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Originally Posted by PittsburghPA
On another note, I've always looked at how NYC projects are almost always curtain wall and Chicago projects are almost always window wall. Is that just due to higher profile buildings/more money to be spent? I didn't think it could get much higher profile than Vista. If done right this building can be world class.
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Yes, many more NYC high rises use curtain wall. There are a few factors I think... the rent and sale prices are much higher in a NYC. At 432 Park, the sale price of the very top end penthouses are $10k/SF versus maybe $2k/SF at No 9 Walton (guessing on this one as I don't recall the cost/SF on KG's penthouse). This allows a developer to pay more for their facade and finishes in NYC than they can in Chicago and still make a good return.
Also, a lot of NYC buildings are taller. Window wall has traditionally been used on shorter high rises, call it 700' - 800' or less generally. When you get above those heights you typically want a higher performing curtainwall system.
Chicago also is fortunate to be home to very competitive window wall contractors. Because of the amount of competition here, the cost of window wall is lower than most other places across the US including some non-union areas in the south. Some of the Chicago players travel for higher margins elsewhere because there is less competition, but here at home the window wall product is very cost effective which is also why we see so much of it here.