CHICAGO | General Developments [Archive] - Page 303

Near North Resident

Aug 26, 2015, 3:00 PM

Link to the old story of Related buying all those properties. I wonder what they're up to spending over $50M. I'm sure it'll stay the way it is as subsidized housing, but anybody think it'll be converted to some market rate?

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2015/01/26/is-related-eyeing-mixeduse-future-for-marshall-field-apartments.php

Would be nice if they broke up some of the public housing there, and added some market rate housing to the mix. Its the one thing holding back making wells st. or even orleans a nice walk from the loop all the way to old town. Whatever
This article says otherwise, but why would they spend another 50 million just to keep it affordable housing? Oh wait, they are just getting another huge check from the government to do this... http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20140129/CRED03/140129749/related-drops-49-million-on-affordable-housing

marothisu

Aug 26, 2015, 3:54 PM

^ So the total cost of what they're doing when it's all said and done with is probably going to be near or over $100M

the urban politician

Aug 26, 2015, 4:33 PM

Spotted a soil testing rig in the Aldi parking lot next to the 606 yesterday evening.

^ Is that the project on Milwaukee Ave that converts a shitty suburban style Aldi into a multi-story building?

If so, great to see this one moving forward! :cheers:

XIII

Aug 26, 2015, 4:41 PM

VOA designing upgrades to the Pullman neighborhood. 45 artist apartments and a community center.

http://blog.archpaper.com/2015/08/voa-design-artist-housing-chicagos-pullman-neighborhood/#.Vd3r9flVgSU

sage

Aug 26, 2015, 5:12 PM

^ Is that the project on Milwaukee Ave that converts a shitty suburban style Aldi into a multi-story building?

If so, great to see this one moving forward! :cheers:

This still needs to get through the aldermanic process though, correct? I vaguely remember one meeting being held about it but nothing else. Anyone else know?

marothisu

Aug 26, 2015, 5:20 PM

This still needs to get through the aldermanic process though, correct? I vaguely remember one meeting being held about it but nothing else. Anyone else know?

I though the community shot it down - maybe I'm thinking of another one though?

ithakas

Aug 26, 2015, 5:43 PM

^ Is that the project on Milwaukee Ave that converts a shitty suburban style Aldi into a multi-story building?

If so, great to see this one moving forward! :cheers:

It is indeed. Not sure where it stands in the approval process though, as others have mentioned.

spyguy

Aug 26, 2015, 5:59 PM

900 W Washington - 24 condos, 23 parking spaces
http://i58.tinypic.com/2e0pwkp.jpg

intrepidDesign

Aug 26, 2015, 6:24 PM

900 W Washington - 24 condos, 23 parking spaces

Didn't they just build that 1 story lawyers office on that spot like, a year or so ago? Kinda nicely designed for a 1 story building too, wish they went with the parking/car wash corrugated metal eyesore directly east across the street

Via Chicago

Aug 26, 2015, 6:38 PM

yeah, thats pretty wasteful if so

marothisu

Aug 26, 2015, 7:04 PM

yeah, thats pretty wasteful if so

Well, I'm guessing whoever developed the building is going to make decent money off of this.

Via Chicago

Aug 26, 2015, 7:53 PM

Well, I'm guessing whoever developed the building is going to make decent money off of this.

im not talking about making money. im talking about the wastefulness of building a structure, a decently designed one at that, only to tear it down a year later. raw materials, carbon emissions, talent, time...

marothisu

Aug 26, 2015, 8:35 PM

im not talking about making money. im talking about the wastefulness of building a structure, a decently designed one at that, only to tear it down a year later. raw materials, carbon emissions, talent, time...

You overestimate how much people actually give a shit about that in light of actually making a nice profit.

spyguy

Aug 26, 2015, 9:07 PM

im not talking about making money. im talking about the wastefulness of building a structure, a decently designed one at that, only to tear it down a year later. raw materials, carbon emissions, talent, time...

It's definitely been around for more than a year...probably 4-5 years. And the building currently there replaced an older brick building (auto store IIRC).

Jibba

Aug 26, 2015, 9:40 PM

I though the community shot it down - maybe I'm thinking of another one though?

Not shot down, per se; community asked for a revision to include more affordable housing.

Ch.G, Ch.G

Aug 26, 2015, 10:17 PM

900 W Washington - 24 condos, 23 parking spaces

I really hope they use brick.

It's a shame about the building it's going to replace. On the other hand, it clearly never should have been built at that location in the first place.

Heh, wouldn't it be funny if the law office was originally planned as a mid-rise then forced to scale down because of community push-back?

LouisVanDerWright

Aug 27, 2015, 1:42 AM

I really hope they use brick.

It's a shame about the building it's going to replace. On the other hand, it clearly never should have been built at that location in the first place.

Heh, wouldn't it be funny if the law office was originally planned as a mid-rise then forced to scale down because of community push-back?

