting a photo tour of the old colony building rehab. Anything to look out for in terms of a proper restoration?

sentinel

Nov 19, 2014, 1:41 AM

Looks like I'll be getting a photo tour of the old colony building rehab. Anything to look out for in terms of a proper restoration?

That's awesome, take lots of pics inside and out; I'm sure we'll be dissecting their work enough through the photos. Good luck!

BWChicago

Nov 19, 2014, 1:43 AM

Looks like I'll be getting a photo tour of the old colony building rehab. Anything to look out for in terms of a proper restoration?

I'm really curious to see what's left of the 17th floor massive restroom. http://chicagotextures.blogspot.com/2009/10/old-colony.html

Mr Downtown

Nov 19, 2014, 1:49 AM

Anything to look out for in terms of a proper restoration?

Landmarks is requiring them to preserve the historic element of the office hallways that remain, so the story will be different on every floor. The main point of interest will be in how residential privacy concerns are addressed in places where the hallways were lined with glass doors or windows.

LouisVanDerWright

Nov 19, 2014, 2:17 AM

The most interesting part of that restoration will be how, as Mr. DT says, the few remaining corridors are recycled into the design. They are going through great lengths to retain the feel of a Film Noir style office building wherever possible and it will be interesting to see how they make it work.

wierdaaron

Nov 19, 2014, 2:27 AM

The firm's other student housing rehab at Jackson/Wabash has a kind of contempo interior design, like ikea/CB2. I think that would clash with the kinda Monadnock-looking office interior they're supposed to restore, so I'm curious what kind of design style they could go with that would be appealing to art school kids.

Ned.B

Nov 19, 2014, 5:04 AM

Have any of you been in the Fisher Building? I'm guessing the approach will be similar to what was done there. The glass was sandblasted or backed up with film. Some doors became unit entries, others were walled off from behind. It all works, though admittedly there is a little lost privacy, since all your neighbors can tell when you are home by the lights shining through the glass.

Is this the same architecture firm or the same developer? If so that is kind of disappointing since there was a lot of shoddy detailing and craftsmanship in the Steger Building rehab.

wierdaaron

Nov 19, 2014, 5:06 AM

Same venture management company, not sure if it's the same architect or contractors. I'll find out for the story.

Ned.B

Nov 19, 2014, 5:11 AM

I can be sure it's salvageable even from an armchair perspective. Just look what was salvaged of the same-sage destroyed buildings in Detroit that had been subjected to decades of nasty winters without roofs or windows and countless fires. I'm sure the south side of the building will require substantial reconstruction. Hopefully the money will be there.

Hopefully it helps that the building was officially landmarked several months ago. The city has a little leverage on the developer to do the right thing, and as long as the building isn't deemed an immediate safety threat, any demolition permit request would also have to be reviewed by all of the same groups.

spyguy

Nov 19, 2014, 6:12 AM

UrbanLibertine

Nov 19, 2014, 7:02 AM

I much much much prefer the Rodeo Drive knock off.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7567/15639823980_c918f49354_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pQ3bMA)
Verizon Destination Store Grand Opening 1 (https://flic.kr/p/pQ3bMA) by nextgenindy (https://www.flickr.com/people/123691251@N06/), on Flickr

I was never a fan of the previous building, but this looks really tacky.

Before for reference:
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/83/259151117_7b64da55db_z.jpg?zz=1 (https://flic.kr/p/oUdAH)
Plaza Escada (https://flic.kr/p/oUdAH) by Zolk (https://www.flickr.com/people/25846522@N00/), on Flickr

munchymunch

Nov 19, 2014, 1:36 PM

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20141119/CRED03/141119841/is-north-bridge-poised-to-become-biggest-mag-mile-mall

Watch out, Water Tower Place, you could soon lose your spot as the Magnificent Mile's biggest mall.

Nine blocks south, the owner of the Shops at North Bridge is expanding its footprint on North Michigan Avenue.

In its latest move, North Bridge owner Macerich agreed to buy the site at 441 N. Wabash Ave. where the former Lakeshore Athletic Club building was recently razed, according to people familiar with the deal. Though a Macerich spokeswoman did not return calls, the acquisition is a possible sign that the Santa Monica, Calif.-based real estate investment trust plans a major expansion of North Bridge to the south.

