CHICAGO | General Developments

[the urban politician]

^ I'm all for preservation, but that is one freaky looking face

[KWillChicago]

How often do crews display old facade next to a construction site after removing it? I dont think I've ever seen that before. I would think they would want that stuff in safe storage just for the "in case shit happens" reason alone.

[harryc]

How often do crews display old facade next to a construction site after removing it? I dont think I've ever seen that before. I would think they would want that stuff in safe storage just for the "in case shit happens" reason alone.

Those are still on the wall - I believe they will stay mounted - the wall tied off to the containers while the tower is built behind - as done at Ace Hotel.

[left of center]

Awesome to see that facade being preserved! Its gorgeous, even with that uber creepy face lol.

[Notyrview]

^ I'm all for preservation, but that is one freaky looking face

Ornaments like this are always freaky, that's the point.

Great to hear they are preserving them.

[Rizzo]

You forgot the hideous cell tower on the west side of Damen.

Once placed, those things are an absolute nightmare to remove, given all the data cable infrastructure they are connected to. Look at the one on Madison by Aberdeen. Its smack in the middle of a restaurant/bar area in the booming WL, and it doesn't appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.

If they can be collocated on a nearby structure, decommissioning is a breeze. A lot of these towers are owned by a single large company with all the carriers leasing. It’s just getting the approvals for a new cell site that would be arduous, but the equipment relocation is a breeze considering isn’t terribly difficult when you consider all of it is upgraded so often. Trenching new cables and installing radio units takes a matter of hours.

[harryc]

If they can be collocated on a nearby structure, decommissioning is a breeze. A lot of these towers are owned by a single large company with all the carriers leasing. It’s just getting the approvals for a new cell site that would be arduous, but the equipment relocation is a breeze considering isn’t terribly difficult when you consider all of it is upgraded so often. Trenching new cables and installing radio units takes a matter of hours.

Spoken like a manager in a nice warm cubicle ;-)

[harryc]

Feb 26

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4712/39742973245_36e6c4fa1e_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4795/26767126118_706b446f91_h.jpg

Mar 3

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4708/26767125608_613d1e761a_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4784/39742972725_91eb7725cf_h.jpg

[Rizzo]

Spoken like a manager in a nice warm cubicle ;-)

Haha, that is true. But the people that do this work are impressive at what they do in any weather. No way I’d ever be cut out to do any utility work in this cold climate.

[Baronvonellis]

^ I'm all for preservation, but that is one freaky looking face

Have you seen all the crazy faces in Prague? They have lots there haha!

Maybe not this particular example, but I'm wondering people usually seem to love buildings like this with Greco-Roman ornamentation. These type of buildings are landmarked. Why don't more developers building new buildings with Greco-Roman ornamentation today? It can be done with cheap plastic resins now, no need to use terra-cotta. I've bought some foam interior ornamentation that is really cheap for my own home. I'm making it into a Bavarian palace for a few hundred dollars! This stuff isn't that costly today with plastics and foam. They can be painted any color. It makes it look timeless, historical, and classy.

Also there's a book called Get Your House Right that every developer should read. It discusses how to use Classical proportions on any house or building. There's a reason older buildings look good, it's because they used Classical proportions and Greek orders based on 2500 years of building history. Today, people build buildings with no thought for the proportions. This isn't even that hard or costly to do right, it just takes a sensitivity for proper proportions. Things like the Greek orders, almost every building I've seen built before 1930 used the proper Greek orders. But almost every building today that attempts a cornice fails at the Greek order of a proper cornice.

[Mr Downtown]

Architects of our era are taught—except possibly at Notre Dame—that buildings should be of their time, reflecting the social and political conditions under which they were created, and using the most efficient technology of the era. So few architects would want to design a truly historicist building, few developers would want to pay for one, and few contractors could properly construct one. In categories like luxury residential, where there's demand for the historic forms and ornament, modern compromise solutions include certain large, impressive elements—but on buildings using today's technology and materials.

[Via Chicago]

Why don't more developers building new buildings with Greco-Roman ornamentation today?


well the dude who built that absurd mansion in Lincoln Park plastered them all over the place, so theres that...


http://www.trbimg.com/img-584962a5/turbine/ct-lincoln-park-mansion-20161208-001

[left of center]

^ Holy sh*t, that's newer construction? It honestly looks like it was built 100 years ago. Did they use actual limestone?

[marothisu]

Curbed obtained a rendering from NORR for the proposed building on Western Ave right next to the 606 replacing the gas station. I really like the Western Ave side of things, but not so much the 606 side of things. The outdoor dining space(s) at the level of the 606 looks nice though.

