CHICAGO | General Developments

[J_M_Tungsten]

The Three Arts Club on Dearborn and Goethe has been under going it's renovation daily for about the past month. This will be a Restoration Hardware showroom and restaurant, and I imagine other various offices or something.
Today
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/more/0822219E-9D5E-47DD-94A9-EC28A26C1AF2.jpg (http://s592.photobucket.com/user/JMTUNGSTEN/media/more/0822219E-9D5E-47DD-94A9-EC28A26C1AF2.jpg.html)

[PKDickman]

The Three Arts Club on Dearborn and Goethe has been under going it's renovation daily for about the past month. This will be a Restoration Hardware showroom and restaurant, and I imagine other various offices or something.
Today


DRW aka Donald Wilson is doing that. This is the same outfit that did the Noel St Bank/Wags development and is doing the Northwest Tower hotel conversion.

While discussing the tower project with his representative, the Three Arts was chatted about.

My impression is that Restoration Hwd is taking the entire space and the restaurant is associated with their operation. They want to turn it into a big furniture showroom with big room layouts on display. Some kind of upscale IKEA.

[J_M_Tungsten]

Interesting. I wonder if they are going to give a rooftop garden or deck space. They have been working on the roof extensively.

[PKDickman]

Interesting. I wonder if they are going to give a rooftop garden or deck space. They have been working on the roof extensively.

I just checked the zoning application, and the answer is yes.
O2013-3343, if your curious.
It has an added penthouse on the north edge of the building listed as display gallery and an extensive roofdeck listed as outdoor display.

You have to show off your lawn furniture in the appropriate environment.

[george]

11/23

Glass enclosures flank the CBS jumbo screen.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/911/xgNkKn.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pbxgNkKnj)

[george]

11/23

MDP

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/537/nKS4Ad.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/exnKS4Adj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/908/ZPEQak.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p8ZPEQakj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/quO2c2.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/eyquO2c2j)

[sammyg]

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 don't want to be a negative nelly, but I see a payday loan office and 2 pawn shops in there.

[emathias]

I don't want to be a negative nelly, but I see a payday loan office and 2 pawn shops in there.

Pawn shops have been an integral part of urban economics for centuries. Payday loan places are similar to pawn shops but only came about from the advent of the democratization of checking accounts. Even today, pawn shops are not only the domain of last resort for desperate people, check out Pawn Stars and other pawn shop reality tv programs to see a wide range of people making use of them.

[Remy_Bork]

Not to mention that there aren't any pawn shops in that picture.

[sammyg]

"credit jewelers" and "diamonds on bond" look like pawn shops.

[marothisu]

"credit jewelers" and "diamonds on bond" look like pawn shops.

What's your point? There was a pawn shop near the Chicago Red Line stop until early this year or late last year that was right near a bunch of expensive real estate.

[UPChicago]

What's your point? There was a pawn shop near the Chicago Red Line stop until early this year or late last year that was right near a bunch of expensive real estate.

All you have to do is look at the post above to figure out the point.... A better question is what was that person's point.

[Chi-Sky21]

I don't know, i think i would be more interested in paying a visit to O.G's Hoes...i bet its a good time in there!!

[PKDickman]

"credit jewelers" and "diamonds on bond" look like pawn shops.

Credit Jewelers refers to selling on credit, and the "Diamonds" and "Bond" are two different signs.

"Diamonds" is attached to the Hollands sign. Now called Rogers and Hollands.
And the Bond sign is Bond's clothiers who were right next door

[wierdaaron]

What's the deal with all of this vacant green space at Cermak and State down south to the highway?

http://i.imgur.com/LsO2DDb.jpg (http://imgur.com/LsO2DDb)

The baseball diamond in the bottom left is park space (Park 540) but the rest of that land isn't, according to google maps.
A month later, some news on this:

CHA Seeking Developers For Big Empty Lot Near McCormick (http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/11/24/cha-seeking-developers-for-big-empty-lot-near-mccormick.php) [Curbed]

CHA is RFPing someone to use the lot for residential/retail. December 1 isn't much time to pull together a proposal.

[emathias]

A month later, some news on this:

CHA Seeking Developers For Big Empty Lot Near McCormick (http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/11/24/cha-seeking-developers-for-big-empty-lot-near-mccormick.php) [Curbed]

CHA is RFPing someone to use the lot for residential/retail. December 1 isn't much time to pull together a proposal.

I'd love to see something planned for those lots that included 1,500 units, a decent amount of commercial space, and contiguous retail along at least two consecutive blocks starting from Cermak. Seems unlikely, but it'd be nice.

[UPChicago]

A month later, some news on this:

CHA Seeking Developers For Big Empty Lot Near McCormick (http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/11/24/cha-seeking-developers-for-big-empty-lot-near-mccormick.php) [Curbed]

CHA is RFPing someone to use the lot for residential/retail. December 1 isn't much time to pull together a proposal.

