CHICAGO | General Developments

[Busy Bee]

This gives me a tummy ache.

[marothisu]

$1.4-$1.7 billion for ONE new commuter rail station (plus upgrades or whatever) is insane. No wonder Europe/Asia is completing dusting us when it come to public transit construction. Like KOgc said, they're literally building world class sport stadiums for a billion, and you're trying to tell me a single transit station is gonna cost almost 2 billion? what a joke

Why does it cost that much? Literally makes no sense.

Yeah that makes no sense. It must include costs for years to come for repairs and deep rooted structural/infrastructure changes they need to make this a reality.

On the Asia topic it's hilarious because their stations are still way better than ours on average at a fraction of the cost. oof.

[harryc]

Sept 28

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51579120316_4798a8f16d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mzSttS)

[SolarWind]

September 30, 2021

https://imgur.com/5iahzgD.jpg

https://imgur.com/4haQcOX.jpg

[SolarWind]

October 11, 2021

https://imgur.com/UlEzqhp.jpg

[SolarWind]

October 11, 2021

https://imgur.com/hrMLA1e.jpg

[thegoatman]

Yeah that makes no sense. It must include costs for years to come for repairs and deep rooted structural/infrastructure changes they need to make this a reality.

On the Asia topic it's hilarious because their stations are still way better than ours on average at a fraction of the cost. oof.

Plus 10 years??? China builds whole new lines in months! Now obviously they don't have the ethics and safety hazards we have, but no reason transit construction should take years upon years.

Great pics, Solarwind, as usual. 345 N. Morgan is good infill.

[k1052]

It's still an insane cost. The Englewood Flyover that Metra opened 5 years ago only cost $140M. That was not an easy project either, spanning over one of the city's busiest freight lines and the Dan Ryan. Now they're saying A-2 will cost 10x that amount?

For that price they'd better rebuild every crumbling viaduct from California to Halsted, add a 4th track between Union Station and Pacific Junction, and expand the coach yards in addition to just the flyover.

Yeah I've got some major questions about the scope here and WTF they are doing. I mean the ENTIRE 75th St CIP is only $1B.

[bgsrand]

61 Erie is offensively bad.

[BrinChi]

It's still an insane cost. The Englewood Flyover that Metra opened 5 years ago only cost $140M. That was not an easy project either, spanning over one of the city's busiest freight lines and the Dan Ryan. Now they're saying A-2 will cost 10x that amount?

For that price they'd better rebuild every crumbling viaduct from California to Halsted, add a 4th track between Union Station and Pacific Junction, and expand the coach yards in addition to just the flyover.

Yeah it better include all of those old viaducts for that price. And they are super wide. And if this is on the scale of the Red Line modernization project, phase 1 of that is $2.1 billion. Sometimes the costs get escalated when they are required to maintain service during construction as well. Englewood flyover may have been simpler by not having to deal with passenger rail. Hopefully Federal and state funds can pay for most too.

Looking at the map, I'm wondering why they wouldn't move all of the northbound trains that go through Clybourn and Western Avenue to use Ogilvie and then all of the west bound trains (Kedzie station) would exclusively go out of Union Station. Then it seems like the need for crossing tracks could be mostly eliminated??

Also interesting that putting the new station near Ashland makes the most sense so that it can serve all of those lines simultaneously and provide good connectivity with CTA. This would continue to push the office market west to Damen.

[urbanpln]

I don't know if I'd call that Douglas. It's blockaded to the south by Dearborn Homes, to the west by the Dan Ryan and to the east by Mercy Hospital. It's really more of an extension of Motor Row area across the Stevenson - similar loft buildings and commercial businesses.

It's within the Douglas Community.

[aaron38]

61 Erie is offensively bad.


Offensive? This?
September 30, 2021
https://imgur.com/5iahzgD.jpg

That is clean basic infill. Nothing fancy, not trying to be something it's not. Doesn't look like it was designed by a 3 year old, no precast concrete rusting balconies (like behind, upper left)
In a few years it will look like it's been there forever and blend right in.

[thegoatman]

^Agree with both of y'all. It took over a vacant lot, has ground level retail, and has only two parking spots for 30 residents, sounds like good infill to me.

What looks terrible is that walgreens. That massive parking lot and store needs to be redeveloped.

[Busy Bee]

Calling that "offensively bad" is some real balony. If the brickwork had a bit more depth on the base and at the parapet this building could pass for 90 years old. Nothing spectacular, but a fine building both stylistically and in its programming. Far from bad by any definition.

[Steely Dan]

^^ 100% agree.

The Walgreens nextdoor is BILLIONS of times more offensive on all levels than this modest and perfectly adequate, if somewhat unremarkable, in-fill development.

[OrdoSeclorum]

61 Erie is offensively bad.

*snort* It could use a more distinct top and a bottom for my taste. But it's not setback, it's got awesome density, it doesn't dominate the block and the it's relatively fine-grained. If there was a whole neighborhood that was nothing but variations on this building it would immediately be in the top 2% of lively, livable urban neighborhoods in the U.S.

[bgsrand]

Touched a nerve here, which one of you guys work for LG ;)....I retract my statement, thanks for helping me see the light.

In all honesty I thought this was the site where they tore down the old rowhouses which maybe spurred my reaction - or I was having a bad day at work.

[the urban politician]

^ Throw in stone carvings of faces on the facade, and you’ve got yourself a future priceless gem!