The vacant property is just southwest of the 680,000-square-foot vertical mall at 520 N. Michigan Ave. and an adjacent 24-story office building at 500 N. Michigan Ave. that Macerich bought in 2012. Macerich plans to expand North Bridge into the lower floors of the office building, creating at least 40,000 square feet of retail space.

the urban politician

Nov 19, 2014, 1:53 PM

^ Looks like that lot won't remain vacant as long as we feared, which is great.

I really hope they don't take design cues from the original North Bridge Mall. No more concrete bunkers, please!

munchymunch

Nov 19, 2014, 1:57 PM

Yes this better not be short little turd. Which is what Mecerich seems to only develop based on there website.

The article did mention they might want join up with developer here, to add residential, and hotel. This is pretty much a must do, so can we get something really big?

cbotnyse

Nov 19, 2014, 2:00 PM

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20141119/CRED03/141119841/is-north-bridge-poised-to-become-biggest-mag-mile-mallPlease not another windowless shopping mall extension. This site deserves something spectacular and it now seems like the chances of that happening has shrunk.

harryc

Nov 19, 2014, 2:07 PM

Please not another windowless shopping mall extension. This site deserves something spectacular and it now seems like the chances of that happening has shrunk.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kAYMWg4NzgY/VGykBDknUqI/AAAAAAACEZY/4rUQItRXSAQ/w1207-h905-no/P1250978.JPG
2013

SamInTheLoop

Nov 19, 2014, 2:45 PM

^ ^^ ^^^ et al.

I believe Macerich will likely need to be pressured to do something high-quality and a break from North Bridge's sorry urban design 'legacy'. I think from their perspective, they will see little financial motivation to substantially raise the design caliber at North Bridge......

marothisu

Nov 19, 2014, 3:02 PM

St. Bernard's Hospital in Englewood was issued a permit for a replacement hospital. The only thing I could find was from 2011. I don't think these will be 100% accurate as the permit calls for 3 stories and the renderings below are more.

http://www.ktarch.net/content/saint-bernard-replacement-hospital-chicago-illinois-usa

http://colorscopy.com/projects/ktarch/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/original_send_quality_0.jpg

http://colorscopy.com/projects/ktarch/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/south%20elevation.jpg

jcchii

Nov 19, 2014, 4:19 PM

it needs to meet the street with doors on all sides, including wabash and "lower hubbard" if you will

then ditch the skywalk

Ch.G, Ch.G

Nov 19, 2014, 4:31 PM

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7567/15639823980_c918f49354_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pQ3bMA)
Verizon Destination Store Grand Opening 1 (https://flic.kr/p/pQ3bMA) by nextgenindy (https://www.flickr.com/people/123691251@N06/), on Flickr

I was never a fan of the previous building, but this looks really tacky.

Before for reference:
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/83/259151117_7b64da55db_z.jpg?zz=1 (https://flic.kr/p/oUdAH)
Plaza Escada (https://flic.kr/p/oUdAH) by Zolk (https://www.flickr.com/people/25846522@N00/), on Flickr

Really, really hideous. How is it that SOAR can pressure a university to adopt higher design standards in a sleepier, less trafficked corner of Streeterville (something for which I'm really glad, mind you), but there's no interest group to do the same for the city's marquee retail corridor? Similarly, the aldermen have no issue inserting themselves into other developments, so why not this one? Chicago markets Michigan Avenue as one of the world's premiere shopping destinations. I defy anyone to defend this hybridized monstrosity as worthy of that designation. What a travesty.

Ch.G, Ch.G

Nov 19, 2014, 4:33 PM

Please not another windowless shopping mall extension. This site deserves something spectacular and it now seems like the chances of that happening has shrunk.

^ ^^ ^^^ et al.

I believe Macerich will likely need to be pressured to do something high-quality and a break from North Bridge's sorry urban design 'legacy'. I think from their perspective, they will see little financial motivation to substantially raise the design caliber at North Bridge......

Agreed. I don't think this is good news. There needs to be a moratorium on downtown mall construction/expansion.

Chi-Sky21

Nov 19, 2014, 4:49 PM

That red clock is hideous.

trvlr70

Nov 19, 2014, 5:16 PM

Mr Downtown

Nov 19, 2014, 5:38 PM

SamInTheLoop

Nov 19, 2014, 5:47 PM

I agree 100% if people feel so strongly about saving something they should purchase it, period.