Just goes to show that all hope is not lost when taxpayer Buildings are built on prime lots. Given enough demand, they can be torn down without a thought. I'm looking at you drive thru banks.

Tom Servo

Aug 27, 2015, 6:52 AM

Just goes to show that all hope is not lost when taxpayer Buildings are built on prime lots. Given enough demand, they can be torn down without a thought. I'm looking at you drive thru banks.

:tup::yes::cheers:

SamInTheLoop

Aug 27, 2015, 2:23 PM

^ ^^

Indeed, this does give us hope......

SamInTheLoop

Aug 27, 2015, 2:29 PM

You overestimate how much people actually give a shit about that in light of actually making a nice profit.

Via's comment's don't appear to be about the profit motive of the actual owner of the asset, though. It was more about the inefficiencies and externalities in an environmental, economic and social context.
Think a little bigger-picture.

sentinel

Aug 27, 2015, 2:40 PM

SamInTheLoop

Aug 27, 2015, 2:55 PM

^ Well, it's better than Verizon.......

sentinel

Aug 27, 2015, 2:59 PM

^But, I..it's just..I dunno..I mean..why..

You're right.

wierdaaron

Aug 27, 2015, 3:23 PM

That condo project on S Wells across from River City:

http://i.imgur.com/1RHptYEl.jpg (http://imgur.com/1RHptYE)
http://i.imgur.com/UTcyokkl.jpg (http://imgur.com/UTcyokk)
http://i.imgur.com/UJNzViAl.jpg (http://imgur.com/UJNzViA)

Building permit says commercial space on the ground floor. Maybe this project will be different than that render MrDowntown had a while back.

marothisu

Aug 27, 2015, 3:31 PM

Via's comment's don't appear to be about the profit motive of the actual owner of the asset, though. It was more about the inefficiencies and externalities in an environmental, economic and social context.
Think a little bigger-picture.

You didn't really understand my comment at all. The point is that people often times don't give a shit about "oh but we already did this - it's going to be so inefficient to do it again" when doing that something again means a nice profit As inefficient and stupid as it is, they don't give a flying fuck about that when they're about to make a lot of money.

I've been in the situation many times. All they see is money, not how much time and energy they've wasted for everyone else.

sentinel

Aug 27, 2015, 3:44 PM

Chinatown library grand opening is Saturday, Aug 29....and it turned out beautifully.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/424/19835099116_6124993f54_b.jpg

Chicago Public Building commission flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pbcchicago/sets/72157646465168155/

Via Chicago

Aug 27, 2015, 3:52 PM

what a jewel

Via Chicago

Aug 27, 2015, 3:55 PM

You didn't really understand my comment at all. The point is that people often times don't give a shit about "oh but we already did this - it's going to be so inefficient to do it again" when doing that something again means a nice profit As inefficient and stupid as it is, they don't give a flying fuck about that when they're about to make a lot of money.

I've been in the situation many times. All they see is money, not how much time and energy they've wasted for everyone else.

i understand that humans do all sorts of irrational things in the pursuit of profit and wealth. hence the underlying sentiment of my original comment

fwiw i like the new proposal just fine. just wish it was going on one of the other countless vacant lots in this city as opposed to somewhere thats already been adequately developed in the very recent past

Ch.G, Ch.G

Aug 27, 2015, 3:58 PM

Chinatown library grand opening is Saturday, Aug 29....and it turned out beautifully.

Very nice. They didn't use curved glass, right? Those "fins" or whatever are smart, then, because they remove that awful polyhedron effect, which, whenever I see it, makes me think that the developers couldn't spring for curved glass.

sentinel

Aug 27, 2015, 4:05 PM

Very nice. They didn't use curved glass, right? Those "fins" or whatever are smart, then, because they remove that awful polyhedron effect, which, whenever I see it, makes me think that the developers couldn't spring for curved glass.

No the glass is not curved:

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/19673270918_43f763fa07_h.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pbcchicago/sets/72157646465168155/

I think each pane is narrow enough to minimize that geometric effect, and like you said, the fins definitely help. Considering the client is the PBC, I also doubt they would have had the money for something as potentially pricey as curved glass. :)

Ch.G, Ch.G

Aug 27, 2015, 4:08 PM

ChiArch blog has an interesting write up on Uniqlo finally coming to Chicago..and kinda sorta being combined into the Topshop on Michigan Ave. It looks...ummm...

http://www.chicagoarchitecture.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/00t0t_3sDWu92FhPl_600x4501.jpg

http://www.chicagoarchitecture.org/2015/08/26/england-and-japan-go-all-rock-paper-scissors-on-michigan-avenue/

^ Well, it's better than Verizon.......

^But, I..it's just..I dunno..I mean..why..

You're right.

On the bright side, it looks like they're also redesigning the H&M. It looks like it's going to be significantly less offensive than what's there now. The Escada portion appears as though it will remain, clock tower and all. This block is going to end up a real pastiche. Michigan Avenue seems like it's becoming more and more like Times Square. There are no unifying design principles; everything is ad hoc.

