CHICAGO | General Developments

[harryc]

Aug 22
Neat drilling rig, not only does it fold down for transport but it can do angles, and mount bits without help or needing to trundle about.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4348/36005683924_2c0fbf0e30_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4360/36005691384_8bf765d9ea_h.jpg

Aug 23
Going full steam (diesel)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4363/36669360382_c62bfbfb3c_h.jpg

[ardecila]

In other words:

"Mayor proposes outright ban on middle class within city limits"

All the ARO does is make it impossible for developers to build anything less than luxury housing since they will have to include subsidized units for the poor and offset that cost with more expensive non subsidized units. The most useful thing they could do is allow widespread upzoning...

Moreno's already been demanding 100% on-site units. It doesn't seem to have slowed the pace of development in the 1st Ward, although prices have skyrocketed there. Wicker is basically Lincoln Park with better bars/retail at this point...

More broadly though, the mayor and Burnett are some of the most developer-friendly people in City Hall. Politically, this kind of tweak to the ARO might be the best-case scenario for developers given the increasing demands for affordable housing. This proposal is likely intended to keep some of the crazier ideas at bay (rent control, development moratoriums, etc) that are coming out of people like Ramirez-Rosa and Guzzardi. It won't affect already-expensive areas where expected rents are already high relative to construction cost, but we'll definitely see fewer proposals for neighborhoods like Avondale, Pilsen or Rogers Park that are on the edge...

[the urban politician]

^ Its a good point you make, but the question I have is: how will the free market adjust to these new policies.

I envision one scenario where developers, in return for more affordable units, ask for more density. In turn, they can build out the affordable units but never finish most of them. Keep them vacant and simply treat them as dead space. Remember, too many low income people will actually reduce the value of your property, so I imagine it makes better business sense to keep them vacant than to rent them out at affordable rates that break even at best. Then, perhaps at some future time when the affordable requirement lapses, they can then finish them and lease them out at market rates.

Another alternative is to try to build out more 10 or fewer unit buildings to bypass the regulation altogether. Personally I would like to see more of this as I prefer more fine-grained development in the city.

Either way, the city must have some sort of loopholes written into these laws. These laws are being created due to public pressure: most of these guys (Rahm, Moreno, etc) couldn't give 2 shits about affordable housing. They know we badly need the tax revenue from all of this development. So instead they pass these laws to appease their constituents but I'm betting they do so with a wink and a nod at developers.

[west-town-brad]

^ Remember, too many low income people will actually reduce the value of your property, so I imagine it makes better business sense to keep them vacant than to rent them out at affordable rates that break even at best.

I'm not sure that people making $60,000 per year will reduce the value of your property... think teachers, cops, barbers, hipster bartenders, artisan pickle manufacturer, etc. Also the required credit scores are pretty high for one of these units.

[harryc]

I'm not sure that people making $60,000 per year will reduce the value of your property... think teachers, cops, barbers, hipster bartenders, artisan pickle manufacturer, etc. Also the required credit scores are pretty high for one of these units.

1) Yes they do reduce your property value - it's an equation not a feeling.
2) That is NOT always bad - the assessment (TAX) being much more formulaic than an actual sale where you can point out that you have teachers and firefighters as neighbors.

One of the biggest drivers of NIMBYs is the (unspoken) fear of property going up in value, and taxes with that.

[moorhosj]

So they increase property taxes roughly $1,000,000,000. Then the politicians cry that "the rents are rising too fast!"

Why don't the articles ever factor in the higher property taxes due solely to political decisions, not only reassessments, when discussing "gentrification"?

Can we acknowledge that this phenomenon (lack of middle class housing being built and the corresponding rent increases) is happening across the entire country? Chicago taxes certainly have a local impact, but doesn't change the national reality.

The data shows that new homes sales are down considerably, while the median sales price is up.

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-housing-industry-still-hasnt-realized-its-building-too-many-homes-for-rich-people-2017-8

[Via Chicago]

.

[JK47]

1) Yes they do reduce your property value - it's an equation not a feeling.


Are we talking about low income people reducing the value of adjacent properties (or the entire multi-unit property) or are we talking about units that were built and fitted to be affordable to low income people?

