CHICAGO | General Developments

[west-town-brad]

Maybe the riverfront bar/restaurant that currently exists there will remain?

[BruceP]

No other city wastes riverfront property like Chicago. Anything would be better than that. A Topgolf/Ikea would be great here.

The city needs jobs, too. And would a Topgolf or Ikea be any better "river" friendly (even though the site is not on the river)?

[thegoatman]

The city needs jobs, too. And would a Topgolf or Ikea be any better "river" friendly (even though the site is not on the river)?

Yes. Especially Topgolf, I'm in my 20s and my peers love that shit. In my old city Atlanta the one there was packed on a daily basis. Something about food, beer, hanging with friends, and playing some good ol golf gets people going. Plus they're open late. Now imagine that right on the Chicago River, it would be amazing.

An Ikea too would be great...Having to go all the way to Schaumberg for some swedish meatballs or quality furniture isn't it! :D

[Busy Bee]

Quality furniture?

[build_tall_chicago]

I wouldn't mind a full-on topgolf so close to the city. :)

[Kenmore]

hideous, keep that shit in the burbs

[Handro]

Dude, when is the last time you actually said something positive about this city? All you've done is complain and moan about everything about Chicago for months now. If you don't like anything about where you live, perhaps you should consider relocating somewhere more to your liking.

Aaron (Glowrock)

Not to mention Chicago activates it's riverfront very well, plus more parkland/development is imminent. Chicago has a lot of riverfront property, it's not all going to be "wild miles", river walks and high-rises.

[glowrock]

Yes. Especially Topgolf, I'm in my 20s and my peers love that shit. In my old city Atlanta the one there was packed on a daily basis. Something about food, beer, hanging with friends, and playing some good ol golf gets people going. Plus they're open late. Now imagine that right on the Chicago River, it would be amazing.

An Ikea too would be great...Having to go all the way to Schaumberg for some swedish meatballs or quality furniture isn't it! :D

There's nothing inherently better for activating this parcel with an IKEA or topgolf vs a large-scale, multi-level warehouse. all are pretty much monolithic, massive structures that will probably have huge parking lots and a relative lack of pedestrian activation. People don't walk to IKEA, they drive over to be able to put their purchases in their vehicles. Most people going to Topgolf I'd also presume will drive in. Many more high-paying jobs associated with a large warehouse operation, quite frankly.

Put the IKEA and Topgolf a little further north along the North Branch. It might keep the twenty-something's from being able to easily look be "golf" bruhs and "trendy" IKEA knick-knack purchasers but so be it.

Aaron (Glowrock)

[Rizzo]

I think there was supposed to be a top golf at damen and elston which has been auto centric always.

I do enjoy top golf and would prefer not to have to go out to Schaumburg. I don’t go to a driving range in the city. If you haven’t been to top golf, you’ll know it’s not exactly a serious place to practice and is 90% a social experience.

You don’t even need much parking because they provide clubs. Myself and others never bring our own

[mh777]

I think there was supposed to be a top golf at damen and elston which has been auto centric always.

I do enjoy top golf and would prefer not to have to go out to Schaumburg. I don’t go to a driving range in the city. If you haven’t been to top golf, you’ll know it’s not exactly a serious place to practice and is 90% a social experience.

You don’t even need much parking because they provide clubs. Myself and others never bring our own

Correct. It was going to be DriveShack (essentially the same as TG) but COVID threw a wrench in that and now I believe is completely scrapped.

[Mr. Chicago]

Mr. Chicago here
Amazing. I have been saying for quite a while that the river is a source
of potential beauty for the city and what I read was the businesses along the river will not move because of its location by the Kennedy. What a waste especially because those jobs can perhaps be used to pick up the southside
economically. If Chicago is to maintain its greatness as a city then, to use that famous phrase :" make no small plans" .The problem is that as the city is rebuilding itself it seems to be forgetting the social-economic aspects to planning, Sometimes the planning process should include a political-economic aspect, Is this not way Daley Jr. thought when he assembled the plan of transformation? Frankly without that plan Chicago would not be where it is today. Again please note I say all this because I am a Chicago fan and booster and am always selling the city as a great destination.

[SolarWind]

September 29, 2022

https://imgur.com/xTpi6DV.jpg

https://imgur.com/zDNoemT.jpg

https://imgur.com/HN4A3zp.jpg

https://imgur.com/7ieXTWt.jpg

[SolarWind]

September 29, 2022

https://imgur.com/X7Z79FD.jpg

[west-town-brad]

this morning I saw construction equipment at the vacant lot at Western & North Ave. this was previously a pizza hut that was torn down a few years ago. not sure of current plans for the site.

[marothisu]

this morning I saw construction equipment at the vacant lot at Western & North Ave. this was previously a pizza hut that was torn down a few years ago. not sure of current plans for the site.

Unfortunately the plans are for 1 or 2 new 1 story retail buildings like 7-11. Pretty upsetting. At one point in time it was actually going to be something like a 4 or 5 story mixed use building

[marothisu]

I live close by that's highly disappointing. It's walking distance to two blue line stops! Between that and the self-storage facility going up on Winnebago and Bloomingdale... what the hell... We need more residents to help support struggling and shuttered businesses on our main thoroughfares, not this crap.

There were 2 new construction building permits issued recently to this entire site..