Ch.G, Ch.G

Aug 27, 2015, 4:12 PM

No the glass is not curved:

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/19673270918_43f763fa07_h.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pbcchicago/sets/72157646465168155/

I think each pane is narrow enough to minimize that geometric effect, and like you said, the fins definitely help. Considering the client is the PBC, I also doubt they would have had the money for something as potentially pricey as curved glass. :)

Oh, for sure. That's why it's a clever touch. I mean, I don't think that's the primary reason they were used or anything, but I like the result.

Thanks for the awesome photos, by the way. :tup:

sentinel

Aug 27, 2015, 4:25 PM

Oh, for sure. That's why it's a clever touch. I mean, I don't think that's the primary reason they were used or anything, but I like the result.

Thanks for the awesome photos, by the way. :tup:

My pleasure; I really do like the fact that the PBC created individual flickr accounts for their projects, which makes it easier to see construction updates of their work.

The fins are what really sell the project - without them, it might still stand as an interesting building shape, but a little too minimalist/monochromatic..that's why I love both the effect and the color of those fins.

Ned.B

Aug 27, 2015, 5:02 PM

On the bright side, it looks like they're also redesigning the H&M. It looks like it's going to be significantly less offensive than what's there now. The Escada portion appears as though it will remain, clock tower and all. This block is going to end up a real pastiche. Michigan Avenue seems like it's becoming more and more like Times Square. There are no unifying design principles; everything is ad hoc.

I think the H&M facade is almost done, and should be revealed any day now. After all, they have been working on it all summer, and the giant H&M graphics on the plywood scaffolding shield came down earlier this week. Should be a big change from the Limestone facade that was there. Are they expanding from 2 to 4 floors?

Uniqlo on the other hand, just took what was once a very unified department store design tied with the tower behind, that managed to maintain that unity when it was split into Borders and Feline's Basement (and even to a certain extent when Columbia and TopShop replaced Borders) and turned it into a complete mish-mash

sentinel

Aug 27, 2015, 5:29 PM

Photos and article from the British school ribbon cutting are on Crubed (thanks, weirdaaron)...good GOD. Talk about a schizo building design. Just terrible.

ChickeNES

Aug 27, 2015, 5:33 PM

Chinatown library grand opening is Saturday, Aug 29....and it turned out beautifully.

If only SOM were picked more often for buildings in Chicago...

ithakas

Aug 27, 2015, 5:57 PM

If only SOM were picked more often for buildings in Chicago...

Speaking of which, has anyone heard anything about their proposal on Wabash and Superior?

sentinel

Aug 27, 2015, 5:58 PM

^ I don't think anything's been seen since the initial design renderings came out a number of months ago..

wierdaaron

Aug 27, 2015, 6:07 PM

Photos and article from the British school ribbon cutting are on Crubed (thanks, weirdaaron)...good GOD. Talk about a schizo building design. Just terrible.
http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2015/08/27/british-school-celebrates-opening-of-south-loop-campus.php

I took a lot more photos but it was all pretty well-trod territory. McCaffery made borderline racist jokes as usual and Solís said it was obviously a good idea to build this thing, and the development going on nearby has the school to thank. Working on arranging a photo tour of the interior.

I think there's going to be some kinda drama eventually about who exactly the park belongs to. All of the signage acts as if it's a Roosevelt Collection amenity. I did discover that there's a public elevator on the north face of the school, just to the left of the massive stairway, so I won't have to worry about climbing that mountain (54 steps) again to go see a movie unless it's on a dare.

ithakas

Aug 27, 2015, 6:34 PM

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2015/08/27/british-school-celebrates-opening-of-south-loop-campus.php

I think there's going to be some kinda drama eventually about who exactly the park belongs to. All of the signage acts as if it's a Roosevelt Collection amenity. I did discover that there's a public elevator on the north face of the school, just to the left of the massive stairway, so I won't have to worry about climbing that mountain (54 steps) again to go see a movie unless it's on a dare.

The park is definitely being made into 'Roosevelt Collection' territory. I've spotted them using the park for marketing/brand activation for retail tenants on two separate occasions, complete with big logo banners, people in store uniforms, etc. Of course, there's also the draconian rules that we've talked about here before.

This building is a complete atrocity. I've seen plenty of bad development rise in the South Loop in the last 15 years, but this has to take the cake. The good news is that I'm only 26, so I may yet live to see the day that it's demolished.

Jim in Chicago

Aug 27, 2015, 6:42 PM

The park is definitely being made into 'Roosevelt Collection' territory. I've spotted them using the park for marketing/brand activation for retail tenants on two separate occasions, complete with big logo banners, people in store uniforms, etc. Of course, there's also the draconian rules that we've talked about here before.

This building is a complete atrocity. I've seen plenty of bad development rise in the South Loop in the last 15 years, but this has to take the cake. The good news is that I'm only 26, so I may yet live to see the day that it's demolished.