Separately, if it is an equation then please point us to it. I'm curious to see which calculations are used to reduce the value of a property based on the number of low income residents.

[Vlajos]

Are we talking about low income people reducing the value of adjacent properties (or the entire multi-unit property) or are we talking about units that were built and fitted to be affordable to low income people?

Separately, if it is an equation then please point us to it. I'm curious to see which calculations are used to reduce the value of a property based on the number of low income residents.

I assume they are referring to valuing a property using the income capitalization approach. If you are restricting rent, that will reduce value.

[west-town-brad]

I assume they are referring to valuing a property using the income capitalization approach. If you are restricting rent, that will reduce value.

How can you quantify restricted rental income on a unit inside of a building that would not have been allowed to have been built in the first place per city zoning?

See, the developer gets an upzone to make more profit, but to do so he has to build a few "rent restricted units" inside of the building. The developer is not giving up any profit at all, instead he is being allowed to make more profit than he would have made has he constructed the building as of right before the upzone.

I'm as critical as anyone of the local politicians and the games they play - but this makes sense. Otherwise poor people will be commuting for 3 hours each way for the honor of serving you french fries and making $11 per hour before taxes.

[Investing In Chicago]

I'm as critical as anyone of the local politicians and the games they play - but this makes sense. Otherwise poor people will be commuting for 3 hours each way for the honor of serving you french fries and making $11 per hour before taxes.


This makes absolutely no sense; if a person chooses to commute 3 hours each way that is on them; there is plenty of affordable housing in Chicago.
I just picked up 6 SFH's in a solidly working class southside neighborhood for <$130K each. How much more affordable can you get than that? You can walk to the El, and be downtown in 15 min.

[LouisVanDerWright]

This makes absolutely no sense; if a person chooses to commute 3 hours each way that is on them; there is plenty of affordable housing in Chicago.
I just picked up 6 SFH's in a solidly working class southside neighborhood for <$130K each. How much more affordable can you get than that? You can walk to the El, and be downtown in 15 min.

I just bought two rt4 vacant lots, a two flat, and a four flat for $150k total one block from the train on the SW side. Lack of affordable housing is a myth. If you can't find a 2 BR for $800 anywhere in Chicago I will rent you one. PM me.

The problem is affordable units in acceptable state of repair. I buy all my buildings in a state of total disrepair and gut them. Then I can afford to hit the middle of the market with somewhat premium finishes. That's the real hole in the market. If you are too poor to afford my apartments then you probably qualify for section 8 and should have no problem getting housing.

[the urban politician]

^ Another example of how the powers that be in Chicago have just written off much of the south and west sides. So sad. It's like they aren't even being offered as alternatives for people who want cheaper housing because nobody in "their right minds" would want to live there.

[moorhosj]

^It's like they aren't even being offered as alternatives for people who want cheaper housing because nobody in "their right minds" would want to live there.

What does it mean that those neighborhoods are "not even being offered as alternatives"? Why haven't more private companies done what RVDW explains? If there was a market inefficiency, shouldn't these businesses be able to easily arbitrage off of it?

[harryc]

Aug 28
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4415/36709548292_13e76f36e0_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4403/36880569335_8c2eb9113b_h.jpg

[Via Chicago]

What does it mean that those neighborhoods are "not even being offered as alternatives"? Why haven't more private companies done what RVDW explains? If there was a market inefficiency, shouldn't these businesses be able to easily arbitrage off of it?

it dosent have anything to do with "the city" offering alternatives. the reality is newcomers and transplant 20-somethings dont want to live down by midway or 95th street. all they know about is what theyve read about through popular press and places their friends also hang out. if there is not a dense concentration of something to pull them there they will not go much less live there, its that simple. for people who cant afford elsewhere or dont care about trend chasing, well, they are the people already living there.

its not "being offered as an alternative" because from the young hipster/yuppie mindset, it ISNT an alternative (until they themselves can legitimately no longer afford to live wherever it is they are and their hand is forced). theyd rather rent a tiny apartment or buy a condo in logan or lincoln park than buy a house in lawndale or brighton park, because thats not why they moved here in the first place.

thats not to say those other neighborhoods wont someday change themselves, but in the here and now, they appeal to different demographics

[pip]

Historic West Loop warehouse slated for demolition
https://chicago.curbed.com/2017/8/28/16214970/west-loop-fulton-market-demolition-washington

After being in Boston for a week about a month ago I saw how these old buildings can really be reused and offer a lot to the character, vitality and pleasantness of a neighborhood. Too bad Chicago is tearing so many down.

