CHICAGO | General Developments

[sloop.chi]

Does anyone know who the buyer of 630 s wabash was? Sold in early January for 3.5mm

Would be a good spot for a midsize tower

[marothisu]

Does anyone know who the buyer of 630 s wabash was? Sold in early January for 3.5mm

Would be a good spot for a midsize tower

I see $5.95M. Anyway it looks like ServiceFirst Bank is the grantee who is a fairly small bank in AL, GA, and FL. Before that was CCC Chicago, which I believe is the city colleges? Pretty interesting actually. Here's an article from a decade ago about the property that was there before and its owner up until a month ago, Loraine Phillips. It kind of seems as she's just been holding onto this thing for awhile and may have finally let go of the property.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-10-26/news/0610260218_1_preservationist-spectacular-fire-fire-commissioner-raymond-orozco

[BrinChi]

Is something going to be built here?

looks like the 19th century church at Damen/Adams is finally coming down :(

http://www.urbanremainschicago.com/news-and-events/2016/02/18/19th-century-chicago-west-side-holy-bethel-church-building-begins-shortly-after-demolition-permit-issued/

[BrinChi]

^^^ Those types of buildings are disposable, just a placeholder. Let the existing cycle chew up the parking lots, and this will be a prime site in the '20s. Doubt it lasts a decade.

I just don't get why they are even bothering though? Unless both Corner Bakery and Big Bowl are being replaced with a higher-end tenant? Seems like you'd have to bring in a lot more rent above what you were getting for this to make financial sense. Obviously they're expecting it to pay off...

[BrinChi]

Interesting article about the rise of Chinatown and versus the former and present Chinatowns of other cities in the US:

https://nextcity.org/features/view/chicago-chinatown-development-small-businesses


This was really interesting, thanks for sharing!

[marothisu]

I just don't get why they are even bothering though? Unless both Corner Bakery and Big Bowl are being replaced with a higher-end tenant? Seems like you'd have to bring in a lot more rent above what you were getting for this to make financial sense. Obviously they're expecting it to pay off...

There is no doubt that they're being replaced by higher end tenants. You can just tell by the rendering alone. No more food in the space which is sad, but most likely there will be some fashion boutiques coming in the space.

Here's the property brochure from Baum. Notice how they highlight the luxury/high end offerings of the nearby area and say things like "dramatic storefronts." It definitely screams catering for new high end/luxury tenants

http://www.baumrealty.com/Content/Dynamic/Listings/State%20&%20Cedar%20Flyer.pdf

[marothisu]

This was really interesting, thanks for sharing!

Yeah. I showed this to my girlfriend who lives in Queens and only been in the US for a few years. Was interesting :tup: The only thing is that I think Brooklyn's Chinatown would fit well into the dialogue of the article too. Flushing too, but Flushing has seen some gentrification - there is a big mall with a Target, Gap, Old Navy, Applebee's, etc right near Main St but Flushing is still awesome.

I'm excited to see what happens with Chicago Chinatown. The thing is that the borders have been expanding kind of as there's many Chinese people in Bridgeport now with a number of Chinese businesses. Not only that but McKinley Park too and increasingly Brighton Park.

[BrinChi]

There is no doubt that they're being replaced by higher end tenants. You can just tell by the rendering alone. No more food in the space which is sad, but most likely there will be some fashion boutiques coming in the space.

Here's the property brochure from Baum. Notice how they highlight the luxury/high end offerings of the nearby area and say things like "dramatic storefronts." It definitely screams catering for new high end/luxury tenants

http://www.baumrealty.com/Content/Dynamic/Listings/State%20&%20Cedar%20Flyer.pdf

Ah that makes sense. Since they're pointing out the Viceroy redevelopment and condo project to the north, they must be looking to generate more income without much effort in the short term, while expecting property values to continue growing at such a rate that a larger project will be even more lucrative in 10+ years.

Hopefully more decent and affordable food options open nearby to make up for the closing of CB and BB. ;)

[marothisu]

Ah that makes sense. Since they're pointing out the Viceroy redevelopment and condo project to the north, they must be looking to generate more income without much effort in the short term, while expecting property values to continue growing at such a rate that a larger project will be even more lucrative in 10+ years.

Hopefully more decent and affordable food options open nearby to make up for the closing of CB and BB. ;)

Meh. CornerBakery is not good. BigBowl was an OK option if you wanted semi americanized Asian food. Da Lobsta was also torn down remember which is decent but too expensive (they have a place in River North still). I was more upset when the Ashkenaz Deli was closed and Da Lobsta took over though. Wish there'd be food options there, but oh well. There's still a decent amount in the area.

[BrinChi]

I think most people would agree our grand cathedrals should be preserved, the question is, who will fund the preservation? The majority of them are very expensive to maintain, and/or very challenging to repurpose.

Since the topic was being discussed, I've been meaning to ask on here about any grants available for historic church preservation. Is anyone aware of such opportunities? I attend a church in the Gold Coast with beautiful stained glass windows from the 1880s that will cost $750K to fully restore. The church has set aside funds for maybe a third of this cost, but it's hard to convince the rest of the congregation to make these repairs a priority at the moment, especially in tension with spending priorities that directly help people instead, and I'm afraid it won't become a top priority until a big storm blows the windows out and we enter crisis mode. The full cost is about 1 year's budget. The church brick also needs power washing on the side that faces a small park to clean off the grime from the days of dirty industry -- that'll probably never happen without specifically earmarked funds.

Maybe there aren't government grants, but I know the church is on one of the walking tours for CAF. Is it worth asking them to contribute to the restoration in exchange for indoor access on their tours?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[marothisu]

Madison Capital from NYC bought some buildings in Fulton Market about a year ago. Yesterday they received a permit to start redeveloping one of these buildings (312 N Carpenter) which is right near Google's new offices. The permit calls for renovation to offices and a new 3 story addition (didn't specify if it was on top of the existing building. I assume on top of the existing building as there's not much room for a new structure beside it anywhere.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20150401/CRED03/150339950/another-fulton-market-meatpacker-sells-out

[LouisVanDerWright]

Yeah. I showed this to my girlfriend who lives in Queens and only been in the US for a few years. Was interesting :tup: The only thing is that I think Brooklyn's Chinatown would fit well into the dialogue of the article too. Flushing too, but Flushing has seen some gentrification - there is a big mall with a Target, Gap, Old Navy, Applebee's, etc right near Main St but Flushing is still awesome.

