CHICAGO | General Developments

[ardecila]

It sounds like 401 S. State – long occupied by Robert Morris, now largely vacant – might soon change hands. I've always though the university's use of the ground floor space left a lot to be desired, so hopefully whatever comes next can become a better steward of that block of State Street.

State Street north of the Palmer House feels largely back to its pre-pandemic self, but State Street from the Palmer House south to Ida B. Wells feels pretty barren right now. Of course, the battle for the Century & Consumers building block is a huge part of it. The Beef 'n Brandy hotel conversion also seems to have stalled since Covid started.

209-227 S. State (former Woolworth's building) is also for sale: https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/209-227-S-State-St-Chicago-IL/26612789/ The broker is marketing it as a development opportunity, with a speculative rendering of a new tower in place of the current building. I would think that if you wanted to build a new tower you'd at least set it back a bit and keep the amazing Art Deco base, but what do I know.

Hopefully this part of the Loop gets some momentum back soon. There is a lot of development in the works just over on Wabash.

I thought the Leiter II building/401 S State would make a great casino. Big floorplates, close to transit, room for expansion on the Wabash side for parking garage and hotel tower. Unfortunately those same big floorplates are a liability for residential or hotel. Office is a possibility, maybe - tech companies love big floorplates but it's very far from the center of tech in Fulton/River North, and even far from the future tech hub around Thompson Center. But Brookfield has been modestly successful with the upper floors of the Marshall Fields building.

I don't have any love for 209-227 S State. It's just the 1930s version of the design-by-spreadsheet that we see on a lot of 1960s glass towers. Reminds me of the annex onto the Intercontinental on Michigan - uninspired architecture that only seems nice because of the limestone. If they want to tear down and replace, good for them!

[r18tdi]

https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/03/13/sneak-peek-at-lawson-house-ymca-renovation-bringing-400-apartments-to-gold-coast-in-2024

Some neat behind-the-scenes shots of the Lawson House renovation, via Block Club:

https://lede-admin.blockclubchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/03/030823-Lawson-House-YMCA-Colin-Boyle-1853.jpg?resize=1200,799

[Randomguy34]

Zoning app issued for a CHA site at 4500 S State St. Phase 1 is 61 units + retail, spread across a midrise and 3-flats. Phase 2 is planned to be 60 units.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FKhbDtNVUAAtDfM?format=jpg&name=medium

Application: https://chicago.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6063746&GUID=661CA1D4-09D2-4BF7-B1C9-EBD0E60AAEFA&Options=Advanced&Search=

Image: https://twitter.com/ChicagoDOH/status/1488542960945819648

[Klippenstein]

Cool update showing the foundation work on the new Damen green line stop and a decent skyline shot. I'm really just excited to see this underway.

FjmWn9F7Dvg

[Randomguy34]

An Invest South/West development, United Yards broke ground today

https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/815def9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1350x900+196+0/resize/840x560!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2Fh9qtp9bbFRnU7NKNOC1nP4XFJjk%3D%2F0x0%3A1600x900%2F1600x900%2Ffilters%3Afocal%28871x431%3A872x432%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F24504382%2FUNITED_YARDS_BLADE_SIGN_LOOKING_EAST_web.jpeg
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2023/3/14/23637650/back-yards-development-housing-coffee-roaster-brewery-retail-invest-south-west

[west-town-brad]

https://chicagoyimby.com/2020/10/permit-review-committee-approves-cta-substation-at-2023-w-north-avenue-in-west-town.html

this thing is under construction, steel is up to 2nd story now

[HomrQT]

https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/03/13/sneak-peek-at-lawson-house-ymca-renovation-bringing-400-apartments-to-gold-coast-in-2024

Some neat behind-the-scenes shots of the Lawson House renovation, via Block Club:

https://lede-admin.blockclubchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/03/030823-Lawson-House-YMCA-Colin-Boyle-1853.jpg?resize=1200,799

That's so freaking cool!!!

:slob::slob::slob::slob::slob::slob:

[moorhosj1]

Didn't see this one posted. From Crain's (https://www.chicagobusiness.com/commercial-real-estate/chicago-blackhawks-plan-practice-facility-expansion)

The Chicago Blackhawks have struck a deal with Rush University Medical Center to acquire a 7-acre site next to the team's Fifth Third Arena hockey facility, where the team plans to build a $65 million, two-rink expansion of its Near West Side hockey venue.

The land sale agreement, disclosed today in an ordinance submitted to the City Council, would tee up a 135,000-square-foot development that would double the size of the Hawks' hockey complex on the block and add a new venue for the team and youth hockey players near the United Center.

[r18tdi]

Wow, four rinks at Fifth Third. Wonder if nearby Johnny's Ice House will survive...

[ardecila]

Didn't see this one posted. From Crain's (https://www.chicagobusiness.com/commercial-real-estate/chicago-blackhawks-plan-practice-facility-expansion)

The Chicago Blackhawks have struck a deal with Rush University Medical Center to acquire a 7-acre site next to the team's Fifth Third Arena hockey facility, where the team plans to build a $65 million, two-rink expansion of its Near West Side hockey venue.

The land sale agreement, disclosed today in an ordinance submitted to the City Council, would tee up a 135,000-square-foot development that would double the size of the Hawks' hockey complex on the block and add a new venue for the team and youth hockey players near the United Center.