CHA......... :uhh:

[wierdaaron]

I'd say they should just sell the land and let McHugh/McPier/Fifield/Hines/Sterling fight over what to do with it, but they want whatever gets built to have at least 200 public housing units and I'm guessing CHA has to own the land for that.

[BB 1871]

Just walked past the empty lot on Wabash b/w Elephant & Castle and Gold Coast Dogs.. construction fencing is down and a brand new self-park meter has been installed. It looks like the 7 Eleven/DD mini retail strip listed as "coming soon" on said fence and pictured below isn't happening (..yet?)

http://s28.postimg.org/o73ikop0t/7_11.png (http://postimage.org/)
upload image free (http://postimage.org/)

This lot was part of the 73 E. Lake tower construction plans. Originally planned to be an 8 story office building w/ 248 parking spaces? ..they later switched to the 1 story shit ass retail plan. This thing now being a parking lot gives me hope they're planning for something bigger or they'll sell the land to someone who will

CAB's article (http://www.chicagoarchitecture.org/2011/12/26/green-light-for-new-loop-skyscraper-and-office-building/)

[jcchii]

^that always seemed like a waste of time

[harryc]

^^ Isn't the garage w shops just to the south up for development as well ?

[Busy Bee]

I don't know, i think i would be more interested in paying a visit to O.G's Hoes...i bet its a good time in there!!

That would have been OG Shoes, a little gem who's modern facade was a product of the American Terra Cotta Company:

http://llnw.wbez.org/blog/insert-image/2011-June/2011-06-21/atc5829a.jpg
X (http://llnw.wbez.org/blog/insert-image/2011-June/2011-06-21/atc5829a.jpg)

[wierdaaron]

I think there was a storefront like that on State in the loop but it might have just gotten replaced. There was a shoe store and a men's clothier still rocking old fashioned storefronts.

[george]

11/23

Rehab of the tired Self-Park at Randolph & Wells

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/KzR4C1.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/f0KzR4C1j)

[ardecila]

I have mixed feelings about CHA but I do agree with the idea of a mixed income community at the Ickes site, regardless of the underwhelming design at Roosevelt Square, Stateway, etc.

Seems like planners are acknowledging the transit-oriented nature of the site, and I believe they are suggesting at least one high rise on the State/Cermak corner that is similar in scale to the Hilliard Homes. We've also seen them test the waters on midrise buildings at ParkSide. This could actually end up being a pretty urban neighborhood if they keep the townhouses to a minimum.

The bigger question is whether this is actually a desirable site. The last and only high rise on Cermak was the failed Lexington Park. Other loft developments south of Cermak have also had a mixed record. Ideally the new CTA stop will encourage homebuyers and renters to consider this area.

[wierdaaron]

There are two new high rises coming soon on Cermak just down the street with the McPier hotel and event stadium, and the McHugh/Antunovich hotel even closer. Those two McProjects are infusing a huge amount of foot traffic and dining/entertainment into the area, which will dramatically change the atmosphere on Cermak east of 55. The area is heating up, and the value of that juicy undeveloped property right on Cermak most likely skyrocketed.

I think it's great. There is tons of untapped potential in the South Loop between Cermak and Roosevelt.

[sentinel]

There are two new high rises coming soon on Cermak just down the street with the McPier hotel and event stadium, and the McHugh/Antunovich hotel even closer. Those two McProjects are infusing a huge amount of foot traffic and dining/entertainment into the area, which will dramatically change the atmosphere on Cermak east of 55. The area is heating up, and the value of that juicy undeveloped property right on Cermak most likely skyrocketed.

I think it's great. There is tons of untapped potential in the South Loop between Cermak and Roosevelt.

These are previously unreleased projects, I'm assuming? If so, got any sweet renderings for us?

[wierdaaron]

These are previously unreleased projects, I'm assuming? If so, got any sweet renderings for us?
No, they're pretty publicized projects.

McPier: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=207501

McHugh doesn't have a thread: http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/09/16/mchughs-motor-row-hotel-shown-to-community.php

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

All you have to do is look at the post above to figure out the point.... A better question is what was that person's point.

It's the same person?

Credit Jewelers refers to selling on credit, and the "Diamonds" and "Bond" are two different signs.

"Diamonds" is attached to the Hollands sign. Now called Rogers and Hollands.
And the Bond sign is Bond's clothiers who were right next door

Pwned

[sentinel]

No, they're pretty publicized projects.

McPier: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=207501

McHugh doesn't have a thread: http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/09/16/mchughs-motor-row-hotel-shown-to-community.php

Ah nevermind, sorry. Thought you were referring to new/previously unknown projects.

[munchymunch]

Ah nevermind, sorry. Thought you were referring to new/previously unknown projects.

