Here's that map I did over the weekend of my least favorite parking lots: http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2...ped-pronto.php

I didn't include any that already have active proposals that I know about. Poor Wabash =(

Hilarious. Reminds me of the lists I'd draw up back when I was in high school, before I understood things like the real estate market, urban economics, or, in general, the concept of demand. But yes, someone call the skyscraper wizards and demand they develop these lots now! And they better all be at least 800' tall!!! :rolleyes:

Oh, and yes, remove the parking lot from the Jewel. Awesome idea. Because getting groceries on foot is a viable thing. :koko:

-JimA in Chicago (via chicago.curbed.com)

Looks like this will be "The River Theater." I agree this has great potential.


http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs...41.09%20AM.png

EDIT: Aaron beat me to it.

Just out of curiosity, why didn't you include any of these lots?:

Wells/Huron/Erie
Franklin/Huron/Orleans
Franklin/Huron/Erie
Franklin/Ontario/Ohio
Clark/Superior
Binny's lot
Chase at Franklin/Grand
Sedgwick/Huron
Orleans/Erie

So, huh.

The Chicago Athletic Association hotel will apparently be called...... The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Wasn't expecting that.

Seems like they're going for a 30's-athletics aesthetic. Here's some room pics:

http://i.imgur.com/wbsjBxhh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ubQwebkh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/TO3EtElh.jpg

Promot website: http://chicagoathletichotel.com/

I find this very surprising. It doesn't look super appealing for a luxury-oriented traveler. If I saw "Athletic Association" on a priceline/orbitz/expedia search listings I'd think it was an error.

really, the 30s? depression era?
maybe go back a decade?

Who signed off on that shit?? The bathroom looks ok but the rest of it is terrible. Soho house, hotel Lincoln, the virgin hotel all do 'found' or 'nouveau distressed' hospitality interiors far better..this just looks...condescending. Hotel interiors are not easy to design (trust me), but I always find something to like in most properties. Not here - gross.

Yeah those room interiors are underwhelming. On the other hand, there was so much money spent on restoring and upgrading the common spaces. I think the concept here is not too much different from the original concept of the CAA, minus the membership requirement. Basic, comfortable rooms with opulent social spaces for mixing and mingling.

This for a generation that grew up with fond memories of European hostels and now desires something with a touch more privacy. The luxurious, decadent, spa-like hotel rooms of the past are out.

the bathrooms look great, but the rooms... :yuck:. the worst part is the floor. i dont see why those Navajo looking rugs and bedspread are there.

I am not directly involved with the project, but its quite obvious they put the squeeze on Roman and Williams with the interiors.

Just take a second and compare it to their work at the Viceroy in Manhattan: http://www.romanandwilliams.com/category/hotels/

^ I don't know. I don't see what the issue is with the interior. Looks fine to me

Working on the river
 

(some are just chillin)

3/17

Bloomingdale Trail Bridge at Milwaukee & Leavitt

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/673/vxNMJ9.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/910/5F3WXT.jpg

Wabash got a little bit of good news today
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/reale...artments-hotel

I kind of like it! It creates a brand that is consistent with the name and history of the building. It also reminds me of late 19th century exercise equipment, which was most definitely the realm of the well-to-do. My first thought was of the Biltmore Estate, home of George Vanderbilt and largest private residence in the United States. Take a look.

^Yeah, put me in the column of really like it.... a breath of fresh uniqueness in hotel design with an incredible amount of thoughtful detailing throughout...

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel Appeal
 

This hotel is pretty genius actually. Hipsters/Millenials are going to eat this up. The theme boutique hotel is a huge niche market. Finally something original in Chicago. This is the kind of hotel that even folks that live in the city would want to go stay a night in. Also, the pictures look as though the idea has been executed really well. All that vintage repurposed gym equipment looks pretty good. It will be interesting to see the common space interiors and what they did with those. I bet this place is a big success.

John buck chosen for tribune site
[URL="http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20150317/CRED03"]http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20150317/CRED03/150319782/tribune-chooses-partner-for-riverside-development[\URL]

A good article that explains how even Lincoln Park lost population last decade due to arcane zoning laws and aldermanic privilege. The article was then posted to reddit where the masses were educated and left semi pro-urban comments. Any pro urban article I come across in the future I will post there as well to help get our cause out to the general public.
http://danielkayhertz.com/2015/03/16...he-whole-city/
http://www.reddit.com/r/chicago/comm...north_side_is/

Starting to come together. I'll reserve judgement until the support piers are removed. A nice paint job will help as well. My main concern is the random support beams between the three arches. Those aren't very elegant.