CHICAGO | General Developments

[LouisVanDerWright]

^^^ That building was designed for a vertical addition. It's doubtful that the original architects and engineers designed it for a setback with more height to the back. So I don't think what you are suggesting would have been possible without serious modifications to the original structure.

[marothisu]

Permit was issued on Monday to redevelop the former Sears on Lawrence (1900 W Lawrence & Wolcott) to add another floor onto it, with ground floor retail, and 59 total units with 44 parking spots.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/1900+W+Lawrence+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60640/@41.9687652,-87.6763437,3a,75y,312.8h,100.47t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sAYmfQZxkKgZgXUjvIIwrJw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2227227ef2d:0x321e46408de40c5a!8m2!3d41.9690095!4d-87.6770292

[Steely Dan]

^ cool! Thanks for the update.

60 new units will help offset some of the unit loss from all of the recent 2-flat deconversions in Lincoln Square.

[Kenmore]

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNg9iA8parc/XROb3knuyrI/AAAAAAABDGo/fvYJmj03CFU-RLioYu_6I4HGURavwXbCACLcBGAs/s640/TimeLineTheatre_NewHome_PreliminaryRendering_byHGA.jpg

TimeLine Theatre Selects Architect For New Location On Broadway

"TimeLine announced in December 2018 that it had purchased property in Uptown—encompassing a five-story, 45,500-square-foot warehouse building plus a vacant lot near the corner of Broadway and Argyle—to be the site of its new home. Preliminary plans feature two intimate and flexible black box theatres seating up to 250 and 150 audience members, respectively.

https://www.uptownupdate.com/2019/06/timeline-theatre-selects-architect-for.html

sorry if a repost

[Steely Dan]

^ as a timeline subscriber for the past 7 years, i'm SOOOOOO excited for this project.

it's beyond perfect that this theater company, whose whole mission is to produce plays set in history to inform the present, has chosen to rehab this old historical structure into their new home.

and another good shot in the arm for the uptown entertainment district.

it's ALL win!

[RedCorsair87]

Nice! I love that building. I wish we had more buildings on that scale on Broadway nearby.

[Kenmore]

it's a good thing, broadway in uptown/edgewater definitely feels on the cusp of a boom period

[tjp]

delete

[tjp]

^ With the 710 apartments being delivered by Cedar Street / Flats, as well, that's going to be a much busier intersection in a couple of years.

[tjp]

delete

[Via Chicago]

that theater is a phenomenal adaptive reuse. still, 3 years is a long timeline so hopefully fundraising/economy dosent completely crater before then.

now about that new Double Door....

it's a good thing, broadway in uptown/edgewater definitely feels on the cusp of a boom period

they need to do a road diet to the north of foster. fully protected bike lane, streetscaping, better ped crossings etc. That would help. Aside from that, hopefully some of those strip malls start getting redeveloped after the red line project is finished.

[Kenmore]

that theater is a phenomenal adaptive reuse. still, 3 years is a long timeline so hopefully fundraising/economy dosent completely crater before then.

now about that new Double Door....



they need to do a road diet to the north of foster. fully protected bike lane, streetscaping, better ped crossings etc. That would help. Aside from that, hopefully some of those strip malls start getting redeveloped after the red line project is finished.

agree

[tjp]

that theater is a phenomenal adaptive reuse. still, 3 years is a long timeline so hopefully fundraising/economy dosent completely crater before then.

now about that new Double Door....



I haven't heard anything about the Double Door in months. Someone familiar with the matter told me the lease wasn't even signed when Cappleman made the announcement ...

I also wonder how the Uptown Theater is going. Last article I read a couple months ago said they still need $40MM.

[the urban politician]

West Loop condo project that drew NIMBY complaints that led Ald Burnett to walk out of a community meeting got approved:

https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2019/06/27/zsd-wins-key-approval-for-controversial-west-loop-condo-project/

Once LL moves on, Burnett for Mayor?

[Kenmore]

I haven't heard anything about the Double Door in months. Someone familiar with the matter told me the lease wasn't even signed when Cappleman made the announcement ...

I also wonder how the Uptown Theater is going. Last article I read a couple months ago said they still need $40MM.

have always been skeptical of the uptown theater rehab and cappleman is a clown, so no surprise about the double door

[Halsted & Villagio]

West Loop condo project that drew NIMBY complaints that led Ald Burnett to walk out of a community meeting got approved:

https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2019/06/27/zsd-wins-key-approval-for-controversial-west-loop-condo-project/

Once LL moves on, Burnett for Mayor?

This should probably be moved to the politics thread but I know Walter quite well... think he would be a very good Mayor. I have seen lots of growth out of him through the years and think he has intellect and gravitas to be a serious threat should he decide to run / once LL leaves office that is.

Another guy that I know really well is Brookins. He has not been in the news much lately but he is relative juggernaut on the far south side. He is another guy that I have seen substantial growth from through the years / could possibly make a run at Mayor down the road.

[r18tdi]

This should probably be moved to the politics thread but I know Walter quite well... think he would be a very good Mayor. I have seen lots of growth out of him through the years and think he has intellect and gravitas to be a serious threat should he decide to run / once LL leaves office that is.
He's also just funny as hell. Burnett is always cracking me up.