[harryc]

Aug 28
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4353/36882451025_502c2c0700_h.jpg
Ardus ?

From Left to right - Bentam Condos - 675 N Wells - Exhibit on Superior
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4354/36486038350_ddb80441cd_h.jpg
Was Erie auto body - a parking lot - and a Howard Johnsons.

Aug 9
Parking - Must have parking.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4409/36048249454_b2a946a1f8_h.jpg

Guiding a floor slab in between the girders.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4406/36882445285_86c16439b1_b.jpg

[Via Chicago]

Historic West Loop warehouse slated for demolition
https://chicago.curbed.com/2017/8/28/16214970/west-loop-fulton-market-demolition-washington

After being in Boston for a week about a month ago I saw how these old buildings can really be reused and offer a lot to the character, vitality and pleasantness of a neighborhood. Too bad Chicago is tearing so many down.

hell, the article itself says the building was recently rehabbed. but all it takes is one short sighted and or greedy developer to make that irrelevant.

[PKDickman]

its not "being offered as an alternative" because from the young hipster/yuppie mindset, it ISNT an alternative (until they themselves can legitimately no longer afford to live wherever it is they are and their hand is forced). theyd rather rent a tiny apartment or buy a condo in logan or lincoln park than buy a house in lawndale or brighton park, because thats not why they moved here in the first place.

thats not to say those other neighborhoods wont someday change themselves, but in the here and now, they appeal to different demographics

There is some notion that demand drives supply. It doesn't, it drives price. Until The price gets high enough, supply is unaffected.
The big developers only want to build in the high rent districts. It's not that there isn't profit in other areas, there's just more profit at $2.50 to $3.00 a foot.
Until land costs in the high rent districts make it more profitable to build elsewhere, they never will.

[denizen467]

Historic West Loop warehouse slated for demolition
https://chicago.curbed.com/2017/8/28/16214970/west-loop-fulton-market-demolition-washington

After being in Boston for a week about a month ago I saw how these old buildings can really be reused and offer a lot to the character, vitality and pleasantness of a neighborhood. Too bad Chicago is tearing so many down.
Probably not architecturally significant, but some of the old buildings in/around the Big Deahl complex now have fencing closing them off along Dayton. There was a Crain's article about this earlier this month but I didn't realize this was moving forward so soon. I really like the old structures in this area; they're a great counterpoint to the brand new lowrises and midrises like SoNo, the British School, Whole Foods, etc.

[Via Chicago]

Probably not architecturally significant, but some of the old buildings in/around the Big Deahl complex now have fencing closing them off along Dayton. There was a Crain's article about this earlier this month but I didn't realize this was moving forward so soon. I really like the old structures in this area; they're a great counterpoint to the brand new lowrises and midrises like SoNo, the British School, Whole Foods, etc.

its rated orange. its significant. as is this one.

[moorhosj]

theyd rather rent a tiny apartment or buy a condo in logan or lincoln park than buy a house in lawndale or brighton park, because thats not why they moved here in the first place.

Thanks for the thoughtful response. I think this is actually one of the keys to re-invigorating some of these areas.

The way I see it, more and more young hipsters are moving into neighborhoods like Avondale, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Bridgeport, Pilsen, Chinatown and the like. The former residents of those communities, low-to-middle income families, will naturally gravitate towards the neighborhoods you mentioned as they are priced out of gentrifying neighborhoods. We are already seeing some signs of this in places like Gage Park and West Englewood.

[King of Chicago]

This makes absolutely no sense; if a person chooses to commute 3 hours each way that is on them; there is plenty of affordable housing in Chicago.
I just picked up 6 SFH's in a solidly working class southside neighborhood for <$130K each. How much more affordable can you get than that? You can walk to the El, and be downtown in 15 min.

EXACTLY.

Think of it this way: When a person makes $11 an hour, that comes out to about $22,000 a year (if they are working full-time).

If three individuals, who each make $22,000 a year, put their income together, that comes out to about $66,000 a year.

