CHICAGO: boom rundown - everything over 12 floors. v4

[HK Chicago]

^ That's seriously ugly.

[Chicago Shawn]

^Yeah, that building is disgusting. I hope it goes nowhere. I wish the wasting of open sites would stop over here. They are getting filled in with short, squat, uninspiring, low-budget garbage buildings. Soon all the good sites will be gone, and the historic stock that still gives the west loop any charicter will be demolished. And, residents in the new buildings will likley band together with WLCO and start the NIMBY complaints on any future good desings of taller towers that would take full adavantage of this great location.

[the urban politician]

Oh, that's sickening. Is there ever going to be a learning curve here or is the city gonna continue to allow these ugly podiums to ruin its downtown

[Sir Isaac Newton]

Originally Posted by honte

Just great. Another complete waste of good land in the West Loop. 17 stories? Why bother?

I think a couple of smallish historic buildings will be coming down for this one.

If you call the tiny little structure that the parking lot attendant operates out of an historic building, then yes, a smallish historic building will be coming down for this one

The space is entirely a parking lot, not to mention the space adjacent to it, on the northwest corner of Washington and Jefferson is also entirely a parking lot. So is the space directly across the street on Des Plaines (which is directly south of R+D659). Hopefully these two other parking lots meet their demise soon....although I agree in that these buidlings should be much higher than 17, or 21 stories. The skyline really tapers off in the loop once you head west of Wacker and towards the highway. It would be nice to get a few 500 or even 600 foot buildings on Des Plaines, Jefferson, Clinton, etc.

[chicubs111]

Originally Posted by honte

Spyguy, thanks a lot for the link! I really appreciate it.

What an annoying interview... constant interrupting of Smith, and hardly any questions over the course of an hour due to other programming. I don't feel like we learned much at all. Too bad.

I like much of what Smith said, but I disagree wholeheartly that the lack of inspiring buildings built here over the last several years has to do with the fact that we don't have New York-sized budgets. I think that's a dangerous cop-out that seems to suggest that only the richest parts of the world deserve great architecture.

Also, just to add to Spyguy's discussion about future Smith projects in Chicago, and for those who don't want to download or listen to the whole interview, the sites of the tower proposed near 311 S. Wacker are literally the sites just north or south of that building, 301 (the park) or 321 (the parking lot). These of course were where the 311 twins were supposed to go.

Who the hell comes up with these freaking things..."new york style budget???" what does that even mean...So let me guess the standard of high quality buildings can only be built in new york...Im really getting sick and tired of these terminlogies that are meaningless spew...we have building going up in chicago that are near a billion dollars in cost...so people have to get there head out of there asses when they come up these excuses that chicago is in someway unable to design great buildings.

[Chicago Shawn]

Originally Posted by the urban politician

Oh, that's sickening. Is there ever going to be a learning curve here or is the city gonna continue to allow these ugly podiums to ruin its downtown

Believe it or not, this is a Lucien LaGrange design, at least acording to the ad. We all know he is better than this. Looks like this project was done on the extreme cheap budget. But since its a local Chicago "starchictect", it must be a "brilliant, modern eveloution of design." I bet you that is how it will be marketed. Let's see what the units go for in this one, an affordable price point will be one and the only redeeming aspect of this project.

[SamInTheLoop]

Originally Posted by chicubs111

Who the hell comes up with these freaking things..."new york style budget???" what does that even mean...So let me guess the standard of high quality buildings can only be built in new york...Im really getting sick and tired of these terminlogies that are meaningless spew...we have building going up in chicago that are near a billion dollars in cost...so people have to get there head out of there asses when they come up these excuses that chicago is in someway unable to design great buildings.

Here's what actually makes it nonsense: When people say things like "new york style budget", I think what they're referring to is budgets that are doable because of new york style rents. However, this is only half the equation - what they overlook in this line of reasoning is that new york buildings (in addition to acheiving new york rents) also have to deal with new york style construction costs........in the end it's mostly a wash, so the quality of architecture has nothing to do with it...