Dang, another kiddie sports complex for Lincoln Park parents to drive to in their G-wagens. Right next to a Blue Line stop, too.

[amfleisch]

The United Center Atrium expansion, Bulls and Blackhawks training facilities, are all disjointed from each other. They really missed a great opportunity to develop a cohesive campus around the United Center. There are a ton of surface parking lots around the UC, but from what we have seen so far from Reinsdorf and Wirtz... really not getting my hopes up with any future development.

[bhawk66]

Dang, another kiddie sports complex for Lincoln Park parents to drive to in their G-wagens. Right next to a Blue Line stop, too.

What a positive take, lol

Hockey equipment bag and sticks on an El train...good times.

[UrbanDweller98]

One would hope that the new Damen Green Line stop will spark some development around the United Center.

[Rizzo]

What a positive take, lol

Hockey equipment bag and sticks on an El train...good times.

Oh yeah other riders would have a meltdown. If it’s not already annoying to bring just skates on the train in a bulky bag.

[nomarandlee]

Insane with the amount of vacant lots and parking lots surrounding the UC, that there hasn't been a plan similar to LA Live or something like the new Bucks arena for the area. So much potential.

Given that the head of both ownership groups are 70/87 years old, both are conservative by nature, and they don't want to make any significant moves until the new generation ushers in. The new generation wants the leeway to either sell or make their own stamp on the franchise, a scenario that will not happen until they take the reigns. Or the thinking may be, why saddle new ownership groups with debt or hard assets that are "old baggage" when the new owners may want to build their own stadium/amenities.

My inkling is that in the next decade, one or both franchises will sell the team shortly after the patriarchs die, and depending on who the new owners are, one or both will push for new arenas, given that the UC will be nearly 40 years old in 10 years at that point.

[sentinel]

Drone video of the new UIC Computer Design Research Center

ic8H_nIwWpY

[SolarWind]

February 24, 2023

https://imgur.com/KGRCNE2.jpg

[SolarWind]

March 14, 2023

https://imgur.com/3JqQ0Ft.jpg

https://imgur.com/I6nZP4e.jpg

[SolarWind]

March 15, 2023

https://imgur.com/5X0mnl3.jpg

https://imgur.com/gVArFQT.jpg

[SolarWind]

February 24, 2023

https://imgur.com/8EV1rQw.jpg

March 16, 2023

https://imgur.com/odKDNF0.jpg

https://imgur.com/HB20r0Y.jpg

https://imgur.com/wqg9Gpg.jpg

[SolarWind]

March 14, 2023

https://imgur.com/MU1tOA1.jpg

https://imgur.com/37ZC4DT.jpg

[streetline]

Late last year, The Neighborhood Hotel (http://www.theneighborhoodhotel.com/) bought the landmarked former Mid-City Trust & Savings Bank building at 801 W Madison (https://www.chicago.gov/dam/city/depts/zlup/Historic_Preservation/Publications/Mid_City_Trust_Savings_Bank.pdf) for $15M, with plans for a $20M renovation to convert it to a 80 suite apartment-style hotel (https://www.connectcre.com/stories/long-vacant-bank-headquarters-poised-for-new-life-as-hotel/).

I noticed a paper sign advertising that hotel and it's restaurant in one of the windows and the beginnings of work being done on the building earlier this year. But recently, that sign has been removed and I'm not seeing any reference to the project on their website.

I really hope that doesn't mean the hotel conversion has fallen through. That seemed like an great way to reactivate a stately landmarked building at a prominent corner.

[IrishIllini]

What's happening at 151 N Michigan?

[SolarWind]

March 20, 2023

https://imgur.com/5NC2KJ6.jpg

[marothisu]

There's fencing around Brodaway Plaza mall at Broadway and Berwyn. It was bought in 2006 by Chody Real Estate (https://www.chodyre.com/properties), who seem to just do strip malls. They've been letting all the tenants go, so I guess the plan is to redevelop it into an updated version of the same? I don't see any permits, but I was wondering if anybody knew what the plan is. Sad that that stretch of Broadway is doomed to stay terrible.

Demo permit was issued yesterday. Apparently they're going to replace the 1 story building on the corner with a new 1 story commercial building and renovate all the other business spaces.

Such a lost opportunity.

[Toasty Joe]

I mean, looking at Chody's featured properties (https://www.chodyre.com/properties), there weren't exactly high hopes for this one. Unrelated fun fact: Lance Chody's wife owns Garrett's Popcorn

[lakeshoredrive]

Did anyone know about this?

https://northdusablelakeshoredrive.org/Project_Visualizations.html

[Kngkyle]

Did anyone know about this?

https://northdusablelakeshoredrive.org/Project_Visualizations.html

It's been talked about here periodically over the years. Good to see some progress being made for a change... here are some of the proposals from the link.. hopefully these aren't just pipe dreams.

https://i.imgur.com/uAiY2ux.png

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

https://i.imgur.com/t0JEese.png

[Bonsai Tree]

^^I'm only OK with this if they keep the same number of lanes. No making it bigger, like half the proposals. Renderings have the same number, so that's maybe a good sign? Would prefer a bus lane as well

[galleyfox]

Interesting post following up on a previous article about skyscraper construction speeds https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b67f78b-082c-4a70-b16f-1a67059eb481_420x808.png

https://constructionphysics.substack.com/p/which-city-builds-skyscrapers-the

[sentinel]

If they would just cap the vehicle lanes this would be perfect. The added beachspace makes us look like Florida!