Source: NORR/Curbed
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/h_-9tWFYt--7BDtzfhgt68cuUVM=/0x0:3068x2000/1220x813/filters:focal(1175x772:1665x1262):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58910367/NORR_1750_N._Western.0.jpg

[left of center]

^ Gorgeous rendering! Lets hope the actual development mirrors this.

I'm also not a big fan of the balconies facing the 606, but I love the way the Western Ave side looks. It would be nice if they could redo it to closer imitate the more attractive cubist design on the eastern facade.

Its crazy how transformative the 606 has been to the surrounding neighborhood. Hope the trend continues. Lots of underutilized space on Western, especially further south. Would like to see those car dealers, fast food joints and empty lots take a hike!

[marothisu]

^ Yeah totally. I remember going on the 606 the first time and was pretty surprised at how you could see the transformation right around parts for a bit of distance. Forget where but I liked the height on some buildings around it. I'm a fan of some of the buildings around the highline in Manhattan in both height and design. I was surprised that in some parts the 606 had more of the height thing down than I expected.



In other news, 1115 W Fulton Market (Fulton Market & May) got a building permit nearly a month ago for the renovation to convert it to a retail building. This is from McCaffery. I'm sure this thing will be available before we even realize it.

Source: McCaffery
https://www.mccafferyinc.com/files/assets/Fulton_Market_Cam_04.jpg

[left of center]

I live about a half to three quarters of a mile from the 606, and even at this distance I can sense its boosted the number of rehabs and tear downs in my immediate vicinity. Its pretty crazy, I haven't seen a rate of construction and investment like this since the last boom cycle.

I love that they are keeping the awning for 1115 W Fulton. Really helps preserve that chic industrial vibe that made that neighborhood so attractive to begin with.

[the urban politician]

Glad it won't be demolished.



https://i.imgur.com/395H9Pe.jpg?1

I just noticed that the rooftop water tank is missing. :(

Hope they don't plan on getting rid of it

[marothisu]

I live about a half to three quarters of a mile from the 606, and even at this distance I can sense its boosted the number of rehabs and tear downs in my immediate vicinity. Its pretty crazy, I haven't seen a rate of construction and investment like this since the last boom cycle.


I'll have a map on it sometime in the semi near future :D (for the whole city)


I love that they are keeping the awning for 1115 W Fulton. Really helps preserve that chic industrial vibe that made that neighborhood so attractive to begin with.

Agree. 181 N Morgan is a new building but they kind of have the same thing --> https://www.google.com/maps/place/181+N+Morgan+St,+Chicago,+IL+60607/@41.8852176,-87.6521438,3a,75y,38.9h,86.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scgwM1QYzhvC9MP3hYW9lFw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2cda0ccbac9b:0xe77a460740410f75!8m2!3d41.8853737!4d-87.6519087

[Via Chicago]

^ Holy sh*t, that's newer construction? It honestly looks like it was built 100 years ago. Did they use actual limestone?


To their credit yes, although for 60 million I'd sure hope so

[ardecila]

I just noticed that the rooftop water tank is missing. :(

Hope they don't plan on getting rid of it

Yeah I'm surprised more buildings haven't kept these water towers. Even Sterling Bay is trashing them (https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150324/west-loop/historic-water-tower-demolished-make-way-for-new-office-building). I mean, it's not cheap to restore them to a safe condition, but it also contributes to the industrial vibe that tenants pay so much money to get.

Even if you had to tear the old water tower down, it seems like you could build a fake one in the same size and shape for about $10k. Andersonville spent a whopping $165k to build a replica in steel and fiberglass, but there's got to be a cheaper way. With a clever design you could schlep everything up in the freight elevator and assemble it in modules on the rooftop to avoid an expensive crane lift.

[aaron38]

I like the water towers too, but I'm not a fan of fake towers, just to pretend they're still functional. If buildings can all use pumps for pressure and don't need a gravity feed, so be it. New buildings don't have coal fired chimneys either.

That building on Western is great, especially for what it's replacing.

[Via Chicago]

I don't see why they can't restore and reuse it, either for art or branding.

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/12/f0/44/12f044659bb4ce64ac49efa7e72ab890--water-tower-towers.jpg

[jc5680]

Yeah I'm surprised more buildings haven't kept these water towers. Even Sterling Bay is trashing them (https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150324/west-loop/historic-water-tower-demolished-make-way-for-new-office-building). I mean, it's not cheap to restore them to a safe condition, but it also contributes to the industrial vibe that tenants pay so much money to get.