These three people could go together as "business partners" and EASILY buy a $130,000 house, with an FHA first-time homebuyer mortgage.

This is one way, to break into the real estate game, is to partner up with other people. Sort of like "business partner/roomates".

Now, having said that, I do agree that it is a good idea to keep building more housing in existing neighborhoods, as more supply eventually causes prices to drop.

I am going to be very frank and honest here...a lot of times, when people complain about a lack of "affordable housing", what it really seems like they mean, is they cannot afford to live in the hot, fun neighborhood of their choice. But if someone needs to live in the city, there are affordable places to live, for sure.

But yes, as a renter, I do support building more supply, overall.

[Khantilever]

How can you quantify restricted rental income on a unit inside of a building that would not have been allowed to have been built in the first place per city zoning?

See, the developer gets an upzone to make more profit, but to do so he has to build a few "rent restricted units" inside of the building. The developer is not giving up any profit at all, instead he is being allowed to make more profit than he would have made has he constructed the building as of right before the upzone.

I'm as critical as anyone of the local politicians and the games they play - but this makes sense. Otherwise poor people will be commuting for 3 hours each way for the honor of serving you french fries and making $11 per hour before taxes.

That's a strange approach. The zoning restriction is artificial. When we say that the affordable units reduce profit, that's relative to the case where similar square footage is constructed without the affordable units. It's a theoretical comparison but the relevant one, since we need to consider the impact of the AHO on the supply of housing; by reducing the return on investment, we discourage the development of new housing units. After all, the upzoning itself is endogenous; where the return on investment is sufficiently high, we generally see upzoning since the developer lobbies more aggressively and positive spillovers to the community are generally (but not always) correlated in magnitude to the private benefits to the developer. Unnecessarily excessive zoning restrictions that are almost always lifted are just ways for aldermen to increase their negotiating power.

[SolarWind]

August 24, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/QjYHnxF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UnyeJ4a.jpg

August 25, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/efq28b7.jpg

https://www.floatingmuseum.org/ (https://www.floatingmuseum.org/)

[SolarWind]

August 24, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/bYmlaVs.jpg

[SolarWind]

August 24, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/whwv1nw.jpg

[marothisu]

The Central Savings Bank at 3800 N Lincoln (Lincoln & Grace) has a demo permit to get rid of the building. This thing is pretty suburban looking (https://www.google.com/maps/place/3800+N+Lincoln+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60613/@41.9507977,-87.6763886,3a,75y,254.55h,85.93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNJXfwNMuaG_N6pRy5VpIuA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2421fc69bcd:0x397d6008c4db0ffd!8m2!3d41.9507074!4d-87.6767305)


owner on the permit is still the bank. Anybody know of plans for this? Hopefully they replace it with something far less suburban.

[SolarWind]

August 24, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/7LM7Xg6.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/22iZwBE.jpg

[SolarWind]

August 24, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/8Gcxt1r.jpg

[SolarWind]

August 24, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/VzvUZwe.jpg

[SolarWind]

August 24, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/jzG8jc8.jpg

[SolarWind]

August 24, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/KfWxhiA.jpg

[the urban politician]

Good lord, the design of religious buildings has sure gone into the shitter. That thing looks like a medical office building in Batavia

[SolarWind]

August 25, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/sahVZWz.jpg

[SolarWind]

I wonder if Apple plans to clean the limestone below their store or "age" the newer blocks so that they blend in. It looks kinda crummy with the mix like it is. If they're going to put in what is probably over a million dollars in glass you'd think they'd want the stone to look good, too.

August 25, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/CLol2oh.jpg

[Via Chicago]

August 24, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/KfWxhiA.jpg

this looks so sharp. glad it was saved

[Stunnies23]

So the bush temple flats apartments have still not had even 1 move in yet. How is this company profitable enough to start construction on the Lasalle project rehab? It's been over two years since they started the project.

[LouisVanDerWright]

August 24, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/bYmlaVs.jpg

Slick

August 24, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/whwv1nw.jpg

Not slick

So the bush temple flats apartments have still not had even 1 move in yet. How is this company profitable enough to start construction on the Lasalle project rehab? It's been over two years since they started the project.