I'm excited to see what happens with Chicago Chinatown. The thing is that the borders have been expanding kind of as there's many Chinese people in Bridgeport now with a number of Chinese businesses. Not only that but McKinley Park too and increasingly Brighton Park.

There are some huge townhome/SFH developments in these areas, even down by Pershing Road. I suspect these projects are largely selling out to the expanding Chinese community. Really promising trend for the South Side. The Chinese community here has the size and cohesion to clean up areas that are probably otherwise untenable if it were just regular market forces. The additional demand from the Chinese is certainly very welcome here!

[marothisu]

There are some huge townhome/SFH developments in these areas, even down by Pershing Road. I suspect these projects are largely selling out to the expanding Chinese community. Really promising trend for the South Side. The Chinese community here has the size and cohesion to clean up areas that are probably otherwise untenable if it were just regular market forces. The additional demand from the Chinese is certainly very welcome here!

Agreed. We need to see a lot of movement - could be awesome but we'll see it play out. One of the great things is that Chicago and Shenyang are sister cities. Shenyang is in Dongbei which is NE China and colder than Chicago in winter, so some of the people who have moved from that region aren't really bothered by the cold like a transplant from CA or FL might be. That region is colder than Chicago and the funny thing is that Chicago now has just as many, if not more, Dongbei restaurants and eateries than my girlfriend (she's originally from that same region) and I know about in Queens and Manhattan combined. It's kind of funny but not surprising once you learn they are sister cities.

[jpIllInoIs]

Agreed. We need to see a lot of movement - could be awesome but we'll see it play out. One of the great things is that Chicago and Shenyang are sister cities. Shenyang is in Dongbei which is NE China and colder than Chicago in winter, so some of the people who have moved from that region aren't really bothered by the cold like a transplant from CA or FL might be. That region is colder than Chicago and the funny thing is that Chicago now has just as many, if not more, Dongbei restaurants and eateries than my girlfriend (she's originally from that same region) and I know about in Queens and Manhattan combined. It's kind of funny but not surprising once you learn they are sister cities.

I would think that a strong, vibrant Chinatown will also help sell some high end apartments in Wanda. Some corporations will own apartments for visiting execs.

[ardecila]

I was always curious about this. What came 1st the campus or the layout of the street grid because NONE of the streets east of there would line up with streets to the west. You could never link them up anyways. I assumed it was because of the campus but it still seemed strange.

Walton, Locust and Chestnut used to extend east to LaSalle before they were vacated, one by one, between 1960-1990. They never did line up with the streets on the other side of LaSalle because they were subdivided at different times.

Moody Bible existed (in a much smaller form) since c.1900 on that site but gradually expanded northward, and the city was happy to grant them street closures to create a wall and buffer the Gold Coast from the "undesirables" in Cabrini-Green. Honestly I'm surprised the city let Oak St remain open...

[streetline]

Madison Capital from NYC bought some buildings in Fulton Market about a year ago. Yesterday they received a permit to start redeveloping one of these buildings (312 N Carpenter) which is right near Google's new offices. The permit calls for renovation to offices and a new 3 story addition (didn't specify if it was on top of the existing building. I assume on top of the existing building as there's not much room for a new structure beside it anywhere.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20150401/CRED03/150339950/another-fulton-market-meatpacker-sells-out

312 N Carpenter is the building that had it's rear section collapse in September (https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150917/west-loop/building-near-1k-fulton-collapses-may-pose-further-risk-fire-dept), I would suspect the addition is replacing that section.

[harryc]

Old pilings being incorporated into the new walkway
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XTco9W6POY4/VtMRVLRPy3I/AAAAAAAEcJo/piCYI5f2EMk/s912-Ic42/IMG_1666.CR2.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h-vS8wD2IoM/VtMSJQ37ytI/AAAAAAAEcJs/NeNPhsZLZv8/s912-Ic42/P1390798.JPG

The man in the high seat
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MCmdP4kXwDg/VtMSJ3STNYI/AAAAAAAEcJw/p9pELbAhXnM/s912-Ic42/P1390804.JPG


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9CPsVO2X6kI/VtMSKYqUpKI/AAAAAAAEcJ0/_6s4VCudUTM/s912-Ic42/IMG_2653.CR2.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wl1xBM_jVNg/VtMSKhd_LJI/AAAAAAAEcJ4/b2oH3_6j7tg/s912-Ic42/IMG_2654.CR2.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PLQrJHzQrpI/VtMSTIDo8sI/AAAAAAAEcJ8/rFi6ObHXzxE/s912-Ic42/P1390775.JPG

[UrbanOasis]

River walking last night.....

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1483/25323920096_6c7a611235_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1648/24982447799_b012a00657_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1681/25054514600_8dc999715e_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1635/25257025131_f20cbbf214_m.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1540/24982460999_bc0a14ab2f_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1483/25257031461_f29755a09b_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1607/25257042051_a8b252690d_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1476/24982478669_38b6634d13_m.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1484/24719535364_39df87263c_m.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1618/25231885072_03b0359a1c_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1461/24719536764_f16fb2aab9_m.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1573/25231893962_8227a4249e_z.jpg

[Mikemak27]

The link below is an article on how Moody's Bible wants to get a zoning change to lease part of their properties.

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160229/old-town/moody-bible-wants-lease-some-surplus-properties-old-town

[Randomguy34]

Lakeside Development Dead After U.S. Steel and McCaffery Interests Split
By Sam Cholke | February 29, 2016 12:37pm
SOUTH CHICAGO — The massive Lakeside development project on the former South Works steel mill site is dead after a split between owner U.S. Steel and developer McCaffery Interests.

Dan McCaffery, CEO of McCaffery Interests, on Monday confirmed that the developer had split with U.S. Steel several weeks ago and the plans have been scrapped for a $4 billion development project on 589 acres of vacant South Works land on the south lakefront.

“A lot of good stuff has happened, but they’re a steel company and they’re not ready to take on a large real estate project,” McCaffery said.

He praised U.S. Steel for being an excellent partner in the plan that started in 2004, but failed to start construction on 13,000 homes and 17.5 million square feet of commercial space planned for the site....
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160229/south-chicago/lakeside-development-dead-after-us-steel-mccaffery-interests-split

[Via Chicago]

^
in a surprise to absolutely no one...

