CHICAGO | 108 North State (Block 37)

[Haworthia]

:previous: Nice set of shots.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXJDNyguoII/AAAAAAABC9s/5GZaDdZ3NSY/s800/P1200953.JPG

I think the architect needed to somehow give a nod to that pumping station. The bland wall next to it looks funny. Not that I know how to make the two fit, but they certainly look odd next to each other. I'm sure this sentiment has been voiced before.

[the urban politician]

^ Yeah, that space should be creatively used somehow. Perhaps a statue of somebody?

I suspect that some day it will be filled with smokers

[Keating35]

An excellent example of Art Moderne, this Com Ed substation for decades stood in contrast to the hodgepodge of buildings next to it. Since the State St. subway (and later the Dearborn) were started in the late depression, it may have been built to serve them. I am glad they saved this fine example.

[george]

I agree... always admired this ComEd substation... thanks for defining it's style as Art Moderne. Again, the top of this substation needs some kind of appropriate enclosure or limestone crown to conceal the tacked on utility/ fans housing on the roof. Yes, homage should be payed from the new surrounding block to the old substation. I do like the limestone swath to the right of the substation, on the CBS studio... sensitive to context. The empty corridor to the left is a service drive or alley for ComEd trucks to access the mechanics in the substation. Could it ever be filled in or gated? Doesn't seem likely. Nice shots Harry! :typing:

[harryc]

Today was winter bike to work day, free coffe & Cheescake ( Caribou (http://www.cariboucoffee.com/), and Eli's (http://www.elicheesecake.com/)). Technically in Daley plaza B-37 defines the eastern end, and the 1/3 completed big screen dominates the dark plaza.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXXXEW_GsFI/AAAAAAABDXg/QNWyX0wUviQ/s800/P1210219.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXXXE41TH4I/AAAAAAABDXs/vEJ8KnLGBjY/s800/P1210224.JPG

Watching the inaugaration coverage while passing out free coffee and cheescake.
hhttp://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXXXFb6e7GI/AAAAAAABDX4/gvYfZ7wlV74/s800/P1210226.JPG

Staying warm, with the classic Dailey center in the background.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXXXFsat9TI/AAAAAAABDYE/ZiTDBLf3efo/s800/P1210227.JPG

A few of the bikes
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXXXGIUCNiI/AAAAAAABDYQ/Oi_QoeW1gS0/s800/P1210229.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXXY63WPcGI/AAAAAAABDZU/igcNNNGRaU8/s800/P1210225.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXXXGrs5-II/AAAAAAABDYc/ZLpyv2-mQ9E/s800/P1210234.JPG

[ardecila]

^ Yeah, that space should be creatively used somehow. Perhaps a statue of somebody?

I suspect that some day it will be filled with smokers

Right now it's set up as a place for ComEd to store its vehicles. I suspect that ComEd was very recalcitrant when they entered negotiations with Mills Corp way back when, and they would not give up their little parking stall.

When the high-rise is constructed, that blank wall will probably be cladded with something, so at least its attractive.

[BorisMolotov]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXXXGrs5-II/AAAAAAABDYc/ZLpyv2-mQ9E/s800/P1210234.JPG

That doesn't look like Inauguration coverage...

[Busy Bee]

Not sure why that strip couldn't have had the development cantilever over it, creating a tunnel. Did they feel that they needed the air rights for their parking spots? Seems ridiculous to me and just plain poor design. But we're not supposed to complain because at least we've got something built, right?

[intrepidDesign]

Assuming that they do go ahead with the 354-room Loews hotel to be built above B37, I'm curious as to what side of the building they plan to do this on. Was the building engineered in the same way that the BCBS building was? And how much vertical expansion did they plan for? I know a lot of people (including myself) aren't that happy with B37's height, but depending on their future plans, she might not end up as stumpy as we see here.

[Jibba]

IIRC, the hotel is planned to go up on the NW corner (Dearborn & Randolph).

[harryc]

IIRC, the hotel is planned to go up on the NW corner (Dearborn & Randolph).

NW corner - Nov 1 2007 - big f'n core.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/RyqMFOpIm8I/AAAAAAAAL8s/B4Jt_Eoxzik/s800/P1090989.JPG

The dude abides
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SD9XyQhFdaI/AAAAAAAAoQw/sSa3MZ1zPYU/s800/P1370656.JPG

[the urban politician]

Assuming that they do go ahead with the 354-room Loews hotel to be built above B37, I'm curious as to what side of the building they plan to do this on. Was the building engineered in the same way that the BCBS building was? And how much vertical expansion did they plan for? I know a lot of people (including myself) aren't that happy with B37's height, but depending on their future plans, she might not end up as stumpy as we see here.

^ I think they plan to include a significant number of apartments in that tower

[woodrow]

ummm . . . has there been any construction going on the State / Randolph side or inside for a month? I haven't seen any crews and there appears to be no new work being done.