Shame to see them disappear. Cost to bring them up to the City's more recent structural code is proving costly though. Our building just took ours down a couple months ago. It was almost 20k to remove it. It was going to upwards of 60k to bring up to code though.

[LouisVanDerWright]

It would be cool if more people did stuff like this:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.jsonline.com/amp/686057001#ampshare=http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2017/09/21/massive-water-tower-sculpture-lifted-top-coakley-building-wakers-point/686057001/

It's a huge plexiglass mosaic beacon shaped like the water tower that once stoop atop this warehouse in Milwaukee.

[Fvn]

It would be cool if more people did stuff like this:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.jsonline.com/amp/686057001#ampshare=http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2017/09/21/massive-water-tower-sculpture-lifted-top-coakley-building-wakers-point/686057001/

It's a huge plexiglass mosaic beacon shaped like the water tower that once stoop atop this warehouse in Milwaukee.

Omg that's amazing

[west-town-brad]

Its crazy how transformative the 606 has been to the surrounding neighborhood. Hope the trend continues. Lots of underutilized space on Western, especially further south. Would like to see those car dealers, fast food joints and empty lots take a hike!

Don't forget the many very large vacant lots along Milwaukee Ave between Western and California. And the long stalled Congress Theater rehab, and the vacant CVS with the world's largest parking lot. :)

[Jibba]

Curbed obtained a rendering from NORR for the proposed building on Western Ave right next to the 606 replacing the gas station. I really like the Western Ave side of things, but not so much the 606 side of things. The outdoor dining space(s) at the level of the 606 looks nice though.

Source: NORR/Curbed

I'm not excited about NORR's foothold in these larger neighborhood infill projects. They've been LG's go-to for all of their recent projects, it seems. They try for very of-the-moment styles, and the refinement is really lacking. Large, blocky masses covered in huge expanses of synthetic paneling ... not the most elegant results...

[KWillChicago]

Have they started the renovation of the old 9-story atrium village building or will be the last thing done after phase three?

[JK47]

Have they started the renovation of the old 9-story atrium village building or will be the last thing done after phase three?


The plan for the mid-rise calls for extensive interior and exterior renovations. However, since they crammed everyone from the town homes into the mid-rise those renovations can't start until there's a place to unload those residents (either the Phase I or Phase II tower).

[r18tdi]

I just noticed that the rooftop water tank is missing. :(

Hope they don't plan on getting rid of it There are actually two towers on the top of the building at the moment.

Have they started the renovation of the old 9-story atrium village building or will be the last thing done after phase three?
Probably last. There's where the developer is stashing away (https://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2018/02/21/low-income-tenants-say-luxury-developer-is-treating-them-like-bald-headed-stepchildren) all the low income folks. It's a low priority.

[Baronvonellis]

Architects of our era are taught—except possibly at Notre Dame—that buildings should be of their time, reflecting the social and political conditions under which they were created, and using the most efficient technology of the era. So few architects would want to design a truly historicist building, few developers would want to pay for one, and few contractors could properly construct one. In categories like luxury residential, where there's demand for the historic forms and ornament, modern compromise solutions include certain large, impressive elements—but on buildings using today's technology and materials.

Well how is a concrete box reflective of our time, society and culture? Unless your life only consists of living and working in a cubicle. Which isn't much of a life or culture if you ask me. These are time tested designs. The house in Lincoln park has human faces, geometric designs and flowers. How is that not of our time. It's pretty timeless. It's like saying planting flowers in front of a house isn't reflective of our time.

That same house could be built out of common brick without the faces, corbels, and flowers and it would still be a beautiful building because it uses proper proportions. It's all related to the Golden Ratio in mathematics and nature. The Greek's understood this 2500 years ago. It's like saying since the Greeks invented democracy we shouldn't use democracy since it's not of our time. A good idea is a good idea!

Everyone should read the book Get your House Right. It has lots of line drawing examples of what to do and what not to do to make a house look timeless, and how Mcmansions do everything wrong. Since they neglect proper proportions. It's not costly or expensive to use proper proportions. You can use any materials- brick, adobe, resin, stone, glass.

[Fvn]

Tower crane going up at Gems

[the urban politician]

I agree that good proportions and ornamentation is timeless.

It may not be of everybody's taste, but that's a different discussion. The need to see intimate and familiar objects, symbols, human faces, etc are as old as our species itself. We were doing it since we began drawing animals on cave walls.

I do believe that some modern version of human scaled ornamentation has a role in contemporary construction. It is something that there is a demand for and should be explored, instead of shunned by overly dogmatic modernists.