[SamInTheLoop]

^ No kidding......the article could have written itself......like, 10 years ago. Gotta love McCaffery's ridiculous spin in the Crain's article! It should be crystal clear to everybody that US Steel has finally publicly admitted with this action that it selected the wrong 'developer' partner all those many years ago. In the end, McHackery couldn't even put together a deal for a lone grocery-anchored suburban-style strip shopping center. What an absolute clown.....

[VKChaz]

I'm excited to see what happens with Chicago Chinatown. The thing is that the borders have been expanding kind of as there's many Chinese people in Bridgeport now with a number of Chinese businesses. Not only that but McKinley Park too and increasingly Brighton Park.

The article mentions education. I wonder if there will ever be sufficient demand for a private, Chinese-focused secondary school, perhaps even repurposing an industrial building around Bridgeport.

[ardecila]

^ No kidding......the article could have written itself......like, 10 years ago. Gotta love McCaffery's ridiculous spin in the Crain's article! It should be crystal clear to everybody that US Steel has finally publicly admitted with this action that it selected the wrong 'developer' partner all those many years ago. In the end, McHackery couldn't even put together a deal for a lone grocery-anchored suburban-style strip shopping center. What an absolute clown.....

If you can set your disdain for McCaffery aside... do you think this is really on him, or is South Works just not feasible right now in any form?

With the exception of a few things in Hyde Park that are obviously supported indirectly by the U of C, nobody's really moved the dial on developing the south lakefront - especially as far south as 87th. Draper & Kramer hasn't been able to move on Lake Meadows except to spruce up the strip mall. The city is still spinning its wheels at Michael Reese. Etc, etc.

South Chicago is a huge retail desert and historically, it has not been feasible to open large retail developments in these areas without major public subsidies. The city already did this at Chatham Marketplace, Pullman Park, and Marshfield Plaza. Probably more.

[Via Chicago]

^
agree, it was a pipe dream from day 1. maybe in another generation we will start to see some movement this far south, but today its just not happening.

[ardecila]

I'd like to see the city lay the groundwork for future development here. Partner with USS - give them a tax exemption to reduce their carrying costs until mixed-use development is feasible, and partner with them on temporary and interim uses.

With a little work, this would be a perfect site for the various music festivals (Riot Fest, Lake Shake, North Coast, etc). The setting is spectacular and the wide open space makes it easy to set up security, parking, loading without messing up traffic flows and pissing off neighbors. There isn't really a beautiful landscape to clean up, either, so restoration costs would be minimized. If successful, they could even invest in hard infrastructure like Summerfest does for bathrooms, concessions, and stages.

[Busy Bee]

You know it might be a blessing in disguise. The South Works would and should be THE primary potential Olympic park sight if Chicago ever makes another summer games pitch—especially considering the current(no doubt unending) lakefront & park use politics. I like the idea of some hypothetical events in Washington Park, Grant & Lincoln(and others of course) but IMO the South Works has much more potential for a truly stunning Olympic Games campus. An Olympic village in this scenario could follow a framework plan similar to the current so they could be converted to residential use post-Games.

2032 here we come bitches!

[the urban politician]

Can't get a development to happen on the south side?

Well, better go protest and blame Rahm again. He didn't make it rain gold.

You're supposed to make it rain gold for us, Rahm!

[Via Chicago]

I'd like to see the city lay the groundwork for future development here. Partner with USS - give them a tax exemption to reduce their carrying costs until mixed-use development is feasible, and partner with them on temporary and interim uses.

With a little work, this would be a perfect site for the various music festivals (Riot Fest, Lake Shake, North Coast, etc). The setting is spectacular and the wide open space makes it easy to set up security, parking, loading without messing up traffic flows and pissing off neighbors. There isn't really a beautiful landscape to clean up, either, so restoration costs would be minimized. If successful, they could even invest in hard infrastructure like Summerfest does for bathrooms, concessions, and stages.

theres been at least one attempt at holding a festival down there and it went pretty well. but unless festivals become barred from city parks, i cant see the current model going away from more dynamic neighborhood venues.

[VKChaz]

With a little work, this would be a perfect site for the various music festivals (Riot Fest, Lake Shake, North Coast, etc). The setting is spectacular and the wide open space makes it easy to set up security, parking, loading without messing up traffic flows and pissing off neighbors. There isn't really a beautiful landscape to clean up, either, so restoration costs would be minimized. If successful, they could even invest in hard infrastructure like Summerfest does for bathrooms, concessions, and stages.

I don't know about specific locations but I can imagine the benefit to the City from constructing a "fairgrounds" site designed from the ground up with events in mind (surface material, layout, natural amphitheaters, vehicle and setup/teardown access, shelter areas, parking, and other potential infrastructure....). How much value a well-designed, committed space would offer (compared to obtaining an existing park location) might be a question for some of these event organizers. As well as researching whether such a facility could draw other events.

[jpIllInoIs]

Just build the nicest casino on the southern banks of Lake Mich.
Activate the docks for cruise and ferries.
Build some retail and ancillary service business and hotels.

Take all the money from Mich City and Indiana casinos. and not worry about bleeding business from the loop.

[SamInTheLoop]

If you can set your disdain for McCaffery aside... do you think this is really on him, or is South Works just not feasible right now in any form?

With the exception of a few things in Hyde Park that are obviously supported indirectly by the U of C, nobody's really moved the dial on developing the south lakefront - especially as far south as 87th. Draper & Kramer hasn't been able to move on Lake Meadows except to spruce up the strip mall. The city is still spinning its wheels at Michael Reese. Etc, etc.

South Chicago is a huge retail desert and historically, it has not been feasible to open large retail developments in these areas without major public subsidies. The city already did this at Chatham Marketplace, Pullman Park, and Marshfield Plaza. Probably more.


Don't disagree with the extraordinarily long odds to begin with......just that the selection of McCaffery was a choice to go with the least likely to put up anything on the site and was probably itself the final nail in the coffin....

[SamInTheLoop]

Can't get a development to happen on the south side?

Well, better go protest and blame Rahm again. He didn't make it rain gold.

You're supposed to make it rain gold for us, Rahm!



You sound as if you're becoming increasingly fully enveloped in some sort of bubble/echo chamber........(just keep some sort of escape passage open if you can - reality will miss you!)