Isn't that park there only as it was required as part of the RC development? If so, its not surprising that it is being pitched as RC territory. I'm just glad the school is sort of hidden back from Polk as that is certainly one ugly puppy.

wierdaaron

Aug 27, 2015, 6:47 PM

I think once the rest of that area gets developed (especially the big lot to the north of the school), people won't even notice the school. It already sort of blends into RC. Once there's more buildings to distract attention, it'll just be a side note. "There's a school down there?"

Mr Downtown

Aug 27, 2015, 7:53 PM

Guys, it's not a park. We lost that battle in 2013, and the PD was amended. Instead of a public park, McCaffery was allowed to build a private school with some shopping center landscaping on top.

wierdaaron

Aug 27, 2015, 7:56 PM

MrD, did you see this (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=7144202&postcount=30226) on the last page?

Commercial on ground floor makes me think maybe it won't be this old design:

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/55c8f5cdf92ea16b7200db03/859-s-wells-render.png

Seen anything newer?

Mr Downtown

Aug 27, 2015, 8:34 PM

^I've not heard anything more from those guys. I can't really think what would force them to do ground-floor "commercial" in a DX-5 district.

wierdaaron

Aug 27, 2015, 8:40 PM

Could be optimism that Wells will strengthen in foot traffic once the WWC is finished, and all that riverfront land gets developed. My main issue with that proposal was the lack of retail. Hopefully it's something good. Maybe I can get a newer render out of them.

F1 Tommy

Aug 27, 2015, 10:17 PM

Not sure if the land fill project on Fullerton Avenue Beach was ever posted:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-fullerton-beach-park-expansion-met-20150730-story.html

Rizzo

Aug 27, 2015, 10:47 PM

I think the H&M facade is almost done, and should be revealed any day now. After all, they have been working on it all summer, and the giant H&M graphics on the plywood scaffolding shield came down earlier this week. Should be a big change from the Limestone facade that was there. Are they expanding from 2 to 4 floors?

Uniqlo on the other hand, just took what was once a very unified department store design tied with the tower behind, that managed to maintain that unity when it was split into Borders and Feline's Basement (and even to a certain extent when Columbia and TopShop replaced Borders) and turned it into a complete mish-mash

The facades are currently visible.

BWChicago

Aug 28, 2015, 1:31 AM

munchymunch

Aug 28, 2015, 2:10 AM

killaviews

Aug 28, 2015, 2:23 AM

marothisu

Aug 28, 2015, 4:02 AM

So apparently Reilly is changing 17-19 w Hubbard zoning from DX-7 to DX-3.

http://media.legistar.com/chic/meetings/C65261DC-87F8-48BF-A6C8-FB07B268B75A/Agenda,%2008-27-2015.pdf

wonder what it could mean...

That's where Dierks Bentley is supposed to put that place Whiskey Row. Anything to do with that? Maybe they realized they could build something way more dense.

richb

Aug 28, 2015, 7:45 AM

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5143/5616942818_1a70b0dfe6_b.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/366/19856951558_610da697ce_b.jpg
http://photos.wikimapia.org/p/00/02/25/22/28_big.jpg

It's a malleable building.

Here is a piece from the "Forgotten Chicago" website about this building.

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

Seems Bertrand Goldberg was one of the last residents of the mansion that once stood there.

ChickeNES

Aug 28, 2015, 10:26 AM

So apparently Reilly is changing 17-19 w Hubbard zoning from DX-7 to DX-3.

http://media.legistar.com/chic/meetings/C65261DC-87F8-48BF-A6C8-FB07B268B75A/Agenda,%2008-27-2015.pdf

wonder what it could mean...

I noticed the new hotel proposal to replace a gas station in Wicker Park was on there, but this was the most interesting, hopefully the PD documents are public soon.

http://i.imgur.com/W64Kldm.png
(sorry for the image, tried to paste but the formatting was totally fubar)

Not really much in the way of new info, but good to see that things may be moving along.

denizen467

Aug 28, 2015, 11:37 AM

The Eastman Street extension has opened through (behind) New City to Clybourn, via a stub of Ogden. This allows access to the new parking structure in New City - which seems to be open now.

Also but unrelated, and apparently not in the press yet, Bockwinkel's seems to be attempting another urban store again. In the past 20+ years they've been in Presidential Towers, in the basement of Chicago Place, and a couple other places, and all those stores have ended up closing. Right now they have one main store near Aqua and another one nearby in LSE.

This time it looks like it's Streeterville - pretty close to Whole Foods, in the McClurg Court Center structure where the original Streeterville movie theaters were. Timetable may be neck and neck with the Target Express happening in the early fall. That area is finally getting a retail boom, though it might end up with a food gusher (or whatever the opposite of a food desert is) - at least until the last few empty lots in the area get towers built.

Randomguy34

Aug 28, 2015, 12:18 PM

I noticed the new hotel proposal to replace a gas station in Wicker Park was on there, but this was the most interesting, hopefully the PD documents are public soon.