[SamInTheLoop]

Originally Posted by honte

Spyguy, thanks a lot for the link! I really appreciate it.

What an annoying interview... constant interrupting of Smith, and hardly any questions over the course of an hour due to other programming. I don't feel like we learned much at all. Too bad.

I like much of what Smith said, but I disagree wholeheartly that the lack of inspiring buildings built here over the last several years has to do with the fact that we don't have New York-sized budgets. I think that's a dangerous cop-out that seems to suggest that only the richest parts of the world deserve great architecture.

Also, just to add to Spyguy's discussion about future Smith projects in Chicago, and for those who don't want to download or listen to the whole interview, the sites of the tower proposed near 311 S. Wacker are literally the sites just north or south of that building, 301 (the park) or 321 (the parking lot). These of course were where the 311 twins were supposed to go.

The proposed project near 311 Wacker - does anyone know if it is office or residential? ^ I'm also really looking forward to what Smith and Gill's firm comes up with for Chicago - can't wait to see some early renderings of these projects. One thing that I think is really exciting is that they could bring these super-environmentally advanced buildings here ie buildings that actually create as much or more energy than they use......talk about thinking forward!!

[SamInTheLoop]

Originally Posted by Sir Isaac Newton

If you call the tiny little structure that the parking lot attendant operates out of an historic building, then yes, a smallish historic building will be coming down for this one

The space is entirely a parking lot, not to mention the space adjacent to it, on the northwest corner of Washington and Jefferson is also entirely a parking lot. So is the space directly across the street on Des Plaines (which is directly south of R+D659). Hopefully these two other parking lots meet their demise soon....although I agree in that these buidlings should be much higher than 17, or 21 stories. The skyline really tapers off in the loop once you head west of Wacker and towards the highway. It would be nice to get a few 500 or even 600 foot buildings on Des Plaines, Jefferson, Clinton, etc.

I have to say I see both sides of this one - while I think these buildings - this one, R+D, etc should be at least twice as tall, I also want these surface parking lots gone, like, yesterday............in addition I get so disgusted with how the west loop has developed in terms of height, I'm half-tempted sometimes to call it a loss and focus on the South Loop as a near-loop neighborhood where taller, thinner buildings become more of the norm...

[honte]

[EDIT, wow this place moves fast]

Originally Posted by Sir Isaac Newton

If you call the tiny little structure that the parking lot attendant operates out of an historic building, then yes, a smallish historic building will be coming down for this one

The space is entirely a parking lot, not to mention the space adjacent to it, on the northwest corner of Washington and Jefferson is also entirely a parking lot. So is the space directly across the street on Des Plaines (which is directly south of R+D659). Hopefully these two other parking lots meet their demise soon....although I agree in that these buidlings should be much higher than 17, or 21 stories. The skyline really tapers off in the loop once you head west of Wacker and towards the highway. It would be nice to get a few 500 or even 600 foot buildings on Des Plaines, Jefferson, Clinton, etc.

OK, thanks for pointing this out, I could be wrong. Speaking from memory... I'll go check it out too. I recall there being a few buildings between Randolph and Washington on the west side of DesPlaines.

The building looks pretty miserable. It's never a good sign when they have to put a huge perspective shot in to make it look interesting... and there is way too much painted concrete. Is that more blue paint I'm seeing!? I've had enough of that... and the parking garage doesn't appear to fit in with the city's new requirements for enclosed spaces, planters, etc. How can they get away with that?

[honte]

Originally Posted by SamInTheLoop

Here's what actually makes it nonsense: When people say things like "new york style budget", I think what they're referring to is budgets that are doable because of new york style rents. However, this is only half the equation - what they overlook in this line of reasoning is that new york buildings (in addition to acheiving new york rents) also have to deal with new york style construction costs........in the end it's mostly a wash, so the quality of architecture has nothing to do with it...

Absolutely.

