CHICAGO | Highrise Projects & Construction, v7

[iguy]

Originally Posted by chicubs111

^ Importantly Chicago has a pretty meh track record for developing prime sites into something special...Developers in this city don't have the same vision of grandeur like we used to have...Politics aside Trump tower might be the last prime site that was truly developed to its max potential in this city...all others were just filled in with mediocre to good looking developments (ala wolfpoint, spire site, etc)

St. Regis was an excellent use of a prime riverfront/near lakefront space but otherwise I agree. I am glad that 400 Lakeshore is getting *something* finally but it is such a far cry from the kind of building that site deserves. That's not to suggest another 2,000 footer should ever have been expected, and I know the lending environment is brutal right now, but still.

Looks like the same thing incoming for Site I as well.

[Zapatan]

Originally Posted by iguy

I am glad that 400 Lakeshore is getting *something* finally but it is such a far cry from the kind of building that site deserves. That's not to suggest another 2,000 footer should ever have been expected, and I know the lending environment is brutal right now, but still.

Looks like the same thing incoming for Site I as well.

400LSD's design is really nice, but height matters too and we've become too okay with mediocrity.

As far as Site I, I don't think we have any idea what will go there yet. I really liked the current proposal design-wise but it was too short for the area.

By the time that actually comes to fruition hopefully things will be in a better place.

[sentinel]

Originally Posted by Zapatan

400LSD's design is really nice, but height matters too and we've become too okay with mediocrity.

As far as Site I, I don't think we have any idea what will go there yet. I really liked the current proposal design-wise but it was too short for the area.

By the time that actually comes to fruition hopefully things will be in a better place.

It's about market conditions, not being 'okay with mediocrity.'

[Zapatan]

Originally Posted by sentinel

It's about market conditions, not being 'okay with mediocrity.'

Sure, but I wish there were some city regulation to not waste such a site on a short building and maybe wait until conditions improve.

[sentinel]

Originally Posted by Zapatan

Sure, but I wish there were some city regulation to not waste such a site on a short building and maybe wait until conditions improve.

That's what zoning is for
It's the developers decision on whether or not to maximize the height of their building on a given site. They can apply for a variance if they wanna go higher, but that is again, governed by demand. A developer doesn't HAVE to go up to that height, it's just the maximum allowed at that point in time.

[sentinel]

At the end of the day, I personally, would prefer a superior design for a building that is maybe 50-100' (or more) shorter than a building that is a supertall but looks very bland or downright shitty.

[Randomguy34]

Yeah, I care more about many high-density highrises rather than a few mid/low-density skyscrapers. Having tens of thousands of new units and retail is why Fulton Market is a destination, while South Loop still feels sleepy even with the occasional 700+ footer.

[BrickellBased]

Having a high minimum FAR is an interesting concept lol

[Steely Dan]

Originally Posted by Zapatan

It's quite sad

If Chicago increasing its stock of 800+ footers by 62% (from 13 to 21) over the past 7 years or so is "sad" in your eyes, then you woulda done slit your wrists had you been around back in the '90s.


Perspective. Some people got it, and some don't.

[Zapatan]

Originally Posted by Steely Dan

If Chicago increasing its stock of 800+ footers by 62% (from 13 to 21) over the past 7 years or so is "sad" in your eyes, then you woulda done slit your wrists had you been around back in the '90s.


Perspective. Some people got it, and some don't.

True but skyscrapers weren't nearly as common back then, Chicago was in the running with NY for best skyline on earth at the time.

Won't deny last cycle was pretty awesome, hope there's a possibility that next cycle delivers equally cool projects.

[Steely Dan]

Originally Posted by Zapatan

Won't deny last cycle was pretty awesome

Wait, was it "sad" or "pretty awesome"?

Sadly awesome???

I'm confused.

[BuildThemTaller]

Originally Posted by Zapatan

True but skyscrapers weren't nearly as common back then, Chicago was in the running with NY for best skyline on earth at the time.

Won't deny last cycle was pretty awesome, hope there's a possibility that next cycle delivers equally cool projects.

Skyscrapers weren't common in the '90s???

[Zapatan]

Skyscrapers weren't common in the '90s???

There were far fewer than today, an 800 footer would've slipped into the top 100 back then, that's what I meant.

I'm also referring to globally, not just USA.

Originally Posted by Steely Dan

Wait, was it "sad" or "pretty awesome"?

Sadly awesome???

I'm confused.

Huh? What quote are you referring to?

[BrandonJXN]

^ The 90s saw an over-saturation of the office market for many cities. Coupled with a recession plus the first Gulf War. That affected demand everywhere.

[Randomguy34]

Several highrises on this month's plan commission agenda: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/dept...n_Hearing.html

749-757 W. North Ave, 1551-1557 N. Halsted St, 1555-1569 N. Clybourn Ave, and 732-754 W. Weed St

https://chicagoyimby.com/2023/12/fur...orth-side.html

2328 S. Michigan Ave

https://chicagoyimby.com/2024/04/pla...motor-row.html

345 N. Aberdeen St

https://chicagoyimby.com/2024/05/65783.html

1840 N. Marcey St

https://chicagoyimby.com/2023/10/ren...coln-park.html

[iguy]

Love that Clybourne building, really hope it can make it through the review process mostly intact

[gandalf612]

1555 N Clybourn looks so incredibly stupid in its context. God I hope it gets built

[ardecila]

The Clybourn tower makes perfect sense to me.

396 new apartments directly on top of a 24-hour subway station with a one-seat ride to the Loop and Wrigley Field, and every conceivable retailer you could want within walking distance.

[Jstange059]

[BrickellBased]

Ok here's a grocery store. Our speculation on 1201 W Fulton commercial space being grocery has some intrigue/competition now.