* 9/8/22 - "SPR 2019 CBC: NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A 1 STORY RETAIL BUILDING TO INCLUDE BASE BUILDING MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, CIVIL SITE WORK, NEW MASONRY TRASH ENCLOSURE AND LANDSCAPING WITH A ONE LANE DRIVE-THRU PER PLANS."

* 9/7/22 - "DDS 2019 CBC: ERECT A NEW, 1 STORY "SHELL BUILDING ONLY" STRUCTURE BUILT SPECIFICALLY TO HOUSE A RETAIL TENANT. TENANT PLANS SHALL BE SUBMITTED SEPARATELY. WORK TO INCLUDE BASE BUILDING MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, CIVIL SITE WORK, NEW TRASH ENCLOSURE AND LANDSCAPING PER PLANS. VB CONSTRUCTION. M-MERCANTILE USE. CONSULTANT REVIEWER: GLOBETROTTERS ENGINEERING"

[Jibba]

Lincoln/Halsted

https://i.imgur.com/NF36An0l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RfCxy5Rl.jpg

Rendering: https://chicagoyimby.com/2022/03/demolition-wraps-up-for-2419-n-lincoln-avenue-in-lincoln-park.html

[west-town-brad]

There were 2 new construction building permits issued recently to this entire site..

* 9/8/22 - "SPR 2019 CBC: NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A 1 STORY RETAIL BUILDING TO INCLUDE BASE BUILDING MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, CIVIL SITE WORK, NEW MASONRY TRASH ENCLOSURE AND LANDSCAPING WITH A ONE LANE DRIVE-THRU PER PLANS."

* 9/7/22 - "DDS 2019 CBC: ERECT A NEW, 1 STORY "SHELL BUILDING ONLY" STRUCTURE BUILT SPECIFICALLY TO HOUSE A RETAIL TENANT. TENANT PLANS SHALL BE SUBMITTED SEPARATELY. WORK TO INCLUDE BASE BUILDING MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, CIVIL SITE WORK, NEW TRASH ENCLOSURE AND LANDSCAPING PER PLANS. VB CONSTRUCTION. M-MERCANTILE USE. CONSULTANT REVIEWER: GLOBETROTTERS ENGINEERING"

sad

[left of center]

Unfortunately the plans are for 1 or 2 new 1 story retail buildings like 7-11. Pretty upsetting. At one point in time it was actually going to be something like a 4 or 5 story mixed use building

Wow, absolute trash. That is such a high profile intersection. What an absolute waste.

[KOgc]

The project at the north east corner of May and Carrol looks to be just about started. Construction fence is being set up and Taylor has had a piece of equipment in the yard for a week or so. Other staging is in progress too.

[Randomguy34]

^ I saw 1112 W Carroll has a pending permit, so once that's complete they'll be ready to break ground

[marothisu]

New construction building permit was issued for 5151 N Lincoln Ave -- Lincoln & Foster. The current 1 and 2 story buildings will be torn down and replaced with a new 5 story building with 42 units, 20 indoor parking spaces, and ground floor retail.

This should scale nicely with the 4 story building next door and the 4 story building across the street to the north. Looks like it should get rid of most of the ugly surface lot on Foster part of this property too and keep an alleyway

https://www.google.com/maps/place/5151+N+Lincoln+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60625/@41.9758211,-87.6923853,3a,90y,114.96h,101.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sV4DOVMZI_aJd5PAL0kvPPw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd20205c2b341:0xe12bee3798cf988e!8m2!3d41.9754856!4d-87.6921059

The design is blah, but the added people and building density to the area is decent

Via https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/01/17/5-story-apartment-building-proposed-for-corner-of-lincoln-and-foster-avenues/
https://lede-admin.blockclubchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/01/Screen-Shot-2020-01-16-at-6.52.38-AM.png?resize=1366,875


P.S. This same company has or had plans to build a new 5 story (60 foot tall), 40 unit building just north of this intersection at 5214 N Lincoln Ave -- https://chicagoyimby.com/2021/01/zoning-approved-for-mixed-use-development-at-5214-n-lincoln-avenue-in-lincoln-square.html . It would replace a 1 story building (https://www.google.com/maps/place/5214+N+Lincoln+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60625/@41.9767145,-87.6923684,3a,75y,221.62h,90.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1secyPQMJnQ20G5qjQx7gexg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd1ff52c9da17:0x92c1c2dab890a7ed!8m2!3d41.9764046!4d-87.6926519) which has already been demolished. Hopefully this can happen soo too.