There are more high-rises being planned around there I think one by JRG, and one at the old Chicago Defender building.

[UPChicago]

It's the same person?


The person stating "and there aren't any pawn shops" promoted the response. My suspicion is that person believes that those are the only stores found/suitable in englewood today.

[SamInTheLoop]

I have mixed feelings about CHA but I do agree with the idea of a mixed income community at the Ickes site, regardless of the underwhelming design at Roosevelt Square, Stateway, etc.

Seems like planners are acknowledging the transit-oriented nature of the site, and I believe they are suggesting at least one high rise on the State/Cermak corner that is similar in scale to the Hilliard Homes. We've also seen them test the waters on midrise buildings at ParkSide. This could actually end up being a pretty urban neighborhood if they keep the townhouses to a minimum.

The bigger question is whether this is actually a desirable site. The last and only high rise on Cermak was the failed Lexington Park. Other loft developments south of Cermak have also had a mixed record. Ideally the new CTA stop will encourage homebuyers and renters to consider this area.


My guess is that it actually will be a very desirable site. I think that if this cycle is long enough, one of its biggest transformations in the entire city could very well be the near south side..........I think smart investors and developers are realizing this and have been...er...gobbling...up available sites.....

[SamInTheLoop]

11/23

Rehab of the tired Self-Park at Randolph & Wells


Any signs of demo yet at the Walgreens (future 151 N Franklin)?

[SamInTheLoop]

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.


While I too think there are some pretty exciting changes underway along central/south Michigan, I wouldn't agree that the street previously didn't have much to offer the average pedestrian or tourist. It may have never had much appeal to you or other individuals, but there have always been throngs in the trinket shops, the low-mid price eating establishments, etc - and pedestrian traffic has long been robust. Also, even from a higher-end/somewhat trendier food perspective, don't forget Henri and The Gage had long been there side-by-side....

At any rate, again, all of the changes currently in the works make for some exciting times.....

[Via Chicago]

"credit jewelers" and "diamonds on bond" look like pawn shops.

so what? the "class" of economic activity isnt as important as it being vibrant. theres adequate transit in that picture, the streetscape is in tact/human scaled/walkable, and it is filled with pedestrians going about their day. not saying that era was Mayberry but certainly better than what we're left with.

[wierdaaron]

Toured Old Colony today. Harry took a bunch of photos, they'll be on Curbed after Thanksgiving most likely, and any that aren't published he's free to post here.

http://i.imgur.com/HddRLATl.jpg (http://imgur.com/HddRLAT)

The short of it, though, is it seems like it's a very thorough restoration.

[ChiTownWonder]

anyone know when Northerly island is set to be completed?

[george]

Toured Old Colony today. Harry took a bunch of photos, they'll be on Curbed after Thanksgiving most likely, and any that aren't published he's free to post here.


The short of it, though, is it seems like it's a very thorough restoration.

Look forward to seeing those pics.

[prelude91]

Proposed TOD for the NE Corner of Southport and Roscoe, immediately south of the Southport EL. Currently the site of Rise Sushi and a pretty nice liquor store/wine shop:

http://www.44thward.org/site/epage/155982_1026.htm

[woodrow]

^^Good luck to the developers. I can already hear the stroller brigade on Southport bitch about density.

[the urban politician]

^

Needs to be about 3 times denser

[george]

11/23

British School new South Loop campus

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/537/sZapaJ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/exsZapaJj)

[wierdaaron]

^George, your panorama stitching algorithm butchered the school pretty badly. There's not two generators out front, that's the same one twice.

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

^George, your panorama stitching algorithm butchered the school pretty badly. There's not two generators out front, that's the same one twice.

Personally, I think it's an improvement. :shrug:

[george]

^George, your panorama stitching algorithm butchered the school pretty badly. There's not two generators out front, that's the same one twice.

I took liberties with the design. The two pics fit better this way and I liked the result : ) Good you noticed.

[Rizzo]

This building has two different architectural identities. What's going on?

[pilsenarch]

This building has two different architectural identities. What's going on?

What's going on? incompetence

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

It's like they're telling us, "We're capable of making things look nice; we just choose not to."

[Rizzo]

^^Good luck to the developers. I can already hear the stroller brigade on Southport bitch about density.

LOL. That's what me and my buddies call the corridor (I live about 3 blocks from this). I'd be happy to advocate for higher density. Just hope I won't get mowed over by one of those duplex SUV strollers

[brian_b]

LOL. That's what me and my buddies call the corridor (I live about 3 blocks from this). I'd be happy to advocate for higher density. Just hope I won't get mowed over by one of those duplex SUV strollers

I've got one of those strollers. It has the exact footprint of a wheelchair. But then again, I suppose the city is no place for children or the disabled. According to many people on this site, that is.

[Rizzo]

I've got one of those strollers. It has the exact footprint of a wheelchair. But then again, I suppose the city is no place for children or the disabled. According to many people on this site, that is.