[Investing In Chicago]

Architects of our era are taught—except possibly at Notre Dame—that buildings should be of their time, reflecting the social and political conditions under which they were created, and using the most efficient technology of the era. So few architects would want to design a truly historicist building, few developers would want to pay for one, and few contractors could properly construct one. In categories like luxury residential, where there's demand for the historic forms and ornament, modern compromise solutions include certain large, impressive elements—but on buildings using today's technology and materials.

Yes. And this is why the vast majority of buildings going up in our city (and mostly, everywhere) are complete disappointments.

It's the fashion equivalent of a time when Men wore suits and dress shoes everyday, and now men today where t-shirts and cargo shorts everyday.

[Baronvonellis]

Yes. And this is why the vast majority of buildings going up in our city (and mostly, everywhere) are complete disappointments.

It's the fashion equivalent of a time when Men wore suits and dress shoes everyday, and now men today where t-shirts and cargo shorts everyday.

Yes, exactly! Not saying it should be everyone's tastes, but it should for sure have a place today!

By the way apologies if your not supposed to link to commercial websites. I'm not trying to sell anything, and don't work for them.

http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/lg_display.cfm?page=3&catalog=Resin_Artisan_Collection

Here's a link to affordable interior ornate ornaments. It's in the hundreds of dollars range. If your buying a $600,000 home, it's a fraction of the home cost, and not too much money. With this website, you can make your home look just like Versailles if you want to. You can even get some smaller pieces for $30-50, even the cheapest apartment dweller could afford that. I believe it makes a home look very distinguished. You only have to follow proper proportions, and go with what looks right to your eye. It takes minutes to install with a bit of glue.

There's also the local Chicago company Decorators Supply Company that's been in business since 1883. Although, they are more expensive.

https://decoratorssupply.com/

[Notyrview]

It's the fashion equivalent of a time when Men wore suits and dress shoes everyday, and now men today where t-shirts and cargo shorts everyday.


Whoa so tru. The tyranny of dockers and square hair cuts.

[VKChaz]

Hopefully not off topic, but plans to move forward on a projection system onto the Merchandise Mart were covered in the media recently:

http://abc7chicago.com/society/art-on-themart-to-bring-art-to-riverwalk-/3139849/

https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/2/26/17053270/merchandise-mart-lighting-video-public-art

This appears to be intended for formal artwork. Though have always thought it would be interesting to enable everyday people to project something onto a building. Would probably need to ensure it can't get quickly obscene, but a panel where people could create images that project to a building or somehow project themselves (still or in motion). Could imagine that being a popular attraction.

[Notyrview]

Feb 26

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4712/39742973245_36e6c4fa1e_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4795/26767126118_706b446f91_h.jpg

Mar 3

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4708/26767125608_613d1e761a_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4784/39742972725_91eb7725cf_h.jpg

Nice

[VKChaz]

I agree that good proportions and ornamentation is timeless.

It may not be of everybody's taste, but that's a different discussion. The need to see intimate and familiar objects, symbols, human faces, etc are as old as our species itself. We were doing it since we began drawing animals on cave walls.

I do believe that some modern version of human scaled ornamentation has a role in contemporary construction. It is something that there is a demand for and should be explored, instead of shunned by overly dogmatic modernists.

And I would think that giving people what they want should be a principal objective. For example, regardless of how anyone feels about Lagrange's approach, he is meeting a market demand. Other architects have the opportunity to better this approach with their own revivalist themes that marry present and past.

[ardecila]

Shame to see them disappear. Cost to bring them up to the City's more recent structural code is proving costly though. Our building just took ours down a couple months ago. It was almost 20k to remove it. It was going to upwards of 60k to bring up to code though.

That’s what I’m saying, if I can build a wood deck for $15k on the high end and still make a nice profit, building a (faux) wooden water tower shouldn’t cost 4x as much. The only difference is the elevation - getting materials up there and taking proper safety precautions.

[Jibba]

I wonder what they're building the cement platform for...

[OhioGuy]

I wonder what they're building the cement platform for...

They need a nice solid surface for the big press conference announcing this location as the selected site for Amazon's HQ2, duh! ;)

[marothisu]

^ LOL! I wish. They're just trying to contain some radioactive section of the field :D

[ChickeNES]

^ LOL! I wish. They're just trying to contain some radioactive section of the field :D

Wait really? Any idea why that section is radioactive? I know that Lindsay Light was responsible for the thorium in Streeterville, curious who was responsible here

[marothisu]

Wait really? Any idea why that section is radioactive? I know that Lindsay Light was responsible for the thorium in Streeterville, curious who was responsible here

LOL didn't think anybody would take my comment seriously...