[SamInTheLoop]

Just build the nicest casino on the southern banks of Lake Mich.
Activate the docks for cruise and ferries.
Build some retail and ancillary service business and hotels.

Take all the money from Mich City and Indiana casinos. and not worry about bleeding business from the loop.


Although part of me finds this a really attractive idea, I don't think I'd be able to support it. I'd want better for that site.....I'd want better for the residents of adjacent neighborhoods......and unless it is a true catalyst for all types of additional adjacent economic development, I think it could be more of a negative than a positive for low-to-lower-middle income neighborhoods on the south side. It will not just siphon off outbound casino business (headed for Indiana), it will be much easier for a lot of vulnerable groups to get to and cause problems for individuals/families/neighborhoods that currently do not exist. You could argue to one extent or another the same would be true for a casino located somewhere in greater downtown, however putting it right in the heart of a lot of lower-middle/lower income minority neighborhoods in the South Side......I feel the opitcs of that alone are horrible, and the reality would not be much better......

Not a fan of putting a casino in Chicago in general (although not vehemently opposed philosophically or morally or anything like that)....however given the state and city's massive fiscal duress, I suppose I think it's an inevitability, given the large revenues it would generate.......where is the question? I'll probably turn into somewhat of a NIMBY on this one, I hate to say - I wouldn't want it necessarily in my nabe, or daily path, or parts of downtown I most frequent, etc.....

[Jibba]

http://i.imgur.com/p0sxohd.jpg?1

Looks like they scrapped the HPA Studio Dwell facade. Not sure it would have cost that much more, really--just looked like some masonry panels and some fancier windows. Though, it certainly looked more complicated than whatever they ended up doing here.

[ChickeNES]

^ What a fucking joke. :yuck:

This was the Studio Dwell design:
http://i.imgur.com/AMnVueM.png

[RC Cola 23]

Why Chicago's Loop Will Survive Property Tax Increases
By: David Scherer, Principal | Origin Capital Partners
03/01/2016 10:35 am ET | Updated 44 minutes ago

Good stuff right there:

"Origin owns buildings in 10 major cities, from Seattle to Orlando. If you draw a circle around Chicago's City Hall for two miles in every direction, you have the fastest growing "city" in America, according to a JLL report that quoted U.S. Census data. Downtown housing creates more demand, not less, as it spurs retail growth and even more demand. The Loop is a positive feedback loop. We don't see any signs that will change."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-scherer/why-chicagos-loop-will-su_b_9355208.html?utm_hp_ref=chicago&ir=Chicago

[marothisu]

Speaking of office growth in the city of Chicago - Beam Suntory announced it is moving its HQ from the suburbs to the Merchandise Mart and All State announced its moving a bunch of people from the suburbs to the Merchandise Mart too. In total, that's 850 new workers for that building coming up.

[BuildThemTaller]

Just build the nicest casino on the southern banks of Lake Mich.
Activate the docks for cruise and ferries.
Build some retail and ancillary service business and hotels.

Take all the money from Mich City and Indiana casinos. and not worry about bleeding business from the loop.

I had the same idea about the South Works plot a couple of years ago and even sent a letter (unanswered) to my alderman about this. And I'm not sure that locating a casino or 3 right across from Horseshoe in Hammond/Whiting is all that bad of an idea for either party. I've been a fan of agglomeration for a long time. Make a portion of the South Works site an entertainment zone with ferry access and a spot for festivals and such on the lake. I'm sure a casino with a big parking garage would like to offer up parking when Dave Matthews Band rolls through town again. They can share a bus with Horsehoe and send it up to Lakeview. At least it would make use of the space and release the pressure from locating the casino downtown. I'm glad someone else has a similar thought.

[JK47]

I had the same idea about the South Works plot a couple of years ago and even sent a letter (unanswered) to my alderman about this. And I'm not sure that locating a casino or 3 right across from Horseshoe in Hammond/Whiting is all that bad of an idea for either party. I've been a fan of agglomeration for a long time. Make a portion of the South Works site an entertainment zone with ferry access and a spot for festivals and such on the lake. I'm sure a casino with a big parking garage would like to offer up parking when Dave Matthews Band rolls through town again. They can share a bus with Horsehoe and send it up to Lakeview. At least it would make use of the space and release the pressure from locating the casino downtown. I'm glad someone else has a similar thought.


A fairgrounds and Amusement Park Combo (Six Flags Great America, for instance, is a little over 300 acres total) would be pretty attractive and could create a unique draw that wouldn't necessarily cannibalize demand from nearby communities.

[SamInTheLoop]

Why Chicago's Loop Will Survive Property Tax Increases
By: David Scherer, Principal | Origin Capital Partners
03/01/2016 10:35 am ET | Updated 44 minutes ago

Good stuff right there:

"Origin owns buildings in 10 major cities, from Seattle to Orlando. If you draw a circle around Chicago's City Hall for two miles in every direction, you have the fastest growing "city" in America, according to a JLL report that quoted U.S. Census data. Downtown housing creates more demand, not less, as it spurs retail growth and even more demand. The Loop is a positive feedback loop. We don't see any signs that will change."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-scherer/why-chicagos-loop-will-su_b_9355208.html?utm_hp_ref=chicago&ir=Chicago



What a silly post to begin with though. I mean, if you actually even take seriously the possibility that the tax increase could seriously harm Chicago's central area economy, you're either not thinking hard, or perhaps not at all.....

[ardecila]

theres been at least one attempt at holding a festival down there and it went pretty well. but unless festivals become barred from city parks, i cant see the current model going away from more dynamic neighborhood venues.

Yeah, I know Dave Matthews Caravan already did it. Sounds like there was a few hiccups but nothing that can't be solved with better grooming of the site and better planning for transportation.

There's only a limited number of these festivals and the city holds pretty much all the cards when it comes to the location and timing of these events. If they want to steer festivals to South Works, they can easily do so.

Also, with Riot Fest being in Douglas Park now, I'm not sure how that's "more dynamic". Mamby on the Beach was a new one last year at 41st St. Not really much different than South Works.

[VKChaz]

fyi:
List of eight notable buildings identified by Preservation Chicago as at risk (one about to be demolished)
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20160302/CRED03/160309960/chicago-buildings-demolition-danger-thompson-center-mccormick-place

[ithakas]

Chicago Architecture posted a tweet of 112 S. State being demolished? Anyone have any idea what's happening here?

https://twitter.com/ChicagoArchitec/status/705029369983606785

[ardecila]

^ WeWork leased (http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20160204/CRED03/160209913/wework-moving-into-former-amalgamated-bank-hq-on-state-street) the Amalgamated Bank building and is expanding that building south. 112 S State has to come down for the expansion since the floors are at different heights...