Glad we're on the same page then. Neighbehors shall then adjust their attention to correcting flooded street corners, heaved sidewalks, and narrow walks for improved accessibility and mobility instead of worrying about soaring 4-story skyscrapers

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

Glad we're on the same page then. Neighbehors shall then adjust their attention to correcting flooded street corners, heaved sidewalks, and narrow walks for improved accessibility and mobility instead of worrying about soaring 4-story skyscrapers

Osnap.

[Ryanrule]

I've got one of those strollers. It has the exact footprint of a wheelchair. But then again, I suppose the city is no place for children or the disabled. According to many people on this site, that is.

carry your child, or dont have one.

[clark wellington]

carry your child, or dont have one.

Don't be an asshole - this is exactly the kind of sentiment that's unproductive in Chicago (as he mentions).

Of course we want more families in the city. We just want families who recognize the things that make a city vibrant (including density, mixed-use development, bars and restaurants, renters, etc.).

The animosity that develops between families and pro-development folks is typically because families often turn NIMBY. As long as that's not the case, we should welcome as many families as possible to the city, as that will make it a long-term success story.

[Rizzo]

All right guys, the original comment about "strollers brigades" was meant in jest. We've been down this road before with dog owners too. Let's not be disrespectful. What absolute nonsense to suggest an agenda on this website that children aren't important when we know for fact that this is what is important for neighborhoods. But if anyone opposes density for the sake of opposing density, well...this website IS called skyscraperpage

[Ryanrule]

Don't be an asshole - this is exactly the kind of sentiment that's unproductive in Chicago (as he mentions).

Of course we want more families in the city. We just want families who recognize the things that make a city vibrant (including density, mixed-use development, bars and restaurants, renters, etc.).

The animosity that develops between families and pro-development folks is typically because families often turn NIMBY. As long as that's not the case, we should welcome as many families as possible to the city, as that will make it a long-term success story.

the suv stroller is a major indicator for nimby, or at least prenimby.

when buy something like that, it shows you put your convenience above all else.

[woodrow]

Wow - sorry to start this firestorm. For the record, I am FOR strollers and families in the city. One of the great things that I have seen in my 25 years in Chicago is the rise of families. It is great that people don't automatically assume that they must move to the suburbs when kids come along.

I was pointing out a specific type of person, which the Southport corridor has in droves. They possess a high level of entitlement that they bring with the strollers, and a sense that their voices should be heard over all others by right of their offspring. "...won't someone think of the children..." etc.

[emathias]

The 3-story vintage building owned by the Flair company (whence the Flair Tower on Erie got its name) is for sale:
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/214-W-Erie-St-Chicago-IL-60654/2105875722_zpid/

[aaron38]

the suv stroller is a major indicator for nimby, or at least prenimby.
when buy something like that, it shows you put your convenience above all else.

If you've ever heard the uncontrollable screams of a baby that desperately needs a nap, then you know that strollers bigger than an umbrella stroller (that let the kid lie down) are for everyone's convenience.
Don't be a totalitarian know it all.

[chris08876]

'Micro' apartments planned for historic Gold Coast building

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CG/20141126/CRED03/141129847/AR/0/AR-141129847.jpg&maxw=620&cci_ts=20141126131140

A Chicago developer paid $12.5 million for the historic Bush Temple of Music building in the Gold Coast, which it plans to convert into tiny apartments.

Cedar Street Cos. plans to build out “micro” apartments between 350 and 450 square feet in the Bush Temple property at 800 N. Clark St., said Alex Samoylovich, who confirmed the sale price. Crain's first reported on the deal last month.

“We were very interested in the historic component of this building, and we have done a lot of historic renovation,” Samoylovich said.

The project is a “perfect addition” to the company's core strategy of redeveloping older buildings, he added. The renovated French renaissance revival-style building will be called Flats No. 800; Flats is Cedar's apartment brand.
==============================
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20141126/CRED03/141129847/micro-apartments-planned-for-historic-gold-coast-building

[HomrQT]

Was this discussed?? Why would Verizon do this??

http://arcchicago.blogspot.com/2014/11/lump-of-coal-in-chicago-architectures.html

[LouisVanDerWright]

They did it because the previous design was also ass ugly and they thought they could do better. Obviously they were wrong.

[DePaul Bunyan]

the suv stroller is a major indicator for nimby, or at least prenimby.

when buy something like that, it shows you put your convenience above all else.

You tell them, you smug urbanista you. How dare somebody take into account convenience when buying a stroller.

[HomrQT]

They did it because the previous design was also ass ugly and they thought they could do better. Obviously they were wrong.

To each his own on design but I thought the previous design was just fine. This new remodel is almost an attack on the city of Chicago.