[jjk1103]

.........since it is now 2009 and B37 is supposed to open this year....does anyone have an update as to which month it will open ?

[wrab]

Drive-by:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3217262683_bb9970fde9_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3217271731_d0586b0325_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3419/3218120218_e2bf864a63_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/3217264365_1320486b99_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3217265997_1275951cda_b.jpg

[spyguy]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/chi-wed-phil-rosenthal-28jan28,0,1248999.column

WBBM-Ch. 2 considers moving newscasts to 2nd floor from showcase street-level studio

Phil Rosenthal
January 28, 2009

Will WBBM-Ch. 2's newscasts move upstairs before moving up in the ratings?

It's been four months since the CBS-owned outlet completed the move into posh new headquarters across from Daley Plaza, and the station still hasn't quite figured out a truly effective way to make use of its street-level showcase news studio.

[Beck4ABigChicago]

^^ You mean Loews, like the movie theaters? Last time I checked, nobody was planning to put a Lowe's home-improvement store in the midst of the Loop. :haha:

As for the movie theater: it will be a Muvico, not a Loews, theater. It will have 5 screens IIRC, and a marquee on Randolph.

Pardon my fat fingers...Loews hotel. Although, they might as well put a big lowes or home depot there, the structure is similar to what you'd find. :)

[photoLith]

Ive never liked this project, I dont know. Something much much better could have gone in there instead. Like maybe an 800 ft tower or something.

[ChicagoChicago]

Ive never liked this project, I dont know. Something much much better could have gone in there instead. Like maybe an 800 ft tower or something.

It's not so much that I don't like the project. I just don't really understand it, so I don't know what to think of it.

[wrab]

Maybe if they'd just finish the studio space, then the people would come?....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/3234658489_61b21deb07_b.jpg

[lawfin]

Maybe if they'd just finish the studio space, then the people would come?....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/3234658489_61b21deb07_b.jpg

Seriously..

ANd i don't know about anyone else but why did they front dearborn and not state???? I mean with the theater, ch 7, state itself, and ch2 as well it might help with a critical mass??

[pilsenarch]

For those that are interested, I posted a long description of the design process with Mills and the city a few months ago....what is interesting about the studio is that when CBS first showed up (Joe Ahern) they absolutely insisted that the studio go in that spot and were unwilling to consider any other. I was particularly concerned because at the time I was still maintaining a diagonal Milan Arcade-like urban passage connecting visually and physically State Street to Daley Plaza just south of ComEd. The size of the studio was significantly impacting the arcade and I strongly suggested they consider raising the studio higher and maybe even cantilevering a portion into the overscaled arcade. It ended up being just another example of Mills threatening to fire us. Ahern was convinced it seemed that the images he was going to get were going to be large, enthusiastic crowds (on one of the narrower sidewalks downtown) overlooking the landmark Picasso and plaza (despite the busses, trucks, trees, etc.).... The whole arcade, of course, later bit the dust in the effort to maximize rentable square feet and pandering to every potential tenant at all costs....

Although I feel somewhat vindicated now (after all, Ahern was canned), it sorta feels like a tree falling in the forest.....

[george]

The background newsroom view of Daley Plaza, the Picasso & Dearborn traffic is a great visual success. I'm glad the sidewalk is narrow...goofing, buffooning pedestrians outside the window is annoying as hell. That's just me.

[sammyg]

ANd i don't know about anyone else but why did they front dearborn and not state???? I mean with the theater, ch 7, state itself, and ch2 as well it might help with a critical mass??

It's a news studio, and the stories the news is reporting on come out of the Daley Center and the City-County Building, not the stores on State St.

It's a minor thing, but I think it reinforces the civic nature of Daley Plaza, and the mall (whenever it opens...) reinforces the commercial nature of State St. I don't know if it was intentional, but it was a good choice.

[Jibba]

For those that are interested, I posted a long description of the design process with Mills and the city a few months ago....what is interesting about the studio is that when CBS first showed up (Joe Ahern) they absolutely insisted that the studio go in that spot and were unwilling to consider any other. I was particularly concerned because at the time I was still maintaining a diagonal Milan Arcade-like urban passage connecting visually and physically State Street to Daley Plaza just south of ComEd. The size of the studio was significantly impacting the arcade and I strongly suggested they consider raising the studio higher and maybe even cantilevering a portion into the overscaled arcade. It ended up being just another example of Mills threatening to fire us. Ahern was convinced it seemed that the images he was going to get were going to be large, enthusiastic crowds (on one of the narrower sidewalks downtown) overlooking the landmark Picasso and plaza (despite the busses, trucks, trees, etc.).... The whole arcade, of course, later bit the dust in the effort to maximize rentable square feet and pandering to every potential tenant at all costs....

Although I feel somewhat vindicated now (after all, Ahern was canned), it sorta feels like a tree falling in the forest.....

I don't recall reading that the first time you posted; would you happen to know approximately when this was? I'd certainly like to read more about it.