Ponzi Scheme

[BVictor1]

08/24/17

https://uniim1.shutterfly.com/ng/services/mediarender/THISLIFE/006065998468/media/53287048050/medium/1504064269/enhance

https://uniim1.shutterfly.com/ng/services/mediarender/THISLIFE/006065998468/media/53287046990/medium/1504064225/enhance

[KWILLSKYLINE]

Has a nice presence at night.

[Jibba]

Anyone have an opinion as to whether or not that wall was painted? It looks that way to my eye, through a photograph.

[Near North Resident]

Anyone have an opinion as to whether or not that wall was painted? It looks that way to my eye, through a photograph.

probably powerwashed maybe with a sand mixture in it

[Ned.B]

August 25, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/sahVZWz.jpg

I've said it once before, but for all the work that the owners of this building have put into making it more "hip" and desirable for tenants, it would be great if some effort was put into restoring the exterior. The condition of the facade on this one is one of the worst in the Loop. Many decades of differed maintenance and hack repair jobs.

[Kenmore]

Ponzi Scheme

yup

[Chi-Sky21]

Was on the Ike earlier thought i saw some equipment at the site where that zig zag design building was supposed to go in the West Loop near Van Buren and Racine.

[tjp]

Ponzi Scheme

How so (genuine question)? Bush Temple delays aside, they were able to stabilize and sell several of their Uptown / Edgewater properties to CLK, and the ones remaining in their portfolio (Lawrence House, Otis in Pilsen) appear to be performing well.

[the urban politician]

^ I think he was just joking

[emathias]

So the bush temple flats apartments have still not had even 1 move in yet. How is this company profitable enough to start construction on the Lasalle project rehab? It's been over two years since they started the project.

The Bush project wasn't even approved by the City until about 18 months ago. I don't know why it doesn't have leasing yet. Maybe they need to do something with the 15-story tower land before they start leasing (not completed, but maybe some connector put in place or something, who knows). Or maybe there is still some interior work being finished or some sort of snag with final permitting.

They sold some of their buildings last year to fund newer renovations. Depending on how they structure themselves, finding funds for current projects doesn't necessarily have anything to do with profitability of completed buildings.

June, 2016, the sold six buildings for $67 million (875 N. Magnolia Ave., 5051 and 6134 N. Kenmore Ave. and 5411 and 5718 N. Winthrop Ave), and then in November they sold their headquarters building in Uptown for about $7 million more. They made a small profit on the headquarters building.

I think their business plan is mostly to make money rehabbing places and that the apartment management aspect is more about being able to hold over buildings until they find the right buyer and/or to be able to demand a higher price for a leased vs unleased building.

[tjp]

^ I think he was just joking

Well I know it's not a ponzi scheme - but I figured the company's profitability might actually be in question; it does seem like they get a lot of online hate.

[FrankLloydWrong]

Walking home from work today, I noticed a demo/building permit for 680 N. Milwaukee. Looks like a 5 story, 20 unit building is going to replace the garage thats there. Couldn't find any images, but the project is listed on the Domain Groups website (http://www.thedomaingroupllc.com/670-680-N-Milwaukee-chicago-il.htm).

[emathias]

Well I know it's not a ponzi scheme - but I figured the company's profitability might actually be in question; it does seem like they get a lot of online hate.

I think the online hate just comes with the territory. Trying to market something as high end while keeping the pricing (relatively) affordable. You get a lot of strivers in that market, and some strivers are just full of themselves and prone to be picky because they think it makes them seem like connoisseurs.

[emathias]

676 N Lasalle, August 30

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4390/36121683593_b9f7810ad2_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X2X55a)
676 N Lasalle (https://flic.kr/p/X2X55a)
by me (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericmathiasen/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4412/36121677903_aa8c762464_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X2X3o4)
676 N Lasalle (https://flic.kr/p/X2X3o4)
by me (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericmathiasen/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4401/36121679333_4132bad8b7_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X2X3NH)
676 N Lasalle (https://flic.kr/p/X2X3NH)
by me (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericmathiasen/), on Flickr

[ardecila]

Was on the Ike earlier thought i saw some equipment at the site where that zig zag design building was supposed to go in the West Loop near Van Buren and Racine.