[Goose Island Guru]

He's also just funny as hell. Burnett is always cracking me up.

Agreed, he’s super funny.

Isn’t he an ex-con though? I’ve heard rumblings of mafia ties? Can’t imagine those aspects faring well in a city-wide election.

[Via Chicago]

Isn’t he an ex-con though? I’ve heard rumblings of mafia ties? Can’t imagine those aspects faring well in a city-wide election.

you must be new here.

[Jibba]

that theater is a phenomenal adaptive reuse. still, 3 years is a long timeline so hopefully fundraising/economy dosent completely crater before then.

now about that new Double Door....



they need to do a road diet to the north of foster. fully protected bike lane, streetscaping, better ped crossings etc. That would help. Aside from that, hopefully some of those strip malls start getting redeveloped after the red line project is finished.

Crossing Broadway in Edgewater is a colossal pain in the ass. I wouldn't doubt that the Andersonville neighborhood groups want to keep it that way, lest any "urban" folks from the other side infiltrate their neighborhood.

[Steely Dan]

Crossing Broadway in Edgewater is a colossal pain in the ass.

"colossal pain in the ass"?

i used to live near broadway in edgewater. i never had issues crossing broadway. walk to the corner, wait for the walk sign, and cross. kinda like every other major street crossing in the city (ashland, irving, western, etc.).

now, is broadway too much of an auto-sewer through there with too much auto-oriented commercial development (strip malls & drive-thrus)? yes, absolutely, but crossing broadway in its current state is not terribly difficult.

[Kenmore]

Crossing Broadway in Edgewater is a colossal pain in the ass. I wouldn't doubt that the Andersonville neighborhood groups want to keep it that way, lest any "urban" folks from the other side infiltrate their neighborhood.

fact

the strip mall south of berwyn is going to be redeveloped before long and i'm sure they will be putting up a fight

[ChiPlanner]

Crossing Broadway in Edgewater is a colossal pain in the ass. I wouldn't doubt that the Andersonville neighborhood groups want to keep it that way, lest any "urban" folks from the other side infiltrate their neighborhood.

that theater is a phenomenal adaptive reuse. still, 3 years is a long timeline so hopefully fundraising/economy dosent completely crater before then.

now about that new Double Door....



they need to do a road diet to the north of foster. fully protected bike lane, streetscaping, better ped crossings etc. That would help. Aside from that, hopefully some of those strip malls start getting redeveloped after the red line project is finished.

So from what I've heard the reason the Broadway streetscaping and bike lanes end at Foster is that Broadway from Foster to Bryn Mawr/Ridge is because Broadway in that stretch is US 14. Considering Ridge is also US-14 and is 4 lanes jammed down the middle of Edgewater, I wouldn't expect to see the FHA just go along with reducing capacity on Broadway anytime soon. The city had their chance when they resurfaced it about 2-3 years ago anyways and maintained the status quo.

[ardecila]

So from what I've heard the reason the Broadway streetscaping and bike lanes end at Foster is that Broadway from Foster to Bryn Mawr/Ridge is because Broadway in that stretch is US 14. Considering Ridge is also US-14 and is 4 lanes jammed down the middle of Edgewater, I wouldn't expect to see the FHA just go along with reducing capacity on Broadway anytime soon. The city had their chance when they resurfaced it about 2-3 years ago anyways and maintained the status quo.

You don't have to reduce capacity, just re-route US-14 onto Hollywood and Lake Shore Drive. That's always gonna be an auto sewer anyway. Plus, US-14 ends entirely at Broadway/Foster (which is not a major destination) so a re-route might actually make more navigational sense than the current arrangement. On Lake Shore Drive you could put in much larger signs at the Foster ramp to indicate the US-14/41 split.

But yes, CDOT can't just unilaterally put in a road diet on a US highway, the road is controlled by IDOT and FHA would need to sign off on any changes to the design or routing.

[the urban politician]

https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2019/06/28/alderman-says-project-needs-more-affordable-units-so-developer-bags-them-altogether/

:haha:

Stupid fucking Aldermen.

How about pretending for one second that it's a pain in the ass to develop real estate, and people need to make money doing it.

If you aren't going to be reasonable then fuck off. And now a smaller project with zero affordable units will go forward as of right.

I'm betting we will begin to see more and more of this happen--build what zoning allows and screw dealing with activist Aldermen.

[aaron38]

The problem is it’s self fulfilling. Restrict development, raise prices, make the neighborhood exclusive. The residents have more clout, restrict development further.
The instant residents try this crap, it goes exponential and what should be a thriving neighborhood becomes a rich enclave.

Or it becomes a neglected poor one.

[marothisu]

Anyone have an update/ recent pictures of the mega mall development in Logan Square?

[wchicity]

Anyone have an update/ recent pictures of the mega mall development in Logan Square?

Don't have any pictures, but walked by it the other day. It has a HUGE presence and definitely gives that block a completely different look and feel. I guess we'll see how the overall quality of the buildings turns out, but I think it's a massive improvement over the empty lot that was there before.