The final product we are getting resembles a lot the long-lost dream Arthur Rubloff had for the block back in the early 1970s:

"Recognizing there was to be no resistance, he [Rubloff] immediately honed in on three blocks on State Street between Washington and Wacker. On Blocks 36 and 37, he had plans for a retail mall and public library and a hotel for Block 16...A library in a mall was a wacky combination for anybody except Rubloff, whose idea of literature was a Christmas catalog from a Bond Street haberdasher.

"Rubloff's recent experience in development was limited to the California shopping centers he was building with Alfred Taubman...He wanted Taubman more for his contacts with large users of space, such as department stores and hotels, than for his technical experience as a developer. Malls multiplied retail square footage the way skyscrapers intensified premium office space--requiring many more users than even the largest single-store facilities--and combined urban density with suburban control, the security of the locked space. Rubloff's ideal urban place was a perfect hybrid with no identity of its own.

"Snugly fit on two blocks of old State Street was a relocated piece of the suburban dream..."

-Excerpted from Here's the Deal (The Making and Breaking of a Great American City), Ross Miller.

Sound familiar?

[lawfin]

It's a news studio, and the stories the news is reporting on come out of the Daley Center and the City-County Building, not the stores on State St.

It's a minor thing, but I think it reinforces the civic nature of Daley Plaza, and the mall (whenever it opens...) reinforces the commercial nature of State St. I don't know if it was intentional, but it was a good choice.
Ok....but the evidence with ch7 success indicates otherwise

[pilsenarch]

[QUOTE=Jibba;4065124]I don't recall reading that the first time you posted; would you happen to know approximately when this was? I'd certainly like to read more about it.

/QUOTE]

The post I am speaking of was made Oct 8th 2007 (time flies)...there was somewhat a dialogue following....

[VivaLFuego]

For those that are interested, I posted a long description of the design process with Mills and the city a few months ago....what is interesting about the studio is that when CBS first showed up (Joe Ahern) they absolutely insisted that the studio go in that spot and were unwilling to consider any other. I was particularly concerned because at the time I was still maintaining a diagonal Milan Arcade-like urban passage connecting visually and physically State Street to Daley Plaza just south of ComEd. The size of the studio was significantly impacting the arcade and I strongly suggested they consider raising the studio higher and maybe even cantilevering a portion into the overscaled arcade. It ended up being just another example of Mills threatening to fire us. Ahern was convinced it seemed that the images he was going to get were going to be large, enthusiastic crowds (on one of the narrower sidewalks downtown) overlooking the landmark Picasso and plaza (despite the busses, trucks, trees, etc.).... The whole arcade, of course, later bit the dust in the effort to maximize rentable square feet and pandering to every potential tenant at all costs....

Although I feel somewhat vindicated now (after all, Ahern was canned), it sorta feels like a tree falling in the forest.....

What a depressing post. Thanks for sharing your insider experience, though.

[harryc]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SY9cTeleQ3I/AAAAAAABFtY/uM1bLWaiDmU/s800/P1230659_7_8.jpg

[george]

This thread has slowed down, almost as much as the work pace on Block 37.

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SY9cTeleQ3I/AAAAAAABFtY/uM1bLWaiDmU/s800/P1230659_7_8.jpg

No fault of the photographer (all fault of the architects, city and developer), but this photo really depresses me.

[the urban politician]

How much do you wanna bet that Blair Kamin is fidgeting away, waiting eagerly for this project to be completed, so that he can finally TEAR IT APART in one of his Tribune reviews?

[Abner]

Don't worry, this project will never actually be done. It will just asymptotically approach completion.

[VivaLFuego]

No fault of the photographer (all fault of the architects, city and developer), but this photo really depresses me.

In fairness, there will theoretically some day be a 30-40 story building rising on the northern part of B37 which should make it feel a bit denser.

But regardless, this block is being built to an FAR of somewhere in the 7-9 range, when it should be closer to the 16 that it's zoned for...

[wrab]

2/10

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3269974059_e9073d7531_b.jpg

[wrab]

2/10

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3270949326_21fce70090_b.jpg

[10023]

Don't worry, this project will never actually be done. It will just asymptotically approach completion.

Great comment.

A century from now there will be a single bolt yet to be welded.

[wrab]

2/10

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1130/3269892617_4a6ddf95d7_b.jpg

[Dr. Taco]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SY9cTeleQ3I/AAAAAAABFtY/uM1bLWaiDmU/s800/P1230659_7_8.jpg

I actually think this is a flattering shot of the project. but the unfinished look around the TV screen is just so aggravating. i hope it really isn't finished

[the urban politician]

^ That's what irks me the most also.

I just can't stand that unfinished feeling. It's like you cut all of your fingernails except for the one on your left thumb, and you're allowing it to grow while your other ones are neat and trim.

If they're not going to create a wrap-around screen, then at least cover the surrounding space with some metal panels. It looks so horrid right now

[wrab]

^ Seconded. The screen mount needs a scrim. Looks like an installation-in-progress at Best Buy.