Well, we are the Miami of Canada! :D

[nomarandlee]

It's been talked about here periodically over the years. Good to see some progress being made for a change... here are some of the proposals from the link.. hopefully these aren't just pipe dreams.

https://i.imgur.com/t0JEese.png

I'd really love to see all these come to fruition. The best idea is to make a true land bridge over LSD connecting the park at Chicago Ave/LSD to the lakefront. Hopefully what happens in the coming decades is a demolishment of the Park District building and even the MCA to provide a long visual corridor looking to the lakefront path.

[sentinel]

It's been talked about here periodically over the years. Good to see some progress being made for a change... here are some of the proposals from the link.. hopefully these aren't just pipe dreams.

https://i.imgur.com/uAiY2ux.png

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

https://i.imgur.com/t0JEese.png

Looks fantastic, the site has even more images, all of which would enhance the lakefront so much. My only personal wish would be to keep going south, all the way from McCormick East all the way to South Works in South Chicago...although I'm fully aware of what a pipe dream that is.

[SolarWind]

March 23, 2023

https://imgur.com/UoJ4FrV.jpg

https://imgur.com/RMTN2v2.jpg

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpz-WqJuSwL/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp2UZ0OuPmT/?hl=en

[ardecila]

^^I'm only OK with this if they keep the same number of lanes. No making it bigger, like half the proposals. Renderings have the same number, so that's maybe a good sign? Would prefer a bus lane as well

The new road will have full shoulders added plus a "clear zone" without any trees. That makes the "footprint" of the new road much bigger than what we have now, even without any new lanes.

Because rather than taming the speeding drivers with traffic calming and cameras, we have to kowtow to them with the road design so they don't kill themselves while driving 80mph on a 40mph road.

The "safety" data for each of the options has been published, and somehow the one that converts the left lane for buses only has the most projected crashes. So the engineers are juking the stats once again to support more space for drivers and less space for the rest of us.

[mousquet]

So the engineers are juking the stats once again to support more space for drivers and less space for the rest of us.

:rolleyes: That's corruption... Disturbing. Some people are paying them for doing this, while they know it is wrong.

This is a cultural fight. As long as Americans think their cars reflect their success, you won't get over it.

[Kngkyle]

The new road will have full shoulders added plus a "clear zone" without any trees. That makes the "footprint" of the new road much bigger than what we have now, even without any new lanes.

Because rather than taming the speeding drivers with traffic calming and cameras, we have to kowtow to them with the road design so they don't kill themselves while driving 80mph on a 40mph road.

The "safety" data for each of the options has been published, and somehow the one that converts the left lane for buses only has the most projected crashes. So the engineers are juking the stats once again to support more space for drivers and less space for the rest of us.

As long as they add 10% more parkland for every 1% of added road space it's not a terrible tradeoff. That seems to be what the images show. Now of course in reality they'll find a way to fund the road portion and then oops no money left for the park improvements.

[sentinel]

They capped alot of road space in those renderings...why not cap all the roadspace?

Money.

[ithakas]

YIMBY has plans and renderings of a new development at 1225 S. Indiana.

https://chicagoyimby.com/2023/03/new-residential-development-proposed-for-1225-s-indiana-avenue-in-south-loop.html

We knew this would be low-density since the PD for the NEMA towers was approved, but it would be nice to have a bit more depth for this part of the skyline on at least part of the site.

I also wish the design were a bit stronger – we're seeing nicer development of this scale at Madison + Carpenter, for example.

[Kngkyle]

^why is it closed off with no retail? in a prime spot like that?

Definitely not a prime spot for retail. There're empty storefronts all over the South Loop. No need to add more in a non-prime spot like this.

I'm pretty OK with this. Not everything has to be a tower...

[Klippenstein]

That open space on the corner is mean to be a public park? That's pretty cool. I wonder how it will be developed.

[left of center]

I'm pretty OK with this. Not everything has to be a tower...

Good point, but a midrise development would have been nice.... 3-4 more floors would have been great.

Either way, glad that empty lot is biting the dust. 100 additional units will help bring more pedestrian activity to this corner of the South Loop. The underground parking is an additional plus.

[marothisu]

YIMBY has plans and renderings of a new development at 1225 S. Indiana.

https://chicagoyimby.com/2023/03/new-residential-development-proposed-for-1225-s-indiana-avenue-in-south-loop.html

We knew this would be low-density since the PD for the NEMA towers was approved, but it would be nice to have a bit more depth for this part of the skyline on at least part of the site.

I also wish the design were a bit stronger – we're seeing nicer development of this scale at Madison + Carpenter, for example.

Wasn't this known months ago? Also, 100 units isn't exactly low density in that parcel. More like medium density.

[Jibba]

That open space on the corner is mean to be a public park? That's pretty cool. I wonder how it will be developed.

Read: Public dog shit depository.

[west-town-brad]

Read: Public dog shit depository.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shit-fountain

[r18tdi]

Wasn't this known months ago? Also, 100 units isn't exactly low density in that parcel. More like medium density.