[marothisu]

Zoning app is up for this proposal at 3914 N Lincoln Ave with a few changes

https://chicagoyimby.com/2021/04/renderings-revealed-for-mixed-use-development-at-3914-n-lincoln-avenue-in-north-center.html

https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3914-N-Lincoln-Avenue.-Rendering-by-SPACE-Architects-Planners-1024x576.jpg

The number of units are staying the same, but the number of affordable units is increasing from 13 or 14 to 20. At the same time, the amount of parking is decreasing from 36 spaces down to 27 spaces. Bicycle space increases from 68 to 76 spaces too. There is still ground floor commercial.

https://chicago.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5162387&GUID=C0E850D0-E1B6-4D7E-A94A-C3F92449C86F&Options=Advanced&Search=

[aaron38]

Regarding 61 Erie, just look at this hot mess that was once proposed!
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8940092,-87.6305854,3a,75y,135.01h,93.84t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sAyvUvkAOIKAN6qPs_aaWgQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DAyvUvkAOIKAN6qPs_aaWgQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D291.5668%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

Preservationists lucked out in getting something human scaled, brick, that protects the older buildings to the east. And it holds the corner with the alley.

That now opens up the Walgreens site for development. Take that alley and step down from a tower to meet it. Form a nice space.

[aaron38]

Zoning app is up for this proposal at 3914 N Lincoln Ave with a few changes

https://chicagoyimby.com/2021/04/renderings-revealed-for-mixed-use-development-at-3914-n-lincoln-avenue-in-north-center.html

https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3914-N-Lincoln-Avenue.-Rendering-by-SPACE-Architects-Planners-1024x576.jpg

The number of units are staying the same, but the number of affordable units is increasing from 13 or 14 to 20. At the same time, the amount of parking is decreasing from 36 spaces down to 27 spaces. Bicycle space increases from 68 to 76 spaces too. There is still ground floor commercial.

https://chicago.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5162387&GUID=C0E850D0-E1B6-4D7E-A94A-C3F92449C86F&Options=Advanced&Search=

Parking is expensive space to build and maintain. Easy trade to turn 9 parking spaces into 6-7 more units. But in this case looking at the plans in the link, I wonder if they are taking the 9 parking spots from the north end at Damen. That would let them bring the commercial space across and a place could have an entrance on both Lincoln and Damen. I saw a bar being built like that in Elgin this summer.

The Damen side looks bad. Boarded up blank windows for the parking. They show an LED screen concept, which could work, could be horrible.

Building is going here: Not much worth keeping except that one in the middle. Would be nice to disassemble that facade and reuse it somewhere.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9532376,-87.6779953,3a,75y,218.59h,93.07t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s8Obyql_c3TIHqvSgiGhsgw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3D8Obyql_c3TIHqvSgiGhsgw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D271.6836%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

[marothisu]

It looks like the Ramova Theater renovation had its "groundbreaking" ceremony today. Also discovered that a new music museum is opening soon nearby

https://twitter.com/ChicagoDPD/status/1448047011895209990?t=MArO2F2Uh0wmBuVUPii88g&s=19

[Chi-Sky21]

I seem to remember one of the original proposals for this being really good looking. Can't find a pick for it now though.

[ardecila]

Yeah it better include all of those old viaducts for that price. And they are super wide. And if this is on the scale of the Red Line modernization project, phase 1 of that is $2.1 billion. Sometimes the costs get escalated when they are required to maintain service during construction as well. Englewood flyover may have been simpler by not having to deal with passenger rail. Hopefully Federal and state funds can pay for most too.

Englewood Flyover was certainly built with active traffic (passenger + freight) passing through the work site. And A-2 has way more space to work with for construction staging, temporary shoofly tracks, or whatever they need to work efficiently. The problem is they are using the A-2 project as an excuse to rebuild every crusty bridge and crumbling street within a mile radius, using those sweet, sweet Federal dollars.

Also interesting that putting the new station near Ashland makes the most sense so that it can serve all of those lines simultaneously and provide good connectivity with CTA. This would continue to push the office market west to Damen.

The city still has a PMD that locks all the land west of Ashland into low-intensity. You can do offices, but not midrise or highrise. But the area just south of the station between Ashland and Ogden would boom for sure, the city rolled back the restrictions in that area already.

Parking is expensive space to build and maintain. Easy trade to turn 9 parking spaces into 6-7 more units. But in this case looking at the plans in the link, I wonder if they are taking the 9 parking spots from the north end at Damen. That would let them bring the commercial space across and a place could have an entrance on both Lincoln and Damen. I saw a bar being built like that in Elgin this summer.

The Damen side looks bad. Boarded up blank windows for the parking. They show an LED screen concept, which could work, could be horrible.

The latest floorplan in the zoning app shows a very shallow commercial space on Damen (borderline un-leasable) and a gym for the residents.

[ithakas]

I've been thinking about a few projects/sites in the South Loop and was wondering if anyone's heard anything about them recently:

-SAIC-owned block at State/Harrison
-NEMA twin
-Roosevelt Collection residential tower
-Sugar House + 601W-owned Holiday Inn block near OPO

Also, this isn't the thread, but there's been a ton of construction activity on the Southbank site beyond the Reed in recent weeks (some for a biennial installation, some for utilities, I believe?). I also just saw that the retail spaces at The Cooper will be filled with a taco place and bottle shop. Perhaps they'll get started on the next rental building before long?