[The Lurker]

I was in town this week and took a ton of photos but flickr is on the fritz so I'll be sharing links. I can't come up with a URL with a mobile device, but if anybody is able to, you are more than welcome to post the images. I'll be photo dumping for a good part of the day. Please click the links and enjoy.

Milwaukee Ave. Stuff:



[URL=]https://flic.kr/p/2gnfejV (]https://flic.kr/p/2gnfgoD[/URL)



[URL=]https://flic.kr/p/2gnfdGY (]https://flic.kr/p/2gnfe5M[/URL)



[URL=]https://flic.kr/p/2gnh4xX (]https://flic.kr/p/2gneMTd[/URL)

Fulton Market stuff:



[URL=]https://flic.kr/p/2gnfPmB (]https://flic.kr/p/2gngeGg[/URL)



That little gust front Thursday evening knocked down the fencing at 800 W. Fulton Market and gave us a peek in.

[URL=]https://flic.kr/p/2gngeV7 (]https://flic.kr/p/2gnfP9x[/URL)



Sears Tower reatail;

[URL=]https://flic.kr/p/2gnhv9S (]https://flic.kr/p/2gnfWRX[/URL)

Gem's academy;



1533 W. Warren, fencing around site and a few excavators I didn't get in the shot;

[URL=]https://flic.kr/p/2gniu8b (]https://flic.kr/p/2gneQP3[/URL)

[Busy Bee]

Those genius community members and their "input"...

This is not how you build a city.

[JK47]

https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/06/27/heartland-cafe-apartment-project-wont-get-zoning-change-so-developer-is-pulling-affordable-units/


With the recent changes made by Lightfoot does the opposition of the Alderman for a ward still carry the same weight as before?

[Mr Downtown]

Yes, because a rezoning ordinance is passed by city council. A mayor can't change that with an executive order.

[Baronvonellis]

Haha, that's hilarious how she says she's working on a plan for affordable housing, while at the same time denying a plan to build some affordable housing!:haha:

[k1052]

Would not "preserving the character of the area" actually mean allowing people to build courtyard buildings with no parking and four plus ones wherever they want?

Of course we know that's not what this is about.

[the urban politician]

Haha, that's hilarious how she says she's working on a plan for affordable housing, while at the same time denying a plan to build some affordable housing!:haha:

What accelerates gentrification more?

a) A 30 unit building with no affordable units
b) A 60 unit building with 6 affordable units?

I'm sure it's up for debate, but I'd argue that (a) accelerates gentrification because it offers less supply. Fewer units, less supply, thus higher asking rents.

In my own apartments, despite a booming rental market, the fact that tenants have a lot of other choices forces me to charge less rent, and it's fairly often that one has to lower their asking price to finally land a tenant.

Supply and demand is still the best way to keep down costs...

[OrdoSeclorum]

What accelerates gentrification more?

a) A 30 unit building with no affordable units
b) A 60 unit building with 6 affordable units?

I'm sure it's up for debate, but I'd argue that (a) accelerates gentrification because it offers less supply. Fewer units, less supply, thus higher asking rents.

In my own apartments, despite a booming rental market, the fact that tenants have a lot of other choices forces me to charge less rent, and it's fairly often that one has to lower their asking price to finally land a tenant.

Supply and demand is still the best way to keep down costs...

It's absolutely obvious that "a" does more to increase gentrification. And whenever I find myself in a disagreement on this topic, it feels like I'm arguing about how many sides a triangle has.

I think what's up for debate on this topic is what is the best way improve housing options for those with truly low incomes. Supply can do a lot to improve affordability for the lower middle class. But folks who--for a variety of reasons--may not ever have the ability to earn more than a janitor's wage, it's possible to imagine the market being unable to provide them housing in some cities with high wages and high land costs. I don't know what the best solution is.

[Buckman821]

It's absolutely obvious that "a" does more to increase gentrification. And whenever I find myself in a disagreement on this topic, it feels like I'm arguing about how many sides a triangle has.

I think what's up for debate on this topic is what is the best way improve housing options for those with truly low incomes. Supply can do a lot to improve affordability for the lower middle class. But folks who--for a variety of reasons--may not ever have the ability to earn more than a janitor's wage, it's possible to imagine the market being unable to provide them housing in some cities with high wages and high land costs. I don't know what the best solution is.

Best Option: Vouchers
2nd Best Option: Vouchers
Bottom Feeder Options: Everything else.

Vouchers are the only way to deliver housing for that type of individual without A: creating a bunch of perverse incentives B: costing the taxpayers more per unit than new construction housing intended for upper class consumers.

[Jibba]

"colossal pain in the ass"?

i used to live near broadway in edgewater. i never had issues crossing broadway. walk to the corner, wait for the walk sign, and cross. kinda like every other major street crossing in the city (ashland, irving, western, etc.).

now, is broadway too much of an auto-sewer through there with too much auto-oriented commercial development (strip malls & drive-thrus)? yes, absolutely, but crossing broadway in its current state is not terribly difficult.

Admittedly, I was being dramatic--my choice of language reflects the accumulation of impatience from having to cross it for 5 years now. By the way, I'm specifically talking about the portion of Broadway from Hollywood north.