[Steely Dan]

^ while the increased density is nice, it's still a shame that the handsome old red brick pre-war building with terra cotta accents is coming down for redevelopment instead of the craptacular 70s walgreens or dunkin donuts strip mall on the two opposite corners on the west side of foster.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9758431,-87.6922139,3a,90y,268.74h,80.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9Zcsltar0qk-1ZXDOuieOw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

[marothisu]

^ while the increased density is nice, it's still a shame that the handsome old red brick pre-war building with terra cotta accents is coming down for redevelopment instead of the craptacular 70s walgreens or dunkin donuts strip mall on the two opposite corners on the west side of foster.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9758431,-87.6922139,3a,90y,268.74h,80.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9Zcsltar0qk-1ZXDOuieOw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Agree. Also, in my PS the other building the same company has planned is for the strip mall is adjacent to the right of the strip mall on the right in the street view link you sent

[bnk]

https://realestateguru.biz/news/hotel-planned-for-west-loop-landmark/


Hotel planned for West Loop landmark

43 mins ago

https://realestateguru.biz/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screen-Shot-2022-09-30-at-1.58.02-PM.png

The deal begins the redevelopment of a building that was formerly the headquarters of MB Financial Bank, but has been vacant for over a decade as the surrounding area has changed dramatically. The Neighborhood Hotel Company, which launched its first location in Lincoln Park in 2020, plans to convert the upper floors of its West Loop property into 80 apartment-style hotel units, which it says is the company’s largest project to date. said Jonathan Gordon, CEO of Neighborhood Hotels.

“The business plan is to provide a well-designed basecamp for travelers to immerse themselves in the neighborhood, with all the comforts of a vacation rental and the quality of a hotel,” Gordon said. This is a special building and one of the last historic assets in the West Loop that has yet to be redeveloped.”

In addition to the Lincoln Park location at 2616 N. Clark Street, Gordon opened the Neighborhood Hotel outside New Buffalo, Michigan, redeveloping the former Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame in Little Italy into a 35-unit hotel and recently purchased another property in a different location in downtown New Buffalo.

But no project is more ambitious than 801 W. Madison. Gordon plans to convert his floor of the building’s long-untouched office into a hotel unit with a full kitchen, washer and dryer.
...

The 801 W. Madison building became a Chicago landmark in 2012, joining a long list of former neighborhood bank buildings that the city began designating as landmarks five years ago. The West Loop Building was built in his 1911 and refurbished in 1928, adding a new façade and renovating the first his second floor Grand Banking Hall. Today, the building is adjacent to Mariano’s Grocery Store and a luxury apartment building, Kitty’s Corner at Whole Foods.


“It’s frustrating to see this building dormant for so long. It’s amazing to know it’s coming back to life,” said Chacon. And it’s a real shame that the gateway[to Madison]has long fallen apart.”

..

[r18tdi]

Great news for a very attractive building. It would be wonderful if they could restore the cornice in some way.

[ardecila]

Great news for a very attractive building. It would be wonderful if they could restore the cornice in some way.

They already did restore the cornice; Crain's is using an old photo for some reason.

The developer of Gateway (the development with Mariano's and a residential tower) used an Adopt-A-Landmark bonus to get additional floor area. 801 W Madison was right next door, so they got it designated as a landmark and then they got the cornice restored a few years later.

I believe 801 W Madison was under separate ownership, but the owners of that building apparently were cooperative with the landmarking - it may have lowered their tax bill, but usually owners don't want to give up the flexibility to tear down in the future.

[woodrow]

That is one of the most poorly written articles I have read. EVER. I must have been AI.

No mention what happens with the banking hall. Seems like an opportunity for a restaurant.

[ardecila]

That is one of the most poorly written articles I have read. EVER. I must have been AI.

No mention what happens with the banking hall. Seems like an opportunity for a restaurant.

Yes, the original article was in Crain's and this appears to be a "cheater copy" with just enough scrambling to defeat the copyright laws or detection software etc.

https://www.chicagobusiness.com/commercial-real-estate/hotel-planned-west-loop-landmark

[Randomguy34]

New rendering of 917 W Fulton, and it looks SOOOOOOO good. Construction will begin early next year

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/doms.jpg

Dom's Kitchen to open Fulton Market location
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/retail/doms-kitchen-open-fulton-market-location

[mh777]

new rendering of 917 w fulton, and it looks sooooooo good. Construction will begin early next year

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/doms.jpg

dom's kitchen to open fulton market location
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/retail/doms-kitchen-open-fulton-market-location

What a perfect fit for that lot! We need more of that. Also, I think it’s funny that in the rendering they included the under-construction 900 W Randolph lol.

[thegoatman]

Looks like alot of the developments going up in DC.

[pip]

New rendering of 917 W Fulton, and it looks SOOOOOOO good. Construction will begin early next year

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/doms.jpg

Dom's Kitchen to open Fulton Market location
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/retail/doms-kitchen-open-fulton-market-location

Score! love it

[BVictor1]

What a perfect fit for that lot! We need more of that. Also, I think it’s funny that in the rendering they included the under-construction 900 W Randolph lol.

Well, it's the same architect...

[twister244]

Love it! Great design for that corner.

Also love that there's a Dom's coming to the West Loop.

[Pioneer]

Score! love it

Last week they announced they were pulling out of a prior commitment of a store in Oak Park stating that the building could not be configured to their needs (old Marshall Fields/Borders on Lake and Harlem). I call bullsh*t; I think they were waiting for what they could do in Fulton Market.

[r18tdi]

New rendering of 917 W Fulton, and it looks SOOOOOOO good.
I'd be 100 percent OK with letting Morris Adjmi design every Fulton Market project from here on out.