Ah, and the Randian freemarketeers come out of the woodwork!! I guess their self-imposed exile to a bubble sealed to the external world of reality isn't 100% hermetically sealed after all!

The slap on the wrist here is a joke. There's no reason why the fine shouldn't be 100x as much, and it should be a criminal offense with the prospect of time in jail.

Folks, we are talking about demolishing a structure without the necessary permit. Absolutely an inexcusable offense. This isn't some minor homeowner DIY alteration to a structure simply without realizing a permit was needed, ie an 'honest mistake'......
This demonstrably, congenitally sleazy douchebag absolutely was calculating that the fine and the sum total of repercusions this illegal action would cost him was an acceptable cost of doing business........it's outrageous and there's no good reason it shouldn't be a criminal matter.....

UrbanLibertine

Nov 19, 2014, 5:50 PM

Plus, it appears as though the location is different. The original plans, if I'm reading them correctly, called for expansion to the south of the existing hospital (in the parking lot on the SE corner of 64th and Harvard). The building permits that were issued yesterday were for 6307 S. Stewart, which is NW of the existing hospital. I think these are two completely different parcels.

St. Bernard's Hospital in Englewood was issued a permit for a replacement hospital. The only thing I could find was from 2011. I don't think these will be 100% accurate as the permit calls for 3 stories and the renderings below are more.

http://www.ktarch.net/content/saint-bernard-replacement-hospital-chicago-illinois-usa

http://colorscopy.com/projects/ktarch/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/original_send_quality_0.jpg

http://colorscopy.com/projects/ktarch/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/south%20elevation.jpg

SamInTheLoop

Nov 19, 2014, 5:55 PM

^Remember that a project like this requires no planning approvals, needs no meetings with the alderman or GNMAA or SOAR. Property owners are allowed to remodel the façades of their buildings. Thankfully, the days are gone of Burt Natarus ordering a shutoff of water to Victoria's Secret because he was embarrassed by the window displays.

First, why in the world would a facade redo of an abominable faux historical POS need some sort of legislative approval?

I'll admit this redo looks a little flat, but it sure is a quantum leap forward in aeshetic appeal from the utter horseshit facade that existed prior....

Also, if true about Natarus, that is just, well, actually yeah that sounds about right for him.....the fact that you can get away with something as brazenly criminal as that in modern day Chicago is absolutely embarrassing...

r18tdi

Nov 19, 2014, 6:13 PM

I'll admit this redo looks a little flat, but it sure is a quantum leap forward in aeshetic appeal than the utter horseshit facade that existed prior....

While it certainly won't win any awards, I think the facelift kind of compliments the Handcock across the street.

That clock is downright tacky though.

bcp

Nov 19, 2014, 8:47 PM

all of it is just about as good as the Verizon logo...that must have taken months to come up with.

Busy Bee

Nov 19, 2014, 10:59 PM

They both suck? http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/images/smilies/shrug.gif

LouisVanDerWright

Nov 20, 2014, 12:48 AM

Lol, that Verizon redo turned out pathetically bad, but it's slightly less bad than that horrendous disney world shit that was there before. Hilarious all around.

First, why in the world would a facade redo of an abominable faux historical POS need some sort of legislative approval?

Ah, the Randian freemarketeers come out of the woodwork!!!

SamInTheLoop

Nov 20, 2014, 12:56 AM

^ Context, my boy, do carefully consider context - always and everywhere.....

Buckman821

Nov 20, 2014, 2:53 AM

^ Context, my boy, do carefully consider context - always and everywhere.....

No, seriously. Lvdw totally got you.

SamInTheLoop

Nov 20, 2014, 3:09 AM

^ Lol, and here come the severely misguided usual suspect brigade!

Because the owner/Verizon failed to secure the necessary permits?

Because they demolished the building without the necessary permits?

Because Plaza Escada was a potentially/suspiciously overlooked candidate for historical/architectural significance?

And.....back into the bubble you go! Seal it up good 'n tight this time!