My belief is that, relatively speaking, yes, it is a pain in the ass. E-W crossings are woefully infrequent, and when they do arise, the allotted time is insufficient (if you're not queued at the crossing when the signal changes, you're not going to make it across with ease, and that's for a person with an able body at that).

[ChiPlanner]

From 44th Ward Alderman Tunney: "I will be hosting a meeting to discuss a proposed redevelopment of the Treasure Island site at 3460 N. Broadway. This meeting will be held on Thursday, July 11th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the 19th District Police Station, 850 W. Addison. The development team will present their proposal, answer questions and take feedback from neighbors. Their presentation will be available on the 44th Ward website following the meeting. This is the first step in the community process and I look forward to a robust discussion."



https://www.44thward.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/3460-N.-Broadway-Treasure-Island-1024x792.jpg

[Freefall]

Man, that's a big beautiful lot. I hope Tunney doesn't turn it into another Mariano's on broadway situation

[JK47]

From 44th Ward Alderman Tunney:

https://www.44thward.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/3460-N.-Broadway-Treasure-Island-1024x792.jpg


I'm going to miss watching cars get towed from that lot. Despite all the signs in the lot and all the signs on adjacent buildings saying don't park there because you'll get towed I frequently see tow trucks hauling cars out of that lot.

[Steely Dan]

Admittedly, I was being dramatic--my choice of language reflects the accumulation of impatience from having to cross it for 5 years now. By the way, I'm specifically talking about the portion of Broadway from Hollywood north.

My belief is that, relatively speaking, yes, it is a pain in the ass. E-W crossings are woefully infrequent, and when they do arise, the allotted time is insufficient (if you're not queued at the crossing when the signal changes, you're not going to make it across with ease, and that's for a person with an able body at that).

i only lived over by there for 3.5 years (elmdale/glenwood), so maybe i didn't have enough time to get as jaded as you, but i still think you're being ridiculously over-dramatic.

between hollywood and devon, there are 6 signaled E-W crossings (not including hollywood and devon themselves), over a span of 4600', or one signaled crossing every 650' on average. that does not seem terribly unreasonable for such a major auto-sewer like broadway.

could the situation be improved for pedestrians? of course! there's ALWAYS room for improvement in our stupid-ass auto-centric society, but after living there for years, i never found broadway to be some kind if impenetrable barrier that some make it out to be. as i said earlier, it's nearly identical to crossing any other major 4 lane street on the northside (ashland, western, irving, etc.).

[LouisVanDerWright]

Best Option: Vouchers
2nd Best Option: Vouchers
Bottom Feeder Options: Everything else.

Vouchers are the only way to deliver housing for that type of individual without A: creating a bunch of perverse incentives B: costing the taxpayers more per unit than new construction housing intended for upper class consumers.

Interestingly enough I literally just signed a lease with a fellow who works as a tenant placement specialist for CHA at one of my properties in Marshall Square (I'm done calling it LV after I was thoroughly internet chastized for calling it Little Village in that video a while back). The CHA just took over the old Nathaniel Pope Elementary that Rahm closed and renovated it into a Class A office building for their workers.

First of all he's a really interesting individual who was homeless 8 years ago and was picked up by Salvation Army and indoctrinated and is now a soldier or whatever they call themselves. They gave him shelter, then clean clothes, and then job training and he's been working at CHA for like 3 years now.

I could talk to this guy for hour about these topics, but he came right out and said he was shocked by the digs some of his clients land with vouchers. People paying $80 a month for $2,000 apartment in Wicker or Lincoln Park. Meanwhile he has been forced to live in Austin while he got his shit together in a $1200 a month apartment in a building full of transients where he had to watch TV at night laying on the floor because of the constant shootings. He seemed to think it was awfully unfair to people like him who have busted their ass "pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps" that others sit and live off vouchers their whole lives.

I'm sure there's tons of room for improvement in the system and I'll obviously be chatting my new tenant up about the topic whenever I run into him. But generally vouchers are the best thing we have, that and existing buildings in moderately depreciated condition. Just rented out another 2BD at Albany and Cermak for $800 for example. It's still got mostly double hung wood windows and space heaters for heat, but it's home.

[Handro]

Interestingly enough I literally just signed a lease with a fellow who works as a tenant placement specialist for CHA at one of my properties in Marshall Square (I'm done calling it LV after I was thoroughly internet chastized for calling it Little Village in that video a while back). The CHA just took over the old Nathaniel Pope Elementary that Rahm closed and renovated it into a Class A office building for their workers.

First of all he's a really interesting individual who was homeless 8 years ago and was picked up by Salvation Army and indoctrinated and is now a soldier or whatever they call themselves. They gave him shelter, then clean clothes, and then job training and he's been working at CHA for like 3 years now.

I could talk to this guy for hour about these topics, but he came right out and said he was shocked by the digs some of his clients land with vouchers. People paying $80 a month for $2,000 apartment in Wicker or Lincoln Park. Meanwhile he has been forced to live in Austin while he got his shit together in a $1200 a month apartment in a building full of transients where he had to watch TV at night laying on the floor because of the constant shootings. He seemed to think it was awfully unfair to people like him who have busted their ass "pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps" that others sit and live off vouchers their whole lives.