[Chi-Sky21]

I thought the old design fit in well with the water tower and pumping station. I have no idea what they were thinking with this monstrosity.

[Busy Bee]

'Micro' apartments planned for historic Gold Coast building

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CG/20141126/CRED03/141129847/AR/0/AR-141129847.jpg&maxw=620&cci_ts=20141126131140


==============================
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20141126/CRED03/141129847/micro-apartments-planned-for-historic-gold-coast-building


Excited about this project and bravo to the development company. But I think their marketing department needs to rethink the whole Flats at 800 thing. How about, oh I don't know, the Bush Temple Flats?

[sentinel]

Was this discussed?? Why would Verizon do this??

http://arcchicago.blogspot.com/2014/11/lump-of-coal-in-chicago-architectures.html

Don't worry, I doubt that Verizon superstore will be there for long (what's the point of having a telecom flagship store when there are so many of the same, regular stores everywhere, even in-store sub-sections, like right across the street at Best Buy? What type of different wares could they possibly be showing off that can't be found online too?). This is a prime location for a high-end retail flagship because of how incredibly unique this spot is, not a national telecom giant that already has a vast reach across the nation. I highly doubt any visitors, even from buttf&$k, Podunk areas of Illinois visiting Chicago for the first time will ever walk inside this store. Based on precedent, Verizon's days are already numbered at this address..

[LouisVanDerWright]

Does it say anywhere how many rentable SF this building is? The rents must just be absolutely obscene in order to justify a $144 million valuation for "a portion" of the ownership. If I have the SF I can try to calculate the average rents in the building to justify those prices.

[sentinel]

Does it say anywhere how many rentable SF this building is? The rents must just be absolutely obscene in order to justify a $144 million valuation for "a portion" of the ownership. If I have the SF I can try to calculate the average rents in the building to justify those prices.

Holy shit that's insane.

[PKDickman]

Does it say anywhere how many rentable SF this building is? The rents must just be absolutely obscene in order to justify a $144 million valuation for "a portion" of the ownership. If I have the SF I can try to calculate the average rents in the building to justify those prices.
87,000 sqft
High street retail with a cap rate of about 4.5%
If their stake was close to 100%, that would indicate $75 /sf annual rents nnn.

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

'Micro' apartments planned for historic Gold Coast building

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CG/20141126/CRED03/141129847/AR/0/AR-141129847.jpg&maxw=620&cci_ts=20141126131140


==============================
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20141126/CRED03/141129847/micro-apartments-planned-for-historic-gold-coast-building

Please let this happen with minimal interference.

Was this discussed?? Why would Verizon do this??

http://arcchicago.blogspot.com/2014/11/lump-of-coal-in-chicago-architectures.html

Lynn Becker is a civic treasure.

[ardecila]

The 3-story vintage building owned by the Flair company (whence the Flair Tower on Erie got its name) is for sale:
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/214-W-Erie-St-Chicago-IL-60654/2105875722_zpid/

Barf.

I didn't think anything could be uglier than Flair Tower... I was wrong.

[SamInTheLoop]

87,000 sqft
High street retail with a cap rate of about 4.5%
If their stake was close to 100%, that would indicate $75 /sf annual rents nnn.


In that case, it surely was a minority stake.......

[LouisVanDerWright]

Yeah, the retail rents on Michigan Ave can push into the several hundred dollar a SF range, I had no idea that building was so big. I wish they would just demo this whole corner for a new supertall, but they never will with cash cow retail buildings like this sitting on it.

[PKDickman]

In that case, it surely was a minority stake.......

My guess it that it is about 50%.
That would bring the building avg to $150.
While ground floor might command $500 a foot, the upper floors, not so much.
These are large multi level contiguous spaces plus a basement retail unit, if you average it up, $150 doesn't seem out of line

[Via Chicago]

Don't worry, I doubt that Verizon superstore will be there for long (what's the point of having a telecom flagship store when there are so many of the same, regular stores everywhere, even in-store sub-sections, like right across the street at Best Buy? What type of different wares could they possibly be showing off that can't be found online too?). This is a prime location for a high-end retail flagship because of how incredibly unique this spot is, not a national telecom giant that already has a vast reach across the nation. I highly doubt any visitors, even from buttf&$k, Podunk areas of Illinois visiting Chicago for the first time will ever walk inside this store. Based on precedent, Verizon's days are already numbered at this address..

yea but even if thats true theyve already butchered the facade so theres really no coming back from that unless someone else decides to come in and butcher it again

which is not to say the original was award winning or anything but christ what a mess

[sentinel]

yea but even if thats true theyve already butchered the facade so theres really no coming back from that unless someone else decides to come in and butcher it again

which is not to say the original was award winning or anything but christ what a mess

Oh no, I agree 100% it's an absolute POS right now, I should have elaborated better that hopefully if/when Verizon exits the space, it can modified (again) into something better. Hopefully.

