[QUOTE=trvlr70;2857601][QUOTE=AdrianXSands;2856220this whole lse development REALLY gets to me: what's with all the excessive amount of landscaping; the whole development is right across the street from one of the biggest parks in the city, yet there's a MASSIVE park in the middle, and why does aqua need a forest around it?
It is exactly these open spaces that makes so Chicago both unique and livable and why it looks and feels so different from NYC or other great urban centers.[/QUOTE]
The forest being shown is a roof deck for the residents and hotel guests. Below 'the forest' is a 5 levels undergound parking, townhomes, retail, restaurants, condo/hotel/rental lobbies, ballrooms, and resident amenities.
In reality the Aqua podium is your typical mega bustle similar to those in river north, only much prettier.
This is due to parking being stuffed below UL Columbus, contemporary townhomes facing the park 50 feet below, and a contemporary colorful street frontage. On UL Columbus the podium will look have a Crate and Barrel/Room and Board contemporary look which will really liven up the area.