I'm sure there's tons of room for improvement in the system and I'll obviously be chatting my new tenant up about the topic whenever I run into him. But generally vouchers are the best thing we have, that and existing buildings in moderately depreciated condition. Just rented out another 2BD at Albany and Cermak for $800 for example. It's still got mostly double hung wood windows and space heaters for heat, but it's home.

Anecdotal stories like this are useless. Have any concrete examples of people paying $80 to live in a $2,000 apartment in Lincoln or Wicker Park? Reminds me of the old Fox News stories about people with food stamps buying steak and lobster.

[ardecila]

Anecdotal stories like this are useless. Have any concrete examples of people paying $80 to live in a $2,000 apartment in Lincoln or Wicker Park? Reminds me of the old Fox News stories about people with food stamps buying steak and lobster.

It’s not anecdotal, google “CHA super voucher”. It is a real program run by CHA to move low income individuals and families into the city’s best neighborhoods, where violent crime is not a concern and access to jobs and amenities is easy.

[Handro]

It’s not anecdotal, google “CHA super voucher”. It is a real program run by CHA to move low income individuals and families into the city’s best neighborhoods, where violent crime is not a concern and access to jobs and amenities is easy.

Thanks! So now I know it was less than 2% of housing vouchers issued, and only 1 person received one in 2013 (the year before the program was substantially cut.)

It also required a good credit score, proof of income, etc., so the idea that it's just a bunch of lazy people gaming the system was, indeed, anecdotal.

[LouisVanDerWright]

Check out this huge proposal for Belmont Craigin:


https://i.imgur.com/A9fo47T.png

[dan ryan]

Check out this huge proposal for Belmont Craigin:


https://i.imgur.com/A9fo47T.png

Fingers crossed that this is a giant Culver's

[aaron38]

5 stories is huge for that stretch of Belmont. Encouraging.

Navy Pier Hotel
http://i64.tinypic.com/huh72d.jpg

[marothisu]

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but there's a proposal by Cedar St. to build another FLATS building on an oddly shaped lot between Racine and Blue Island, 14th and 15th St. 7 stories, 197 apartments, some retail. Hartshorne Plunkard Architects.

Also, the Fast Track building on Lake and Desplaines is apparently for sale. Could make for a nice midrise development.

FYI, this was issued building permits yesterday for new construction - the caissons..

[the urban politician]

FYI, this was issued building permits yesterday for new construction - the caissons..

Which one? The post by Spyguy that you quoted mentioned two separate properties

[Handro]

New construction of 4 story, 30 residential unit building just south of the Southport browline stop:

https://www.44thward.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/3401_N_Southport_revised.jpg

Here's what's there now:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rise,+3401+N+Southport+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60657/@41.9434417,-87.6638954,3a,75y,41.84h,90.86t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdqt6ae2l6MVD6lidmU9uYQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd251852bf363:0x69110294ba28c850!8m2!3d41.9435713!4d-87.6636232

Anyone ever tried that sushi spot? I always meant to...

[gebs]

Anyone ever tried that sushi spot? I always meant to...

Back in 2008-2010 when I lived a few blocks away, yes. It was great by my then 26-year old standards.

[marothisu]

Which one? The post by Spyguy that you quoted mentioned two separate properties

Oops. The new 7 story building on the weird lot at 14th, 15th, Racine, and Blue Island.

The area is a bit weird and quite frankly one of my least favorite in the entire city. It needs all the help it can get. My friend lives near there in the old converted produce market buildings and his place is nice, but the area leaves a lot to be desired. Hopefully projects like this can make it a tiny bit better.

[glowrock]

Check out this huge proposal for Belmont Craigin:



I only live about 2 miles due east of this location, so I should be able to keep up on the situation. Personally, I think the additional height and density here would be a great addition to the neighborhood!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[ardecila]

Oops. The new 7 story building on the weird lot at 14th, 15th, Racine, and Blue Island.

The area is a bit weird and quite frankly one of my least favorite in the entire city. It needs all the help it can get. My friend lives near there in the old converted produce market buildings and his place is nice, but the area leaves a lot to be desired. Hopefully projects like this can make it a tiny bit better.

I just moved here, so I’m very happy to see this moving forward after so many years of inactivity. I’ll have to provide birds eye views of the construction.

I bike past the site twice daily and I haven’t seen any signs of soil testing... you would think they need that before issuing foundation permit.

I agree with you, the urban renewal wasteland between Roosevelt, Halsted, 15th and Western is a shameful scar on the city and a painful reminder of Chicago’s racist past (and present, tbh). University Village and Roosevelt Square had potential to fix the problems, but unfortunately they just ended up erecting walls through the cityscape to keep the “riff raff” contained. Then they just came to a screeching halt during the recession never to begin again, leaving blocks and blocks of empty land.

[harryc]

Just picture all the townhomes .....