This is what happens when you have too many revolving parties involved with a project - none of the pieces fit.

[honte]

^ Kind of like the way they only painted 1/2 of the mechanical penthouses on MoMo.

[jjk1103]

.......there doesn't appear to be any interior work (at least on the 1st floor) or am I crazy....?! ......I know the CTA is part of the problem, but shouldn't we start to see some significant 1st work interior work by now?

[woodrow]

See my entry #2613 from Jan. 28. I don't think any significant work has been done on this project since before January. Ummm . . .paging David Roeder . . . newsman, get on the story.

[jjk1103]

See my entry #2613 from Jan. 28. I don't think any significant work has been done on this project since before January. Ummm . . .paging David Roeder . . . newsman, get on the story.

..........ok, is there anyone out there who can shed some light on why there appears to be no work going on at B37 ?? .......or do we add this one to Waterview and the Spire (just kidding) .......there can't be a work stoppage ? ........it's not possible ? .........is it ?

[left of center]

i say we tear it all down at get our beloved abandoned block back! ;)

[jjk1103]

i say we tear it all down at get our beloved abandoned block back! ;)

lol lol lol :haha: :haha: :haha:

[george]

2/10

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1130/3269892617_4a6ddf95d7_b.jpg

I like the guy in the short sleeve shirt. Not bad for 2/10, it was a warm one. Someday block 37 will glow with life.

[george]

From the corner of State & Randolph. Not a single worker was spotted.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3628/block373lj7.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9963/block37fr0.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/1781/block372jj6.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9585/block374oi8.jpg

[Jibba]

Morningstar/CBS high-rise at night:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3289997466_b0f79c147c.jpg?v=1234940863

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^ Have they taken down the construction barrier along state? If so that could be a sign we might actually be seeing them finish this relatively soon.

[george]

^^^ Have they taken down the construction barrier along state? If so that could be a sign we might actually be seeing them finish this relatively soon.

The construction barriers along state & randolph are still in place. Until they install the glass & button things up those chain link fences will likely remain. A slow work pace.

[SamInTheLoop]

As construction has obviously been (virtually) halted, the disputes involving multiple liens involving the various subcontractors, developers and lenders that was outlined in a Dec. 11 Crains article have clearly not yet been fully resolved, despite claims to the contrary in that story. We'll know that's been cleared up when we see rapid progress again (afterall, there is tons of build-out work, facade complettion, etc etc that needs to be completed, and completed quickly if Freed wants to hit its (latest) targeted completion date...

Also, there is a report out in today's Sun-Times that CBS2 is actually considering discontinuing all local news broadcasts!

[jpIllInoIs]

Well... on the bright side...at least we have found a good spot for the Chicago Childrens Museum...;)

[jjk1103]

As construction has obviously been (virtually) halted, the disputes involving multiple liens involving the various subcontractors, developers and lenders that was outlined in a Dec. 11 Crains article have clearly not yet been fully resolved, despite claims to the contrary in that story. We'll know that's been cleared up when we see rapid progress again (afterall, there is tons of build-out work, facade complettion, etc etc that needs to be completed, and completed quickly if Freed wants to hit its (latest) targeted completion date...

Also, there is a report out in today's Sun-Times that CBS2 is actually considering discontinuing all local news broadcasts!

..............huh ????!!!! .........I'm totally confused ??!! .....why would CBS discontinue local broadcasting ? :shrug: :shrug: :shrug:

[harryc]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SaH7T6PYRVI/AAAAAAABG4A/hEpXcpTC-Ss/s800/P1260344_5_6.jpg

Union crews - clean up when they are done, an idea that is foreign to my co-workers.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SaH64Mz2utI/AAAAAAABG2c/-Be7J3RmJnw/s640/P1260364.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SaH65vofXGI/AAAAAAABG2o/cdQ-wpvh0Ig/s640/P1260369.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SaH67YxanTI/AAAAAAABG20/cX4-Kn_8Zao/s800/P1260371.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SaH69Eb1TkI/AAAAAAABG3A/9bbM34D7moY/s720/P1260376.JPG

[jjk1103]

.........does anyone have any intel as to what's happening with this one ??!! ......is it possible that this thing could come to a screeching halt when it is this far along ? :shrug: :shrug:

[george]

Looks like the work has started up again. For how long... who knows.

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3929/block372bd8.jpg

[jjk1103]

.......good to see that !!!!

[jjk1103]

Looks like the work has started up again. For how long... who knows.

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3929/block372bd8.jpg

.....that steel in the photo looks like some form of temporary bracing....and I can't tell if they are loading or unloading it ? .....it seems rather late in the project to see raw steel i-beams being moved about ?! :shrug:

[Thymant]

I wish they would have just left this site open for something much better:

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/6875/project200jj8.jpg

[Tom In Chicago]

Better?