This is just for the demo of the existing buildings on the site. Construction (assuming Pizzuti has their ducks in a row financially) can't begin until the city agrees to vacate S. Aberdeen St and the utilities are relocated.

[BVictor1]

Digging DuSable

08/30/17

https://uniim1.shutterfly.com/ng/services/mediarender/THISLIFE/006065998468/media/53290359840/medium/1504178227/enhance

https://uniim1.shutterfly.com/ng/services/mediarender/THISLIFE/006065998468/media/53290367947/medium/1504180209/enhance

[KWILLSKYLINE]

I know i've been way behind so you guys are probably getting annoyed with my questions, but whats going on at dusable park? Just soil testing or is there an actual redevelopment plan in place? Or is this just still work being done for the Flyover?

[woodrow]

^^Perfectly valid question. It is remediation. More thorium, I believe. Then, new sea wall, then more....nothing. If I recall correctly, there is no funding in place for the park. I don't think anything will come of the most recent park designs, including a sculpture of DuSable by Martin Puryear. Which is sad

[r18tdi]

^^Perfectly valid question. It is remediation. More thorium, I believe. Then, new sea wall, then more....nothing. If I recall correctly, there is no funding in place for the park. I don't think anything will come of the most recent park designs, including a sculpture of DuSable by Martin Puryear. Which is sad Isn't Related on the hook for a future overhaul of the park? Thought it was tied to the Spire site's PD...

[k1052]

Current work is thorium remediation, grading, and the planting of native grasses IIRC. No money yet for anything beyond that.

[XIII]

^^Perfectly valid question. It is remediation. More thorium, I believe. Then, new sea wall, then more....nothing. If I recall correctly, there is no funding in place for the park. I don't think anything will come of the most recent park designs, including a sculpture of DuSable by Martin Puryear. Which is sad

Too bad FotPL spent all their cash on legal fees and PR after defending parking lots and roads. They may have been able to actually contribute to a new park.

[maru2501]

this should be made into a parking lot for bears tailgating as well

[marothisu]

New items of note for the September Zoning Agenda:

1) Hotel at 1523 N Fremont near SoNo. 165 rooms and currently a vacant lot (https://www.google.com/maps/place/1523+N+Fremont+St,+Chicago,+IL+60642/@41.9093792,-87.6510595,3a,75y,48.62h,86.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdMTpJGU7bo0h2Zjp_X806Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd3245e68c82f:0x44b402ebb80f9652!8m2!3d41.9092335!4d-87.6509626). Haven't heard much about this since 2013, but it looks like they've increased the room count since then by 9:

https://chicago.curbed.com/2013/7/17/10219210/concept-sketches-for-156room-fremont-hotel-go-public




2) 1879-85 N Milwaukee (document says to 1865 N Milwaukee but that's wrong - found other documents). 5 story building with 30 units + retail. Currently these non descript buildings near the Western Blue Line stop:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/1865+N+Milwaukee+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60647/@41.9156487,-87.6855614,3a,75y,21.5h,94.54t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8BtDkwKzmOL7SSg96n9u4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2bd9d17d18b:0x39d40e47fc9d836a!8m2!3d41.9155046!4d-87.6850953


3) 5352 W Argyle Street - 4 stories and 24 units right next to the Jefferson Park transit center. Currently empty lot:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/5352+W+Argyle+St,+Chicago,+IL+60630/@41.9716115,-87.7625863,3a,75y,57.59h,86.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBXVqmdn2yulTFiT99cfCHA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fcc1bf1afa02f:0xc0994e3c05d54a2c!8m2!3d41.971792!4d-87.762375


There's also a 21 unit + retail building up at 2355 W Flournoy (around Western Ave) just south of Harrison, but I can't tell which lot this actually is..

[moorhosj]

2) 1879-85 N Milwaukee (document says to 1865 N Milwaukee but that's wrong - found other documents). 5 story building with 30 units + retail. Currently these non descript buildings near the Western Blue Line stop:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/1865+N+Milwaukee+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60647/@41.9156487,-87.6855614,3a,75y,21.5h,94.54t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8BtDkwKzmOL7SSg96n9u4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2bd9d17d18b:0x39d40e47fc9d836a!8m2!3d41.9155046!4d-87.6850953

There has also been some action on the open plot across the street, mostly digging near the existing buildings. There was a render a few weeks ago, but not sure if it has gone through zoning.