Yes, and it was originally envisioned as 100 townhomes back in 2015:

https://assets.dnainfo.com/generated/chicago_photo/2015/09/crescent-heights-site-plan-fixed-1442976804.jpg/extralarge.jpg

A public park and 100 town homes would be built in a third phase nearby off Indiana Avenue.

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150922/south-loop/iconic-proposal-calls-for-twin-towers-one-76-stories-tall-south-loop/

[ardecila]

Yes, and it was originally envisioned as 100 townhomes back in 2015

I think this is an error in the article. 100 townhouses would not fit on a site of that size - it would need to be ~3x-4x bigger.

The presentation slide doesn't actually say townhouses... My guess is the developer was intentionally vague and just talked about a "lower scale" building or "fitting in" with the townhouses south of 13th.

I agree with leaving out retail here - it should be concentrated along Michigan and Wabash as much as possible. There is a little retail space over there already (Little Branch Cafe, dry cleaners) but I would not add any more.

[r18tdi]

I think this is an error in the article. 100 townhouses would not fit on a site of that size - it would need to be ~3x-4x bigger.

The presentation slide doesn't actually say townhouses... My guess is the developer was intentionally vague and just talked about a "lower scale" building or "fitting in" with the townhouses south of 13th. Gotcha, that makes a lot of sense. And agree about skipping retail at this location.

[ardecila]

Crain's reporting (https://www.chicagobusiness.com/commercial-real-estate/three-projects-lasalle-street-apartment-conversions-chicago)on the city's LaSalle Street residential plan... they have decided to award TIF funds to 3 great projects. Seems like a slam dunk for Lightfoot to start revitalizing the Loop and catalyze future growth without subsidies on top of the initial projects.

-Field Building (135 S LaSalle): 430 apartments + grocery store
-Continental & Commercial Bank (208 S LaSalle): 280 apartments
-Harris Bank East Building (111 W Monroe): 349 apartments + hotel/rooftop club

Total of 1,059 new households living in the heart of the Loop and a grocery store for them to shop at. All three are landmark quality buildings from different eras (Beaux Arts, Art Deco, International Style) that will be preserved. 30% of those apartments will be affordable.

---------

My only quibble is that the 2nd and 3rd projects are both by Reschke. That guy is also spearheading the conversion of the Thompson Center for Google, and the conversion of 115 S LaSalle for new state offices. He's becoming quite the recipient of city/state handouts. He has a track record of bankruptcy too, so you'd think leaders would be more hesitant to shovel so much cash into his projects. Very risky to put so many eggs in one basket.

[r18tdi]

I was hoping 105 W. Adams would make the cut if only because the current patchwork facade is butt-ugly and the proposal would have supposedly fixed it.

Woof:

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QXl92RnpeXAVcGbIEheOyuKkrnE=/0x0:3302x2376/1200x800/filters:focal(1458x767:1986x1295)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65462425/GettyImages_532917275.0.jpg

[ardecila]

I was hoping 105 W. Adams would make the cut if only because the current patchwork facade is butt-ugly and the proposal would have supposedly fixed it.

I watched the presentation a few weeks ago. 105 W Adams is complicated. It's apparently set up as a condo with 3 different owners, one for the highrise levels, one for the midrise levels (Club Quarters Hotel) and one for the ground-floor retail.

The two competing apartment proposals were only for the highrise levels IIRC and involved only one of the condos. With the complicated ownership structure, I have doubts that the city grant could have covered a total facade restoration.

[r18tdi]

Second tower crane is going in at that distribution center at Division and Elston.

[r18tdi]

Block Club has some interesting insights from the two 46th Ward candidates about what to do with the Uptown Theatre:

Save The Uptown Theatre? Here’s What The 2 Candidates Running For 46th Ward Alderperson Want To Do (https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/03/30/save-the-uptown-theatre-heres-what-the-2-candidates-running-for-46th-ward-alderperson-want-to-do/)

[twister244]

Block Club has some interesting insights from the two 46th Ward candidates about what to do with the Uptown Theatre:

Save The Uptown Theatre? Here’s What The 2 Candidates Running For 46th Ward Alderperson Want To Do (https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/03/30/save-the-uptown-theatre-heres-what-the-2-candidates-running-for-46th-ward-alderperson-want-to-do/)

Welp - I hope Kim Walz wins then because her response has actual teeth to it. Angela's response here is very vague, and I don't see how the idea of a "community center" is going to get a renovation off the ground. Numbers matter.

I haven't followed this race at all, so I have no idea who would actually be better for the neighborhood overall, but Kim's response here has a vision that might get a project off the ground. I want to see the theater renovated so bad - It's too beautiful to see go down with a wrecking ball.

Here's to hoping.....

[r18tdi]

Welp - I hope Kim Walz wins then because her response has actual teeth to it. Angela's response here is very vague, and I don't see how the idea of a "community center" is going to get a renovation off the ground. Numbers matter.

Angela used the word "community" 11 times, lol.

[sentinel]

Welp - I hope Kim Walz wins then because her response has actual teeth to it. Angela's response here is very vague, and I don't see how the idea of a "community center" is going to get a renovation off the ground. Numbers matter.

