Posted Nov 16, 2007, 6:15 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,830
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I was amazed at how well the meeting went. Not only was there support, but enthusiastic support from the residents. The room filed with applauds with each positive comment. One man representing the chamber of commerce broke out population numbers and mentioned that Hyde Park once had 71,000 residents, which has shrunk to about 43,000 today. He then stated that “We need more density to support our stores, and CTA”. There were concerns about circulation with the neighboring Bret Harte School which were all addressed. Some were even saying “its time get this building approved.” The only negative comment was about shadows cast on building to the north, which was silenced after a shaddow study was shown. The alderman was present and seemed pleased, although she did not really speak to the crowd much. The overall mood in the room was great, with lots of laughs coming from the crowd after comments from the very charismatic lawyer representing the developer.
Some tidbits on Solstice…
-The tower’s parapet tops out at 285’. The mechanical penthouse may take it just over 300’.
-56 permanently affordable units will be provided for in a existing walk-up building that the developer purchased one year ago next door.
-The “carved” south façade is angled inwards at 72 degrees, the angle of the summer sun, (I’m guessing on the summer solstice) to minimize solar heat gain, but allow natural light and heat in the winter.
-The building will recycle rain water with a cistern under the garage for landscape irrigation.
-The “plaza” in front of the tower on 56th has been modified, and is now landscaped with sculpted hedge rows.
-Shear walls on the East and West facades were subjected to computer load tests, which reveled where the reinforced concrete was carrying little force. These areas were then subtracted and replaced with the glazed notches which increase in size as one gets higher, reducing the amount of material used, and showing true form following true function.
-The tower’s unit mix is separated into three tiers, each with its own façade layout of window bays based on the unit sizes which increases as one moves up the tower.
-Two floors of parking underground, and about four above. There will be a 2:1 ratio for Solstice, because the developer is building replacement parking for the existing lots on the site as well as opening some op to the neighborhood. The Cornel side will have offices along the ground floor facing the sidewalk. No parking will be visible on the 56th Street elevation, the condos come down to the second floor there.
-The developer will realign the alley and provide for more drop off space, as well as more green space for the neighboring Bret Harte School.
-They would like to begin marketing soon, opening a sales trailer on the site in January 2008. If all goes to plan, construction starts in summer of 2008, with completion 18 months after.
-Poured-in-place concrete structure.
-Ivy will be planted, fertilized and encouraged to grow freely up the Cornell side of the building. I asked the attorney if that could be a world record for the tallest Ivy covered wall if it was able to climb all the way up.
I guess that’s about it, ask any other questions you may have…
Sorry for the posting delay, I don't visit Hyde Park often and was obligated to go for a walk on this beautiful brisk evening.
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