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CG/20160204/CRED03/160209913/AR/0/wework-amalgamated-bank.jpg&maxw=600&cci_ts=20160204142856


I'm interested to see if there is an old facade on 112 S State (former Orpheum Theatre, at right). Apart from the portico and marquee, the rest of the facade would be at home on a Lucien Lagrange building...

http://i63.tinypic.com/2mw7zp4.jpg

[ithakas]

nm

[Kumdogmillionaire]

fyi:
List of eight notable buildings identified by Preservation Chicago as at risk (one about to be demolished)
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20160302/CRED03/160309960/chicago-buildings-demolition-danger-thompson-center-mccormick-place

I'd be okay with about half of those biting the dust

[Skyguy_7]

The McDonalds at Addison and Clark is now vacant, with fence around the entire lot. Also in unrelated news; McDonalds is apparently on the hunt for office space downtown again, per Crains.

https://chicagoismynewblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/addison-park-on-clark-4.jpg?w=600&h=273
Link (https://chicagoismynewblog.wordpress.com/2009/04/12/proposed-addison-park-on-clark-right-across-from-wrigley-field/)

[gallo]

To be clear, the image shown below is of the Addison Park on Clark development, which will be replacing Starbucks and 7-11 on the Addison Street side and just about everything on the Clark Street side all the way down to Goose Island.

The McDonalds is part of the Cubs Hotel/Retail development on Clark north of Addison. Apparently the design of this has changed since the renderings were shown a couple of years back (as the Cubs office building changed), but I can't seem to get my hands on any updated versions... I'm guessing it will be less old-timey than previously shown.

The McDonalds at Addison and Clark is now vacant, with fence around the entire lot. Also in unrelated news; McDonalds is apparently on the hunt for office space downtown again, per Crains.

https://chicagoismynewblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/addison-park-on-clark-4.jpg?w=600&h=273
Link (https://chicagoismynewblog.wordpress.com/2009/04/12/proposed-addison-park-on-clark-right-across-from-wrigley-field/)

[10023]

The McDonalds at Addison and Clark is now vacant, with fence around the entire lot. Also in unrelated news; McDonalds is apparently on the hunt for office space downtown again, per Crains.
They should tear down the Rock 'N Roll McDonald's, on land that they own, and build a new HQ in that location with a flagship restaurant incorporated at the bottom. That whole part of River North is an eyesore.

[ithakas]

They should tear down the Rock 'N Roll McDonald's, on land that they own, and build a new HQ in that location with a flagship restaurant incorporated at the bottom. That whole part of River North is an eyesore.

That's exactly what I've hoped they would do with an HQ relocation to Chicago. They wouldn't even need to tear down the Rock N Roll if they wanted to build a new HQ there though – there's a half block parking lot right next to it. The area to the west (Ed Debevic's/former Planet Hollywood) is being quickly redeveloped but somehow the Rock N Roll/Rainforest/Hard Rock area has avoided any changes so far.

At any rate, it sounds like they're looking at Sears Tower? I'm guessing wherever they end up will be closer to the suburban commuter lines.

[VKChaz]

At any rate, it sounds like they're looking at Sears Tower? I'm guessing wherever they end up will be closer to the suburban commuter lines.
Yes, I would expect the company would want to be in the main office corridor and ideally near the terminal large numbers of their Oak Brook workers would be using. And as to the R&R space, considering it is an entire square block, hopefully it will ultimately see some especially thoughtful planning.

[Via Chicago]

I'd be okay with about half of those biting the dust


The old chinatown block is one of my favorite in the city. Chicago boosters love to espouse chicagos grit, but then advocate for its sterilization in the same breath.

[ithakas]

The old chinatown block is one of my favorite in the city. Chicago boosters love to espouse chicagos grit, but then advocate for its sterilization in the same breath.

Yeah, I wouldn't be okay with losing a single one of these buildings (maybe some of the Sears stores in town aren't worth saving? Not sure.).

I commented on Curbed that I think the Old Chinatown block is the best view of Chicago grit from the 60s/70s we have left downtown.

[Kumdogmillionaire]

The old chinatown block is one of my favorite in the city. Chicago boosters love to espouse chicagos grit, but then advocate for its sterilization in the same breath.

Wasn't referring to those really. The "half" I was referring to were the Thompson Center (because fuck that ugly UFO looking ass waste of space), McCormick Place, Lakeside Center (because that thing looks like it belongs in a suburb not on the lakefront, the Sears buildings, and that janky old CTA station.

[Skyguy_7]

Re: NW corner Clark and Addison- My mistake. Should have recognized the AT&T building to the south!

Here's the latest rendering I'm aware of..
https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/wrigley-hotel-rendering1.jpg?w=640&h=360&crop=1
East Elevation via CBS Chicago

[SamInTheLoop]

Yes, I would expect the company would want to be in the main office corridor and ideally near the terminal large numbers of their Oak Brook workers would be using. And as to the R&R space, considering it is an entire square block, hopefully it will ultimately see some especially thoughtful planning.


Yes, absolutely - they'll definitely want a reasonable walk-to location from the major stations.....Tishman Speyer should pitch them hard.....definitely not sure McD's will bite on that price point, but worth a shot anyway, and Tishman should make a real run at landing them for 130 Franklin.....

[k1052]

Lakeside Center

It is my sincere hope that Lakeside Center lives on in perpetuity if only to spite Blair Kamin.

[ithakas]

It is my sincere hope that Lakeside Center lives on in perpetuity if only to spite Blair Kamin.

Blair Kamin – Chief South Side Lakefront Curator of the North Shore Diaspora

[MultiModal]

The only existing buildings that could fit McDonald's in (>400,000 SF available) are;

515 N State
227 W Monroe (The Franklin)
71 S Wacker
131 S Dearborn (Citadel)
130 E Randolph (One Prudential Plaza)
233 S Wacker (Sears Tower)

I have heard rumblings about them moving into Sears and I do think it makes the most sense

[k1052]

The only existing buildings that could fit McDonald's in (>400,000 SF available) are;

515 N State
227 W Monroe (The Franklin)
71 S Wacker
131 S Dearborn (Citadel)
130 E Randolph (One Prudential Plaza)
233 S Wacker (Sears Tower)

I have heard rumblings about them moving into Sears and I do think it makes the most sense

My fingers are crossed that they'd consider the Post Office if the fix is truly in between Sterling Bay and City Hall.