[r18tdi]

There has also been some action on the open plot across the street, mostly digging near the existing buildings. There was a render a few weeks ago, but not sure if it has gone through zoning. Are you talking about this retail/parking garage death star?

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CG/20170816/CRED03/170819887/AR/0/AR-170819887.jpg&maxw=600&q=100&cb=20170901005047&cci_ts=20170816130148
Crain's (http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20170816/CRED03/170819887/developer-expands-footprint-for-clybourn-corridor-big-deahl-site)

[Mr Downtown]

Looks like 3LRE is looking to convert the old Johnson Publishing Building into residential, going before Landmarks Permit Review Committee on Sept. 7. They want to cut a light well into the north wall, where the East-West University (Olivetti) Building presumably ensures nothing will block it in. Given how fast and loose the Emanuel Administration has been with the Michigan Streetwall, I'm not sure that can be counted on.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. I wish East-West or Columbia could reuse the building without such drastic alterations, but that's probably not in either institution's financial picture at the moment.

http://i.imgur.com/3uSZIoG.jpg?1

[PKDickman]

Looks like 3LRE is looking to convert the old Johnson Publishing Building into residential, going before Landmarks Permit Review Committee on Sept. 7. They want to cut a light well into the north wall, where the East-West University (Olivetti) Building presumably ensures nothing will block it in. Given how fast and loose the Emanuel Administration has been with the Michigan Streetwall, I'm not sure that can be counted on.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. I wish East-West or Columbia could reuse the building without such drastic alterations, but that's probably not in either institution's financial picture at the moment.


I'm sure it is mandated by the change to residential.
Landmark streetwall aside, no building stands forever. The YMCA lot on the other side stands testament to that. The zoning dept cannot assume it will.
For a residential conversion the only other real option would be to purchase the air rights and smother the wall with windows. I suspect a well executed air shaft might look better.

[harryc]

Aug 11
one way to "clean"
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4417/36567199180_c8c09fe69e_h.jpg

Aug 25
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4360/36823924041_a004ee170c_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4337/36567198340_799b81a05b_h.jpg

[Via Chicago]

bush league

[PKDickman]

Are you talking about this retail/parking garage death star?

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CG/20170816/CRED03/170819887/AR/0/AR-170819887.jpg&maxw=600&q=100&cb=20170901005047&cci_ts=20170816130148
Crain's (http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20170816/CRED03/170819887/developer-expands-footprint-for-clybourn-corridor-big-deahl-site)

No, that's at Dayton & Blackhawk.
He's talking about the old methadone clinic, now a vacant lot at 1868 Milwaukee.
It was supposed to become a LEED certified parking garage, then a condo project, and now a -3 TOD mixed use rental.

[left of center]

Aug 11
one way to "clean"


Is that limestone they are painting over? Seriously?

[Busy Bee]

Just.............wow

[harryc]

Can't keep em straight without a program - Curbed guide to West Loop Fulton Market (https://chicago.curbed.com/maps/west-loop-development-chicago-map)

Number 32

Aug 26
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4333/36571435320_f737d92904_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4375/36780400986_ab566ae0ff_h.jpg

[SpireGuy]

Who paints over Indiana limestone???

[KWILLSKYLINE]

Money saver. Cheap asses.^^^

[emathias]

Who paints over Indiana limestone???

I'm the one who initially pointed out the lack of consistency between the new and old blocks, but never imagined paint being the chosen solution.

[harryc]

Can't keep em straight without a program - Curbed guide to West Loop Fulton Market (https://chicago.curbed.com/maps/west-loop-development-chicago-map)

Number 16

Aug 2
Good morning from the Morgan Station
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4388/36142114164_07a99ddf10_h.jpg

Aug 14
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4347/36806248952_a46b64d5a7_h.jpg

Aug 26
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4400/36580826200_bcd212fff5_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4377/36142115724_c124b72f1b_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4341/36806253052_d8cfae748b_k.jpg

[harryc]

Can't keep em straight without a program - Curbed guide to West Loop Fulton Market (https://chicago.curbed.com/maps/west-loop-development-chicago-map)