[JK47]

Yeah that makes no sense. It must include costs for years to come for repairs and deep rooted structural/infrastructure changes they need to make this a reality.

On the Asia topic it's hilarious because their stations are still way better than ours on average at a fraction of the cost. oof.


It's an issue of scale and complexity. The Englewood Flyover eliminated conflict between about 140 trains (80 Metra and 60 Freight & Amtrak). The A-2 Interlocking sees about 350-400 trains go through it daily. Additionally, site constraints are a lot more pronounced with the A-2 project since it is hemmed in by buildings on either side. The Englewood Flyover had a lot more room to work with and was constructed alongside before being tied into the existing line. The Englewood Flyover is also carrying 60-70 trains daily on two tracks whereas the A-2 flyover would be carrying around 200 trains daily on 4-5 tracks. Complexity is also a major factor. The A-2 interlocking is ancient ... the equipment there dates back to the 1930's so updating it will be a complicated task (flyover looks to add capacity but trains will still need the interlocking to access maintenance yards).

On cost, Asia has advantages in lower material costs, little to no environmental constraints, no zoning process, less design & safety regulation, looser worksite regulations, dramatically lower wages and benefits, and a much larger pool of willing/able workers. They also engineer their buildings with much lower lifespans (25-30 years versus 75 to 100 years in the US & Europe) which helps keep costs down and speeds up construction.

[moorhosj1]

It's an issue of scale and complexity. The Englewood Flyover eliminated conflict between about 140 trains (80 Metra and 60 Freight & Amtrak). The A-2 Interlocking sees about 350-400 trains go through it daily. Additionally, site constraints are a lot more pronounced with the A-2 project since it is hemmed in by buildings on either side. The Englewood Flyover had a lot more room to work with and was constructed alongside before being tied into the existing line. The Englewood Flyover is also carrying 60-70 trains daily on two tracks whereas the A-2 flyover would be carrying around 200 trains daily on 4-5 tracks. Complexity is also a major factor. The A-2 interlocking is ancient ... the equipment there dates back to the 1930's so updating it will be a complicated task (flyover looks to add capacity but trains will still need the interlocking to access maintenance yards).

Is/Was this project a part of the CREATE program? I can't find any reference.

[harryc]

I've been thinking about a few projects/sites in the South Loop and was wondering if anyone's heard anything about them recently:

-SAIC-owned block at State/Harrison
-NEMA twin
-Roosevelt Collection residential tower
-Sugar House + 601W-owned Holiday Inn block near OPO

Also, this isn't the thread, but there's been a ton of construction activity on the Southbank site beyond the Reed in recent weeks (some for a biennial installation, some for utilities, I believe?). I also just saw that the retail spaces at The Cooper will be filled with a taco place and bottle shop. Perhaps they'll get started on the next rental building before long?

Yes the work next to the Cooper (N) is for a new electrical vault.

[KOgc]

The project called 166 Aberdeen (or at least that's what the construction fence said) looked to be having a ceremonial groundbreaking today. The deep foundation equipment was already mobilized and started a few days ago.

[gebs]

Also, this isn't the thread, but there's been a ton of construction activity on the Southbank site beyond the Reed in recent weeks (some for a biennial installation, some for utilities, I believe?). I also just saw that the retail spaces at The Cooper will be filled with a taco place and bottle shop. Perhaps they'll get started on the next rental building before long?

Here's an image:

Diana Darling, LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/diana-darling_theavailablecity-activity-6853328347448016896-oDQp)

[thegoatman]

Shocking news, residents are actually pushing for more density and less parking. This proposal is absolutely terrible, looks like it belongs in Schaumberg rather than the city of Chicago.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/10/14/latest-six-corners-development-proposal-gets-panned-by-neighbors-for-being-too-suburban-with-too-many-parking-lots/

[Busy Bee]

What am i even looking at? What year is this? Where am i? Someone please help...

[ardecila]

Is/Was this project a part of the CREATE program? I can't find any reference.

No. CREATE is primarily a program to untangle freight rail. Englewood Flyover was included in CREATE because Metra had the right-of-way at the old Englewood Junction. Without the flyover, NS' Chicago Line had to grind to a halt every morning and afternoon for rush hours, with freight trains stacking up across the South Side and into Indiana.

A-2 sees very little freight traffic and is essentially a passenger-only project. With the ADM silos on Ogden torn down by Sterling Bay, I think the only freight customer left is Blommer Chocolate.

IThe Englewood Flyover is also carrying 60-70 trains daily on two tracks whereas the A-2 flyover would be carrying around 200 trains daily on 4-5 tracks.

Englewood Flyover was built as a 3-track structure, they just didn't lay ballast in the 3rd trackway. A 4-track flyover at A-2 should not cost 1000% more for only 33% more capacity.

[SolarWind]

October 14, 2021

https://imgur.com/8jL8TI6.jpg

[SolarWind]

October 14, 2021

https://imgur.com/1viiNKX.jpg

https://imgur.com/ceRlxUE.jpg

https://imgur.com/EQ9GbCv.jpg

https://imgur.com/Q3Pk6dL.jpg

https://imgur.com/NgCpO3Z.jpg

[pip]

Shocking news, residents are actually pushing for more density and less parking. This proposal is absolutely terrible, looks like it belongs in Schaumberg rather than the city of Chicago.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/10/14/latest-six-corners-development-proposal-gets-panned-by-neighbors-for-being-too-suburban-with-too-many-parking-lots/

Two thoughts here. I absolutely love the residents push back and it's not just this proposal, its in other parts of the city recently. Great trend! The other thought is wtf is this a joke of a proposal.