[the urban politician]

^ If you include the swirling dark clouds that portend of doom, then yes--better

[ardecila]

If I was at DeStefano + Partners, I'd be embarrassed that shit like this is still floating around. I don't care if it's the tallest building in the world, I don't want a PoMo piece of crap like THAT defining Chicago.

Fortunately, we have Sears, Aon, and JHC being bad-ass, with Chicago Spire around the corner. Or maybe it's around several corners now...

[Tom Servo]

If I was at DeStefano + Partners, I'd be embarrassed that shit like this is still floating around. I don't care if it's the tallest building in the world, I don't want a PoMo piece of crap like THAT defining Chicago.

Fortunately, we have Sears, Aon, and JHC being bad-ass, with Chicago Spire around the corner. Or maybe it's around several corners now...

several corners, a dark alley, and a lava moat. :D

[lawfin]

I wish they would have just left this site open for something much better:

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/6875/project200jj8.jpg

I forgot is that 7S dearborn?

[harryc]

If I was at DeStefano + Partners, I'd be embarrassed that shit like this is still floating around. I don't care if it's the tallest building in the world, I don't want a PoMo piece of crap like THAT defining Chicago.

Fortunately, we have Sears, Aon, and JHC being bad-ass, with Chicago Spire around the corner. Or maybe it's around several corners now...

around seven corners

[nomarandlee]

http://www.suntimes.com/business/roeder/1470318,CST-FIN-roeder11.article

Too much space for Ch. 2
REAL ESTATE |
Station needs to cut costs, so it's trying to sublease some Block 37 space, including street-level studio
Recommend (1) Comments

March 11, 2009

BY DAVID ROEDER Sun-Times Columnist
Bruno Cohen, general manager of WBBM-Channel 2, has a corporate trophy that he didn't want and would rather not pay for now that advertising revenue is in a steep decline. The trophy is Channel 2's office and studio space at the northeast corner of Dearborn and Washington, the only finished part of the Loop's Block 37 project.

Cohen said he's committed to keeping Channel 2 in the building and honoring its long-term lease. But he needs to cut costs, so he wants to sublease some of Channel 2's 90,000 square feet. His plan could involve finding tenants for the broadcasting studios, including the prominent street-level Studio A across from the Picasso.

Exactly how much space is being offered depends on different configurations. Cohen said Studio A must continue as video production space under terms of the Block 37 redevelopment agreement with the city.


........Another issue is Channel 2's digital screen, which is pointed toward Daley Plaza and carries programming and station promotions. The screen was a temporary setup, and city officials have asked CBS to install a more elaborate digital display that wraps around the Washington-Dearborn corner.

It's called for in the redevelopment deal to help draw tourist attention to the eventual stores and hotel planned at Block 37. Cohen said he's discussing the display with his landlord, Golub & Co.
..

[spyguy]

^The whole situation is rather pathetic.

Good to finally hear the truth about the screen.

[the urban politician]

^ Ahhh, Bruno Cohen. Such civic pride he displays..

[cbotnyse]

great news about the screen. That makes me happy.

[M II A II R II K]

I forgot is that 7S dearborn?

That would be Project 2000.

[jjk1103]

......does anyone have any realistic info as to when this whole B37 may finally open?

[left of center]

2037... its all in the name!


honestly, id be surprised if the current developer doesnt go the way of Mills and sells this project off to a third developer. in this economy, who knows...

[harryc]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Sbh5Zrn2quI/AAAAAAABIEA/j1pc5_jb2nk/s800/P1280325_6_7.jpg

[spyguy]

......does anyone have any realistic info as to when this whole B37 may finally open?

I think this Fall. I read September 9 (9/09/09) somewhere but who knows what is going on with this project - everything seems to take forever.

On the plus side, I saw this (http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/page.pl?id=2166)today so maybe things are OK.

Chicago: Anthropologie, 108 N. State St., 10,000-sq.-ft. retail build-out, May 2009, $500,000.

Chicago: Godiva Chocolatier, 108 N. State St., 1,030-sq.-ft. retail fit-out, April 2009, $75,000.

Ardecila, you can add Starfruit (http://www.starfruitcafe.com/) to the pedway tenants list.

[ardecila]

Ardecila, you can add Starfruit (http://www.starfruitcafe.com/) to the pedway tenants list.

Confirmed Above Ground Tenants
Muvico Theaters
Rosa Mexicano
Lululemon Athletica
Aveda
Godiva
Sabon
Steve Madden
Puma
unknown Lettuce Entertain You restaurant
unknown Lettuce Entertain You coffee shop
Club Monaco
Ben Sherman
Zara
Anthropologie

Confirmed Pedway Level Tenants
Au Bon Pain
Beard Papa's
Dairy Queen/Orange Julius
Freshii
Gateway News
Auntie Anne's
Starfruit

Possible Tenants
Apple Store
Bebe
J. Crew
Coach
unknown small live theatre
Billabong

Cancelled Tenants
David Barton Gym

[lawfin]

around seven corners

Yeah Chapter 7

[Via Chicago]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-biz-block-37-lululemon-march16,0,6875888.story

Another tenant wants out of Block 37

Lululemon USA, the yoga clothing retailer, is the second tenant to pull out of the project in four months.