And, PS: Tell John Cochrane his brain misses him! (and Casey Mulligan - well, I guess he never had one.......so, no harm, no foul maybe??!)

wierdaaron

Nov 20, 2014, 3:48 AM

Craig's has a nice little video about the Loews hotel building project, which will be wrapping up in March.

smAVtMPapfc

I didn't even realize that the hotel onky makes up the bottom stump of the building. The actual tower part that makes up most of the building will be 400 apartments. So the part of the building most people will see from the river, and has that giant lit-up LOEWS signage at the top, isn't even the Loews. I find that kind of weird.

The apartment tower is called North Water.

http://www.northwaterapts.com

So there's even more apartments coming to the CBD than I thought.

LouisVanDerWright

Nov 20, 2014, 4:44 AM

^ Lol, and here come the severely misguided usual suspect brigade!

Seriously Sam, enough with the irony. You literally bring up "randian adolescents" or some other non-sense like once a week out of the blue. It's like she was your mother and you are fighting an Oedipus complex. No one wants to hear it, it's obnoxious.

Ch.G, Ch.G

Nov 20, 2014, 5:12 AM

Lol, that Verizon redo turned out pathetically bad, but it's slightly less bad than that horrendous disney world shit that was there before. Hilarious all around.

Honestly, I think I'd prefer Disney. I mean, I look at the renovation and I just see this (https://goo.gl/maps/aeOb5).

the urban politician

Nov 20, 2014, 4:32 PM

The Verizon redo is poorly executed, but I still prefer it over what it replaced.

However, I will defer final judgement until I see it in person, which should be this weekend.

ChiTownWonder

Nov 20, 2014, 5:12 PM

I like it, the less beige the better, it's a nice color seperation

lu9

Nov 20, 2014, 5:34 PM

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141120/wicker-park/northwestern-medicine-center-work-underway-along-bloomingdale-trail

http://i62.tinypic.com/2jchqau.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/2zt97iv.jpg

Looks like they're once again drawing inspiration from the adjacent L tracks. Smithfield also developed the strip center at the NWC Concord and Milwaukee (block southeast of here).

the urban politician

Nov 20, 2014, 5:39 PM

^ boo

UPChicago

Nov 20, 2014, 5:52 PM

Ah, and the Randian freemarketeers come out of the woodwork!! I guess their self-imposed exile to a bubble sealed to the external world of reality isn't 100% hermetically sealed after all!

The slap on the wrist here is a joke. There's no reason why the fine shouldn't be 100x as much, and it should be a criminal offense with the prospect of time in jail.

Folks, we are talking about demolishing a structure without the necessary permit. Absolutely an inexcusable offense. This isn't some minor homeowner DIY alteration to a structure simply without realizing a permit was needed, ie an 'honest mistake'......
This demonstrably, congenitally sleazy douchebag absolutely was calculating that the fine and the sum total of repercusions this illegal action would cost him was an acceptable cost of doing business........it's outrageous and there's no good reason it shouldn't be a criminal matter.....

Look, I'm not excusing him knocking the house down without a permit, that was sleazy and wrong. I think the fine is fair and I am a "freemarketeers" as you say. I work in zoning ordinance enforcement and people do these things (work without a permit) every single day, on purpose or by accident. Most people don't get caught for years down the line.

If the fine should be $750,000 + jail time for this offender, then it should be the same for each offender even those who may have offended by mistake. I would be more agreeable to the public outrage if it just centered on him doing work without a permit and not just because it was some charming little house. If it were a 70's suburban house with vinyl siding no one would even be discussing this right now and they would be outraged he had to paid $7,500.

Skyguy_7

Nov 20, 2014, 6:00 PM

Dusting off an old page that brought a fair amount of excitement-
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=105764&page=1256

Yeah it's about 15 wide and has a very long escalator ride up. Their space would technically be on the 4th level of the building

Uniqlo will be located on floors 4, 5 and 6; in the old Filene's Basement. They're making a lot of floor openings throughout, and building a large skylight to tie the entire space together. They're putting in new, large escalators in the store itself as well as new escalators down to Michigan Ave, which are coming from China. (Wtf?). Demo has begun, but the real work begins in January, after the holiday shopping season. Also, this building was apparently built in 1947! Who knew? Definitely doesn't look like a 70 year-old structure.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w-yk1VVJRFM/VG4kwZeIbzI/AAAAAAAABuk/9V5TeFM4gdY/w735-h551-no/14%2B-%2B1

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IXZY_I5qGLk/VG4kwQYV81I/AAAAAAAABuY/m6OilNlpQfk/w1078-h518-no/14%2B-%2B2

Mr Downtown

Nov 20, 2014, 6:14 PM

The Bonwit Teller store got quite a few more windows in the 1990s when it became Borders. Here's how it looked on Nov. 23, 1958:

http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/collections/cushman/full/P10366.jpg

Charles W. Cushman Photograph Collection

Jibba

Nov 20, 2014, 6:20 PM

Honestly, I think I'd prefer Disney. I mean, I look at the renovation and I just see this (https://goo.gl/maps/aeOb5).