[Busy Bee]

October 14, 2021


https://imgur.com/EQ9GbCv.jpg



The Buff Man Cometh.

[glowrock]

Two thoughts here. I absolutely love the residents push back and it's not just this proposal, its in other parts of the city recently. Great trend! The other thought is wtf is this a joke of a proposal.

I agree that this proposal in its current form is a complete joke. Six Points has massive promise to be redeveloped back into the thriving area it once was, and the current developments of the Clarendon and associated retail as well as the Sears building redevelopment are excellent steps in the right direction. This one, however, is nothing more than a dog. Just build a damned parking garage if you want that much parking, then build additional residential above!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[Via Chicago]

^^Re the city-wide graffiti; did the mayor fire all of her sand blasting crews? In the administrations prior to hers, graffiti was cleaned up literally the next morning, as the paint was drying. Since she took office, the problem has gotten noticeably out of control. Granted, nare-do-well kids had been home for most of a school year, what's going on with this. The vandalism is ALL over the new Circle construction, as you drive thru the Loop. Not a great look.

if you want grafitti cleaned up you actually need to file a 311 ticket. they still come out next day or so anytime i report gang tagging in my neighborhood

[marothisu]

Lawson House on Chicago Ave in River North/Gold Coast was issued its renovation permit to the tune of over $74M estimated cost a few days ago.

[k1052]

^^Re the city-wide graffiti; did the mayor fire all of her sand blasting crews? In the administrations prior to hers, graffiti was cleaned up literally the next morning, as the paint was drying. Since she took office, the problem has gotten noticeably out of control. Granted, nare-do-well kids had been home for most of a school year, what's going on with this. The vandalism is ALL over the new Circle construction, as you drive thru the Loop. Not a great look.

That location would be IDOT's responsibility.

[Rizzo]

It would be a waste of resources to clean off graffiti from highways and bridges under construction. It will probably be cleaned off all at once when it’s finished.

I have seen more of it along the El and I’m sure 311 requests have been put in, but it’s probably more difficult to work around active trains. I haven’t put in a 311 request before but usually remove graffiti off my building. It’s easy to do, if you know what to use on what surface it’s on.

[jirish]

In regards to the graffiti it is definitely starting to become a problem for chicago. Ive lived here for ten years and its only in the past two that the graffiti is starting to get out of control. All the major expressways were relatively free of it (either was not put up in the first place or was taken away quickly). Now i notice within two days of removal a new tag is back up. It is so sad to see the city defaced like this. Something needs to be done to address the issue. It was one thing I always admired about chicago, the lack of graffiti.

[Via Chicago]

the only thing that can be done is report it. seriously, download the 311 app. it couldnt be simpler. they definitely prioritize anything that could be construed as gang/hate speech, run of the mill tagging is probably lower priority.

[woodrow]

It was Daley who had the graffiti blaster team. I am pretty sure Emanuel disbanded it. I noticed an uptick fairly soon after Daley was out of office.

[Busy Bee]

In regards to the graffiti it is definitely starting to become a problem for chicago. Ive lived here for ten years and its only in the past two that the graffiti is starting to get out of control.

Would you be surprised if I told you it was a more prevalent 20+ years ago? Even the L cars themselves used to get tagged like you used to have in NYC, not near as rampant but it did happen.

[Via Chicago]

It was Daley who had the graffiti blaster team. I am pretty sure Emanuel disbanded it. I noticed an uptick fairly soon after Daley was out of office.

i dont know why people are choosing to completely ignore what im saying, but ill repeat it for a third time. 311. download the app. file tickets. blasters come out and spray in 2-3 days. easy. :shrug:

[LouisVanDerWright]

What am i even looking at? What year is this? Where am i? Someone please help...

WOOF .... that is really bad

Shocking news, residents are actually pushing for more density and less parking. This proposal is absolutely terrible, looks like it belongs in Schaumberg rather than the city of Chicago.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/10/14/latest-six-corners-development-proposal-gets-panned-by-neighbors-for-being-too-suburban-with-too-many-parking-lots/

Yeah, that proposal is a real shame given the transformation currently occuring at Six Corners (apparently now Six Pointes? lol):

https://i.imgur.com/oi6lq15h.jpg

Novak wasting no time, cracking the whip on Taylor Demo:

https://i.imgur.com/2H2p886h.jpg

Needless to say my 18 month old was very enthused by the "Bobcats", as he calls literally every piece of construction equipment, going at the structure. Very enjoyable to have him on your shoulders as a monster excavator drives off a 20' tall pile of rubble using the arm to keep from flipping. Speaking of I too had to use my arm to keep JR from flipping off my shoulders as he was bouncing and flailing about out of a combo of shear joy and excitement.