Lululemon USA inc., the yoga clothing retailer, said it no longer plans to open a store at the Block 37 shopping center in Chicago's Loop, marking the second tenant to pull out of the project in four months.

The British Columbia-based retailer said it originally agreed in late 2007, to go into the shopping center, still under construction, as long as it was located next to an Apple Retail Store, according to to a lawsuit Lululemon filed against the project, known as 108 N. State Retail LLC, late last week in Federal court in Chicago.

Lululemon subsequently learned in December that Apple Inc. wouldn't be opening at the center, the lawsuit said. On Jan. 23, Lululemon sent a formal written notice of termination of the lease, according to the complaint...

[spyguy]

^The curse continues. Since Apple was never confirmed I'm not too upset with that decision and I don't really care for lululemon athletica, but it's still pretty bad news.

[intrepidDesign]

I wonder what reason Apple gave for not wanting to go in here? Not wanting to cannibalize their Mich Ave store? For so few floors, this building is taking FOREVER! They should pick up the pace, finish the screen, get some tenants in there and start generating revenue, or get bogged down in court and let the building sit there and hope an unfinished building is appealing enough to garner new leases. :hell:

[the urban politician]

Retailers are going to regret pulling out when the next economic cycle comes.

This is a stellar location. I don't care what anyone thinks about the architecture.

Apple makes good computers and handhelds, but they're being donkey-men in regards to this decision

[spyguy]

Not wanting to cannibalize their Mich Ave store?
I doubt it. They have only one store in the entire city and that one is always crowded with tourists.

Anyway, I saw this on ifoAppleStore. Apparently it is a graphic pulled from the lawsuit.
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9140/lululemonplan.jpg
This is somewhat dated, of course, because Nau closed all of its stores last year. But it does show the location of some of the tenants we already knew about, plus some possible ones that haven't been mentioned before: Karen Millen (first store in Chicago), 2 story Diesel, Bare Escentuals, Hue Studio, Paper Source, Bag n' Baggage.

Edit: And perhaps some good news.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1480363,CST-NWS-metro17.article

Apple Inc. has dropped plans to open a store at Block 37, causing Lululemon Athletica Inc. to try to escape its lease there, too, according to a lawsuit filed by Lululemon. The yoga-wear store claims it had a "co-tenancy" deal that called for it to be located next to the Apple store. The developer, Joseph Freed and Associates, declined to comment except to say that new leases will be announced soon. Block 37 is bounded by State, Dearborn, Randolph and Washington.

[denizen467]

Well that is very revealing to see - the interior layout, the significant orientation towards Dearborn, the actual positions of the shops and restaurants, and the "Residential Lobby" and "Hotel Lobby" actually coexisting (for some reason I was always a bit skeptical, given the small footprint).

[ChiPsy]

Anyway, I saw this on ifoAppleStore. Apparently it is a graphic pulled from the lawsuit.
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9140/lululemonplan.jpg


Dude, you really warrant your name sometimes :)

[george]

The lone worker.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/4118/block1081.jpg

[spyguy]

The lone worker.


Better than nothing, I guess.

http://www.block37.com/

They still mention lululemon, but they also list Swarovski.

[brian_b]

^ Ahhh, Bruno Cohen. Such civic pride he displays..

Yeah, seriously. If he cared for the city at all, he'd spend more money than his station was bringing in until it went bankrupt and all of his employees were out of jobs.

[the urban politician]

Yeah, seriously. If he cared for the city at all, he'd spend more money than his station was bringing in until it went bankrupt and all of his employees were out of jobs.

^ Well, considering how much city assistance they've received for this development, I have a hard time seeing your sarcasm as justified

[Chicago Shawn]

I wonder what reason Apple gave for not wanting to go in here? Not wanting to cannibalize their Mich Ave store? For so few floors, this building is taking FOREVER! They should pick up the pace, finish the screen, get some tenants in there and start generating revenue, or get bogged down in court and let the building sit there and hope an unfinished building is appealing enough to garner new leases. :hell:

One word: Delays.
Although there may have been other reasons.

Apple while not "officially" committed, was planning on opening a substantial retail store there. Never fear though, as North/Clyborn is still pegged for a store.

So now we have no Apple Store, and a possible disappearance of the street level studio. On top of a VE'ed atrium, no subway station that we payed dearly for, and luckluster design; could this project get anymore depressing? I hope the other key tenants at least stay. Seriously, the tenant mix was my one last saving grace for this project.

[denizen467]

^ Can't the damn station get finished with the stimulus transportation money? In the general outlines of Daley's wish list from the other day, is there no category that might include this?

[the urban politician]

^ Can't the damn station get finished with the stimulus transportation money? In the general outlines of Daley's wish list from the other day, is there no category that might include this?