I haven't followed this race at all, so I have no idea who would actually be better for the neighborhood overall, but Kim's response here has a vision that might get a project off the ground. I want to see the theater renovated so bad - It's too beautiful to see go down with a wrecking ball.

Here's to hoping.....

Yeah...Kim Walz for the win, please. It's absolutely STUNNING to me that the Uptown theater, a major gem in Chicago's cultural landscape, is still just sitting there, rotting away.

And I am fully, painfully aware that it's very expensive to renovate it, but it's absolutely worth it.

I think the bigger issue is that heavy emphasis on entertainment, culture, etc, is not seen as a priority in Chicago, because there's a specific attitude amongst many politicians, community leaders, activists, and the general public, that those are frivolous and secondary aspects of society, while being ignorant of the fact that so much of that segment of society is a massive organ/pillar of commerce, and cities or states that spend money and energy to embrace and promote such things reap many financial benefits in addition to other intangible things like place-making, status, etc., that in turn enhances a local economy even more..the more you spend on something in a smart and logical manner, the more potential benefits you can see. I don't know if this is making any sense, I'm trying to say something specific but not sure if I'm getting my tangential point across appropriately. Sorry.

[Jibba]

Lincoln/Halsted/Fullerton

https://i.imgur.com/iMpDZkgl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ibRGtkkl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lNCRiF2l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QMcTvtal.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ElXFT8ol.jpg

[sentinel]

^^^Man....fuuuuuuck graffiti douchebags.

[gebs]

New renderings for the reimagining of Dusable Lake Shore Drive's S-curve at Oak Street Beach:

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-30%20at%2011.57.03%20AM.jpg

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_17.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_1.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_2.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_3.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_4.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_7.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_9.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_6.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_11.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_13.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_14.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_15.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_5.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_12.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_8.png

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/lake_shore_drive_redesign_10.png

Source: Crain's (https://www.chicagobusiness.com/transportation/lake-shore-drive-changes-new-look-oak-street-beach)

[digitallagasse]

That is a major improvement and makes the lake front significantly more inviting. Right now in many places LSD might as well be a deep canyon to those on foot or bike. That and hanging out next to that volume of traffic is as enjoyable as having a picnic on side of a highway.

I would take the far north side approach of the city blocks just ending at the lake shore/beach than even these improvements. The reality being I don't see LSD going anywhere in my lifetime so this is at least going the right direction.

[Toasty Joe]

This all looks pretty but not sure I can get behind anything that adds more lanes of traffic unless they're dedicated BRT lanes. We'd be *cementing* LSD as a highway when it needs to become more of a boulevard à la the Embarcadero in SF.

[Kngkyle]

This all looks pretty but not sure I can get behind anything that adds more lanes of traffic unless they're dedicated BRT lanes. We'd be *cementing* LSD as a highway when it needs to become more of a boulevard à la the Embarcadero in SF.

It doesn't add any lanes - 4 in each direction.

[Toasty Joe]

ah I thought I counted a few more in the render that shows the St. Regis

[ajradfotwo]

Pic is from a few weeks back. "Asador Bastian" Steakhouse opening up in the Flair House on Erie.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52782806799_79a640cbdf_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oqeFx6)original_091f4a03-4114-401a-9156-c5122b3685c1_20230308_125031 (https://flic.kr/p/2oqeFx6) by ajdrewster (https://www.flickr.com/photos/163202144@N08/), on Flickr

[west-town-brad]

^

I thought the flair house was landmarkered but I can't seem to locate any information on that and by the looks of the renovation there is no way it could be.... given the level of modifications.

[SteelMonkey]

Solid article on C YIMBY from Jack Crawford on West Loop Development. Very thorough

https://chicagoyimby.com/2023/03/a-full-breakdown-of-west-loops-development-boom.html

[rgolch]

New renderings for the reimagining of Dusable Lake Shore Drive's S-curve at Oak Street Beach:

https://s3-prod.chicagobusiness.com/styles/width_792/s3/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-30%20at%2011.57.03%20AM.jpg



Source: Crain's (https://www.chicagobusiness.com/transportation/lake-shore-drive-changes-new-look-oak-street-beach)

Still trying to understand how far along this process is. Seems like there’s 3 phases, and they are at or finishing phase 1. Is that everyone else’s take too? Not sure how much this all would cost, and if they would get federal funding to realize this redevelopment. But trying to get a sense of when this would realistically be completed. I’m guessing if all goes well, 10 years?

Given how important this segment of the lakefront is to the city, both for residents and visitors, I think this has good good likelihood of happening in some form.

[bnk]

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/video/63-unit-affordable-housing-building-to-be-built-on-empty-lot-on-west-side/

63-unit affordable housing building to be built on empty lot on West Side
It will be built on vacant city land next to the Kedzie Avenue Green Line station in East Garfield Park.


https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/hub32-wins-east-garfield-park-rfq

Hub32 wins East Garfield Park RFQ

The $47 million building will include 63 apartments

https://chicago.urbanize.city/sites/default/files/styles/2018_article_image_1140x538/public/background/2023-02/LEAD%20IMG%20Hub%2032%20-%20Brooks%20%2B%20Scarpa%20and%20Studio%20Dwell%20Architects.jpg?itok=heBSteoi

[bnk]

https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/03/14/uptown-retail-building-to-be-replaced-with-77-apartments-ground-floor-commercial-space/

UPTOWN, EDGEWATER, ROGERS PARK

Uptown Retail Building To Be Replaced With 77 Apartments, Ground-Floor Commercial Space

The latest retail building to be redeveloped in Uptown will have 77 apartments, 40 parking spaces and ground-floor commercial space.


https://lede-admin.blockclubchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/03/SHR3.png?resize=1080,608
A retail building (left) at 5035 N. Sheridan Road is being turned into 77 apartments

https://lede-admin.blockclubchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/03/SHR41.jpg?resize=1024,576
The retail building at 5035-5045 N. Sheridan Road will be torn down in favor of an 8-story complex

...