I had no idea this Comed proposal even existed nor that a meeting was happening or I would have gone and ripped them a new one considering we live like 3/4 of a mile due North of there. If they really must have all this big box retail, stack the parking in a ramp and do a "streets of Woodfield" type outdoor mall. With all the incoming density in the area, every square foot of surface parking is a missed oppurtunity for more revenue. I was actually just admiring on our walk this AM how Kilpatrick North of Jewel has filled in to become a really neat mixed use, mixed density district. There's new single family homes, a new 4 story retirement community with nice masonry, older small multifamily properties on the other side of the street, Omega Yeast's funky new facility next to the Metra stop, now the new tower at Milwaukee bookending the view down the street. It's too bad there's no way to connect Knox through to the Jewel parking lot. The mish mashed street grid in this area is really the only thing holding it back.

Would you be surprised if I told you it was a more prevalent 20+ years ago? Even the L cars themselves used to get tagged like you used to have in NYC, not near as rampant but it did happen.

I'm surprised there's a single person left alive in this city given the fact that someone has been applying unauthorized coating products to hard surfaces all across town! Literally every can of spray paint results in one or more dead children. No idea how anyone can survive growing up in Chicago with this murderous crew spreading their fatal craft all about like fairies sprinkling anthrax pixie dust!

[harryc]

Oct 6

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51596819743_cd8351ca5d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mBrbUp)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51597499455_3b7cf93e91_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mBuEXz)

[harryc]

Oct 7

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51596887223_41437c489c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mBrwXR)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51597335899_0a7f4c9466_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mBtQkD)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51596670826_35c9c5bc91_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mBqqCS)

[SIGSEGV]

Ogden and Kennedy (not sure what the address or project is):

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLUmRQ2u83UGhOkX2mMBJE0VErzcdz9_k-DdYO6x4zZXDHVZxLnlNd9E2ZeU5iQcUbLJQpdVcK7HbK0JLpk68mYi9_Y84TkBn471SJcB0tGl9nu3DF3d8m-wNVRGG5zvYzNBbplrhbSvp2LpCYVcbdMgHQ=w1848-h1301-no?authuser=0

[skysoar]

Wow this view of Chicago is becoming very impressive, yes Chicago is a different and unique kind of city...

[SIGSEGV]

Adler, from yesterday
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLVWTrPuN7GRa-HX7nAWeSWLgETW7Po9axtm3HJinkkVskf9Dw6zTQ-twLoLcNIxlhHO85X78OCQA3mm3TYuW_2s4vEFnzGDKBMkMMBFa-iuHmDo6gaCdifPsGWjStNh4Ic2qWLKeBM2wj20j0O7GjJF9w=w1952-h1301-no?authuser=0

[SIGSEGV]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLWgWwZY3ExTDlm4vijODWn0s19KOUKFQ7Vpr1uCMJvTRwdK5pYZf8h9FskvuxYkMmnRSKsKEMroe2BfYHB7NRCrXC7D-fbxUoCw2s6JiV0_H31hdXdwEwROxLn7KycFOMHHatz3OVuI6lwcz_RY8Oa1TA=w1952-h1301-no?authuser=0
new Aon plaza

[SIGSEGV]

https://www.wbez.org/stories/chicago-funds-11-transit-oriented-development-projects/6491efb0-5947-4e31-bdff-21083c9382fd

Chicago awards grants to spur development near transit in disinvested neighborhoods
The city selected 11 projects that range from a healthy corner store to senior housing to a food hall and walk-up ice cream window.

A bustling corridor at 79th Street and the Dan Ryan Expressway with housing and retail. A healthy corner store walking distance from the 95th Street Red Line. A food hall and walk-up ice cream window in East Garfield Park.

These are among the 11 projects the city of Chicago is funding through a pilot program promoting development around transit stations. Funding totals $160,000 in microgrants and technical assistance with each project receiving up to $20,000. The city is proposing $10 million more in its 2022 budget.

[LouisVanDerWright]

https://www.wbez.org/stories/chicago-funds-11-transit-oriented-development-projects/6491efb0-5947-4e31-bdff-21083c9382fd

Lol, what a joke.

An ice cream stand is not TOD.

"Placemaking" is not TOD.

So this is how Rosa is funding his "Latino plaza"? And we are going to call spending money on landscaping with a Central American geometric design in the pavers "TOD"? We are supposed to pretend that pavers and bushes are going to make Chicago more equitable? Talk about virtue signaling. The 35th Ward is bleeding residents, the only Ward on the North side losing population at anywhere near that rate, and fucking Carlos is over here planting flowers and calling it Transit Oriented Development.

Yeah I'm sure the hundreds of families being thrown of two flats will suddenly be able to afford to buy their buildings because you made a "Latinx themed plaza". Hold my beer, I'm going to make a North Pole themed Christmas display this year to stop global warming and save the polar bears.

What an insufferable idiot.

[west-town-brad]

Lol, what a joke.

An ice cream stand is not TOD.

"Placemaking" is not TOD.

So this is how Rosa is funding his "Latino plaza"? And we are going to call spending money on landscaping with a Central American geometric design in the pavers "TOD"? We are supposed to pretend that pavers and bushes are going to make Chicago more equitable? Talk about virtue signaling. The 35th Ward is bleeding residents, the only Ward on the North side losing population at anywhere near that rate, and fucking Carlos is over here planting flowers and calling it Transit Oriented Development.

Yeah I'm sure the hundreds of families being thrown of two flats will suddenly be able to afford to buy their buildings because you made a "Latinx themed plaza". Hold my beer, I'm going to make a North Pole themed Christmas display this year to stop global warming and save the polar bears.