[the urban politician]

According to Curbed, there is a hilarious set of fliers going around in Chicago right now bitching about that set of twin highrises planned on Milwaukee Ave.

There appears to be a generational divide where a bunch of boring old farts want the status quo and don't want "hipsters" to move into their neighborhood and take away all the parking.

I get a kick out of this part:

"The media calls Alderman Moreno the 'Hipster Alderman,'" the post reads. "Tell him to stop representing the hipsters who don’t live here, but want to move [here], drink fancy cocktails for a few years, and then move to the suburbs because it’s too congested and their friends can't find a place to park.”

:haha:

Drink fancy cocktails for a few years and then move to the suburbs? I love that characterization. And what's wrong with fancy cocktails anyhow? :shrug:

[Via Chicago]

11/23

British School new South Loop campus

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/537/sZapaJ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/exsZapaJj)

http://www.buddfinn.com/imgs/inventory/rsz_ce-arch-1.jpg
http://www.buddfinn.com/imgs/inventory/rsz_ce-arch-1.jpg

[wierdaaron]

Old Colony Building article will be going up tomorrow with lots of pretty pictures, after which Harry can dump the rest that weren't used for the article here.

I'm still working on digging into this whole upscale student housing concept CA Ventures is bringing to town with now OCB and the Steger building just recently, but from being able to talk to the development partner for the OCB project (a local guy) he was very interested in restoring the building back to its former glory and paying attention to the details. I haven't seen the design renders let, so I can't speak for how the old fashioned wood motif will reconcile with modern brick-and-cement fashion, but from the floor plans and structure I think they will make fantastic residences. The views from the NE corner units are amazing.

[UrbanLibertine]

"Drink fancy cocktails for a few years and then move to the suburbs?"

That's hilarious!

[Justin_Chicago]

I have been drinking fancy cocktails in Logan Square since The Whistler opened up in 2008. I would not mind living there if new construction made the area attractive. Throw in a 24 hour gym for us early risers. The Flexhouse rowhomes is the only development attractive to me.

Logan Square is actually a perfect neighborhood for Loop workers that travel a lot. I can commute downtown to the office and to O'Hare airport in less than 30 minutes. Throw in a new elevated park for long runs uninterrupted by traffic lights and it is the best neighborhood for nightlife, entertainment, exercise and commuting. The school system will eventually turn around over time like Lincoln Park H.S., Lakeview H.S. and Amundson H.S. and retain families that are afraid of where to send their kids after elementary school.

Speaking of development, my friend who owns two popular bars/lounges in Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village is looking into opening a third spot at the corner of Armitage and California. Humboldt Park will continue to develop. Empty Bottle, Sportsman's Club, Rootstock and the California Clipper will soon have many neighbors.

[marothisu]

In South/Southwest Side news - Big 41,000 sq ft LA Fitness coming to Brighton Park at Archer & Pershing (and Rockwell) was issued a new construction building permit yesterday. The developer plans on putting more stuff there. It was written about in Crain's earlier this year:

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20140304/CRED03/140309933/l-a-fitness-lease-boosts-proposed-shopping-center

[Jibba]

According to Curbed, there is a hilarious set of fliers going around in Chicago right now bitching about that set of twin highrises planned on Milwaukee Ave.

There appears to be a generational divide where a bunch of boring old farts want the status quo and don't want "hipsters" to move into their neighborhood and take away all the parking.

I get a kick out of this part:



:haha:

Drink fancy cocktails for a few years and then move to the suburbs? I love that characterization. And what's wrong with fancy cocktails anyhow? :shrug:

All of their asinine complaints are just veils for the real (and only) issue that they have: Losing their parking spaces.

[LouisVanDerWright]

I have been drinking fancy cocktails in Logan Square since The Whistler opened up in 2008. I would not mind living there if new construction made the area attractive. Throw in a 24 hour gym for us early risers. The Flexhouse rowhomes is the only development attractive to me.

They just opened a nice gym and Milwaukee and Spaulding, just 3 or 4 blocks from the Flexhouse rowhomes. There's another nice modern townhome development going up across from St. Hyacinth Basilica that is only 6 units. They might be sold out already though.

I'd agree that Logan Square is probably one of the most convenient locations to live in the city. You also discover it's shockingly close to Lincoln Park and Lakeview the first time you take the Belmont, Diversey, or Fullerton bus East.

[wierdaaron]

Old Colony Building article and photos are up: http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/12/03/to-bring-the-old-colony-back-to-life-its-the-little-things-that-matter.php

[marothisu]

They just opened a nice gym and Milwaukee and Spaulding, just 3 or 4 blocks from the Flexhouse rowhomes. There's another nice modern townhome development going up across from St. Hyacinth Basilica that is only 6 units. They might be sold out already though.