June 17

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48197960327_b234bdf312_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gr69pZ)Chicago | Riverline (https://flic.kr/p/2gr69pZ) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48197909221_3f2ee63176_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gr5TdR)Chicago | Riverline (https://flic.kr/p/2gr5TdR) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48197908626_43afd2c884_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gr5T3A)Chicago | Riverline (https://flic.kr/p/2gr5T3A) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

[harryc]

June 20

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48198175472_897f7624c2_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gr7fno)To build an overpass (https://flic.kr/p/2gr7fno) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

[BonoboZill4]

At least almost all the townhomes will be in the southern section near Roosevelt

[ardecila]

At least almost all the townhomes will be in the southern section near Roosevelt

Townhomes are fine with me so long as they have an urban site plan. None of that closed-off, urban fortress Dearborn Park crap.

I think it is worth noting, though, that the city almost never holds up its end of the bargain in providing new streets, paths, bridges, etc that would allow these huge post-industrial sites to develop in a walkable manner so fortress development is sort of inevitable.

We did a townhouse development in Cabrini, the City (and CHA) promised a new street on the eastern side where there was just vacant land, but never did a damn thing, so we put in a fence... now it's in the hands of the homeowners association, so if the city ever does build that street, there will just be a blank fence forever. Fortunately our project was only about one square block, but if it had been a larger project then we would effectively end up with another Dearborn Park wall because of the city's inaction.

Thankfully Lincoln Yards and The 78 are both moving forward under a TIF that allows the developer to build that needed infrastructure themselves and forces the city to reimburse them out of tax proceeds. I believe Riverline actually falls under the same TIF as The 78, so it may get some new infrastructure out of the deal like a Taylor St bridge (which adds value to the project, imagine buying a townhouse or condo with a 3 minute walk to Whole Foods...)

[Mr Downtown]

Problem is that if the townhouses are sold before the bridge goes in, the townhome owners will then fight hammer and tong to oppose any new bridge that would make it easier to walk to Whole Foods.

I thought my Dearborn Park neighbors would open up the gate on Clark Street once there was something on the other side they wanted to walk to. Instead they put a second lock on the inside of the gate.

[spyguy]

Anyone have an update/ recent pictures of the mega mall development in Logan Square?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48188804712_9edd013cda_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gqhdLy)Logan Square (2) (https://flic.kr/p/2gqhdLy) by BartShore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bartshore/), on Flickr

Others:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48188746441_9bd7e45a9e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gqgVrT)Logan Square (1) (https://flic.kr/p/2gqgVrT) by BartShore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bartshore/), on Flickr

[BonoboZill4]

Problem is that if the townhouses are sold before the bridge goes in, the townhome owners will then fight hammer and tong to oppose any new bridge that would make it easier to walk to Whole Foods.

I thought my Dearborn Park neighbors would open up the gate on Clark Street once there was something on the other side they wanted to walk to. Instead they put a second lock on the inside of the gate.

Absolutely tragic... :koko:

Side note, that Logan Square development (and that neighborhood in general) have changed so dramatically along that corridor this cycle. Hardly recognizable!

[harryc]

June 28

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48208577907_057c545d2e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gs2yDH)Chicago | RPM on the River (https://flic.kr/p/2gs2yDH) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

July 1

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48208577367_8e172c7a4e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gs2yup)Chicago | RPM on the River (https://flic.kr/p/2gs2yup) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48208523726_e5641b77c7_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gs2hxy)Chicago | RPM on the River (https://flic.kr/p/2gs2hxy) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

July 2

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48208525126_d938a352e6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gs2hXG)Chicago | RPM on the River (https://flic.kr/p/2gs2hXG) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48208525596_4c057b5502_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gs2i6N)Chicago | RPM on the River (https://flic.kr/p/2gs2i6N) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

[harryc]

June 26

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48212816222_7e0f81c6c7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gsphy7)Chicago | Columbia Student Center (https://flic.kr/p/2gsphy7) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48212762901_460e694a20_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gsp1GM)Chicago | Columbia Student Center (https://flic.kr/p/2gsp1GM) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48212818632_2fcf137a1f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gspigE)Chicago | Columbia Student Center (https://flic.kr/p/2gspigE) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48212765516_b4b081ed93_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gsp2tS)Chicago | Columbia Student Center (https://flic.kr/p/2gsp2tS) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

[F1 Tommy]

June 20

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48198175472_897f7624c2_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gr7fno)To build an overpass (https://flic.kr/p/2gr7fno) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

That looks like just east of R83 on Thorndale. They are now trying to buy up the remaining houses just west of there in unincorporated Bensenville, Wood Dale and Elk Grove to tear down for commercial use. That Tollway is really going to change the area almost as much as the airport already has.

[harryc]

July 2

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48215197907_44dc85df1c_h.jpghttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48215201992_e8f7909a1a_h.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48215149126_88eb131067_b.jpghttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48215151591_8c25bb34eb_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48215199402_6168f3fe56_h.jpg

[harryc]

June 28

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48216314841_4a2c9459b6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gsHdz8)Chicago | Navy Pier (https://flic.kr/p/2gsHdz8) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48216362192_8a371a027d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gsHsDw)Chicago | Navy Pier (https://flic.kr/p/2gsHsDw) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48216362792_d3a196705f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gsHsPS)Chicago | Navy Pier (https://flic.kr/p/2gsHsPS) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48216313861_1eb164d3d4_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gsHdhe)Chicago | Navy Pier (https://flic.kr/p/2gsHdhe) by Harry Carmichael (https://www.flickr.com/photos/harryrcarmichael/), on Flickr

[BonoboZill4]

https://i.imgur.com/wmsAFT6.jpg?1

Progressing right along.