What an insufferable idiot.

don't be so hard on Rosa... alderman is this kids first job

[ChiPlanner]

Lol, what a joke.

An ice cream stand is not TOD.

"Placemaking" is not TOD.

So this is how Rosa is funding his "Latino plaza"? And we are going to call spending money on landscaping with a Central American geometric design in the pavers "TOD"? We are supposed to pretend that pavers and bushes are going to make Chicago more equitable? Talk about virtue signaling. The 35th Ward is bleeding residents, the only Ward on the North side losing population at anywhere near that rate, and fucking Carlos is over here planting flowers and calling it Transit Oriented Development.

Yeah I'm sure the hundreds of families being thrown of two flats will suddenly be able to afford to buy their buildings because you made a "Latinx themed plaza". Hold my beer, I'm going to make a North Pole themed Christmas display this year to stop global warming and save the polar bears.

What an insufferable idiot.

A bit harsh... but you're not wrong. Rosa needs to get his head out of his ass and actually address affordability issues in his ward-and spoiler-not through downzoning.

[the urban politician]

A bit harsh... but you're not wrong. Rosa needs to get his head out of his ass and actually address affordability issues in his ward-and spoiler-not through downzoning.

^ No, he really doesn't.

The less Rosa does, the better. He needs to go the hell away

[thegoatman]

Lol, what a joke.

An ice cream stand is not TOD.

"Placemaking" is not TOD.

So this is how Rosa is funding his "Latino plaza"? And we are going to call spending money on landscaping with a Central American geometric design in the pavers "TOD"? We are supposed to pretend that pavers and bushes are going to make Chicago more equitable? Talk about virtue signaling. The 35th Ward is bleeding residents, the only Ward on the North side losing population at anywhere near that rate, and fucking Carlos is over here planting flowers and calling it Transit Oriented Development.

Yeah I'm sure the hundreds of families being thrown of two flats will suddenly be able to afford to buy their buildings because you made a "Latinx themed plaza". Hold my beer, I'm going to make a North Pole themed Christmas display this year to stop global warming and save the polar bears.

What an insufferable idiot.

these far-left anti-development alderpeople are awful. Virtue signaling to their constituents while nothing gets done. There are several of these folks around Chicago, we need to cut like 50% off.

They love acting like they're solving a problem when they're doing a bunch of nothing. This also applies to Lightfoot, police superintendent, and several others, but thats a discussion for another time...

[marothisu]

15 new construction building permits were issued to build 15 new SFH on the former site of William H King Elementary School on the 2500 block of W Lexington in Tri Taylor. That school was torn down a few years ago.

This is right behind the 15 SFH already built on the same block of 2500 W Polk within the last few years.

[the urban politician]

15 new construction building permits were issued to build 15 new SFH on the former site of William H King Elementary School on the 2500 block of W Lexington in Tri Taylor. That school was torn down a few years ago.

This is right behind the 15 SFH already built on the same block of 2500 W Polk within the last few years.

Nice. I’m rooting for Tri-Taylor

Some years ago I saw some potential investment property there but decided against pursuing it. It’s got good bones and is starting to rise again. It was building up before the 2009 recession but sort of remained “frozen in place” for many years after that. It seems to have fully “thawed” from that.

[harryc]

Oct 14

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51622151068_18db098f58_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mDF22o)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51621926681_2f5b67d297_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mDDSjD)

[harryc]

Oct 14

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51623832008_9e893dc0a5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mDPCH7)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51624258094_c79da24793_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mDRPnq)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51624470270_bcd86561f1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mDSUrC)

[harryc]

Oct 16

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51624497034_5a4351e512_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mDT3p5)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51623845871_d40c066407_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mDPGQ8)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51623016442_f4f622a88a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mDKsgC)

[marothisu]

2801-07 S Halsted St aka "Parkview on Halsted." in Bridgeport. 30 new construction condos starting at $159K for 1 bed/1 bath and $329K for 2-3 bed/2 bath. This is currently vacant land and close to a few other newer developments from similar developers. I think this building will probably have a ground floor commercial/retail component. This has been vacant for awhile and I believe this has been planned for years. Looks like they're finally trying to get it off the ground and sell units.

Street view: https://www.google.com/maps/place/2801+S+Halsted+St,+Chicago,+IL+60608/@41.843482,-87.646448,3a,75y,156.44h,86.84t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJ8ilC4c22BHj_PBtoqd_Ig!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2c45abcc870b:0x4bc1015400b50aab!8m2!3d41.843323!4d-87.646033

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/247292866_3076031269307783_6982281104845912261_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=Bw6gmPtpA70AX9p3zCF&tn=jom3IDiDuVqRIpnS&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-1.xx&oh=7d77951a35c14c702e3af1869caf0dc7&oe=619BF848

[west-town-brad]

bar avec (which is a outdoor rooftop bar in river north) has pretty nice expansive views of the river north skyline

go for a $15 cocktail and take in the views!

this location was formerly known as Pacific Standard Time

[Randomguy34]

Ald. Hopkins is requesting to upzone 1535 N. Dayton to C3-5. This should allow the Menomonee Club redevelopment to move forward. Proposed back in 2018 for a 197 unit midrise and a new building for the Menomonee Club

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DpzX_S4VAAErY3V?format=jpg&name=small

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DpzX_S4UYAAIP2L?format=jpg&name=small
DPD Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChicagoDPD/status/1052953902960775169
Zoning change: https://chicago.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5189647&GUID=8B0D1DDE-7A12-4334-A51A-BEEF480FD2E2&Options=Advanced&Search=

[harryc]

Anyone know what project this is or it's address ?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635047520_07be90e7b3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mEP7G1)

[MCL]

Lol, what a joke.