Don't forget the 15 or so fairly luxury townhomes going up on Medill & Talman not far from the California blue line stop where each unit starts at $700K or $800K, the 10-15 new single family homes going up in that general area, and the other 5+ new multi unit buildings around that stop too.

One of the most blighted stretches around Milwaukee Avenue for the towers above and these people are against change. Are they all renting and afraid they're going to get priced out now, or are they homeowners? If they're homeowners and outright ones too, it doesn't make tons of sense to me.

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

http://www.buddfinn.com/imgs/inventory/rsz_ce-arch-1.jpg
http://www.buddfinn.com/imgs/inventory/rsz_ce-arch-1.jpg

Ah! I saw this on the NYT gift guide. It reminds me of Monument Valley:

http://www.gameindustry.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/monument_valley.jpg

Too bad the British School doesn't.

[rlw777]

From DNA info Recent surge in building permits (http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141203/downtown/recent-surge-building-permits-sign-of-economic-vitality-rahm-says)

According to data from the department's E-Plan system, which streamlined the process for building permits two years ago, the city processed 1,436 permits for mid-sized buildings through mid-November, up from 1,202 over the same period last year, 852 in 2012, 617 in 2011 and 573 in 2010.

[the urban politician]

Looks like those whack jobs in city govt are back at it again, planning to revise the affordable housing ordinance and make it even more strict.

Yay. Kill off development, and give more unnecessary work to attorneys. That is pretty much what this city does. I was at Building Hearings court yesterday and a lady next to me said that the city recently quietly passed a law saying that if you are an LLC and have to attend a hearing, even for the most minor thing (rusty gutters on your building) you are required to be represented by an attorney. In other words, for even the most minor issues you cannot represent yourself.

Ridiculous. Outrageous. What's wrong, lawyers, not enough work? Maybe that's because there are too many of you leeches. Now they have rigged the Government to drum up business where it's clearly not needed. I wonder what bullshit explanation the City came up with for this hare brained idea.

Ironically, the more attorneys do this kind of stuff, the less people hire them. Out of court settlements, people. To hell with the leeches.

Rant over..

[the urban politician]

^ Getting back to the affordable housing issue, here was a comment made by somebody in Crains, which I tend to agree with:

What Affordable Housing Crisis?

Currently in the MLS there are 6772 attached and detached homes listed for sale for under $200,000 and 3224 homes listed for sale under $150,000.

There are also 707 apartments listed for rent for under $1200/month and 161 listed for rent for under $800/month.

Does this sound like a shortage of affordable units?

If you tell the "Advocates" this, their response is, "well, no one wants to live in those neighborhoods".

I personally would like to live in a mansion in the Gold Coast but I can not afford that so I have to settle for something more modest.

The City's "Task Force" was a complete farce; mere window dressing. Of the 25 on the panel, only two individuals were for-profit real estate developers. The remainder were either Aldermen, bureaucrats or, not-for-profit developers.

This will shut down development if it passes as proposed.

Email or call your Aldermen and just say NO.

Oh, while we are at it, maybe we should pass an ordinance that requires GM to sell their cars to the less fortunate for less than it costs them to build them and another law that forces General Mills to sell their cereal to the less fortunate for less than it costs them to produce it too.

[the urban politician]

From DNA info Recent surge in building permits (http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141203/downtown/recent-surge-building-permits-sign-of-economic-vitality-rahm-says)

Lets not get too excited. This is just another fluff piece from Rahm.

Here is a little quote from the article:

Much of the increase was driven by a boom in single-family homes, many built on the sites of what were smaller homes in the past.

[Randomguy34]

Since construction started for the new Walter Payton West Wing yesterday and I also happen to go to Payton, I managed to take a picture of them starting on it.
12/3/14
http://s2.postimg.org/7yrkafk1l/unnamed.jpg

[Vlajos]

^ Getting back to the affordable housing issue, here was a comment made by somebody in Crains, which I tend to agree with:

I'm not against affordable housing by any means but I do agree with that comment.

[Kenmore]

I'm not against affordable housing by any means but I do agree with that comment.

ugh it's libertarian clap trap

there is absolutely 100% an affordable housing crisis in halfway decent (no need for gold coast hyperbole) neighborhoods. it's the primary reason why middle class families continue to flee the city.

[the urban politician]

ugh it's libertarian clap trap

there is absolutely 100% an affordable housing crisis in halfway decent (no need for gold coast hyperbole) neighborhoods. it's the primary reason why middle class families continue to flee the city.

Even if true, mandating affordable set asides will do absolutely nothing to improve on this situation.

It will simply make market rate housing that much more expensive for everybody else

[wierdaaron]

Old Colony Building article and photos are up: http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/12/03/to-bring-the-old-colony-back-to-life-its-the-little-things-that-matter.php
Was pretty busy yesterday and didn't get to say much about this.