[ChickeNES]

LOL didn't think anybody would take my comment seriously...

:haha:

[wchicity]

They need a nice solid surface for the big press conference announcing this location as the selected site for Amazon's HQ2, duh! ;)

Has Related released any type of full site plan, other than the couple of renderings that have been floating around?

[Fvn]

Groundbreaking soon? IIRC no actual groundbreaking yet just the project announcement

[ardecila]

I have to imagine the pad is for some kind of structure. Maybe a sales center, or some kind of container market like the one Related is doing on Randolph this summer? (No idea how folks would actually get there...)

Based on the hiring of Hollwich Kushner, 3XN and Adrian Smith Gordon Gill, it’s possible we could be looking at the footing for some kind of big installation that will generate hype.

[Investing In Chicago]

This isn't a function of of fashion. Its a function of the well optimized economics of the day. Unless its a vanity project by a govt or a super high end tower, its built to a profit algorithm.

So that's it? Aside a few instances, quality architecture/design/materials are dead and we should be ok with that?

[Mr Downtown]

Has Related released any type of full site plan, other than the couple of renderings that have been floating around?

No, and only a few weeks ago I was told (by a source who'd know) that Related was still working out what they wanted to do, but had been forced by CDOT to specify intersection locations for the Wells-Wentworth construction that will happen this year. Surveyors' stakes are out on the site for that, and I think also for the Metra track relocation.

I was very surprised to see the slab being poured yesterday morning, though it's only a few inches thick, just sitting on a bed of gravel, and didn't seem to have much if any rebar. So that makes me think it's very temporary, and Related folks have talked about "meanwhile" uses for big parts of the site during buildout. Temporary/lightweight construction would make sense for some kind of container market/food truck thing—though I think that's loony from a retail and marketing standpoint.

[moorhosj]

Well, see if you can convince the money men to pay a little more for some style. Its not like there was not ton of boring crap buildings built in the past. We just tear most of those down and save the gems.

I'm sure people were complaining about how similar all the bungalows were when built. Now they are protected/landmarked.

[moorhosj]

I was very surprised to see the slab being poured yesterday morning, though it's only a few inches thick, just sitting on a bed of gravel, and didn't seem to have much if any rebar. So that makes me think it's very temporary, and Related folks have talked about "meanwhile" uses for big parts of the site during buildout. Temporary/lightweight construction would make sense for some kind of container market/food truck thing—though I think that's loony from a retail and marketing standpoint.

I've often wondered if there isn't a more economic way to use these large vacant plots of land until construction starts. I know City Farm Chicago has a model based on farming. I wonder if something else (like a mobile solar farm) would work. What are the hang ups?

[Investing In Chicago]

I'm sure people were complaining about how similar all the bungalows were when built. Now they are protected/landmarked.

What makes you think bungalows are landmarked in Chicago?

My complaint isn't new construction looks the same, my complaint is the majority of buildings going up today are ugly and built with cheap materials. Those bungalows are built like tanks, and look fantastic.

I see it all of the time, buildings that are less than 10 years old already showing significant wear on the front facade, rust streaks, and water intrusion; on top of all of that, they are ugly.

I renovate about 5 or 6 Greystones/Italianate's a year, and the quality of construction and general beauty is second to none in the city, imo. I've seriously seen other developers tear down ~75-100 Greystones/Italianates over the past 8 or so years, and replace them with absolute crap...

[Mr Downtown]

I've often wondered if there isn't a more economic way to use these large vacant plots of land until construction starts. I know City Farm Chicago has a model based on farming. I wonder if something else (like a mobile solar farm) would work. What are the hang ups?

Someone would have to pay for such gimmicky exhibits.

If we need to grow more produce in our climate, there's plenty of rich farmland in DeKalb or Kankakee County, where you wouldn't have to truck in the soil and brush off the dust coating the plants with heavy metals.

If Northern Illinois were a good place for a solar array, there's plenty of marginal farmland near Dresden or some existing ComEd plant. No need to run expensive transmission lines to an urban site where they'll only be used for 10 years.

[moorhosj]

What makes you think bungalows are landmarked in Chicago?

Chicago has 12 Bungalow Historic Districts (https://www.chicagobungalow.org/historic-districts) on the National Register of Historic Places. You are correct that this is not a landmark designation.

[moorhosj]

Someone would have to pay for such gimmicky exhibits.

If we need to grow more produce in our climate, there's plenty of rich farmland in DeKalb or Kankakee County, where you wouldn't have to truck in the soil and brush off the dust coating the plants with heavy metals.