(sorry for the image, tried to paste but the formatting was totally fubar)

Not really much in the way of new info, but good to see that things may be moving along.

Oh damn. That's the proposal for River South. It's the project that's taking up most of the SW corner of Wells and Harrison (not the massive lot south of Roosevelt). CMK, who's developing the site, only owns a portion of it while another developer, Phoenix, owns the corner at the intersection of Wells and Harrison.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CG/20150618/CRED03/150619806/AR/0/cmk-lend-lease-plan-2700-home-south-loop-project.jpg&maxw=350&cci_ts=20150618112912

ChickeNES

Aug 28, 2015, 12:32 PM

Oh damn. That's the proposal for River South. It's the project that's taking up most of the SW corner of Wells and Harrison (not the massive lot south of Roosevelt). CMK, who's developing the site, only owns a portion of it while another developer, Phoenix, owns the corner at the intersection of Wells and Harrison.

Yup! I actually watched them doing soil testing work from my office about two months ago. I recall someone posted some sketches a while back (spyguy?) but I can't find them at the moment.

UrbanLibertine

Aug 28, 2015, 12:34 PM

ChickeNES

Aug 28, 2015, 12:39 PM

aaron38

Aug 28, 2015, 1:22 PM

900 W Washington - 24 condos, 23 parking spaces
http://i58.tinypic.com/2e0pwkp.jpg

The city is changing too fast (not a bad thing). The 2nd building to the west, on Google maps is still a parking lot, and on streetview is just some steel on top of the parking deck. How did that one turn out? I see the render artist chose to hide the podium with a tree. Is it that bad?

I do like the scale of this building and the way it faces the street. Designs are getting better.

msu2001la

Aug 28, 2015, 2:48 PM

Has any off-street mall been successful since Pipers Alley circa 1970? I understand why the property owner would dream of being able to market mid-block space having no Division or Milwaukee frontage as if it did, but what's missing is for the "connection" to actually be a vital connection. The reason the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II works is that it's on a path pedestrians already wanted to take. Many an off-street gallery has failed because they didn't understand that crucial factor.

Sorry for responding to a week old post, but it's an interesting discussion that seemed to get brushed aside.

Giddings Plaza in Lincoln Square, while maybe a different scale, is an example of a successful pedestrian only space with commercial tenants. Also the riverwalk seems to be on it's way to being one of these too. I'm sure there are others in Chicago too.

I agree that you can't just plop some commercial space down and expect people to be drawn into it, but this "wicker park connection" is coming with 275 new apartments in an already popular neighborhood with lots of pedestrians. I don't think it's crazy to think that some off-street commercial spaces might work there.

Mr Downtown

Aug 28, 2015, 4:38 PM

Giddings Plaza in Lincoln Square, while maybe a different scale, is an example of a successful pedestrian only space with commercial tenants.

But is it really? Cafe Selmarie opens to Lincoln, not to the plaza. The ice-cream shop is easily visible from Lincoln, only 50 feet away. And the connection is one that pedestrians already want to take, from the residential areas to the east to Lincoln Avenue and the L station.

marothisu

Aug 28, 2015, 4:51 PM

Looks like SoNo is getting an addition (building permit issued yesterday):

"FOUNDATION/SUPERSTRUCTURE ONLY FOR 8-STORY 98-EFFICIENCY UNIT ADDITION (1515 N FREMONT) TO AN EXISTING 27-STORY 197-DWELLING RESIDENTIAL BUILDING (860 W BLACKHAWK) AND 5-LEVEL ACCESSORY PARKING STRUCTURE."

Nice - that is nice density. I've seen a small handful of these types of permits this month. The other big one is the addition to the Bank of America building at Division/Milwaukee/Ashland for 60 or so units.

Chicago Shawn

Aug 28, 2015, 5:56 PM

So apparently Reilly is changing 17-19 w Hubbard zoning from DX-7 to DX-3.

http://media.legistar.com/chic/meetings/C65261DC-87F8-48BF-A6C8-FB07B268B75A/Agenda,%2008-27-2015.pdf

wonder what it could mean...

This crap needs to stop. What is the point of even having a dept of zoning of alderman can rezone to whatever they want on whim. Down-zoning two categories to the lowest level allowed in that part of downtown? The property owners should sue, that could be considered a taking especially if there was a pending sale with plans for redeveloping the property as of right.

And the city budget is in crises mode, we should not be limiting development opportunities anywhere in the central area. As a taxpayer, I am royally pissed off at moves like this.

marothisu

Aug 28, 2015, 6:44 PM

This crap needs to stop. What is the point of even having a dept of zoning of alderman can rezone to whatever they want on whim. Down-zoning two categories to the lowest level allowed in that part of downtown? The property owners should sue, that could be considered a taking especially if there was a pending sale with plans for redeveloping the property as of right.