[Randomguy34]

I think this project captures why Fulton Market is extremely attractive. The area takes fine-grain urbanism and blends it with large-scale developments, which results in an environment that feels both extensive and intimate. Although fine-grain and large-scale developments are usually seen as opposites, the combination of those two elements is present in London, Tokyo, and Toronto. In the US however, the combination only really exists in NYC & Philly. It's also part of the reason why so many downtowns across the country feel dull. Even in Chicago, walking around the Gold Coast and the Loop is much more enjoyable that walking around Streeterville and South Loop, even though all those areas have dense skyscrapers. Strong Towns wrote a pretty good article on the subject:

https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2017/10/31/fine-grained-vs-coarse-grained-urbanism

[thegoatman]

the south loop sucks. all the vacant retail storefronts is depressing. Streets are way to wide and car centric.

The West Loop is the complete opposite. One of the premier new urban neighborhoods of America

[pip]

the south loop sucks. all the vacant retail storefronts is depressing. Streets are way to wide and car centric.

The West Loop is the complete opposite. One of the premier new urban neighborhoods of America

I'm not a fan of the South Loop. It's designed for cars. It is one of the more worse areas to bike in too. The West Loop on the other hand is becoming a pleasant place to walk and bike around and is visually pleasing at ground level. River North isn't attractive either but it is busy with people.

[RedCorsair87]

I'd be 100 percent OK with letting Morris Adjmi design every Fulton Market project from here on out.

You took the damn words right out of my mouth.

[dewbs]

The west loop was a stinky meat sewer, with a massive street. They just put parking all over it.
That is literally it.

Randolph is definitely still way too wide. It's not a pleasant place to walk. There's a reason a ton of the activity has moved up to Fulton (and I don't just mean the high-rises, which I recognize have reason to be further north based on the various districts).

[thegoatman]

What would you guys do to Randolph to make it more walkable?

[Randomguy34]

This

https://lede-admin.blockclubchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/05/Screen-Shot-2022-05-23-at-6.22.51-PM.png?resize=768,430
https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/05/25/does-the-west-loop-need-greenspace-bike-lanes-street-improvements-heres-your-chance-to-vote/

[gandalf612]

What would you guys do to Randolph to make it more walkable?

Pedestrianize it fully

[marothisu]

A few new developments from this month's upcoming ZBA meeting:

1) 3200 N Kostner (Kostner & Belmont) - New 5 story, 30 unit building with 30 car garage. Currently a surface parking lot and 1 story building for Astoria Lounge:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Astoria+Lounge+Inc/@41.9389865,-87.7369929,3a,75y,339.4h,91.32t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slstlAgy6_Xn3WWNSHUsFpw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x880fcc5532c77cc5:0x69f35162a20bbbef!2s3200+N+Kostner+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60641!3b1!8m2!3d41.9389664!4d-87.7370121!3m4!1s0x880fcc552cea1ce3:0xe5f41929aba17d67!8m2!3d41.9392197!4d-87.7371793

2) 4907 N Paulina - New 4 story, 32 unit building with 27 parking spots in Andersonville. A few buildings would be torn down for this

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9723436,-87.6711112,3a,90y,99.82h,97.75t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8gQx6mm-mIBrTjawSyAH2A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

3) 6650 W North Ave - Currently a surface parking lot, proposal to build a new 4 story, 30 unit building with a 45 parking spot garage

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9090874,-87.7922147,3a,75y,40.32h,94.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sD0aWPNB7HJn8BxutGPTnuQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

4) 6638 W North Ave - Next to the above on the same surface parking lot. Calls for a new 4 story, 29 unit building with a 45 parking spot garage

https://www.google.com/maps/place/6638+W+North+Ave,+Oak+Park,+IL+60302/@41.9090117,-87.7912088,3a,75y,324.99h,93.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1saytNVqYgb5A5VXtkLh8Kbg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fcb4610100099:0xe9f37c3009e7cdb2!8m2!3d41.9090622!4d-87.7914134

[glowrock]

A few new developments from this month's upcoming ZBA meeting:

1) 3200 N Kostner (Kostner & Belmont) - New 5 story, 30 unit building with 30 car garage. Currently a surface parking lot and 1 story building for Astoria Lounge:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Astoria+Lounge+Inc/@41.9389865,-87.7369929,3a,75y,339.4h,91.32t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slstlAgy6_Xn3WWNSHUsFpw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x880fcc5532c77cc5:0x69f35162a20bbbef!2s3200+N+Kostner+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60641!3b1!8m2!3d41.9389664!4d-87.7370121!3m4!1s0x880fcc552cea1ce3:0xe5f41929aba17d67!8m2!3d41.9392197!4d-87.7371793

2) 4907 N Paulina - New 4 story, 32 unit building with 27 parking spots in Andersonville. A few buildings would be torn down for this

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9723436,-87.6711112,3a,90y,99.82h,97.75t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8gQx6mm-mIBrTjawSyAH2A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

3) 6650 W North Ave - Currently a surface parking lot, proposal to build a new 4 story, 30 unit building with a 45 parking spot garage

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9090874,-87.7922147,3a,75y,40.32h,94.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sD0aWPNB7HJn8BxutGPTnuQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

4) 6638 W North Ave - Next to the above on the same surface parking lot. Calls for a new 4 story, 29 unit building with a 45 parking spot garage

https://www.google.com/maps/place/6638+W+North+Ave,+Oak+Park,+IL+60302/@41.9090117,-87.7912088,3a,75y,324.99h,93.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1saytNVqYgb5A5VXtkLh8Kbg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fcb4610100099:0xe9f37c3009e7cdb2!8m2!3d41.9090622!4d-87.7914134