With hints of this (http://www.comtourist.com/images/large/lenin-mausoleum/lenin-mausoleum-sarcophagus-02.jpg). It's pretty nasty, but as a blunt antithesis to the ersatz Classic Plaza Escada pile, I like it. If those black panels are all architectural glass, it could look kinda slick?? Michigan is a nasty hodgepodge of 80%-there elegance and attention-grabbing architectural advertisements already; I almost don't even care anymore. The only way it will remain interesting is to keep adding things to the melting pot, IMO.

Ryanrule

Nov 20, 2014, 7:29 PM

Michigan ave is chicagos Times Square. Lets just keep this sort of stuff collected there

wierdaaron

Nov 20, 2014, 7:41 PM

Speaking of, in addition to the Chicago Athletic Association (12 S. Mich) getting a Shake Shack in the lobby, they'll be getting a new restaurant from the guys behind Longman & Eagle, which should be a fairly big deal considering their pedigree.

In addition to 7 Lions, that's at least 3 potentially major foodie destinations coming soon to South Michigan Avenue, a street that previously didn't have much to offer the pedestrian or tourist.

george

Nov 20, 2014, 10:07 PM

Northwestern Medicine Center- Bucktown http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141120/wicker-park/northwestern-medicine-center-work-underway-along-bloomingdale-trail

Northwestern Medicine Center- Bucktown

Hard to tell from the simplistic rendering, but is this disappointing : (

harryc

Nov 20, 2014, 11:07 PM

11/13
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YPRXC-VHacM/VG5yvz0EIvI/AAAAAAACEdM/4R3l44Upjb0/w751-h563-no/P1150691.JPG

(electric) Power to the People
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uhQyXhy6lxc/VG5yx-XWhkI/AAAAAAACEdU/XXzz9J5JhHM/w751-h563-no/P1150694.JPG

11/14
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9l7GHEqIWD4/VG5yrqEPQkI/AAAAAAACEc8/SBlWpqC4huU/w751-h563-no/P1060415.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NhEtHw-tUgo/VG5yt2VWTII/AAAAAAACEdE/cOFJu-2gqbg/w751-h563-no/P1060417.JPG

11/19
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bHIuYXBaJ7c/VG5yz5MYUxI/AAAAAAACEdc/zDAQqhtjhbI/w751-h563-no/P1060615.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e9FQEIVZRjQ/VG5y15YTRdI/AAAAAAACEdk/52ttAxmZUik/w900-h563-no/P1060612.JPG

BWChicago

Nov 21, 2014, 1:05 AM

The Bonwit Teller store got quite a few more windows in the 1990s when it became Borders. Here's how it looked on Nov. 23, 1958:

Quite an elastic building: http://forgottenchicago.com/features/bertrand-goldberg-in-tower-town-part-2-postwar-development-of-michigan-pearson/

ChiPsy

Nov 21, 2014, 1:32 PM

^^ Thanks for posting. Crazy that the 1947 proposal was going to knock down the Pumping Station for a pocket park -- Chicago dodged a bullet there.

Meanwhile, the article gets it right about the Michigan Avenue view from the 6th-floor windows -- I remember navigating behind Filene's display racks to look out the south-viewing window when I first moved to Chicago, teeming with pride that I lived in one of the architectural capitals of the world. I hope the new digs capitalize on the view better than Filene's did.

the urban politician

Nov 21, 2014, 1:52 PM

Hard to tell from the simplistic rendering, but is this disappointing : (

The way it looks to me, I think the parking lot faces either the L or the side street. But at least it doesn't appear to be facing Milwaukee Ave, which is good.

the urban politician

Nov 21, 2014, 1:54 PM

Skyguy_7

Nov 21, 2014, 3:34 PM

Chi-Sky21

Nov 21, 2014, 4:58 PM

Saw this the other day and thought they should do this for the skating ribbon. Lighting it from underneath would look awesome! Sorry, just wanted to share.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/14/travel/starry-night-bike-path/

SamInTheLoop

Nov 21, 2014, 5:14 PM

The northern half of the park (ice ribbon) is due to be turned over from the General Contractor to the Chicago Park District on 12/8, which means it will be open to the public before Christmas. They're actually going to begin moving into the Fieldhouse on 12/1.