[BVictor1]

I'd be okay with about half of those biting the dust

Washington Park Bank needs to be preserved.

[ardecila]

The old chinatown block is one of my favorite in the city. Chicago boosters love to espouse chicagos grit, but then advocate for its sterilization in the same breath.

Good riddance to old chinatown. Congress Parkway is already enough of a gulch between the Loop and South Loop, we don't need a whole block of blighted buildings to make it worse.

None of those buildings are especially notable, either.

[VKChaz]

Good riddance to old chinatown. Congress Parkway is already enough of a gulch between the Loop and South Loop, we don't need a whole block of blighted buildings to make it worse.

None of those buildings are especially notable, either.

Areas and buildings are preserved for their historical significance as well as architectural. Among other reasons, historical areas are important to visitors (think tourism) to the city and potentially in this case to Asian immigrants.
Meanwhile, whatever would replace these buildings, like the vast majority of what is constructed, would likely be of no interest to anyone.

[ChickeNES]

That's exactly what I've hoped they would do with an HQ relocation to Chicago. They wouldn't even need to tear down the Rock N Roll if they wanted to build a new HQ there though – there's a half block parking lot right next to it. The area to the west (Ed Debevic's/former Planet Hollywood) is being quickly redeveloped but somehow the Rock N Roll/Rainforest/Hard Rock area has avoided any changes so far.

At any rate, it sounds like they're looking at Sears Tower? I'm guessing wherever they end up will be closer to the suburban commuter lines.

Most of the holdup is with leases, a developer actually bought the Rainforest property, but they have a lease with renewal option that extends to 2020 IIRC. I've always joked that McD's should just cantilever their HQ over the RnR.

Speaking of the Sears, someone posted about a redevelopment of the base a week or two ago. Has anyone heard any other rumors regarding this?

[ChickeNES]

To be clear, the image shown below is of the Addison Park on Clark development, which will be replacing Starbucks and 7-11 on the Addison Street side and just about everything on the Clark Street side all the way down to Goose Island.

About that....

Foreclosure suits stall big development near Wrigley Field
Ryan Ori - Crain's Chicago Business - 3/3/2016

A long-planned retail and residential project along Wrigley Field could face a further delay with two new foreclosure suits hitting one of its developers.

The suits are against ventures led by Steven Schultz, who owns several Clark Street buildings that would be demolished to make way for the development, Addison Park on Clark.

The complaints come as Chicago-based M&R Development and Bucksbaum Retail Properties, led by former General Growth Properties CEO John Bucksbaum, are ready to buy the properties from Schultz's Preferred Equities.

...

The M&R-led venture has construction financing lined up and was close to completing the acquisition of the properties from Preferred Equities, which would maintain an ownership stake in the development, M&R President Tony Rossi said.


http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20160302/CRED03/160309972/foreclosure-suits-stall-development-near-wrigley-field

[ardecila]

Areas and buildings are preserved for their historical significance as well as architectural. Historical areas are important to visitors to the city (think tourism) and potentially in this case to Asian immigrants. Whatever would replace these buildings, like the vast majority of what is constructed, would likely be of no interest to anyone.

It's a vestige. There's no coherent district, and none of the five remaining buildings have any kind of significance to the Chinese community that I'm aware. No Chinese-owned businesses or institutions are here. The only good thing is Sky Ride Tap.

Of course, I'm not sure there's much demand for redevelopment right across the street from the jail and under some gloomy L tracks.

[VKChaz]

It is my sincere hope that Lakeside Center lives on in perpetuity if only to spite Blair Kamin.

Lose Lakeside and Arie Crown also goes. I don't know how much value it has or if MPEA would seek to replace it. But AC is notable as the highest capacity hall in the city (e.g. I believe the NFL draft wanted to use AC although it would still have been far smaller than its normal 6K capacity Radio City home).
Years ago there was interest in having a larger home for organizations in cramped quarters. I wonder if there would be interest in either trying to create something new as part of the area entertainment district (though it is outside the current area frequented by Loop theater-goers) or if even an enhanced Arie Crown could be used more fully (obviously also removed from the typical theater area).

[MultiModal]

Most of the holdup is with leases, a developer actually bought the Rainforest property, but they have a lease with renewal option that extends to 2020 IIRC. I've always joked that McD's should just cantilever their HQ over the RnR.

Speaking of the Sears, someone posted about a redevelopment of the base a week or two ago. Has anyone heard any other rumors regarding this?

They major overhaul of the base and 150,000 SF of retail is suppose to begin Q1 of 2017.

Extensive renovations to the interior (such as new tenant amenities and elevator modernization) will start very soon and is expected to be finished by August.

[Via Chicago]

Good riddance to old chinatown. Congress Parkway is already enough of a gulch between the Loop and South Loop, we don't need a whole block of blighted buildings to make it worse.

None of those buildings are especially notable, either.

well, good riddance to your opinion. i disagree. im not saying these buildings should somehow remain blighted forever. but theyre perfectly serviceable, handsome, and "chicago-esque" for lack of a better description. they can be rehabilitated into other uses. what, we need another anonymous block long, blue glass lobby doorman condo (with a parking podium and rooftop dog park to boot)? these buildings offer far more fine grained urban fabric than those do, that much i sincerely believe.

It's a vestige.

so what? everything is a vestige in one way or another. thats irrelevant.

i dont think it needs to be preserved because it happened to be the old chinatown (although its an interesting footnote). i think it should be preserved because they are unique buildings in their own right, the types of which basically no longer exist in or near the Loop, and which just so happen to cater to a demographic that has been all but whitewashed from downtown and which people would prefer to sweep under the rug or pretend dosent exist.


once again, perfect example of "I love Chicago's grittiness! Yea, we're so big shouldered and down and dirty and tough and all about the common man. Now please erase it all!"


its a corny quote but, if we accept it as true, then this block certainly has a hell of a lot to say if youre willing to listen

https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7lc_3I9m42XiAoDnxzONE-DNsZM=/1000x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6138409/one%20bennett%20park%20prep29.PNG

i actually did such a thing, and photographed the block and its people as a personal project almost every day for several months a couple years ago. you can learn a lot about the city you live in by doing such a thing. its one of my favorite corners of Chicago precisely because of its flaws and daily struggles. and i believe flaws and quirks are far more interesting than perfections. perfection is sterile and boring. its initially what drew me to Chicago, and its what I love in other cities. forget the tourist shopping districts. bring me to the underbelly, post-haste.