^ Kind of pointless to have an airport express superstation when you don't even have airport express tracks

[chicubs111]

This is what happens when you settle for a crappy design just because you want to fill a void...I mean for a city that is supposdly the capital of modern architecture we have a hard time producing good projects when they really need to count!...Its like the harder the city thinks about trying to do something special they come up producing a worse project ...and im talking architecually of course...the shops and stuff will come as a boost to the area...but the overall project is very weak...I was hoping something like Time warner center in NYC

[denizen467]

^ Kind of pointless to have an airport express superstation when you don't even have airport express tracks
You do not absolutely have to have them. Just having railcars that are clean, a little quieter, with places to put suitcases near your seat or within eyesight, should be incentive enough for many more people to ride the Blue Line from ORD. Toss in some free wi-fi included with the fare price and you've sealed the deal.

In addition, a higher fare and non-stop service mean (1) basically zero concern about panhandlers and crime and (2) no frigid drafts every five minutes during the winter. Very, very big plusses.

I will also add that I have seen tourists confused about fares and where to get off -- I have seen them in a flurry about whether to get off at the station called "Chicago".

These factors alone are plenty to merit 45-minute non-stop airport train service. The name just ought to avoid using "express" until they do actually shorten the travel time.

[spyguy]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123794125131932665.html

Developers Scale Back Luxury Projects as Economy Shifts
Some Delay Debuts as Tenants Pull Out; Trouble in Xanadu

By KRIS HUDSON

...In Chicago, developer Joseph Freed and Associates has delayed completion of the first phase of its Block 37 mixed-use project, spanning 285,000 square feet of shops, to this fall from this spring. Freed wooed Apple Inc., but the computer seller declined. Yogawear retailer Lululemon Athletica Inc. recently broke its lease in response to Apple's decision. Overall, the first phase is 55% leased, with tenants including women's apparel seller Anthropologie, Spanish fashion retailer Zara and a Puma AG sportswear store.

[Taft]

...In Chicago, developer Joseph Freed and Associates has delayed completion of the first phase of its Block 37 mixed-use project, spanning 285,000 square feet of shops, to this fall from this spring. Freed wooed Apple Inc., but the computer seller declined. Yogawear retailer Lululemon Athletica Inc. recently broke its lease in response to Apple's decision. Overall, the first phase is 55% leased, with tenants including women's apparel seller Anthropologie, Spanish fashion retailer Zara and a Puma AG sportswear store.

The block that just won't get built. How many more delays can there be?

[spyguy]

^^They've been mentioning the fall date for a while now. And not all bad news today.

http://www.josephfreed.com/?top=/info/Nav/MediaCenter.html

Developer Announces Five More Signed Leases For Block 37
by Jayne Carr Thompson

Block 37 master developer Joseph Freed and Associates LLC announced today that five more leases have been signed with retail tenants for Block 37.

Those signed include the famed Chicago clothier Bigsby & Kruthers, Swarovski, Starfruit, Tahini and Sunglass Hut.

"With the signing of these tenants, we have taken another big step toward bringing this project across the goal line," said Larry Freed, President of Joseph Freed and Associates LLC, the project's developer.

"When it opens this fall, Block 37 will be the source of 2,000 jobs and over $17.5 M in annual tax revenue for the City of Chicago. To date, the project has brought over 2,200 construction jobs to Chicago," Freed said.

Ty Tabing, Executive Director of the Chicago Loop Alliance, commented that "we are extremely excited to see this progress on Block 37. The historic significance of bringing the uniquely Chicago Bigsby & Kruthers brand to the project is very important. It is reminiscent of the high quality retailers who originally were located on the site."

He went on to say that he anticipates that "having the Bigsby store on the second floor of the project will be quite effective in driving foot traffic within the project."

Freed reflected that these five tenants contribute to the new, dynamic, cutting-edge tenant mix that has been the goal for the property since Freed purchased the project in 2007.

Also sensitive to the historic significance of the project, Freed said, "Putting a Bigsby & Kruthers store in the heart of downtown Chicago on this historic block is especially appropriate when you consider the strength and longevity of the Bigsby brand in Chicago," he said.

"We will be able to bring together the best and newest in men's and women's fashion, quality service and attention to the needs of our customers with Joe Silverberg and his partner, Jack Shniderman re-launching the Bigsby & Kruthers brand," Freed continued.

Silverberg opened his first Bigsby & Kruthers store with his brother, Gene Silverberg, in Chicago in 1970. For years, they dressed the nation's CEO's, celebrities and professional athletes at their Bigsby & Kruthers stores. The company received national and international attention and awards including a listing in Esquire Magazine as one of the top ten specialty
retailers in the United States and was featured in Esquire, Forbes, GQ and the Wall Street Journal.

Known for his genial personality and his expertise and experience as a successful merchant, Joe Silverberg is excited to be able to respond positively to the demand for the quality fashion synonymous with the Bigsby & Kruthers brand.