I wonder what the rush is to have it partially open so soon? They have so much work left, I'd think it would make much more sense to just open the thing 100% sometime in the spring............oh wait, just remembered there's a municipal election in a few months! ;)

chrisvfr800i

Nov 21, 2014, 5:18 PM

Why did Michelin snub the suburbs? (http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20141121/BLOGS09/141129984/why-did-michelin-snub-the-suburbs)

I found this interesting. While all of the momentum in metro Chicago is in the city, there is still a wealth of good food out in the burbs and I found this article pertinent.

Yeah, I have a Chilli's right down the street and I don't understand how that was overlooked!

the urban politician

Nov 21, 2014, 5:23 PM

Yeah, I have a Chilli's right down the street and I don't understand how that was overlooked!

^ In all fairness, though, there are some good restaurants in the burbs.

Downtown Libertyville, for example, has at least a couple. One is a place called Firkin's, and by the same chef a place called The Tavern, which serves some of the best aged steaks I've ever had. Good breweries out in the burbs too.

I'm not saying that a majority of the top restaurants aren't in the city, but to outright ignore the burbs just smells of laziness...

r18tdi

Nov 21, 2014, 6:19 PM

Why did Michelin snub the suburbs? (http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20141121/BLOGS09/141129984/why-did-michelin-snub-the-suburbs)

I found this interesting. While all of the momentum in metro Chicago is in the city, there is still a wealth of good food out in the burbs and I found this article pertinent. The historical raison d'être behind the Michelin Guide was to get people to leave Paris, drive across the countryside, and wear out their tires.

I find the recent exclusion of the suburbs very puzzling.

sentinel

Nov 21, 2014, 6:19 PM

I wonder what the rush is to have it partially open so soon? They have so much work left, I'd think it would make much more sense to just open the thing 100% sometime in the spring............oh wait, just remembered there's a municipal election in a few months! ;)

More than likely, the City wants to open the 'Ice Ribbon' portion for ice-skaters/tourists/locals to take showcase outdoor activities for the park and just to give folks a little preview of what's to come when the rest of the facility has been completed. Who knows, maybe it can also provide some 'spillover' space if the ice-rink at Millennium Park gets to be too crowded :shrug:

r18tdi

Nov 21, 2014, 6:21 PM

More than likely, the City wants to open the 'Ice Ribbon' portion for ice-skaters/tourists/locals to take showcase outdoor activities for the park and just to give folks a little preview of what's to come when the rest of the facility has been completed. Who knows, maybe it can also provide some 'spillover' space if the ice-rink at Millennium Park gets to be too crowded :shrug: I cannot wait to use the skating ribbon. I'll be the guy with the helmet and speed skates screaming at slower traffic to keep right.

wierdaaron

Nov 21, 2014, 7:05 PM

Yeah, I wouldn't look for a conspiracy in wanting to open the ice skating amenity in the winter when people can use it, as has always been the plan.

If you want a conspiracy theory... peanut park tennis courts!

SamInTheLoop

Nov 21, 2014, 7:25 PM

^ I've heard that winter will also very likely come around at the end of next year as well (when the park will not look like a construction site, ie it will have been 100% finished for several months)......may just be a rumor though......

SamInTheLoop

Nov 21, 2014, 7:31 PM

Look, I'm not excusing him knocking the house down without a permit, that was sleazy and wrong. I think the fine is fair and I am a "freemarketeers" as you say. I work in zoning ordinance enforcement and people do these things (work without a permit) every single day, on purpose or by accident. Most people don't get caught for years down the line.

If the fine should be $750,000 + jail time for this offender, then it should be the same for each offender even those who may have offended by mistake. I would be more agreeable to the public outrage if it just centered on him doing work without a permit and not just because it was some charming little house. If it were a 70's suburban house with vinyl siding no one would even be discussing this right now and they would be outraged he had to paid $7,500.