[KWillChicago]

Delete

[SolarWind]

June 25, 2019

https://imgur.com/2ctHznm.jpg

New mural added within the past few months.

[SolarWind]

June 25, 2019

https://imgur.com/e4fpov2.jpg

[SolarWind]

June 25, 2019

https://imgur.com/ks6y3RU.jpg

[SolarWind]

July 5, 2019

https://imgur.com/qNmBWA7.jpg

https://imgur.com/zvH8geE.jpg

https://imgur.com/VhnaTnR.jpg

https://imgur.com/Hn62Zxd.jpg

[ChiPlanner]

Don't know if anyone else caught it, but the two-story future home to Roots Pizza in Printers Row (Polk/Dearborn/Federal)officially landed its permit on 6/30.

**DIRECT DEVELOPER SERVICES** CONSTRUCTION OF 2 STORY (NO BASEMENT) GENERAL RESTAURANT AS PER PLANS

[Steely Dan]

i noticed that construction is underway on the old auto repair shop at the SE corner of ashland/lawrence.

after some online digging, i found the rendering below, does anyone know if this is still the current plan/design?

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJZSiiHoxHQ/XBGfHxG81zI/AAAAAAAARv4/KSSKo2tqv4MW4s5CexxxFZolO0hkXt6qgCLcBGAs/s1600/4757AshlandUpdatedRendering.png
source: https://www.uptownupdate.com/2018/12/new-building-going-up-at-lawrence.html?showComment=1544758173664#c5957997544044043396


now all we have to do is get rid of the gas stations on the NE & NW corners and we'll have ourselves a proper major street intersection once again. ;)

[ardecila]

Oops. The new 7 story building on the weird lot at 14th, 15th, Racine, and Blue Island.

The area is a bit weird and quite frankly one of my least favorite in the entire city. It needs all the help it can get. My friend lives near there in the old converted produce market buildings and his place is nice, but the area leaves a lot to be desired. Hopefully projects like this can make it a tiny bit better.

Right on schedule, ATT was on site this morning at 15th/Blue Island doing utility work and landscape crews are ripping out the trees.

FLATS doesn't mess around! :whip:

[BonoboZill4]

River walk:

https://i.imgur.com/1ppc9p4.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/QYVLyHu.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/iNiSqg1.jpg?1


River walk?

https://i.imgur.com/LxpZqNH.jpg?1

[marothisu]

1700 N Western Ave got a new construction building permit issued yesterday. This is going to be 5 stories with 60 units, 29 parking spaces, and ground floor retail. It replaces a used car dealership and lot. Across the street is the new-ish Bucktown Gateway which also replaced something similar. This is just a few blocks south of the 606 - a quarter mile south of the Western Blue Line stop only.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/1700+N+Western+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60647/@41.9124241,-87.6873189,3a,75y,257.34h,91.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-nNasorn4JzeP7PNDG2Q9w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2bcb5668f6b:0xad111e7978a9dcf3!8m2!3d41.9125089!4d-87.6875581

Source: https://www.buzzbuzzhome.com/us/1700-n-western-ave
https://d2kcmk0r62r1qk.cloudfront.net/imageSponsors/xlarge/2018_08_03_10_00_21_rendering.jpg

[RedCorsair87]

This looks great. Is that dark blue brick?

[TR Devlin]

Link to Citylab article: Can this Chicago apartment factory make new homes affordable? (https://www.citylab.com/design/2019/07/chicago-new-construction-apartment-affordable-rent-skender/592444/)

[the urban politician]

I found this really cool:

https://www.chicagobusiness.com/residential-real-estate/21st-century-bungalow-design-shape-shifter

[Steely Dan]

i moved the whole housing affordability discussion to the general discussion thread: https://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=208431

please continue there.

[marothisu]

Marcello’s Father And Son Restaurant in Logan Square, which is across from the Mega Mall redevelopment is closing after 72 years. The owner says he's having trouble keeping up with repairs to the building. It has a sizable surface parking lot. Great redevelopment opportunity. Zoned C2-2.

Any bets on a developer swooping in and replacing it with some 4-8 story mixed use development?

[gallo]

Broadway Treasure Island site in Lakeview, 8 stories and I believe it’s 250+ units and about 125 parking spaces:

https://www.44thward.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Community-Presentation-Plans-7-11-19.pdf

I don’t like staggered retail storefronts with shrubbery.

[glowrock]

Broadway Treasure Island site in Lakeview, 8 stories and I believe it’s 250+ units and about 125 parking spaces:

https://www.44thward.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Community-Presentation-Plans-7-11-19.pdf

I don’t like staggered retail storefronts with shrubbery.

Thanks for posting this! I'm generally pleased by this proposal, especially given that there is a huge need for additional residential in Lakeview East as well as a need for at least SOME parking spaces, given the extreme lack of any available parking in the area. Having a solid number of bike parking available is a big plus as well.