"We believe that we have a terrific opportunity right now — we've had a great response from our manufacturers and a continuing demand from our customers to re-launch Bigsby & Kruthers with both men's and women's clothing. And we have the chance to locate at Block 37 in the heart of downtown Chicago where we can attract business people, tourists and visitors to the theatre district and the financial district."

Jack Shniderman is also a retailer with deep experience in the Chicago market. A native Chicagoan, Shniderman began his career at Eric Salm in Lincoln Village. Recruited by Robert Vance Ltd. in 1979 as a buyer, he worked his way up to president of the company with 3 retail stores and an outlet store. He bought the company in 1985 and still owns it.

Under his leadership, Robert Vance has been featured in Celebrated Living Magazine as one of the best places to shop "off the beaten path" and nominated by MR Magazine as one of the top 25 most interesting stores. The menswear newspaper, Daily News Record has also profiled the company.

Shniderman opened Polo Ralph Lauren stores for a company with licenses for locations in Pittsburgh, Fort Lauderdale and Short Hills, New Jersey. In 1986, Shniderman and his partners bought the Chicago Polo Ralph Lauren store. He sold it back to Ralph Lauren in 1993 as part of Lauren's buy-back of license rights prior to taking his company public.

Shniderman sees the new Bigsby & Kruthers as offering the next generation of service — the "new gentleman's cool" fashion with a diverse men's product offering of approximately 30% suiting and 70% sportswear and a significant custom area. The women's collections will be similarly cutting edge.

Both men emphasize that the store will offer a "special" experience to its customers with excellent service, new, cool clothing along with the more traditional and a mix of diverse price points that provide value at each price.

Bigsby & Kruthers will occupy 9,000 square feet on the second floor of the project.
In addition to Bigsby, the other new tenants announced today include Tahini, a 1,500 square-foot fast casual eatery located on the Transit Level that specializes in Mediterranean-style sandwiches, salads, and desserts.

Starfruit Cafe serves a variety of organic frozen yogurt and kefir in fruit flavors and more than 20 toppings. Other treats include parfaits and lowfat smoothie-style kefir drinks. Kefir is a cultured milk product, with more probiotic qualities than yogurt. The cafe occupies a 700 square- foot space on the Transit Level. It is owned by Lifeway Foods, a Morton Grove, Illinois-based company.

Sunglass Hut is a recognized leader of specialty sunglass retailing with nearly 2,000 locations worldwide. Sunglass Hut stores, located in a wide variety of high-traffic shopping and tourist destinations, offer consumers the latest branded products from Oakley, Ray-Ban, Guess, DKNY, and many more. Sunglass Hut at Block 37 is located on Level One in a 1,000 square-foot space.

Swarovski is considered by many to be the finest quality lead crystal made today, featuring precision-cut Austrian crystal in striking prisms of gleaming beauty. Products include figurines, designer table top accessories, art objects and jewelry. The 900 square-foot Swarovski boutique at Block 37 is located on Level One.

Leasing continues at the Block 37 project, with additional announcements expected in the next two to four weeks.

Other tenants announced to date include Chicago's Lettuce Entertain You, bringing a new-concept restaurant and food court to the project; Muvico, a premium movie venue offering reserved seating, restaurant and bar service and first-run movies; PUMA; Zara; Anthropologie; and a store and salon by Aveda.

[Theoryg]

I told State Street Council that they could use a small gambling casino in Block 37 as well as a American Bandstand type place for people to dance on tv. I also think it could use some heavy neon for a las vegas effect which was the way Randolph used to look with the ABC and I believe United Artists. If they did add more neon it would round the theatre district perfectly. I always thought it was like Times Square anyway around that area. I dont think they are going to do the Las Vegas neon effect for Block 37 atleast on the Randolph side but I think its what Chicago needs and fast. I dont think there is much to do down there after 10 pm and for some reason Chi-town is low on burlesque neon. When you think a district is lighted its usually not much in Chi town:(

[intrepidDesign]

I think the LAST thing we need is to try and make B37 like Times Square. Time Square is in New York, and I don't think Chicago would better its image by trying to copy New York. We are Chicago, we have our own identity. Keep TS unique by keeping it in NY. Also, a casino will never go there, if I'm not mistaken, the last casino license in IL went to Des Plains.

[Taft]

I think the LAST thing we need is to try and make B37 like Times Square. Time Square is in New York, and I don't think Chicago would better its image by trying to copy New York. We are Chicago, we have our own identity. Keep TS unique by keeping it in NY. Also, a casino will never go there, if I'm not mistaken, the last casino license in IL went to Des Plains.

More to the point: I'm REALLY glad Chicago has so far avoided the mass commercialization of every inch of its edifices in popular public squares. For better or worse it is a characteristic of Chicago, like Times Square characterizes a certain aspect of NY. They just aren't the same city. Plus, I like our style. :cool:

...which is why the big screen on B37 has generated so much controversy...