The development is allowed under the property’s current zoning, meaning it does not need city approval to be built. And because it doesn’t need to be rezoned, the building does not have to include affordable units. No such units are planned, said Dan Luna, Osterman’s chief of staff.

...

The Sheridan Road project is at least the third Uptown retail building to be targeted for residential redevelopment.

An existing building near the Wilson Red Line stop could get a three-story, 24-apartment addition under a proposal in front of Ald. James Cappleman (46th). On Wilson Avenue, a developer is working to replace the Happy Wash building with 28 apartments.

A Clark Street bank is also being replaced with 36 apartments across the street from Carol’s Pub, one of a few commercial buildings on Clark Street being redeveloped.

[Pioneer]

Still trying to understand how far along this process is. Seems like there’s 3 phases, and they are at or finishing phase 1. Is that everyone else’s take too? Not sure how much this all would cost, and if they would get federal funding to realize this redevelopment. But trying to get a sense of when this would realistically be completed. I’m guessing if all goes well, 10 years?

Given how important this segment of the lakefront is to the city, both for residents and visitors, I think this has good good likelihood of happening in some form.

I love these plans and renderings, almost without exception. The changes are very practical and would improve experience in totality (whether driving, beach, park, trails). Reviewing them, it's like, "huh, yeah... lfg"; they're common sense but at the same time, aspirational. Just a huge improvement on what is already the best urban shoreline parks in the U.S. I can't access the article as it's paywalled (Crains's) but how would this be funded? Park District, Dept. of Trans (Fed and State), Infrastructure Bill?

[gebs]

The article says nothing about funding. The only bit of tangible news is "A public meeting is expected for sometime this fall."

[rgolch]

The article says nothing about funding. The only bit of tangible news is "A public meeting is expected for sometime this fall."

I don’t have the link handy ATM, but on the city website relating to this project, I think it implied that they got federal funding for the study and phase I part of this process for the 2016-2021 timeline (from the department of transportation). And my takeaway is that they’d have to secure additional federal funds for the next budget timeline to get the dollars to actually start the building of it. It didn’t say that explicitly; but that was what I gathered by reading between the lines.

[Kngkyle]

I don’t have the link handy ATM, but on the city website relating to this project, I think it implied that they got federal funding for the study and phase I part of this process for the 2016-2021 timeline (from the department of transportation). And my takeaway is that they’d have to secure additional federal funds for the next budget timeline to get the dollars to actually start the building of it. It didn’t say that explicitly; but that was what I gathered by reading between the lines.

Yea, this definitely needs significant federal funding. No way the city or park district can afford to pay for more than a small % of this. The good (actually bad, but in this case kinda good?) thing is that it's predominately just a highway rebuild... which our esteemed elected officials from both sides of the aisle agree we should spend unlimited amounts of money on. The added park space doubles as flood mitigation to protect the highway... so even that could be considered highway funding.

But before they can even apply for the big grants they need to have a plan in place.. which is what IDOT/CDOT appear to be doing with this. Not sure why it took 7 years to get to this point though...

[Chi-Sky21]

With having Obama, Hillary, Durbin and before that Dennis Hastert there is no reason Illinois should not have these projects drawn up already and ready to go. We have left a ton out there. Durbin has probably been the best at steering things here.

[streetline]

Late last year, The Neighborhood Hotel (http://www.theneighborhoodhotel.com/) bought the landmarked former Mid-City Trust & Savings Bank building at 801 W Madison (https://www.chicago.gov/dam/city/depts/zlup/Historic_Preservation/Publications/Mid_City_Trust_Savings_Bank.pdf) for $15M, with plans for a $20M renovation to convert it to a 80 suite apartment-style hotel (https://www.connectcre.com/stories/long-vacant-bank-headquarters-poised-for-new-life-as-hotel/).

I noticed a paper sign advertising that hotel and it's restaurant in one of the windows and the beginnings of work being done on the building earlier this year. But recently, that sign has been removed and I'm not seeing any reference to the project on their website.

I really hope that doesn't mean the hotel conversion has fallen through. That seemed like an great way to reactivate a stately landmarked building at a prominent corner.

There is a new Neighborhood Hotel sign in the window, so I am reassured the old bank at 801 W Madison is still being renovated.

[emailspyro@gmail.com]

Still trying to understand how far along this process is. Seems like there’s 3 phases, and they are at or finishing phase 1. Is that everyone else’s take too? Not sure how much this all would cost, and if they would get federal funding to realize this redevelopment. But trying to get a sense of when this would realistically be completed. I’m guessing if all goes well, 10 years?