Keep in mind that Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row was scheduled go to there. Do we not remember this? It's only supposed to be 2 stories tall.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=6644305&postcount=24830

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ECwIXIpebE/U7rIs-TzFuI/AAAAAAAABDo/P8d-pU3B--w/w650-h378-no/CHI120.jpg

King of Chicago

Aug 29, 2015, 1:46 AM

Sorry for responding to a week old post, but it's an interesting discussion that seemed to get brushed aside.

Giddings Plaza in Lincoln Square, while maybe a different scale, is an example of a successful pedestrian only space with commercial tenants. Also the riverwalk seems to be on it's way to being one of these too. I'm sure there are others in Chicago too.

I agree that you can't just plop some commercial space down and expect people to be drawn into it, but this "wicker park connection" is coming with 275 new apartments in an already popular neighborhood with lots of pedestrians. I don't think it's crazy to think that some off-street commercial spaces might work there.

Not only that, but the Wicker Park Connector will in fact connect two streets are already really popular. I used to live over by there, and it was always a pain to have to walk all the way to the corner of Milwaukee and Ashland, and then round the corner to go west on Division. I see this connector as an extension of Mautene Court all the way to Division.

TSSTaylor

Aug 29, 2015, 5:16 AM

Looks like SoNo is getting an addition (building permit issued yesterday):

"FOUNDATION/SUPERSTRUCTURE ONLY FOR 8-STORY 98-EFFICIENCY UNIT ADDITION (1515 N FREMONT) TO AN EXISTING 27-STORY 197-DWELLING RESIDENTIAL BUILDING (860 W BLACKHAWK) AND 5-LEVEL ACCESSORY PARKING STRUCTURE."

This could potentially be right next to the Aloft. http://www.salitadevelopment.com/?project=upcoming-the-lincoln-park-chicago-hotel-chicago

Used to live in SoNo, absolutely miss the views. That area has completely transformed in the past 2-3 years.

marothisu

Aug 29, 2015, 1:14 PM

The 8 story, 90 unit building for Clark/Belmont got its building permit yesterday (former Punkin Donuts).

Chicago Shawn

Aug 29, 2015, 9:37 PM

^^Awesome news!

Keep in mind that Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row was scheduled go to there. Do we not remember this? It's only supposed to be 2 stories tall.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=6644305&postcount=24830

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ECwIXIpebE/U7rIs-TzFuI/AAAAAAAABDo/P8d-pU3B--w/w650-h378-no/CHI120.jpg

Regardless of what is planned there, this practice of random down zones must stop. A 3 FAR less then 1 block north of where the central office core zoning begins south of Kinzie Street is completely absurd. If this project doesn't happen for whatever reason, redevelopment of that property will be significantly harder to do as a dash-3 as base zoning doesn't even allow for bonuses if a PD was sought. This property could always be redeveloped again on the next boom cycle or two, stranger things have happened.

My speculation is they wanted to go bigger and this probably is Reilly's way of saying no. I would have less of an issue if this was in a landmark district, but as far as I know, it isn't.

ardecila

Aug 30, 2015, 4:12 AM

Not only that, but the Wicker Park Connector will in fact connect two streets are already really popular. I used to live over by there, and it was always a pain to have to walk all the way to the corner of Milwaukee and Ashland, and then round the corner to go west on Division. I see this connector as an extension of Mautene Court all the way to Division.

I can testify that there is quite a bit of pedestrian traffic between the Milwaukee and Division strips on Wolcott and Paulina...

The section of Division between Paulina and Ashland is kind of a dead zone, way too many missing teeth and the Wendy's just kills the vibe. However, Centrum's project may repair this stretch and fill it with bustling businesses.

marothisu

Aug 30, 2015, 6:31 PM

The section of Division between Paulina and Ashland is kind of a dead zone, way too many missing teeth and the Wendy's just kills the vibe. However, Centrum's project may repair this stretch and fill it with bustling businesses.

Someone needs to buy that Wendy's out and build something not shitty there like right now.

marothisu

Aug 30, 2015, 6:40 PM

Regardless of what is planned there, this practice of random down zones must stop. A 3 FAR less then 1 block north of where the central office core zoning begins south of Kinzie Street is completely absurd. If this project doesn't happen for whatever reason, redevelopment of that property will be significantly harder to do as a dash-3 as base zoning doesn't even allow for bonuses if a PD was sought. This property could always be redeveloped again on the next boom cycle or two, stranger things have happened.

My speculation is they wanted to go bigger and this probably is Reilly's way of saying no. I would have less of an issue if this was in a landmark district, but as far as I know, it isn't.

I completely agree - I was just kind of saying "hey remember this is why..." Was hoping there would be something better put there but I guess not. A 2 story building is better than a surface parking lot, but still could be way better.

ardecila

Aug 30, 2015, 7:09 PM

Someone needs to buy that Wendy's out and build something not shitty there like right now.

Doubtful. They just invested in a renovation of the Wendy's.