How many demolitions of entire structures without permits have we had recently? There's no reason why there shouldn't/couldn't be massive differences in fines and introduction of other criminal penalties for demolishing a structure - as opposed to, say, a minor alteration without proper permits.

UPChicago

Nov 21, 2014, 7:54 PM

How many demolitions of entire structures without permits have we had recently? There's no reason why there shouldn't/couldn't be massive differences in fines and introduction of other criminal penalties for demolishing a structure - as opposed to, say, a minor alteration without proper permits.

Demolishing the structure without the proper permit was wrong, don't get me wrong. I don't know how many times this has happened in the past where a primary structure was demolished without a permit, its more likely to occur with accessory structures.

Even though I personally think it was done to subvert preservationists, lets just say for a moment the contractor made a mistake, should he still be subject jail time and a $750k fine. What if someone who wasn't wealth had done this, should they face the prospect of bankruptcy? If the developer had went through the proper channels, he probably would have gotten the permit anyways albeit with neighborhood/preservationists opposition.

I just don't agree with extreme/unfair penalties. The city already imposes an egregious amount of penalties and fines on everyday people. I just can't get behind that.

I just read a comment regarding the school conversion fire stating that the city should charge higher property taxes for vacant properties to discourage vacancy. I think this whole tax, penalize and fine mentality in this city is flawed and disgusting. Either way I know I won't change your opinion on this matter and I agree to disagree with you.

Edit: I just read up on the building code and it seems the highest penalty is $10,000 and six months in prison.

PKDickman

Nov 21, 2014, 9:06 PM

Even though I personally think it was done to subvert preservationists, lets just say for a moment the contractor made a mistake, should he still be subject jail time and a $750k fine. What if someone who wasn't wealth had done this, should they face the prospect of bankruptcy? If the developer had went through the proper channels, he probably would have gotten the permit anyways albeit with neighborhood/preservationists opposition.

I just don't agree with extreme/unfair penalties. The city already imposes an egregious amount of penalties and fines on everyday people. I just can't get behind that.

I am certainly no freemarketeer, by this groups standards, I am the prince of the NIMBYs.
I am also a staunch preservationist
Largely, I agree.
While it was the principal structure, it was a 750 sqft one story frame structure. with no basement and possibly no foundation.
It was not protected by landmarking, as such it was just an old building.

I disagree, however, that it was done to thwart the preservationists. Having not been landmarked or orange rated, they held no sway over the parcel, and the developers new permit for a frame and masonry 2 story structure, on the surface, seems no different from his original plan for additions, save the existence of the old cottage.

As such, I feel the $7500 fine is a reasonable one.

Now, for the guy whom, upon finishing a 5 story structure decided that he could make more money if, contrary to plans and zoning, he added a sixth floor....
My opinion is that any fine. less than the cost of removing the extra floor, is too small.

Ch.G, Ch.G

Nov 21, 2014, 9:22 PM

Yeah, I have a Chilli's right down the street and I don't understand how that was overlooked!

The article states that 33 restaurants outside the City's limits were listed in last year's guide, including at least two (Sen in Oak Park and Found in Evanston) given the Bib Gourmand ranking. The absence of all 33--and any other restaurants outside Chicago proper--makes it pretty obvious that this isn't an issue of suburban entitlement.

It does explain a lot; the Bib Gourmand list this year was curiously shorter than what most people were expecting. But it leads to more questions, specifically: Why? The subtext is not enough funds, which is, to me, kind of mind-boggling when that wasn't an issue in years prior and when they don't include any kind of caveat at the beginning of their guide.

It's also incredibly frustrating. The guide for San Francisco is expansive, covering Sonoma County in the north all the way down to San Jose, well over 100 miles to the south. Chicago proper, by contrast, is only about 26 miles at its greatest extent. Of course, Chicago's hinterland may not have the same food culture as SF's, but, based on guides from past years, it's clear there are still restaurants out there that deserve to be acknowledged.

SamInTheLoop

Nov 21, 2014, 10:17 PM

SamInTheLoop

Nov 21, 2014, 10:22 PM

Seriously Sam, enough with the irony. You literally bring up "randian adolescents" or some other non-sense like once a week out of the blue. It's like she was your mother and you are fighting an Oedipus complex. No one wants to hear it, it's obnoxious.