Given how important this segment of the lakefront is to the city, both for residents and visitors, I think this has good good likelihood of happening in some form.

There is a big miss in this plan, many actually…
They need to do a better job connecting Michigan avenue to the Lake.
East Lake Shore Drive needs to be eliminated or be out underground , and so does the entirety of the S curve. This way, one can walk from Michigan avenue to the water without having to cross a single street. It will be as if the lakefront extends into Michigan Ave. in fact Michigan Avenue should terminate at LSD and go under leaving the surface as a park that can be seen while on Michigan Ave. I need to draw this but without making such a connection this plan fails to make the make more accessible.

[Jibba]

There is a big miss in this plan, many actually…
They need to do a better job connecting Michigan avenue to the Lake.
East Lake Shore Drive needs to be eliminated or be out underground , and so does the entirety of the S curve. This way, one can walk from Michigan avenue to the water without having to cross a single street. It will be as if the lakefront extends into Michigan Ave. in fact Michigan Avenue should terminate at LSD and go under leaving the surface as a park that can be seen while on Michigan Ave. I need to draw this but without making such a connection this plan fails to make the make more accessible.

Yes. I’ve had this exact idea.

[west-town-brad]

Here is a great breakdown of why and how America has too much parking:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/parking-problem-too-much-cities-e94dcecf?st=pk3xey2e3qqf9ad&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

tell all your NIMBY friends! LOL

[Toasty Joe]

Here is a great breakdown of why and how America has too much parking:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/parking-problem-too-much-cities-e94dcecf?st=pk3xey2e3qqf9ad&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

tell all your NIMBY friends! LOL

Great article. Wish they added a section on increased revenues for businesses to dispute the (unfounded) claim that reduced parking is hurting business. Maybe if you're a gas station or an auto shop, but come on... as we've seen for thousands of years more density supports more businesses. Reading the comments, it's depressing how many old suburbanites are brainwashed into thinking they, who decided to live outside of a city, expect quick and easy access into the city at the expense of existing & potential renters & owners. "We used to visit Seattle once a month but now it's more like once every 3 months because we can't find a place to park for free!" Believe it or not, cities don't need to cater to your handful of trips a year.

[ithakas]

1721 S. Michigan

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqkrN1TOk-B/?img_index=1

I haven't seen any renderings/plans for this yet, though a couple comments say 13 floors / 149 units.

[BVictor1]

Sign Up: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvduiorD8oHtyUfV8-mg-kuTpTZPDkAm9Q?utm_content=buffer8128c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fs5D5XbWYAYS2QA?format=jpg&name=900x900

[Toasty Joe]

jesus christ how many meetings do they need to throw some grass down and plant a few trees

[lakeshoredrive]

jesus christ how many meetings do they need to throw some grass down and plant a few trees

It's ridiculous at this point :hell:

[Via Chicago]

jesus christ how many meetings do they need to throw some grass down and plant a few trees

im helping to get an abandoned city-owned lot cleaned up with a community garden. even with aldermanic support, we are now on year 4 of "planning"....

[WestTowner]

im helping to get an abandoned city-owned lot cleaned up with a community garden. even with aldermanic support, we are now on year 4 of "planning"....

we are only 8.5 years out from the Fulton Metra stop being complete! (Let's not talk about the Damen Green line stop)

[Steely Dan]

new midrise in lincoln square announced:

Mixed-use development proposed at 4640 N. Western
The plan will deliver a 6-story building with 73 units
APRIL 04, 2023, 7:00AMLUKAS KUGLER


A mixed-use development has been proposed at 4640 N. Western. Currently occupied by three existing buildings, the site spans from the CTA Western Brown Line tracks down to W. Eastwood Ave. Proposed by Macon Construction Group, the four-story building will be retained and incorporated into the new construction.

Designed by Hirsch MPG, the proposed rental building would stand six stories tall, measuring 100 feet tall. With 73 units in the building, the unit mix will consist of 8 studios renting at $1,500/month, 26 one-beds renting at $1,700/month, and 39 two-beds renting at $2,700/month. 11 of the units will be set aside as affordable, including one studio and 10 two-beds. While 20% of the units are usually required to be affordable, the number of affordable units can be reduced if the development includes a larger share of bigger units.

Planned as a mixed-use building, the building will hold 4,650 square feet of retail space at the corner of W. Eastwood Ave and N. Western Ave, with two live/work units at the base of the reused building alongside the L. The residential lobby will be accessed from W. Eastwood Ave, with 10 car parking spaces and 73 bike parking spaces off of the alley.


rendering:

https://chicago.urbanize.city/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/2023-04/4640%20N.%20Western%20-%201%20-%20Hirsch%20MPG%20.jpg?itok=NeGSnlHR


buildings it would replace:

https://chicago.urbanize.city/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/2023-04/4640%20N.%20Western%20-%203%20-%20Hirsch%20MPG%20.jpg?itok=3L9EryP9

source: https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/mixed-use-development-proposed-4640-n-western


together with the 51 new units in the affordable housing midrise due to start soon on the block north, that would total 124 new housing units right next to the western brown line stop.