If Northern Illinois were a good place for a solar array, there's plenty of marginal farmland near Dresden or some existing ComEd plant. No need to run expensive transmission lines to an urban site where they'll only be used for 10 years.


Well City Farms does exist in the city, so that point doesn't really fly. The broader point is we have large plots of land that sit undeveloped for years. Take the land on Franklin and Washington, it has been empty for years and will likely stay that way for a few more years.

I am wondering if there are any opportunities in using that land more economically while the owner waits for the market in order to build. My example, mobile solar farms, could be easily moved to vacant land. Sell the generated electricity back to the grid and the land owner would get a cut (just as wind farms are financed). I doubt the economics of that example work, but I was trying to think of something more viable than food truck/container market in a plot of land with no road access.

[Investing In Chicago]

That's just business. Renos on old, non conforming, asbestos laden properties is expensive. Tearing it down and building a wood framed 3 unit condo that sells for 500k each, and 750k for the top floor, isnt.

Do you want some regulation?

Absolutely I want regulations. Chicago preservation sucks. I wouldn't mind the shitty new construction, if it was only replacing surface lots and other nondescript buildings that's one thing, but when a large number of our historic building stock is demoed then I have a problem. I understand the business aspect of it (I'm in that business) but I'd also like Chicago to save it's historic building stock and see great new buildings.

[Mr Downtown]

Today some kind of lightweight metal framework is being erected on the slab at Related's Riverside Park site. That makes me think it might be merely a film set, like those little houses they put at Harrison & Wells a few years back for Divergent. Imagine the fire or explosion, with passing Metra trains and the skyline in the background, that Chicago Fire could have as a blockbuster season finale.

[Baronvonellis]

That's just business. Renos on old, non conforming, asbestos laden properties is expensive. Tearing it down and building a wood framed 3 unit condo that sells for 500k each, and 750k for the top floor, isnt.

Do you want some regulation?

What a cold soulless world you live in. I guess if you live your life inside a spreadsheet, a concrete box would be fine. I just think the US suffers from a lack of interest in human culture, arts, and preserving it's history in general. We might have the largest economy, but the culture is suffering.

[Skyguy_7]

^^The two RELATED shipping containers amongst many acres of "prairie land" directly adjacent to skyscrapers in one of the largest US cities, make for quite the backdrop of a major announcement. :shrug::shrug:

[KWillChicago]

Any significance to those buildings with the parking lot across canal st. from riverpoint? They need to fill that gap between riverpoint and riverbend with a highrise. I know it's been talked about here before but I'm just wondering if those buildings could actually get demo'd.

[Baronvonellis]

What's going on at 1300 N Lake Shore Dr. with a tower crane? Is it a new hirise? I don't see it on the hirise thread.

Also, what's the deal the lot at Waveland and Lake Shore Dr. It's just a open grassy field right on lake Shore Dr. in Lakeview. I would think that would be a prime spot to building something.

[Jibba]

What's going on at 1300 N Lake Shore Dr. with a tower crane? Is it a new hirise? I don't see it on the hirise thread.

Also, what's the deal the lot at Waveland and Lake Shore Dr. It's just a open grassy field right on lake Shore Dr. in Lakeview. I would think that would be a prime spot to building something.

I'm guessing it's the Booth Hansen project on Banks: http://www.boothhansen.com/portfolio/61-e-banks/

[JK47]

Also, what's the deal the lot at Waveland and Lake Shore Dr. It's just a open grassy field right on lake Shore Dr. in Lakeview. I would think that would be a prime spot to building something.


Originally when the New York building was built it was supposed to have a twin. However, the developers faced some severe neighborhood backlash after the first tower went up and there was apparently some financing issues and eventually the plan died. About 5 to 10 years ago there was a second attempt to build a high rise on that lot but it too ran into problems with the neighborhood and problems obtaining financing.

The main issue for folks in the area hasn't been height per se, in terms of blocked views or shadows, but the fact that the first building turned Waveland between Lake Shore and Broadway into a goddamn wind tunnel. I'm a heavy guy but there are days when the wind just shoves you backwards. On calm days it's pretty windy on that stretch and on blustery days it's really bad.

[Baronvonellis]

I'm guessing it's the Booth Hansen project on Banks: http://www.boothhansen.com/portfolio/61-e-banks/

Thanks, I'm surprised it's so short for that location. I guess the NIMBYS attacked it.