An ice cream stand is not TOD.

"Placemaking" is not TOD.

So this is how Rosa is funding his "Latino plaza"? And we are going to call spending money on landscaping with a Central American geometric design in the pavers "TOD"? We are supposed to pretend that pavers and bushes are going to make Chicago more equitable? Talk about virtue signaling. The 35th Ward is bleeding residents, the only Ward on the North side losing population at anywhere near that rate, and fucking Carlos is over here planting flowers and calling it Transit Oriented Development.

Yeah I'm sure the hundreds of families being thrown of two flats will suddenly be able to afford to buy their buildings because you made a "Latinx themed plaza". Hold my beer, I'm going to make a North Pole themed Christmas display this year to stop global warming and save the polar bears.

What an insufferable idiot.

Man, misinformation really spreads like wildfire on this forum. If anyone bothered to read the article, the grants in question are microgrants up to $20,000 each. The grant in question for Logan Square is for the new Emmett Street Apartments eTOD (probably the best example of eTOD in Chicago to date) not for the plaza near by, La Placita, which I’m very much looking forward to becoming one of the new great public spaces in Chicago.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/10/26/mural-honoring-logan-squares-latino-community-coming-to-affordable-housing-project-next-to-blue-line/

[LouisVanDerWright]

Man, misinformation really spreads like wildfire on this forum. If anyone bothered to read the article, the grants in question are microgrants up to $20,000 each. The grant in question for Logan Square is for the new Emmett Street Apartments eTOD (probably the best example of eTOD in Chicago to date) not for the plaza near by, La Placita, which I’m very much looking forward to becoming one of the new great public spaces in Chicago.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/10/26/mural-honoring-logan-squares-latino-community-coming-to-affordable-housing-project-next-to-blue-line/

Oh I'm sorry, it's for a $15,000 mural on the side of an already approved, funded (at $400k a door, a price private developers laugh at), and constructed building.

This is not TOD or equitable in any way shape or form. It's literally money that should be spent actually improving the city being funneled through Bickerdike to some artist that Rosa is pals with.

It's not TOD, it's pork.

Meanwhile NEIU can't even get a single bid for the property on Kimball and the Kennedy they took via emminant domain because it's currently a useless m1-1 zone and no one wants to deal with Rosa's impossible demands.

[west-town-brad]

Oh I'm sorry, it's for a $15,000 mural on the side of an already approved, funded (at $400k a door, a price private developers laugh at), and constructed building.

This is not TOD or equitable in any way shape or form. It's literally money that should be spent actually improving the city being funneled through Bickerdike to some artist that Rosa is pals with.

It's not TOD, it's pork.




since we are talking about pork, I wonder how much of that $15,000 grant will make its way to the artist painting the mural vs. Bickerdike's management fee

[rlw777]

Anyone know what project this is or it's address ?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635047520_07be90e7b3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mEP7G1)

That's 917 fulton market (https://chicagoyimby.com/2021/07/city-council-approves-mixed-use-development-at-917-w-fulton-market-in-fulton-market.html)

[LouisVanDerWright]

since we are talking about pork, I wonder how much of that $15,000 grant will make its way to the artist painting the mural vs. Bickerdike's management fee

Well there's $13k worth of "paint" to be acquired and it will cost them $1k to pick it up from Sherwin Williams, so I'm guessing $1k max.

BTW, for those who haven't followed this, Bickerdike has already been caught running a kickback scam through private, for profit, GC firms owned by family members of Bickerdike executives. Literally they get all sorts of state and federal grant funding for non profits and then pay massively inflated prices to businesses owned by friends and family. They are known for their corruption.

[marothisu]

Former 2 story office building at 818 N Wolcott (just north of Chicago Ave) is being converted into 20 residential units:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/818+N+Wolcott+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60622/@41.8965278,-87.674641,3a,75y,313.39h,102.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1siQbnlUBx7C4slHckzrkOkQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2cb31abad3b:0x52b00c8921fa97b8!8m2!3d41.8966827!4d-87.6749323

[SolarWind]

October 26, 2021

https://imgur.com/00KTLll.jpg

https://imgur.com/SDvMBLL.jpg

https://imgur.com/X4L3OFB.jpg

https://imgur.com/eyfLF7E.jpg

https://imgur.com/N8xHh5C.jpg

https://imgur.com/eL5JjJ2.jpg

https://imgur.com/Y91hUwG.jpg

[SolarWind]

August 30, 2021

https://imgur.com/ZlsdqXM.jpg

I didn't realize it when I took the picture, but I believe that is Jas Petersen by the car on the left.

October 26, 2021

https://imgur.com/KhmHynF.jpg

JAS Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUBo3_GqxsD/

[SolarWind]

October 26, 2021

https://imgur.com/FatJYa7.jpg

https://imgur.com/QjVwcMF.jpg

https://imgur.com/8IQe63d.jpg

[OrdoSeclorum]

October 26, 2021

https://imgur.com/00KTLll.jpg

[/IMG]

I've got to say, these high rises that have gone up and frame Union park have transformed the way the park looks. From the west, it's framed in now and looks like an urban park and no longer like it's just a big field.