[r18tdi]

They major overhaul of the base and 150,000 SF of retail is suppose to begin Q1 of 2017.

Extensive renovations to the interior (such as new tenant amenities and elevator modernization) will start very soon and is expected to be finished by August.
Source?

[MultiModal]

Source?


Telos, who is handles the office leasing for the building, gave a presentation regarding the interior renovations and new amenities for tenants. They also talked about the plans that CBRE has for the new retail.

[k1052]

Lose Lakeside and Arie Crown also goes. I don't know how much value it has or if MPEA would seek to replace it. But AC is notable as the highest capacity hall in the city (e.g. I believe the NFL draft wanted to use AC although it would still have been far smaller than its normal 6K capacity Radio City home).
Years ago there was interest in having a larger home for organizations in cramped quarters. I wonder if there would be interest in either trying to create something new as part of the area entertainment district (though it is outside the current area frequented by Loop theater-goers) or if even an enhanced Arie Crown could be used more fully (obviously also removed from the typical theater area).

I think it's too isolated to have much other practical use unless as a component of a larger reuse (museum, etc).

[spyguy]

http://www.colum.edu/news-and-events/our-campus/2016/student-center-program-completed.html#.Vthj1JMrJZ0

Student Center Program Completed
Evan Kleekamp / Mar 01, 2016

...Current plans for the student center call for a 104,000 square foot, four-level building with a rooftop garden and lounge (outdoor square footage not included in overall total). SCB used nine categories to define the building spaces:

...With programming complete, the college now enters into the design phase. The next step for the college will be to complete the cost estimate of the new center and to issue a national request for qualifications (RFQ) in the selection process for a design firm.

[ithakas]

http://www.colum.edu/news-and-events/our-campus/2016/student-center-program-completed.html#.Vthj1JMrJZ0

My understanding is that Columbia is currently suffering some financial hardship, so I'm a bit surprised to see that they're moving forward with a new development.

[BWChicago]

Lose Lakeside and Arie Crown also goes. I don't know how much value it has or if MPEA would seek to replace it. But AC is notable as the highest capacity hall in the city (e.g. I believe the NFL draft wanted to use AC although it would still have been far smaller than its normal 6K capacity Radio City home).
Years ago there was interest in having a larger home for organizations in cramped quarters. I wonder if there would be interest in either trying to create something new as part of the area entertainment district (though it is outside the current area frequented by Loop theater-goers) or if even an enhanced Arie Crown could be used more fully (obviously also removed from the typical theater area).

I don't think Arie Crown would be missed. It was basically closed for a couple years and still doesn't get much use. And if that place closed, that just means more demand for places like the New Regal, Uptown, Auditorium.

[VKChaz]

It is my sincere hope that Lakeside Center lives on in perpetuity if only to spite Blair Kamin.

fyi:
Kamin has an article ou describing thoughts from Jahn on repurposing Lakeside

[Kumdogmillionaire]

It is my sincere hope that Lakeside Center lives on in perpetuity if only to spite Blair Kamin.

That's true, anything to make that little goober mad would be worth it

[aaron38]

The only existing buildings that could fit McDonald's in (>400,000 SF available) are;

I have heard rumblings about them moving into Sears and I do think it makes the most sense

Can we then call the building "Big Mac"?

[aaron38]

Was in the city today, and saw that a lot had been cleared at Belmont and Ridgeway. Don't figure it's anything big, but was wondering if anyone knew what was being built there.

[Chicago Shawn]

Since the topic was being discussed, I've been meaning to ask on here about any grants available for historic church preservation. Is anyone aware of such opportunities? I attend a church in the Gold Coast with beautiful stained glass windows from the 1880s that will cost $750K to fully restore. The church has set aside funds for maybe a third of this cost, but it's hard to convince the rest of the congregation to make these repairs a priority at the moment, especially in tension with spending priorities that directly help people instead, and I'm afraid it won't become a top priority until a big storm blows the windows out and we enter crisis mode. The full cost is about 1 year's budget. The church brick also needs power washing on the side that faces a small park to clean off the grime from the days of dirty industry -- that'll probably never happen without specifically earmarked funds.

Maybe there aren't government grants, but I know the church is on one of the walking tours for CAF. Is it worth asking them to contribute to the restoration in exchange for indoor access on their tours?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Your best bet is to landmark the church, if not already designated as such and start talking to area developers about a Adopt-a-Landmark bonus on a nearby project. People seem to have a soft spot for historic churches in the neighborhood so it could be a way to make more density in the Gold Coast more palatable, whilst maximizing a cash contribution for the restoration. It would be a win-win for everyone.

[LouisVanDerWright]

Was in the city today, and saw that a lot had been cleared at Belmont and Ridgeway. Don't figure it's anything big, but was wondering if anyone knew what was being built there.

Nothing that I know of. It's been vacant a long time if its the SW corner.

[Chicago Shawn]

If you can set your disdain for McCaffery aside... do you think this is really on him, or is South Works just not feasible right now in any form?

With the exception of a few things in Hyde Park that are obviously supported indirectly by the U of C, nobody's really moved the dial on developing the south lakefront - especially as far south as 87th. Draper & Kramer hasn't been able to move on Lake Meadows except to spruce up the strip mall. The city is still spinning its wheels at Michael Reese. Etc, etc.

South Chicago is a huge retail desert and historically, it has not been feasible to open large retail developments in these areas without major public subsidies. The city already did this at Chatham Marketplace, Pullman Park, and Marshfield Plaza. Probably more.

I couldn't be happier with the news that the project was dead. I was hoping for something to kill it off after the last marketing renderings showed it becoming Schaumburg on the Lake. This site needs to be something special and if the market won't support it for 20 years, so be it. Let it it sit.

In the meantime, there should be a short-mid term plan for what to do with the property. Event spaces, urban farming, research for natural reclamation of a brownfield site. There are many possibilities as the site is huge, just as long as it's guaranteed to be an interim use. I would also like to see the old railroad spur off the Metea Electric reactivated with a reroute of the South Chicago branch through the site and over the existing bridge into the East Side.