[Baronvonellis]

Originally when the New York building was built it was supposed to have a twin. However, the developers faced some severe neighborhood backlash after the first tower went up and there was apparently some financing issues and eventually the plan died. About 5 to 10 years ago there was a second attempt to build a high rise on that lot but it too ran into problems with the neighborhood and problems obtaining financing.

The main issue for folks in the area hasn't been height per se, in terms of blocked views or shadows, but the fact that the first building turned Waveland between Lake Shore and Broadway into a goddamn wind tunnel. I'm a heavy guy but there are days when the wind just shoves you backwards. On calm days it's pretty windy on that stretch and on blustery days it's really bad.

Thanks for the info. Wow, that's crazy it's a windtunnel there! Sounds intense!

[sentinel]

Originally when the New York building was built it was supposed to have a twin. However, the developers faced some severe neighborhood backlash after the first tower went up and there was apparently some financing issues and eventually the plan died. About 5 to 10 years ago there was a second attempt to build a high rise on that lot but it too ran into problems with the neighborhood and problems obtaining financing.

The main issue for folks in the area hasn't been height per se, in terms of blocked views or shadows, but the fact that the first building turned Waveland between Lake Shore and Broadway into a goddamn wind tunnel. I'm a heavy guy but there are days when the wind just shoves you backwards. On calm days it's pretty windy on that stretch and on blustery days it's really bad.

I recently sold my north-facing condo in the two-tower complex just south of that vacant lot. I loved East Lakeview and being so close to Waveland Park and the lake, but I don't miss other parts of my old neighborhood. I can attest to the wind tunnel effect, even when walking through the 'dog park' green space where some version of a tower has been planned over the past 10-12 years. It was not pleasant, especially in the colder months.

[IrishIllini]

There are quite a few wind tunnels near the lake between Belmont and Montrose. The ones on Iriving, Pine Grove, and Waveland are particularly bad.

[Via Chicago]

sheridan in edgewater is horrendous too

[Vlajos]

^It does look like a stage. Strange

[the urban politician]

^ Toby Keith and Ted Nugent are going to perform there in front of millions

[left of center]

Oh, good. Glad to see Related has the money to build unnecessary stages in the middle of nowhere, but not to complete the exterior to OBP as originally planned.

:koko:

[woodrow]

Actually, this is interesting! How long have the container's been there? How would you access that stage? From the south? Are they creating a "moment" VIP's and press coming from the south, between the containers with RELATED painted on them. Maybe the road lined with fluttering flags, etc. Arrive at the stage, up the monumental ramp - amazing view of the loop. BOOM - announce the design and AMAZON!!!! (I kid about the tenant).

[marothisu]

Alright that's pretty interesting - but too early to say it's something like Amazon. I'm guessing it's some sort of announcement/ground breaking for the development in general. I know this is where the innovation center is supposed to go too - though I was just thinking about how an innovation center for U of Illinois with Amazon in the same exact area would be pretty killer for both parties.

[marothisu]

That one 52 unit building across from Skinner Park in the West Loop on Laflin (just north of Adams) was issued a new construction permit yesterday

[Kumdogmillionaire]

Oh, good. Glad to see Related has the money to build unnecessary stages in the middle of nowhere, but not to complete the exterior to OBP as originally planned.

:koko:

Well they have to showcase them being selected for the Amazon location somehow ;)

[glowrock]

There are quite a few wind tunnels near the lake between Belmont and Montrose. The ones on Iriving, Pine Grove, and Waveland are particularly bad.

Yep. Absolutely, 100% correct! You can throw in Cornelia and Brompton (the street I live on) as well! :)

Holy crap, the wind tunnel effect can be HORRIBLE some days! Sheesh!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[the urban politician]

That one 52 unit building across from Skinner Park in the West Loop on Laflin (just north of Adams) was issued a new construction permit yesterday

Yeah, and it looks like shit.

The developer and the architect should go jump in Lake Michigan.

Crap design, too much parking. Horrible!

[left of center]

Well they have to showcase them being selected for the Amazon location somehow ;)

All would be forgiven if that was the case :)

Alas that's unlikely the case, so I will continue to hate them, lol

[harryc]

March 7

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4789/25847219467_e92b08da97_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4796/25847222007_0b04c0ed4b_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4795/26847320488_3040a1f4cc_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4772/25847217037_0b5f6d46f6_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4791/26847320058_779f327b83_h.jpg

[Rooster slayer]

Harry, what the hell is that telescoping pulley machine shown in your last pic...very cool.

[chicubs111]

Alright that's pretty interesting - but too early to say it's something like Amazon. I'm guessing it's some sort of announcement/ground breaking for the development in general. I know this is where the innovation center is supposed to go too - though I was just thinking about how an innovation center for U of Illinois with Amazon in the same exact area would be pretty killer for both parties.