Given I only live a few blocks east of the Belmont and Kostner project, it makes me happy that new development continues to spring up along Belmont from California to now approaching Cicero. It's excellent news for the NW side of the city!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[Randomguy34]

I remember 4907 N Paulina back when Pawar was alderman. It's modeled off of a classic Chicago courtyard building, which might be the city's first new courtyard in more than a decade. Setback requirements is basically what killed their feasibility across the city, so no surprise this proposal is appealing to have no rear setbacks

https://lede-admin.blockclubchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/01/Screen-Shot-2020-01-10-at-10.54.21-AM.png?resize=786,417
https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/01/10/4-ravenswood-buildings-to-be-torn-down-to-build-apartment-complex-with-affordable-housing/

[marothisu]

Given I only live a few blocks east of the Belmont and Kostner project, it makes me happy that new development continues to spring up along Belmont from California to now approaching Cicero. It's excellent news for the NW side of the city!

Aaron (Glowrock)

These types of developments are definitely good, especially what they're replacing. How do you feel about the new development on Belmont just east of the metra tracks there?

[glowrock]

These types of developments are definitely good, especially what they're replacing. How do you feel about the new development on Belmont just east of the metra tracks there?

They're good, relatively dense infill. Nothing amazing yet certainly far better than the displayed one story warehouse building with a Family Dollar store it replaced! ;)

What I'm eagerly awaiting are the RFPs for the "Belmont Triangle" properties. I hope the clamoring by some activist residents for nothing but parks and entirely affordable housing aren't adhered to.

Aaron (Glowrock)

[SolarWind]

October 3, 2022

https://imgur.com/HSLaDsX.jpg

October 4, 2022

https://imgur.com/nCdbVWt.jpg

[Klippenstein]

^ Steel frame on residential is pretty unique in Chicago from what I'm told. Anybody have insight on why they chose it?

[left of center]

I don't think its all that uncommon actually. A cousin of mine built a 3 flat near Augusta and Ashland about 12 years ago and they used a steel frame for it. That said, I do agree that most residential buildings under 4 or 5 stories in the city appear to use mostly wood framing.

[Rizzo]

I can’t tell if it’s height of the building or longer spans for steel

They spent money. There’s fabrication for mechanicals too within the structural plenum

This is going to be an expensive building.

[west-town-brad]

^ Steel frame on residential is pretty unique in Chicago from what I'm told. Anybody have insight on why they chose it?

"residential" is a pretty vague descriptor.

that would include the single family that is all wood, a 3-flat built of masonry, some steel spans, and wood truss. or it could be a 100 story high-rise of concrete and steel. any everything in between.

[Klippenstein]

"residential" is a pretty vague descriptor.

that would include the single family that is all wood, a 3-flat built of masonry, some steel spans, and wood truss. or it could be a 100 story high-rise of concrete and steel. any everything in between.

This is what I was told on this forum when I was surprised that 900 W Randolph had a concrete frame. In Chicago, residential high rises are usually concrete and generally only offices use steel frame. I think it usually comes out cheaper to use concrete for residential because they don’t have the same mechanical demands and office buildings often have higher floors, the tenant do the buildout themselves and soundproofing isn’t as important. That’s just my superficial understanding. Somebody also mentioned that steel frame residential is more common in NYC. I was just watching a YouTube video that mentioned that in NYC the steel frame of the buildings go up first because of the steel workers union. I wondered if the power of that union also influenced the material decisions for buildings. Or perhaps NYC simply builds more high end housing which is more likely to use steel frame construction? Just random thoughts. Maybe somebody understand these phenomena on a deeper level and would be willing to share?

[Jibba]

3217 N Clark

https://i.imgur.com/9I9unrHl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Qyth1fBl.jpg

Rendering: https://chicagoyimby.com/2022/03/foundation-work-underway-for-3217-n-clark-street-in-lake-view-east.html

[pip]

https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-western-avenue-improvements-20221007-oey6qribrzbudctvzsg6kybtxy-story.html

(no paywall (https://archive.ph/3ivih#selection-589.0-589.93))



Holy fuck... finally. Western is an urban disaster. They should immediately remove all street parking and put in BRT, along with general "boulevard" enhancements - better pedestrian crossings, more greenery, etc. Hopefully this picks up steam.
That is huge. And great! Very pleasantly surprised

[BVictor1]

https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-western-avenue-improvements-20221007-oey6qribrzbudctvzsg6kybtxy-story.html

(no paywall (https://archive.ph/3ivih#selection-589.0-589.93))


Holy fuck... finally. Western is an urban disaster. They should immediately remove all street parking and put in BRT, along with general "boulevard" enhancements - better pedestrian crossings, more greenery, etc. Hopefully this picks up steam.

WESTERN AVENUE CORRIDOR STUDY
Summary Report

https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/westernavenue/CorridorStudyReport_PUBLIC%20DRAFT%209-30-22-compressed.pdf


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yoW3pdpdfw

[Rizzo]

That’s really exciting though I’ve been feeling optimistic about Western’s transformation over the last few years. Between Irving and Lawrence at least there’s been new 4 story stuff.