[Tombstoner]

https://imgur.com/KhmHynF.jpg

JAS Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUBo3_GqxsD/

Nice mural. Odd that the Sears Tower is repeated on either side of the central figure--lots of other buildings to choose from to give a sense of the variety of Chicago architecture...

[SIGSEGV]

Nice mural. Odd that the Sears Tower is repeated on either side of the central figure--lots of other buildings to choose from to give a sense of the variety of Chicago architecture...

I imagine the one on the left is meant to be the Hancock, though perhaps not as clear as it could be.

[thegoatman]

https://chicagoyimby.com/2021/11/wrigleyvillle-lofts-wrap-up-at-949-w-dakin-street-in-lake-view.html?unapproved=4392&moderation-hash=626429dd8c8ae7efc6804da34e7bb70f

https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/DSCF5821.png

120 units with only 14 parking spaces is fantastic. plus all the parking is underground. Decent looking design with lots of retail. I rate this 7.5-8/10. Great infill.

[Steely Dan]

city population posts moved to the general discussions thread:

https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=208431

[marothisu]

2343 N Elston (Elston a llittle south of Fullerton (https://www.google.com/maps/place/2343+N+Elston+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60614/@41.9243914,-87.6764866,3a,75y,97.38h,90.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sZx1Yy8G7SqwHtQGL4Ne_lA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2ed11c81285:0xb0ac14cb667c5efa!8m2!3d41.9243274!4d-87.6760154)). Currently under construction - 9 total units.

Let the fun begin.

Via Red Architects Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Red-Architects-Ltd-203744613040031)
https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/249220723_4411542172260233_739857627414697568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=j3xOtu4-g6YAX8zZO3G&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-1.xx&oh=d1d9c270ec2ba50b5a430374c87e73d8&oe=6187CAB9

[the urban politician]

^ Now all that’s needed is for that strip mall down the street to be redeveloped

[marothisu]

^ Now all that’s needed is for that strip mall down the street to be redeveloped

It will be interesting to see what becomes of parts of Elston and Clybourn as Lincoln Yards gets geared up, as well as this whole "Salt District" thing, within a certain distance. A 1 story building (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9220575,-87.6649786,3a,90y,64.57h,92.76t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sviIhRJDrwIK9xMFLp4oeAQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DviIhRJDrwIK9xMFLp4oeAQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D136.58789%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192) a few doors down from Pequod's was issued a new construction building permit yesterday to construct a new 5 story, 12 unit building with ground floor retail for example.

[RockfordSoxFan]

Speaking of Elston, is the Kohl's/Best Buy property still for sale? That is some prime land.

[Ricochet48]

Oh boy that Elston property... such a terrible walking location. Basically on an island with access to some chain restaurants and suburban mall style.

On the architect's fb page there's some hilarious anti-gentrifying clown graffiti stating "Keep Chicago Affordable" (so ya let's not build housing right?) and "Land Back" (whatever crazy cause that's connected to).

[Busy Bee]

So we're all going to ignore how ugly that building is?

[marothisu]

So we're all going to ignore how ugly that building is?

I'm surprised - that's why I said "let the fun begin"

[Randomguy34]

So we're all going to ignore how ugly that building is?

Life is simpler pretending I never saw this building

[SIGSEGV]

While it's heinously ugly, it sort of looks like a robot, so that's cool I guess?

[thegoatman]

So we're all going to ignore how ugly that building is?

It's not the best design, but it has some height and its multi unit. Better than some vacant lot, single family home, or strip mall with surface parking lots.

Hey, atleast they didn't tear down some good architecture for it!

[VKChaz]

It's not the best design, but it has some height and its multi unit. Better than some vacant lot, single family home, or strip mall with surface parking lots.

Hey, atleast they didn't tear down some good architecture for it!

The photo of what has been constructed thus far doesn't appear to match the image of the final product

[the urban politician]

The building is awesome. I want more weird buildings like that. It’s time for a new era of weird buildings

[Chi-Sky21]

While it's heinously ugly, it sort of looks like a robot, so that's cool I guess?

That was my 1st thought, kinda looks like those Tron machines minus the legs.

[Handro]

I don’t hate it. At least it’s a drastic departure from the past 20ish years of Chicago residential infill, which is both ugly AND pervasive.

[west-town-brad]

I've really been surprised by the residential development in this area over the past few years. Yes it's technically between Lincoln Park and Bucktown, but man it's not a very pleasing or pedestrian area. Most if not all of the buildings that are not residential are totally auto-orientated and if people are able, they drive super high speeds...

[Handro]

Full building permit for this building was issued yesterday, a prominent parking lot bites the dust:

https://chicagoyimby.com/2021/07/construction-imminent-for-mixed-use-development-at-2406-w-armitage-avenue-in-logan-square.html

[ardecila]

Full building permit for this building was issued yesterday, a prominent parking lot bites the dust:

https://chicagoyimby.com/2021/07/construction-imminent-for-mixed-use-development-at-2406-w-armitage-avenue-in-logan-square.html

Agreed, this intersection has really densified with several TODs going up and the Margie's building being renovated after years of near-abandonment. And the density stretches south down Western too all the way to North Ave. It's almost starting to feel like Queens or Brooklyn scale.