The design isn't amazing, but it certainly could be much, much worse. Overall, it seems like a solid proposal!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[marothisu]

Broadway Treasure Island site in Lakeview, 8 stories and I believe it’s 250+ units and about 125 parking spaces:

https://www.44thward.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Community-Presentation-Plans-7-11-19.pdf

I don’t like staggered retail storefronts with shrubbery.

I like it in general. Definitely better than what's there right now..

[the urban politician]

I approve

[King of Chicago]

I was just there at the meeting, and even though the design is not perfect, it is better than what it could be. I asked the question, "How many floors of parking will there be? Because if it has more than one floor of parking, I won't support it, as I don't want a repeat of the disasters that are Broadway Marianos and the development on Addison, which have cavernous parking garages, which take away from the character of the neighborhood". Tara Hovie, the developer, responded with "There will be only one floor of parking". lol

I am supporting the project and I approve.

I talked to Tara after the meeting, and asked her if there are any other design options other than the "glass box", such as Terra Cotta, or a darker brick color, she said "No, Optima specializes in Modern design". She emphasized to me though, that they are a quality developer and that this won't look cheap or crappy, I said ok.

I approve.

[LouisVanDerWright]

It's Optima, they have literally never built anything bad...

Also sounds like Hovey turned it over to his kids finally...

[aaron38]

I’m still not sold with the whole “trees on buildings” thing. Trees get big and heavy. Then they fall on you. Like my fence.
How about some nice butterfly gardens and shrubbery? Witch hazel is nice.

[the urban politician]

It's Optima, they have literally never built anything bad...

Also sounds like Hovey turned it over to his kids finally...

Yep. As soon as I saw Optima, that’s all I needed to know

[TR Devlin]

It's Optima, they have literally never built anything bad....

Are you serious?? Of all the buildings built is Streeterville in the past 40 years, the ugliest is 220 East Illinois - Optima Signature Apts. Somebody on this board described it as being garish and I completely agree.

The best are OBP and NBC Tower.

[glowrock]

I was just there at the meeting, and even though the design is not perfect, it is better than what it could be. I asked the question, "How many floors of parking will there be? Because if it has more than one floor of parking, I won't support it, as I don't want a repeat of the disasters that are Broadway Marianos and the development on Addison, which have cavernous parking garages, which take away from the character of the neighborhood". Tara Hovie, the developer, responded with "There will be only one floor of parking". lol

I am supporting the project and I approve.

I talked to Tara after the meeting, and asked her if there are any other design options other than the "glass box", such as Terra Cotta, or a darker brick color, she said "No, Optima specializes in Modern design". She emphasized to me though, that they are a quality developer and that this won't look cheap or crappy, I said ok.

I approve.

What's interesting here is that there's so much hatred for the Mariano's complex on Broadway. I realize there's a lot of parking in the multi-story garage, but isn't that more or less inevitable when you've got a huge supermarket, large, pretty posh gym along with a few other larger retail establishments? Other than the big curb cut which is both the entrance/exit for the garage, I don't really see why it's such a massive problem to the streetwall of Broadway. Frankly, a bigger issue along Broadway, as well as its extension down Clark towards Fullerton, is the relatively large number of vacant storefronts. Some churn is expected, but it seems that the vacancy levels are certainly higher than would be considered typical.

Aaron (Glowrock)

[woodrow]

The Mariano's is a travesty and there should have been significant pushback on the design. The pre-2008 design would have been amazing, but alas, the crash. What is there is oppressive and just effn ugly.

THIS design is really solid. I like the step back as it echoes the angle of Broadway at that point.

As to the vacancy, Broadway from Diversey to Addison has always been stronger than Clark from Fullerton to Diversey. That's not to say there aren't a ton of empty storefronts. Pre-Amazon the reason I heard, usually from tenants, was that much of the stretch of Broadway I mentioned were owned by a bunch of old (OLD) guys that bought cheap and just sat on it, lived in the burbs, and would just jack rents and the small local tenants couldn't afford them. Big chains needed bigger footprints than many of the stores could provide.

In any case, I think Optima did a solid with this design.

[Vlajos]

Agree with the majority opinion. This is a solid looking proposal.

[Steely Dan]

yep. the Optima project looks great.

leagues better than that mariano's turd (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9364017,-87.6442515,3a,40.6y,341.63h,99.41t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sZXizXjL4eni9goRc8PMMhQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) further south on broadway. woof!

[Tom In Chicago]

Hovey/Optima = good

. . .

[BrinChi]

Are you serious?? Of all the buildings built is Streeterville in the past 40 years, the ugliest is 220 East Illinois - Optima Signature Apts. Somebody on this board described it as being garish and I completely agree.

The best are OBP and NBC Tower.

Clearly you prefer post-modern style to modern/minimalist design which is what Optima does. I think you're in the minority on this board, but most here will agree that NBC Tower is a quality post-modern nod to Deco.

I like the Lakeview proposal. Every neighborhood in Chicago should have at least one of these buildings. :tup:

[LouisVanDerWright]

What a silly comment that Optima is the ugliest building of the last 40 years. If you don't like the style, fine, but there are literally a dozen or more towers that are absolutely abhorrent compared to Optima. Start by googling "530 N Lake Shore Drive"...