Number 25

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4398/36838186241_ab8b36c022_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4402/36806942842_f4974c3c6d_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4396/36806940112_54b89ffde6_h.jpg

[harryc]

Can't keep em straight without a program - Curbed guide to West Loop Fulton Market (https://chicago.curbed.com/maps/west-loop-development-chicago-map)

Number 37

Aug 26
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4338/36143513754_692f2fae1b_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4428/36170145303_55547cc643_k.jpg

[the urban politician]

Harry, I don't think enough people thank you for all the pics you contribute to this forum. So----THANKS!! :)

[harryc]

Can't keep em straight without a program - Curbed guide to West Loop Fulton Market (https://chicago.curbed.com/maps/west-loop-development-chicago-map)

Number 15

Aug 14
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4400/36839422191_8d95c9aefa_h.jpg

Aug 26
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4439/36144178014_483d5e7880_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4361/36839418861_109be91b1a_h.jpg

That is one whaler that is not coming out.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4351/36582761750_129a5cb31e_h.jpg

[marothisu]

New 4 story elementary school in the South Loop was permitted yesterday (1601 S Dearborn, aka 16th and Dearborn) - will replace some industrial looking buildings which are looking out of place:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/1601+S+Dearborn+St,+Chicago,+IL+60616/@41.8600866,-87.6288258,3a,75y,120.45h,89.39t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7gcgRqyj6uire1HbwijMvg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2c861e7119c9:0x8255a0ee3fd451af!8m2!3d41.8595478!4d-87.628406

[harryc]

Aug 26
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4373/36812002812_e5073cdc7f_h.jpg

Corner Retail
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4378/36843170241_4abf2fc281_h.jpg

Curtain Wall
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4418/36811998622_d15b72725e_h.jpg

Aug 28
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4332/36843162961_cebea578cb_h.jpg

Aug 29
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4433/36811984342_1ac87567ab_h.jpg

[left of center]

Lookin' good! Thanks for the pics, Harry!

[harryc]

Can't keep em straight without a program - Curbed guide to West Loop Fulton Market (https://chicago.curbed.com/maps/west-loop-development-chicago-map)

Number 27

Aug 26
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4400/36152863234_ca3b03e13f_h.jpg

Very solid balconies
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4417/36800951996_b3f5685199_h.jpg


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4374/36152864104_05c18e31a9_k.jpg

[SolarWind]

September 1, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/FLsvA08.jpg

[SolarWind]

September 1, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/QPOxHBA.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/fhx2c2e.jpg

[SolarWind]

September 1, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/8IXs9XY.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/gvBBChV.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4fWrrBy.jpg

[SolarWind]

September 1, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/TD6wWoJ.jpg

[SolarWind]

September 1, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/IGEDexM.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WgAtjTO.jpg

[SolarWind]

September 1, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/GAbuczO.jpg

[SolarWind]

September 1, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/99LvCXI.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/RMLKDek.jpg

[SolarWind]

September 1, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/IbMFe3X.jpg

[SolarWind]

September 1, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/PTDGN9o.jpg

[SolarWind]

September 1, 2017

http://i.imgur.com/FRBKcQd.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/xyGeTkF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/gBQf0gW.jpg

[harryc]

Can't keep em straight without a program - Curbed guide to West Loop Fulton Market (https://chicago.curbed.com/maps/west-loop-development-chicago-map)

Number 12

Sept 1
A quickie from the El -
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4437/36604017200_c3b0b5cc10_h.jpg

[the urban politician]

Ahh the west loop, our little slice of post-1871 Chicago

[Randomguy34]

In all honesty, the West Loop should have its own thread (similar to the Hyde Park thread) given how no other part of the city can even hope to catch up to the growth in this neighborhood.

[harryc]

Can't keep em straight without a program - Curbed guide to West Loop Fulton Market (https://chicago.curbed.com/maps/west-loop-development-chicago-map)

Number 8

Sept 1
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4401/36860968001_19bc370fd3_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4413/36604454470_21db6b0a14_h.jpg

[LouisVanDerWright]

In all honesty, the West Loop should have its own thread (similar to the Hyde Park thread) given how no other part of the city can even hope to catch up to the growth in this neighborhood.

Seriously, can we embed the curbed map in the front page. I would like to see a West Loop development rundown.