[west-town-brad]

Western Ave is a great source of market rate inexpensive housing that runs through many somewhat expensive housing sub markets. In that sense it will always have an attraction. You can see this pattern in that the portions of Western Ave that run through currently in-demand and expensive neighborhoods is already developed/developing with high density housing.

[mark0]

This is what I was told on this forum when I was surprised that 900 W Randolph had a concrete frame. In Chicago, residential high rises are usually concrete and generally only offices use steel frame. I think it usually comes out cheaper to use concrete for residential because they don’t have the same mechanical demands and office buildings often have higher floors, the tenant do the buildout themselves and soundproofing isn’t as important. That’s just my superficial understanding. Somebody also mentioned that steel frame residential is more common in NYC. I was just watching a YouTube video that mentioned that in NYC the steel frame of the buildings go up first because of the steel workers union. I wondered if the power of that union also influenced the material decisions for buildings. Or perhaps NYC simply builds more high end housing which is more likely to use steel frame construction? Just random thoughts. Maybe somebody understand these phenomena on a deeper level and would be willing to share?

NYC logistics make getting concrete and the huge labor force that goes with it difficult. Concrete trucks sitting in traffic trying to cross a bridge may have to turn back if they go over the delivery time window. Chicago has wider streets, cement mixing plants right outside the downtown and less gridlock. Steel is also faster and in NYC time = more expensive.

[Steely Dan]

living a block west of western in lincoln square, i like a lot of what i'm seeing in this corridor study.

but western has been a giant 24 mile long auto sewer straight through the entire city, from howard all the way down to 119th, for most of its life, so the turd can only be polished so much.

however, i do like how the report specifically called out some egregiously bad existing developments that are ripe for redevelopment in my immediate neighborhood, like the auto-zone and 7-11 with parking lots directly on western, and the old MB/fifth-third bank property on the NW corner of western/lawrence. if his study forces the redevelopment of that large bank property into something functionally urban that actually "holds" that prominent corner with active uses (instead of yet another crap-tacular chicago stripmall development with a fucking parking lot at the corner of two main streets), then that alone will be a huge win for lincoln square.

[twister244]

living a block west of western in lincoln square, i like a lot of what i'm seeing in this corridor study.

but western has been a giant 24 mile long auto sewer straight through the entire city, from howard all the way down to 119th, for most of its life, so the turd can only be polished so much.

however, i do like how the report specifically called out some egregiously bad existing developments that are ripe for redevelopment in my immediate neighborhood, like the auto-zone and 7-11 with parking lots directly on western, and the old MB/fifth-third bank property on the NW corner of western/lawrence. if his study forces the redevelopment of that large bank property into something functionally urban that actually "holds" that prominent corner with active uses (instead of yet another crap-tacular chicago stripmall development with a fucking parking lot at the corner of two main streets), then that alone will be a huge win for lincoln square.

I really wish this would go further south, but you gotta start somewhere I guess. Being down by Fullerton, there's so much opportunity further south. Man.... if there was a BRT along Western that spanned the city - You wouldn't even need a L connector at that point.

[Rizzo]

Looking at those cross sections. Less garage or driveway entrances to Western means less turn lanes, and more median planters and trees. The trees really help, which is why Ashland looks much more attractive despite being a major thoroughfare

[thegoatman]

Why doesn't the city pursue light rail/BRT on Western, Ashland, and these other wide roads. Saw this video of this recently completed BRT in SF and both transit riders and drivers were happy in the end

[Steely Dan]

Why doesn't the city pursue light rail/BRT on Western, Ashland, and these other wide roads.

the city tried to do BRT on ashland years ago.

and the NIMBidiots of our ass-backwards town killed it.


CHICAGO: Great City | Stupid People

[moorhosj1]

the city tried to do BRT on ashland years ago.

and the NIMBidiots of our ass-backwards town killed it.


CHICAGO: Great City | Stupid People

BRT on Western will get killed by the business along the strip, just like Ashland. Even though this analysis shows that they have high vacancies along the route. People consider it a thoroughfare and drive in single-occupancy vehicles expecting 40mph speeds.

[west-town-brad]

the city tried to do BRT on ashland years ago.

and the NIMBidiots of our ass-backwards town killed it.


CHICAGO: Great City | Stupid People

call me one of those stupid people, but I don't understand where transit on these north-south routes like ashland would be taking people...

east-west like grand and chicago would make more sense because at least you get people to the job centers

[Steely Dan]

I don't understand where transit on these north-south routes like ashland would be taking people...



to the same places that the 8 bazillion people who drive on such streets go to every day.


NEWSFLASH: most chicagoans don't work in the loop.

[Chisouthside]

call me one of those stupid people, but I don't understand where transit on these north-south routes like ashland would be taking people...

east-west like grand and chicago would make more sense because at least you get people to the job centers

service staff coming from southside to the medical center is one off the top of my head.

[twister244]

to the same places that the 8 bazillion people who drive on such streets go to every day.


NEWSFLASH: most chicagoans don't work in the loop.

Western for sure would benefit from BRT. Sad to hear nimby assholes killed a proposed BRT on Ashland. I feel like BRT is one of those things people would love much more if they actually just tried it out. The more I take the bus on Fullerton to get East of the Kennedy, the more I love using it. I have a stop right in front of my place. The only thing that sucks is the slow pace with traffic/stops. Even then, I love it infinitely more than the thought of driving down these roads and dealing with the traffic.