[BrandonJXN]

They should tear down the Rock 'N Roll McDonald's, on land that they own, and build a new HQ in that location with a flagship restaurant incorporated at the bottom. That whole part of River North is an eyesore.

Also: Rainforest Cafe. The Chuck E. Cheese for grown ups.

[J_M_Tungsten]

Keep rainforest cafe in the suburban malls, not the heart of the city as a one story structure. That entire area is embarrassing to the city. Literally the entrance to the city from the Ohio ramp, and that mess of parking lots and single story restaurants is what we have to deal with? No, not everyone dislikes RF and Hardrock cafes, McDonalds, gas stations, best westerns, or sports authority's as much as I, but this does not belong here. Currently, it is great for staging tourists waiting for their tour buses to haul them around the city, but so much more could and should be done to the area. I heard the sports authority will be closing there, so at least one building will be open for new possibilities.

[maru2501]

area just a holdover from 80s-90s

ed debevics, planet hollywood and Ho Jo towers are a nice start.

it really needs some massive top-down planning put to it.
At one time it was like a deconstructed times square, but not altogether foot friendly. Then the theater district opened in the loop, then the real restaurant draw area went to randolph, then the bar district went to hubbard, then the highrise residential boom basically jumped over it to the north and west, then the depaul stadium went to mccormick

now it has no clue what it's doing. It's just there.

it should somehow be reimagined, although I can't imagine there's that much the city can do to directly influence it

[BrandonJXN]

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chicago,+IL/@41.8924351,-87.6325365,3a,75y,56.62h,86.63t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1skLJLzypeFkOZJ5OUAwsZWA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DkLJLzypeFkOZJ5OUAwsZWA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D63.298885%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x880e2c3cd0f4cbed:0xafe0a6ad09c0c000!6m1!1e1

As bland and beige River North is, this site is absoutely prime for a couple of towers matter of fact.

Also: Is Ohio House loved in Chicago because I can see that going the way of Ed Debevics as well.

[SamInTheLoop]

Also: Rainforest Cafe. The Chuck E. Cheese for grown ups.


The rainforest cafe is for grown-ups? Hmmm, first time for hearing everything, I suppose!

[maru2501]

the mcds parking lot, yes

[r18tdi]

The area will always be kind of front doormat for tourists arriving my motor coach and does serve a purpose. The recent de-schlockification of the area is good start but I don't expect all the cheese to magically disappear.

The top of my immediate redevelopment list would inlcude the Best Western and the surface lot just north of the BP.

[ardecila]

Also: Is Ohio House loved in Chicago because I can see that going the way of Ed Debevics as well.

Loved? Some people love it, including myself. It's not landmarked and the accommodations aren't spectacular.

I like the kitsch, and a trendy new restaurant just opened in place of the motel's coffee shop. It's tempting to imagine an upscaling and renovation of the motel rooms, but functionally it will always be at a disadvantage to luxury hotels in Chicago's climate.

Still, though - would be awesome to do something like this...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter_Hotel_%28Portland,_Oregon%29

[ithakas]

Loved? Some people love it, including myself. It's not landmarked and the accommodations aren't spectacular.

I like the kitsch, and a trendy new restaurant just opened in place of the motel's coffee shop. It's tempting to imagine an upscaling and renovation of the motel rooms, but functionally it will always be at a disadvantage to luxury hotels in Chicago's climate.

Still, though - would be awesome to do something like this...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter_Hotel_%28Portland,_Oregon%29

Yeah, I love the Ohio House. Given the Leghorn Chicken taking the coffee shop, I could totally see them going in the direction of a Jupiter Hotel. There's still a lot of parking space, so my dream would be for them to use some of it to install something like this, rather than use it to plant a billboard: http://assemblestudio.co.uk/?page_id=2

[brandon03]

Ace Hotel in Fulton Market well under way. Crane going in next week.
http://i.imgur.com/FXcs1bJh.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/FXcs1bJ.jpg)

And just a general view of the backside of the skyline.
http://i.imgur.com/oYhqP5Oh.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/oYhqP5O.jpg)

[marothisu]

Not that it's big news or anything, but kind of interesting. A handful of buildings around 3625-3650 N Western were issued demolition permits. Former home of Champion Motorcycles and another car place that took up a lot and had some big lots with the cars. There's a few pending permits for new retail/commercial buildings there.

[Via Chicago]

Maybe I missed something about the Ace, but weren't they reusing a warehouse? I don't see much of anything remaining.

Random question, but anyone know what's happened to that TOD development off the montrose stop? I thought it was approved like a year ago but still don't see any movement on it

[VKChaz]

I couldn't be happier with the news that the project was dead. I was hoping for something to kill it off after the last marketing renderings showed it becoming Schaumburg on the Lake. This site needs to be something special and if the market won't support it for 20 years, so be it. Let it it sit.....
I would also like to see the old railroad spur off the Metea Electric reactivated with a reroute of the South Chicago branch through the site and over the existing bridge into the East Side.
I wouldn't rule out "Schaumburg on the Lake" until we see new plans (or even then).
Interesting idea with the ME toward South Works. Is this what McCaffery wanted and is it an existing ROW? (There are many great ideas for transportation if we ever have a Congress interested in rebuilding America's urban infrastructure.)

[ithakas]

Maybe I missed something about the Ace, but weren't they reusing a warehouse? I don't see much of anything remaining.


They're using the facade of the southern portion of the warehouse...nothing else.

[SteelMonkey]

According to the plans submitted by Sterling Bay they were originally supposed to reuse the 2 story structure and then build an addition north and west. It appears they leveled everything. A snippet...

HOTEL PLANS

Sterling Bay, meanwhile, has submitted plans for a hotel at 311 N. Morgan St. showing that the developer would reuse the existing two-story building on the site and build an addition at the north end of the property rising to 85 feet.

The new Brooklyn Bowl down the street is preserving the facades but it doesn't appear to be the case here.

[r18tdi]

They're using the facade of the southern portion of the warehouse...nothing else. Is that the Ace or are you thinking of Brooklyn Bowl?

[ithakas]

Is that the Ace or are you thinking of Brooklyn Bowl?

Likewise the Brooklyn Bowl, but I was talking about the Ace.