This staging area could be a kinda of sprucing up the site for when the amazon exec's come in spring supposedly to go over details of Chicagos potential sites... This makes sense ..kind of bring all the amazon scouts to that location and say imagine the possibilities from that stage... :P

[the urban politician]

Heavy construction machinery is cool

[Vlajos]

Put lolla out there. Cant fuck up that terrain any worse.

Not a bad idea!

[harryc]

Harry, what the hell is that telescoping pulley machine shown in your last pic...very cool.

A telescoping crane boom - similar to this one
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4505/37558776070_4b988cadbd_h.jpg

For a unique perspective - the wooden model (https://www.flickr.com/photos/153635154@N07/albums/72157688108218784)! By John Murphey

[KWillChicago]

Dont know if this was talked about yet but I like it. Chicago needs more red. Optima 2 was a tease.

https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/3/9/17100334/construction-esperanza-health-brighton-park

[harryc]

March 9

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4791/39834315465_1e1462af23_h.jpg

Feb 28

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4787/25858121827_2b0c8e09fd_h.jpg

[harryc]

Feb 28

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4792/40730154871_ddbba470c1_b.jpg

Mar 9

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4780/40730153691_692c19f39f_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4778/39835074365_b8eaee7252_h.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4794/40730150091_85f0e47f42_h.jpg

[IrishIllini]

Dont know if this was talked about yet but I like it. Chicago needs more red. Optima 2 was a tease.

https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/3/9/17100334/construction-esperanza-health-brighton-park

I'd 100% take more red.

[Mr Downtown]

Yeah, that's some kind of a stage at the Related Riverside Park site. Safety railing, green skirting, two staircases and a ramp up. I can't find any building or filming permits for that area, though.

Might be for some big announcement, but with May sweeps coming I'm not yet ready to rule out filming for Chicago Fire or Chicago PD or Chicago Medical. Maybe it won't be a big fake fire, but a big fake terrorist incident at a Lolla-type music festival.

[spyguy]

Apparently the hideous Beef 'n Brandy building on State Street will be renovated and converted to 40 "hotel apartments" (not sure what that is) and probably a new retailer on the bottom floor.
https://i.imgur.com/sh4K7oL.jpg?1
Some history of the Waterman Building here (http://chicagodesignslinger.blogspot.com/2015/03/waterman-building-chicago-chicago.html).

[Fvn]

Apparently the hideous Beef 'n Brandy building on State Street will be renovated and converted to 40 "hotel apartments" (not sure what that is) and probably a new retailer on the bottom floor.
https://i.imgur.com/sh4K7oL.jpg?1
Some history of the Waterman Building here (http://chicagodesignslinger.blogspot.com/2015/03/waterman-building-chicago-chicago.html).

Basically a hotel but the rooms are apartments

[the urban politician]

Sounds like an Extended Stay concept

[left of center]

Surprising news. I've always hated the way the charming original facade was covered up by not one, but two skins (one that looks like suburban vinyl siding, and the one above it like a damn tiled floor) and only covered two thirds of it. Looked like they ran out of money before they could've completed the top portion. This is all made worse by the fact its in a very visible location next to the Palmer House Hilton. Good riddance! Glad its getting restored.

Current building: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8798806,-87.6278301,3a,60y,81.73h,115.04t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sjp9UB9NYOVHYmrWHZrDqCg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[ardecila]

Well, they get credit for restoring floors 3-7, but the first two floors definitely never looked like that. The second floor matched the upper floors, and the first floor was a pretty typical iron storefront with prismatic glass (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prismatic_glass_transom.jpg). Based on descriptions, it sounds like some of the panels in the storefront (including the Waterman's Fountain Pens sign) were done in colorful mosaic tile.

http://i63.tinypic.com/24mguhj.jpg

[Vlajos]

Basically a hotel but the rooms are apartments

Great, huge improvement

[Busy Bee]

The image is enormous so I'm not going to post it, but you can see the base behind the streetcar in 1946 here (https://thetrolleydodger.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/pcc009.jpg).

[Busy Bee]

And just for fun, here's the neighbors it used to have:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-851BzDoIcCI/TVNvxsBdR-I/AAAAAAAAG50/TiDLym_S5es/s1600/chandlers.jpg
_ (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-851BzDoIcCI/TVNvxsBdR-I/AAAAAAAAG50/TiDLym_S5es/s1600/chandlers.jpg)

Wish we could have these back...