There is the question of image, which Smith seems to hint at by claiming that somehow New Yorkers see themselves as more fashionable, while Chicagoans are somehow set on a "hard-working aesthetic" (not a direct quote). I don't buy this one bit - I think it's the age group being targeted (baby boomers) and the mistaken perception of developers that gets us in a bind. But just look at Carley's experience with the former Fordham Spire, and it's obvious that the high-end, older crowd will easily support good, progressive design.

Another generator of great buildings is corporate clients building themselves image headquarters, which we have seen very little of lately here, instead seeing too much Buck-generated speculative stuff.

The other side of the coin appears to be lack of pressure from City Hall to put good design on the table. Assefa seems to be changing that.

The funny thing about this is that at the end of the discussion, Smith goes on to wonder why New York hasn't seen any great buildings, he claims, since the Chrysler Building! Well Sam, too bad you weren't there to answer his question.

[the urban politician]

Originally Posted by honte

The building looks pretty miserable. It's never a good sign when they have to put a huge perspective shot in to make it look interesting... and there is way too much painted concrete. Is that more blue paint I'm seeing!? I've had enough of that... and the parking garage doesn't appear to fit in with the city's new requirements for enclosed spaces, planters, etc. How can they get away with that?

^ It's worse than Printers Corner. I'm hoping there will be a redesign of that thing, or at least hopefully this is just a very preliminary rendering.

Its only redeeming quality is the fact that it replaces a parking lot

[BVictor1]

I walked around and took pictures for about 2 hours this morning, and have a bit of news.

10 East Delaware is now in site-prep mode. Several buildings have already been demolished on the site already. I will try to post pictures later.

Walton on the Park - Currently, they are just selling the south tower. The sales center has now been open for about 2 weeks are so. I wsa told that they are nearly 30% sold on the first building. They are also going straight to contract. They also said that construction/ground breaking could come as early as June or July. When this happens, the sales center will be moved to the first level of Scottish Rite. Also, in the podium portion of the structure, there will be town houses, so that means no opaque windows.

During that visit, I also asked about the next 2 towers of Museum Park, and was told that the developers are talking with the city, and the city wants a greater distance seperating the towers. Also the city is looking for tall and thin. Buuildings in the 70 - 80 story range are sounding more possible, as has been mentioned in the past. I told them I wouldn't mind something taller

As to the rendering on the previous, to put it kindly, the developers and architect need to go back to the drawing board. It's nasty looking and to damn linear.

[LA21st]

10 E. Delaware has a MUCH better rendering in today's Tribune. I like this building now, it will be a great addition for that corner, imo. This building is massive with no ugly parking showing at all.
While this corner lost some historic buildings, 10 E and the Elysian are really going to add some serious density. Delaware already has the best canyon in north of the Loop, Imo. Walton on the Park will add the density to the other side of State. Very interesting for 2 interesections that were kind of embarrassing to show visitors. The huge surface lot and that stupid 7-11.

[SevenSevenThree]

Originally Posted by BVictor1

During that visit, I also asked about the next 2 towers of Museum Park, and was told that the developers are talking with the city, and the city wants a greater distance seperating the towers. Also the city is looking for tall and thin. Buuildings in the 70 - 80 story range are sounding more possible, as has been mentioned in the past. I told them I wouldn't mind something taller

Were there ever any ideas of when they would want to publicly present and/or market these next towers? I think I remember someone saying that they put the towers on hold until they get rid of some of the existing inventory but I could have read or heard wrong.

These mystery towers in Lakeshore East and Central Station drive me crazy.

[the urban politician]

Originally Posted by BVictor1

Also, in the podium portion of the structure, there will be town houses, so that means no opaque windows.

^ Wow, that changes my whole perception about Walton on the Park. I think I actually like this project now

[SevenSevenThree]

I was thinking about the lot south of the NBC tower and started to remember that, what I think was fantastic, vision project I saw awhile back. I think the name was Cityfront Plaza. Has there ever been a time when a vision project, that had no plans for proposal, ever seen the light of day and built? I love this tower so much (along with Dearborn Tower) and refuse to give up hope that it might one day become reality.