Is it just me, or do others also find that thin ideas quite often come wrapped in a thin skin?

Can't be just me.......

Buckman821

Nov 22, 2014, 2:49 AM

Is it just me, or do others also find that thin ideas quite often come wrapped in a thin skin?

Can't be just me.......

Nope. You're just a blowhard.

ardecila

Nov 22, 2014, 6:11 AM

I just read a comment regarding the school conversion fire stating that the city should charge higher property taxes for vacant properties to discourage vacancy. I think this whole tax, penalize and fine mentality in this city is flawed and disgusting.

Rather than piling tax on penalty on fine, just pare it back - tax only land and not improvements, at a relatively high rate. Landowners are encouraged to seek highest and best use, and the city can't give handouts to businesses on the grounds the new construction will raise tax revenue.

marothisu

Nov 22, 2014, 3:35 PM

In other news - Englewood Square looks like it received a few building permits today

UrbanLibertine

Nov 22, 2014, 4:21 PM

So did the Wrigley Field office building

STREET
1101 W. WAVELAND

WORK_DESCRIPTION
WRIGLEY OFFICE BUILDING AND PLAZA BASEMENT- FOUNDATION AND ERS

In other news - Englewood Square looks like it received a few building permits today

the urban politician

Nov 22, 2014, 10:15 PM

^. I'm blanking in that project

marothisu

Nov 22, 2014, 11:22 PM

^. I'm blanking in that project

Englewood Square? That's where Whole Foods in Englewood at 63rd and Halsted is going.

UPChicago

Nov 23, 2014, 12:47 AM

Rather than piling tax on penalty on fine, just pare it back - tax only land and not improvements, at a relatively high rate. Landowners are encouraged to seek highest and best use, and the city can't give handouts to businesses on the grounds the new construction will raise tax revenue.

Now this I 100% agree with but I think the comment was to say that higher property taxes on vacant buildings would decrease vacancy somehow, which is ridiculous considering the building was under construction. Its more likely that people would get rid of property or abandon/foreclosure it if property taxes were unmanageable thereby exacerbating the problem and I'm not talking about mega developers.

the urban politician

Nov 23, 2014, 1:07 AM

Englewood Square? That's where Whole Foods in Englewood at 63rd and Halsted is going.

No, The Wrigley Field office building

Randomguy34

Nov 23, 2014, 1:13 AM

It's cool how we now have a name for the location rather than having to continue referring it to the Whole Foods lot.

the urban politician

Nov 23, 2014, 1:19 AM

Busy Bee

Nov 23, 2014, 2:29 AM

Randomguy34

Nov 23, 2014, 4:32 AM

^ Nah, nothing cool about it. It will be a giant suburban strip mall.

Of course, this is Englewood we are talking about here so beggars can't be choosers in regards to development. But too much of the south side is being condemned to this kind of development now. There is no "place making" happening. Just functional, auto-oriented crap that perpetuates auto dependence, and there is little hope for anything different unless the city changes its commercial zoning standards. 63rd and Halsted will never be anywhere near what it once was.
The only time I'm okay with big parking lots is for grocery markets and not any other type of markets/malls, since there's no great solution to have grocery markets without some parking (the project would have been too cost prohibited if there was underground parking). Otherwise, they're a no go for me in any other scenario. I definitively agree with you about every other point you brought up and want there to be a change in the types of developments for the rest of the city as well. I wonder when the city zoning laws began being so anti-density and development?

63/Halsted along with Englewood in general has got to be one the saddest stories in American urban history.

1950s:
http://llnw.wbez.org/main-images/Englewood%20shoppint%20district.jpg
><>< (http://llnw.wbez.org/main-images/Englewood%20shoppint%20district.jpg)
I always get teary eyed whenever I see this picture.:(

Rizzo

Nov 23, 2014, 8:59 AM

Edit

hawainpanda

Nov 23, 2014, 1:23 PM

63/Halsted along with Englewood in general has got to be one the saddest stories in American urban history.

1950s:
http://llnw.wbez.org/main-images/Englewood%20shoppint%20district.jpg
><>< (http://llnw.wbez.org/main-images/Englewood%20shoppint%20district.jpg)

wow...really sad...i sorta doubt even with whole foods englewood will ever change. Hyde Park has changed a lot but that's solely due to uchicago.