Anyway, about OCB, the fact that it's going to be furnished student apartments rather than straight residential is a bit of a bummer, because the building seems like it's going to be pretty great. I mean, the turreted corners on the north end make for some amazing room potential.

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/547e4829f92ea12ddf018a73/P1070059.JPG
And the view:
http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/547e4ea5f92ea13615009890/2014-11-25%2013.29.28.jpg

(Once they clean the windows)

And the ceilings are so high for such an old building. The top floor has skylights with old-fashioned chain-pull shutters.

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/547e4826f92ea12ddf018a69/P1070008.JPG

That's going to be amazing once it's finished.

However, the student apartment usage does make sense given the location (right next to the library and within a few blocks of more schools than I can count, with a growing market of student-friendly businesses like coffee shops opening nearby). It seemed like the possibility existed to switch out the use to normal apartments or condos in a few years if the market turns (Giles would have to buy out CA Ventures' stake in the building).

I think OCB could be a catalyst for real change in the area. The fact that it'll be bustling with young people (480 beds) with loose pockets should only help the local retail scene, and strengthening the context of residential in the area could make developers brave enough to try more housing in the area.

Eventually that parking lot and gas station on Dearborn/Congress will have to go. This only increases the odds.

Oh, and Giles said that originally the Plymouth building (next door) was part of the OCB development, but it got dropped and the building is still on the market. He wouldn't say whether the plan was to break through the walls to join the buildings. Seems like landmarks would have a problem with that, but some Printers Row buildings have done that already. I have suspicions that Giles might have his eyes set on that building for his next project after OCB wraps.

No idea what the deal is with the Manhattan building on the other side of Plymouth.

[LouisVanDerWright]

ugh it's libertarian clap trap

there is absolutely 100% an affordable housing crisis in halfway decent (no need for gold coast hyperbole) neighborhoods. it's the primary reason why middle class families continue to flee the city.

No, middle class families continue to flee the city because it is illegal to build decent housing stock for them. If you know anything about Chicago's building and zoning code and permit system you know that affordable housing is currently ILLEGAL to build in this city. If you want to do an affordable renovation of a vacant property, good luck, it's going to cost you just as much as new construction.

If you want to build new construction then you are going to be paying no less than $150/SF to do it. Why? Because the city mandates that price through it's arcane set of building codes, zoning codes, city fees, and other nonsense.

The fact is that most of what we have known in the past as "affordable housing" is now illegal to build in Chicago or was originally built as luxury housing. All the wood frame worker's cottages: illegal. Two flats: defacto illegal. Bungalows: try building one of those under RS-3 zoning. SRO's: LOL, yeah right, but we are trying to "preserve" them right? Studio Courtyard buildings, have fun getting a PD approved from your alderman. Any building without excessive and costly parking: we all know how that works. I could go on and on.

All the current "affordable housing" system does is jack up the price of new construction even further by requiring high end developments to lug the dead weight of our "affordable housing" system around. I put it in quotes because we are NOT creating affordable housing. What the current system does is jack up the price of new construction (again making it even more difficult to build anything new that is even remotely affordable) so that we can pay for a tiny minority of the poor to live in luxury buildings in luxury locations. All it does is further accelerate the trend you are bemoaning by increasing the price of new construction. Think about it, if you build a 100 unit building with an average unit construction price of $250,000/Unit, then your costs are $25,000,000. But wait, you are required to contribute $100,000/Unit for 10% of your unit count which means your costs go up by $1,000,000 right there. That's a 4% increase in the cost of that housing just because of the "affordable housing" requirement. Under the new per unit contribution that would drive construction costs up 7% instead.

The numbers get significantly higher if you are trying to build cheaper, more affordable, units. Do the same math with a $200k or $150k per unit construction cost and the additional burden of this system grows ever larger. Say you wanted to build a privately developed affordable housing project which costs $150,000 per unit. That's $15,000,000 to build it at 100 units, now you are at a 6.67% increase in cost or a whopping 11.67% increase in cost under the proposed changes to the law. A few percent might not sound like much, but when you are talking construction costs on a project of this size it means a heck of a lot. The way the contribution law is written, the cheaper units you try to build, the more the city punishes you...

Think about that, just so we can accommodate 3 or 4 affordable units, we are making everyone else pay 4% more. And that's just the direct effect of this program on a conservative scale. Essentially what we have done is create a regulatory environment in which building homes for the middle class is illegal and renovating the old ones is cost prohibitive unless it is for luxury tenants/buyers. We have bifurcated the market such that only the ultra low end and ultra high end continues to exist. Either you are living in a slum/public housing or you are living in luxury. That's not because of some mysterious market force, that's because the CITY GOVERNMENT has mandated it.

[LouisVanDerWright]

No idea what the deal is with the Manhattan building on the other side of Plymouth.

Manhattan Building is already condos, and quite affordable ones at that considering the location.