I was hoping the new renovation would pull the restaurant closer to the street, or eliminate a curb cut on Division to shift drivers to a Marshfield entrance. Nope, it was all just lipstick on a pig.

LouisVanDerWright

Aug 30, 2015, 8:17 PM

marothisu

Aug 30, 2015, 9:06 PM

Doubtful. They just invested in a renovation of the Wendy's.

I was hoping the new renovation would pull the restaurant closer to the street, or eliminate a curb cut on Division to shift drivers to a Marshfield entrance. Nope, it was all just lipstick on a pig.

Maybe they are renovating it to make it worth more and get more when they sell. My apartment building did that somewhat. Doubtful though

:(

ardecila

Aug 30, 2015, 9:46 PM

The Wendy's won't be so bad once the Centrum building that's starting now is complete. The problem is not the occasional drive thru bank or fast food joint, it's large concentrations of those types of underutilized land. For example, the relatively inoffensive McDonalds on Milwaukee North of Logan Square. Yes it's underutilized, yes it is anti-pedestrian, but everything around it is so dense and pedestrian friendly it's almost un-noticable. Once the other side of Division from Wendy's is developed, the Wendy's will probably just become background noise on a very strong Pedestrian street.

Yeah, that McDonald's is okay even though Rey Colon openly removed the P-street to build it.

However, Wendy's is twice the size of that McDonalds... it's set back from the street with two double-wide curb cuts and a very large parking lot behind. 33,000sf of suburban shit. The only redeeming thing is that it's not ruining a major intersection like the McDonalds at Milwaukee/Western. Other Wendy's in the city are far more compact and efficient... Ashland/Clybourn, Belmont/Keeler, etc. There are better ways to do fast food in the city.

ChiTownWonder

Aug 31, 2015, 2:55 AM

highrise thread is now here --> (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=218289&page=11)

<3

aaron38

Aug 31, 2015, 5:27 PM

Sad news:
Fire officials are looking into whether a kitchen grill touched off a fast-moving extra-alarm fire early Monday that destroyed a nearly century-old bowling alley in Lincoln Square..

Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said the fire appeared to start in the kitchen area of Lincoln Square Lanes at 4874 N. Lincoln Ave.

"They're looking at it," Langford said. "That's where the windows were lit up when they arrived. It's kind of a clue."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-extra-alarm-fire-in-lincoln-square-20150830-story.html

aaron38

Aug 31, 2015, 5:31 PM

However, Wendy's is twice the size of that McDonalds... it's set back from the street with two double-wide curb cuts and a very large parking lot behind. 33,000sf of suburban shit. The only redeeming thing is that it's not ruining a major intersection like the McDonalds at Milwaukee/Western. Other Wendy's in the city are far more compact and efficient... Ashland/Clybourn, Belmont/Keeler, etc. There are better ways to do fast food in the city.

Those are just land banks. Need somewhere for the proposals 5 years from now to go.

msu2001la

Aug 31, 2015, 5:56 PM

But is it really? Cafe Selmarie opens to Lincoln, not to the plaza. The ice-cream shop is easily visible from Lincoln, only 50 feet away. And the connection is one that pedestrians already want to take, from the residential areas to the east to Lincoln Avenue and the L station.

I know it's not a perfect example and already acknowledged scale differences, but Cafe Selmarie's door is on the corner of the building and they only have one small window facing Lincoln, but several windows and street cafe on the plaza itself. It opens just as much to the plaza as it does to Lincoln.

Google Earth measures 120' from Lincoln to the ice cream shop awnings, and the signage is not visible from Lincoln in the Streetview imagery. The signage is on the south side of the building and vehicle traffic is one-way southbound on Lincoln. No one driving down Lincoln (an already heavily pedestrianized stretch, by the way) is seeing the signage for the ice cream store, even in the winter with no leaves.

I'd say given all that... yes, it counts as successful off-street/ped-only commercial space. I understand your point about success requiring a desirable connection. I think the Wicker Park project provides that. It's immediately adjacent to a CTA stop and provides a good ped shortcut between two busy streets.

Tom Servo

Aug 31, 2015, 6:22 PM

Sad news:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-extra-alarm-fire-in-lincoln-square-20150830-story.html

Really fucking lame. Lincoln and Timber Lanes were a huge part of my teen years. Fuck. :(

wierdaaron

Aug 31, 2015, 6:25 PM

Seems like whenever there's a high profile fire at a business, there's a little aftershock of smaller fires elsewhere in other businesses. Always makes me suspicious of insurance arson.

sentinel

Aug 31, 2015, 6:33 PM

^^ Or just plain, ole' copycat arson, frankly.

LouisVanDerWright

Aug 31, 2015, 6:47 PM

Sad news:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-extra-alarm-fire-in-lincoln-square-20150830-story.html

I know, total bummer, that rennovation was really beautiful.