[west-town-brad]

to the same places that the 8 bazillion people who drive on such streets go to every day.


NEWSFLASH: most chicagoans don't work in the loop.

as if they just drive up and down ashland from their homes to their jobs

[Steely Dan]

as if they just drive up and down ashland from their homes to their jobs

who said that they did?

in a RIGIDLY gridded city such as ours, an east/west and a north/south leg are required for many trips for a great many chicagoans, regardless of transportation mode.

i mean, both the ashland and western bus routes are among the top 10 busiest routes in the entire city by ridership, but somehow you have no idea at all where all of those people might be going? really?

BRT on ashland or western doesn't mean that everyone would switch to transit, it would just mean MUCH better transit for those who do use it on those corridors, along with inducing more choice riders if it truly is bona fide BRT that meaningfully reduces the dismal travel times of the conventional bus routes currently in place on those corridors.

[Randomguy34]

call me one of those stupid people, but I don't understand where transit on these north-south routes like ashland would be taking people...


People take buses in a city because they have places they want to go to. Since we're a city of 2.7 million people, with destinations all across the city, that typically translates to a lot of buses needed to move people.

[twister244]

People take buses in a city because they have places they want to go to. Since we're a city of 2.7 million people, with destinations all across the city, that typically translates to a lot of buses needed to move people.

As someone who takes the 74 bus on Fullerton more with time.... It is never empty. Worst of times, there's a quarter of the seats filled. During the middle of the day, there are people standing on the bus, and sometimes there's two busses at a time. So, yeah, people use them on these major "sewer gutters".

[digitallagasse]

call me one of those stupid people, but I don't understand where transit on these north-south routes like ashland would be taking people...

east-west like grand and chicago would make more sense because at least you get people to the job centers

Those north-south bus routes are already well used. Improving the transit on those routes would already benefit all those riders and likely attract more riders as well. You can't look at each route or line in a vacuum but as a whole network. Having a good mesh network of lines and routes makes travel from various parts of the city to others part more viable.

I think a C shaped trunk line connecting trunk lines radiating out from the loop in addition to to connections do major/minor north-south routes would have a major impact on the transit network as a whole. Western Ave might be a good alignment for at least several blocks on the north side before turning east towards the lake to complete the north part of the C. The line would also need to turn east from Western Ave to enter into the south side and complete that part of the C.

Local bus routes make up that mesh and connections. The draw back being those buses get stuck in traffic and with local bus stop spacing they are not quick. Express buses or going full BRT can help build a start to that backbone. I have no doubt that ridership on such a connector route, and the additional trips across the whole transit network, will show said backbone would necessitate going full heavy rail. It is worth noting that ring and connector lines tend to be some of the highest if not the highest ridership lines on transit systems that have them.

[gandalf612]

call me one of those stupid people, but I don't understand where transit on these north-south routes like ashland would be taking people...

east-west like grand and chicago would make more sense because at least you get people to the job centers

Maybe you only go to and from work but some of us happen to have active social lives and like to go see friends

[west-town-brad]

ya'll funny with this BRT stuff

[Steely Dan]

and i find it even funnier that someone could ostensibly live in chicago and not understand why anyone would use transit on major N/S arterials such as ashland and western.

[west-town-brad]

and i find it even funnier that someone could ostensibly live in chicago and not understand why anyone would use transit on major N/S arterials such as ashland and western.

not what I said, but ok

[west-town-brad]

please review the results from the $41 Million BRT test case in the Loop

results were so amazingly positive that the author had to use a freedom of information request to get the CTA to talk about it

https://chi.streetsblog.org/2018/10/17/foia-ed-documents-show-loop-link-has-provided-only-modest-speed-gains/

[Randomguy34]

^ Yeah, cause it's only a few blocks long and no efforts were done to block cars from using the lane. This would be the equivalent of adding only a few blocks of bus lanes on 6th Ave in Midtown, and expecting that's representative of the rest of NYC's 138 miles of bus lanes.

The city half-asses our infrastructure improvements, that's no surprise. If every other city on the planet can do BRT well, even our Midwestern peers, then it's less likely "BRT can't work in Chicago" and instead more likely Chicago did a bad job at implementing it.

[r18tdi]

Four-story affordable housing project the "Conservatory Apartments" with 43 SRO/studio apartments for people experiencing homelessness was permitted at 414 N. Central Park Blvd in EGP. Designed to Passive House standards.

Story from 2021:
https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/city-commission-approves-supportive-housing-project-east-garfield-park

[ardecila]

^ Yeah, cause it's only a few blocks long and no efforts were done to block cars from using the lane. This would be the equivalent of adding only a few blocks of bus lanes on 6th Ave in Midtown, and expecting that's representative of the rest of NYC's 138 miles of bus lanes.

The city half-asses our infrastructure improvements, that's no surprise. If every other city on the planet can do BRT well, even our Midwestern peers, then it's less likely "BRT can't work in Chicago" and instead more likely Chicago did a bad job at implementing it.

There's a difference between the downtown grid and neighborhood arterial streets - BRT will look very different in each type of location.

I ride Loop Link daily, cars are not a significant problem at least since Covid. The study was done in 2017, so not super useful today. Buses tend to fly in the lanes today, but the two ways to speed up the buses even further are A) signal priority or B) prepaid boarding.