Here's an image just in case someone hasnt seen it. Doubtful but whatever:




Btw, who was the architect?

[chicubs111]

speaking of 10 east deleware...they just upadted there website with a nice rendering of the building...http://10eastdelaware.com/

[chicubs111]

figure i just post the pic...

[chicubs111]

Sorry..I just keep finding stuff...lol..


Luxury Condos Rise In Chicago's Gold Coast

By Kelly Sheehan, Online News Editor

MARCH 01, 2007 -- Chicago -- The Prime Group Inc., a Chicago-based real estate developer and operator, is building Ten East Delaware, a luxury condominium building in Chicago's affluent Gold Coast neighborhood. The 121-unit, $124-million complex broke ground this week and is slated for completion in mid 2009.
Designed by nationally renowned architect Lucien Lagrange of Chicago-based Lucien Lagrange Architects, the 35-story building is located at the northeast corner of Delaware Place and State Street, next to the Talbott Hotel.

Michael Reschke, CEO of The Prime Group, told MHN that the community's connection to the Talbott Hotel will make it stand out from the crowd. Ten East Delaware's ground floor will be connected to the hotel by a corridor, providing condo residents with the hotel's amenities and services while maintaining privacy. Services include 24-hour room service, housekeeping and concierge services.

"Usually, when condominiums are associated with hotels, they are located on the buildings' top floors, and the hotels are part of residents' lives," Reschke noted. "But here, the hotel is a totally separate building. The lobby, which has a stone fireplace, wood-beamed ceilings and marble floors, is for our residents only. It's a little more private this way."

Reschke said that Lucien Lagrange has designed the building with a "little bit of a European and Polynesian flair, circa 1920."

Only five units are located on each floor of Ten East Delaware. One-, two- and three bedroom condos, which include nine- to 10-ft. ceilings, range from 845 to 3,096 square feet and $450,000 to $2.3 million--affordable, Reschke said, compared to other condominium prices in the area.

"We spent almost six months working on the floor plans," he added. "Every inch counts, but we laid them out efficiently so buyers can get the biggest bang for their buck."

The units will feature Poggenpohl cabinetry; granite and marble countertops; Franke, Wolf, Miele and Sub-Zero appliances; brushed-chrome hardware; designer carpeting; gas fireplaces with stone surrounds; oversized balconies; optional wet bars; Kohler soaking tubs; zoned temperature controls; washers and dryers; storage units; wood floors and 6-in. crown moldings. Condominium interiors have been designed by Darcy Bonner Associates, also based in the Windy City.

Residents will have access to The Ten Club, Ten East Delaware’s exclusive rooftop clubhouse and fitness center. Other amenities include a pool and sundeck, also located on the roof. Climate-controlled, indoor parking is available for a fee.

Half of the building’s condos have been sold since sales began six months ago. “Many of our buyers already live in the Gold Coast, but their buildings and residences are becoming outdated and they don’t want to live through a remodel,” said Reschke. “For them, it makes much more financial and emotional sense to purchase at Ten East Delaware, where everything will be brand new but they’ll still be surrounded by all their favorite neighborhood shops and restaurants.”

Reschke said that The Prime Group has also seen a number of buyers coming from single-family homes in the Old Town, Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods of the city. “These buyers have realized they can enjoy basically the same amount of space but without stairs or the hassles of maintaining a yard,” Reschke added. “And for families with children enrolled at Francis Parker School or the Latin School, moving to Ten East Delaware might even make for an easier commute.”

Ten East Delaware will be located near restaurants, shopping, cultural institutions and the lakefront. It will be two blocks from the Magnificent Mile, one block from the Newberry Library, and four blocks from Oak Street Beach and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

http://www.multi-housingnews.com/multiho...play.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003552288&imw=Y