SolarWind

Sep 1, 2015, 3:45 AM

August 31, 2015

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/DSC_0124_zpscuv5fytm.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/DSC_0121_zpstxnywfu8.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/DSC_0120_zps8t91yd70.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/DSC_0116_zpsg0q6oxfa.jpg

SolarWind

Sep 1, 2015, 3:46 AM

August 31, 2015

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/DSC_0113_zpscp5cjyax.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/DSC_0108_zpsc77wnovt.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/DSC_0096_zpseslsgby1.jpg

marothisu

Sep 1, 2015, 5:39 PM

Anyone know anything about the building on the SE corner of Franklin & Ontario? I think it's been under construction, seemingly, for a few years. I forgot until now that a few weekends ago it was all removed and you could see the actual building there. Looked like there were new windows installed and the facade is definitely different from a handful of years ago along with the building. Looks like some sort of lounge/club but no signs or anything. Anyone have any info? I seem to remember a bottle of wine in one of the windows.

My guess is a new big club/lounge - the exterior kind of screamed that. Also it's right near Spy Bar, Sound Bar, Y Bar, Bevy, and Shay.

Skyguy_7

Sep 1, 2015, 7:34 PM

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/DSC_0108_zpsc77wnovt.jpg

Great capture! Interesting to see how they have to pre-set that pipe sleeve. Did you notice the Manitowoc is BRAND spanking new? There's still paint on the metal trax.

Chi-Sky21

Sep 1, 2015, 8:02 PM

Taking my son on our annual river tour this weekend. Can't wait to finally get to see all these projects up close! Simply amazing everything going on near the river right now.

wierdaaron

Sep 1, 2015, 8:05 PM

Once the riverwalk is done and the navy pier flyover is done, I'm almost going to be out of things to complain about downtown. Good times!

the urban politician

Sep 1, 2015, 8:16 PM

Once the riverwalk is done and the navy pier flyover is done, I'm almost going to be out of things to complain about downtown. Good times!

^ Nowhere to park!

I kid....I kid....

marothisu

Sep 1, 2015, 8:45 PM

Hmmm - Chicago is getting an Aire Ancient Baths at Chicago & Halsted? A few started in Spain, one in NYC (TriBeCa).

LouisVanDerWright

Sep 1, 2015, 8:54 PM

I know, if only there were some kind of 5 story, nearly indestructable, midrise located between the Blue Line Belmont Stop and the Kennedy. If only it were of quality design with maybe a nice clocktower or other distinguishing architectural features. If only it were a building so nice they built the freeway around it...

Maybe it could even have been an early modernist design reminiscent of Corbusier or Gropius. If only. Maybe it could have even looked like this:

http://i.imgur.com/Frzu9i1.png

http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1977/09/25/page/533/article/i-s-berlin-makes-way-for-plaza

Then:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/47/127707532_6a864fe71c_b.jpg
flickr user westvillagebob

Great job yet again Chicago! Always working on our preservation skills.

LouisVanDerWright

Sep 1, 2015, 9:07 PM

Did you notice the Manitowoc is BRAND spanking new? There's still paint on the metal trax.

I've seen a few new Manitowoc's around town like that. I just noticed today that Case Foundation has what looks like a brand new rig over at the Hudson site, either that or it's a used one they refurbished and repainted in their scheme. It is significantly newer than all the old beaters they usually use.

It's a sign of a good economy. Lot's of projects means demand for new equipment which means more jobs and more blue collar workers in Manitowac being able to afford to send their kids to college in Chicago instead of UW system schools.

emathias

Sep 1, 2015, 9:23 PM

...
Great job yet again Chicago! Always working on our preservation skills.

What happened to that awesome clock?

LouisVanDerWright

Sep 1, 2015, 10:54 PM

What happened to that awesome clock?

Replaced with another landmark building. Same view today:

http://i.imgur.com/z842uuu.png

Thats actually the exact same streetlight in both photos on the corner by the highway onramp...

ardecila

Sep 2, 2015, 2:17 AM

Hmmm - Chicago is getting an Aire Ancient Baths at Chicago & Halsted? A few started in Spain, one in NYC (TriBeCa).

Is this confirmed?

LouisVanDerWright

Sep 2, 2015, 2:20 AM

wierdaaron

Sep 2, 2015, 2:29 AM

Is it a knock-through with the building next door on Ontario? That place has been a string of failed nightclubs. But that may just be the nature of nightclubs.

ardecila

Sep 2, 2015, 2:37 AM

I know, if only there were some kind of 5 story, nearly indestructable, midrise located between the Blue Line Belmont Stop and the Kennedy. If only it were of quality design with maybe a nice clocktower or other distinguishing architectural features. If only it were a building so nice they built the freeway around it...

Maybe it could even have been an early modernist design reminiscent of Corbusier or Gropius. If only.

Shit, I didn't know about this! What a tragedy.

If that thing still existed it would already be fancy tech offices on par with the Merchandise Mart. Like the Green Exchange, but, you know, actually on the Blue Line.

On the plus side, it does mean we have a large site on top of a subway station that is ripe for development, right in the path of gentrification.