Signal priority isn't feasible downtown. The grid of traffic lights is carefully synced to move traffic, you can't give Loop Link buses priority without creating tons of gridlock on intersecting streets. Maybe you're fine with screwing over drivers, but gridlock also affects other bus routes and is dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

Prepaid boarding is possible along the lines of Select Bus Service in NYC, but CTA seems terrified of fare evasion. God forbid they don't get $2.25 from a poor person.

A neighborhood BRT line will look different, though - cars and trucks in the lane will likely be a problem, so camera enforcement is needed. Signal priority may be doable in certain locations. Prepaid boarding is less important since you don't have huge masses of people boarding at each stop, but I still think it may be helpful at rail transfer stops.

[SolarWind]

October 3, 2022

https://imgur.com/cZCmyil.jpg

https://imgur.com/f1y2Rnb.jpg

https://imgur.com/xNOdICw.jpg

[SolarWind]

October 3, 2022

https://imgur.com/b9oMAQZ.jpg

[SolarWind]

October 4, 2022

https://imgur.com/eZMCPuJ.jpg

https://imgur.com/wpqIzgE.jpg

https://imgur.com/i5h3PUS.jpg

[SolarWind]

October 4, 2022

https://imgur.com/tgyFmiY.jpg

https://imgur.com/Q6tXh5Z.jpg

[SolarWind]

October 11, 2022

https://imgur.com/jv7HYa2.jpg

https://imgur.com/bLvF9wD.jpg

https://imgur.com/XuY0koP.jpg

https://imgur.com/SPEeXuo.jpg

[SolarWind]

October 11, 2022

https://imgur.com/khCIE0h.jpg

https://imgur.com/Yhab2Nv.jpg

[west-town-brad]

^

what an amazing transformation of Chicago Ave!

I lived at 357 West Chicago (the red brick building at the far left of the photo above) in 2012 and the area was so desolate. It was a 4th floor walkup which was great for the glutes.

[mh777]

Anyone have the scoop on the old rainforest cafe off Ontario? Looks like the perimeter is surrounded by construction fence. Weren’t there talks about that becoming a pot shop or something? I’d think that’s a prime piece of land for a high rise.

[CaptainJilliams]

Anyone have the scoop on the old rainforest cafe off Ontario? Looks like the perimeter is surrounded by construction fence. Weren’t there talks about that becoming a pot shop or something? I’d think that’s a prime piece of land for a high rise.

I haven't heard, but that makes me happy. The structure is an eyesore, and the lot would benefit from some new infill. Let's just hope if it is being torn down it doesn't become a parking lot.

[gebs]

Anyone have the scoop on the old rainforest cafe off Ontario? Looks like the perimeter is surrounded by construction fence. Weren’t there talks about that becoming a pot shop or something? I’d think that’s a prime piece of land for a high rise.

You guys are making puns and you don't even realize it.

[marothisu]

Anyone have the scoop on the old rainforest cafe off Ontario? Looks like the perimeter is surrounded by construction fence. Weren’t there talks about that becoming a pot shop or something? I’d think that’s a prime piece of land for a high rise.

They were denied for it back in April but making another push for it. Next week (10/21) at the ZBA they're supposed to try again. It got denied originally because it's within 1500 feet of another shop and by law, you can't do that unless it's owned by a "social equity applicant." So what did they do? They made a Black former alderman their CEO after getting denied and going to try again. I'm actually curious to see if that actually works for them.

[rivernorthlurker]

Crane coming down on Lawson House.

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

[rivernorthlurker]

Rehab next to Lawson House and across the street from OCS. A lot going on Chicago Ave these days. I feel like Chicago Ave should get an award for most transformed street in Chicago over the last couple years after maybe Randolph and Fulton.

https://i.imgur.com/4eHyNDz.jpg

[rivernorthlurker]

Some work being done on the west site of the OPO.

Also a lovely cameo from BMO.

https://i.imgur.com/k6boIwD.jpg

[rivernorthlurker]

Canal Station - surprised I haven't heard about this on this forum. Just south of the OPO.

https://www.us.jll.com/en/newsroom/financing-secured-for-canal-station-in-chicago

$215.1M financing secured for Canal Station in Chicago
JLL Capital Markets arranged construction financing for 801 S Canal St., a 684,000 SF office building in Chicago’s South West Loop submarket

https://rebusinessonline.com/ll-arranges-215-1m-financing-for-canal-station-office-redevelopment-in-chicagos-west-loop/
The redevelopment of Canal Station will continue the transformation of the West Loop and will be a sister property to The Old Post Office located just two blocks away. The $800 million, 601W-led redevelopment in 2014 is regarded as one of the most successful and largest office redevelopments in the country, totaling 2.5 million square feet. The historic building, originally constructed in 1921, currently sits at 95 percent occupancy.

95 percent!

https://i.imgur.com/7xEIwRn.jpg

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

https://i.imgur.com/fl1ioaQ.jpg

From https://www.telosgroupllc.com/canal-station/

https://www.telosgroupllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-19-at-9.11.11-AM.png

Similar entrance design to Willis tower it looks like.

https://www.telosgroupllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-19-at-9.25.52-AM.png