[Randomguy34]

The reoccurring midrise trend of good density but bad design

[Jibba]

The reoccurring midrise trend of good density but bad design

The majority of the Hirsch neighborhood infill buildings end up satisfactory to me. This one has a nice fenestration pattern that opens up to the corner. My one gripe is the faux stone at the base along Western. I wish the facade materials were consistent all the way down to the earth to make a firm visual connection between the building and the ground. The chunky fake stone bases are forbidding and particularly smack of falseness. I’m continually frustrated that it’s such a persistent and prevalent infill building detail.

[ithakas]

The reoccurring midrise trend of good density but bad design

Lol yeah, I wish we could get a Haussmann-type template design for mid-rises, but something uniquely Chicago and contemporary to our time.

CAC is running a design contest with a similar idea (https://www.architecture.org/exhibits/exhibit/come-home-missing-middle-infill-housing/), but I think the building typologies are a bit smaller than what I'm thinking of, which is more of a 6-10 story building for main commercial corridors in the neighborhoods.

[Jibba]

Lol yeah, I wish we could get a Haussmann-type template design for mid-rises, but something uniquely Chicago and contemporary to our time.

CAC is running a design contest with a similar idea (https://www.architecture.org/exhibits/exhibit/come-home-missing-middle-infill-housing/), but I think the building typologies are a bit smaller than what I'm thinking of, which is more of a 6-10 story building for main commercial corridors in the neighborhoods.

Brininstool & Lynch, BKL, and Studio Dwell are making some of the best of this type, I think. And the Hanna building going up at Western & Armitage looks really great for locally designed infill -- so far it looks like a nicely honed cube with some great, subtle texture from the brick patterning (and there's no interruption between the building and the street -- no faux stone fortress wall!). I like a good portion of the wholly modern Hanna work, actually.

[west-town-brad]

Brininstool & Lynch, BKL, and Studio Dwell are making some of the best of this type, I think. And the Hanna building going up at Western & Armitage looks really great for locally designed infill -- so far it looks like a nicely honed cube with some great, subtle texture from the brick patterning (and there's no interruption between the building and the street -- no faux stone fortress wall!). I like a good portion of the wholly modern Hanna work, actually.

the building at Armitage and Western couldn't be more cheap, but the density is good

[Jibba]

the building at Armitage and Western couldn't be more cheap, but the density is good

If it’s cheap, then it’s cheap done well, to me. The massing is simple and taut, the fenestration is in good proportion to the volume, and the materials are used deliberately and intentionally. It’s miles ahead of the likes of this https://maps.app.goo.gl/ubsEZ2yAj1XsXrVSA?g_st=ic, for example.

[SamInTheLoop]

Feel like I took some crazy pills today. WTAF is this nonsense:


https://chicagoyimby.com/2023/03/new-residential-development-proposed-for-1225-s-indiana-avenue-in-south-loop.html

[Randomguy34]

^ like I said:
The reoccurring midrise trend of good density but bad design

[SamInTheLoop]

^ Wasn't even talking about the design. That's another story.

This is a preposterously low-density use of this parcel. Is this even a mid-rise?
Why isn't this bare minimum a 250-300 unit development? Could they not get entitled (by amendment) for something more appropriate here, or did they not even try?

[gebs]

F. The feds are moving forward with the demolition of the Consumers and Century buildings.

Link (https://www.chicagobusiness.com/commercial-real-estate/state-street-building-between-historic-skyscrapers-be-demolished?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_term=crain%27s+chicago+business&utm_content=f26eacb1-9018-420c-ae74-7cf2fe085b20) [Crain's]

[gebs]

Oh wait, kneejerk reaction there. They're just demo'ing the part that unites them. My mistake for hastily reading a headline, posting here, and then actually reading the article.

[Randomguy34]

This is a preposterously low-density use of this parcel. Is this even a mid-rise?
Why isn't this bare minimum a 250-300 unit development? Could they not get entitled (by amendment) for something more appropriate here, or did they not even try?

It's cause it's in the same PD subarea as NEMA. All the allowed density is concentrated on Phase 1 and the future Phase 2, so the remaining allowed units were place in the midrise.

The midrise is technically "high-density", even though it's only 100 units. For an average household size of ~2, the midrise by itself will have a density of ~100k ppsm. So this plot of land, despite being 100 units, is denser than much of Manhattan.

[SamInTheLoop]

^ Thus my question if they sought an amendment to the PD.

It's not high density for its location. If you take virtually any mid/high-rise resi building in Chicago (perhaps you might have an exception for an ultra luxury, extra large unit, smaller unit count boutiquey bulding), you would be able to say that the parcel has a density that is greater than the island of Manhattan. It's fairly meaningless as a statement. The point is, is this an appropriate density and building scale for this specific location? Answer is a clear no.

That being stated, I don't know the backstory and if they entered into conversation about an amendment and were rebuffed by alderman (perhaps surrounding condo unit owners were vocally coming out against - or if there is a complication regarding other ownership entities within subarea/pd) or just decided it wasn't worth the time and expense given the return they're targeting (wonder what puchase price of parcel was here) and think is achievable for this project.

Regardless, it's a waste.

[moorhosj1]

Irving-Milwaukee-Cicero

Re-development of the old Sears:
https://i.imgur.com/FDgDGfs.jpg

New construction for older folks, not quite "assisted living":
https://i.imgur.com/PVuCoJt.jpg