CHICAGO | Aqua | 858 FT / 262 M | 87 FLOORS - Page 253

andydie · #**5041** Posted **Jun 15, 2009, 3:14 PM**

indeed awesome shots jc and early

Its nice to see Aqua being filled with inhabitants and turned to life.

truedaniel · #**5042** Posted **Jun 15, 2009, 6:53 PM**

StatenIslander237...you lucky butt, I can't visit Chi-town till August. AHHRGGH, can't wait!!!
How wants to get wasted with me on Rush street again this summer!!!!!!

EarlyBuyer · #**5043** Posted **Jun 15, 2009, 11:44 PM**

Thanks for the compliments guys. The human element is a welcome addition with the balconies now being occupied.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilsenarch

I've got a question: Why do some of the balcony railings have an additional extension (approx. 4") on top, and others do not? I assume the minimum height meets ADA (42") so why the additional 4 or 6"? Was it an 'upgrade' for the fear-of-heights crowd?

The balconies with the extra high railings are those serving designated accessible (ADA) units. The reason for the higher railing is to compensate for the height added by the Trex (or similar product) planking installed on top of the concrete balcony floor; which raises the floor to the same height as the sliding glass door threshold. A removable and storeable ramp is located on the inside of the condo (the other side of the threshhold). With these all in place, wheelchair access to the balconies is made possible.

TorancisOMP · #**5044** Posted **Jun 16, 2009, 2:37 AM**

are those barbecue grills I see?

J_M_Tungsten · #**5045** Posted **Jun 16, 2009, 7:45 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jc5680

I think the railings give this building an almost glossy look from these steeper angles.

BVictor1 · #**5046** Posted **Jun 16, 2009, 2:35 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by uaarkson

I really wish the waves were blue instead of white.

White is more reflective, and it helps the waves in the floorpates to stand out at night.

THE BIG APPLE · #**5047** Posted **Jun 16, 2009, 9:42 PM**

The rails do help alot.

the urban politician · #**5048** Posted **Jun 17, 2009, 1:48 AM**

^ Ironic, since earlier on everybody was concerned that the railings would actually ruin the building

pilsenarch · #**5049** Posted **Jun 17, 2009, 2:04 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlyBuyer

The balconies with the extra high railings are those serving designated accessible (ADA) units. The reason for the higher railing is to compensate for the height added by the Trex (or similar product) planking installed on top of the concrete balcony floor; which raises the floor to the same height as the sliding glass door threshold. A removable and storeable ramp is located on the inside of the condo (the other side of the threshhold). With these all in place, wheelchair access to the balconies is made possible.

I guess I should have known that....what is really remarkable is that I have designed quite a few multi-family urban towers and have never dealt with this issue, nor have any other projects I am aware of..... well, more power to them....

denizen467 · #**5050** Posted **Jun 17, 2009, 8:10 AM**

^ I wonder if the special railings are only on hotel floors. At least they would presumably not be on any of the condo floors (until later this year, if and when an owner needed to install them).

denizen467 · #**5051** Posted **Jun 17, 2009, 8:17 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by the urban politician

^ Ironic, since earlier on everybody was concerned that the railings would actually ruin the building

Some of the originally tantalizing effect (the mesmerizing, uninterrupted sea of smooth white curviness) is lost forever, but the railings seem to have worked out (I'm relying only on photos so far), and they also permit some unique and exciting sights - like the dramatic glistening in the sun, as above.

Nowhereman1280 · #**5052** Posted **Jun 17, 2009, 2:21 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by the urban politician

^ Ironic, since earlier on everybody was concerned that the railings would actually ruin the building

Hey I think I made the argument that they will fill out the balconies more! That said, I'm glad they got better at these rails, those first test railings were pretty rough looking. They seem to have figured out and perfected the rails since then.

EarlyBuyer · #**5053** Posted **Jun 20, 2009, 10:43 PM**

These outstanding shots were posted on SSC by Jan.

EarlyBuyer · #**5054** Posted **Jun 20, 2009, 10:59 PM**

Photos by Magellan Development of Rental Model

Tom In Chicago · #**5055** Posted **Jun 20, 2009, 11:53 PM**

Yeah. . . Jan (SSC), Vito Corleone (Marshall Gerometta) and myself went on a CTBUH sponsored hard-hat tour yesterday afternoon. . . I'm afraid of heights and although the balconies are pretty cool, they are also a bit terrifying. . . sure they're sturdy enough, but as some people already had alluded to, they sure don't look like it. . . anyhow here's my contribution from yesterday's tour:

Here's a photo I took today from my apartment. . .

ciao

. . .

Ryan81 · #**5056** Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 3:25 AM**

Sweet Popcorn ceilings.....

ARMR · #**5057** Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 4:23 PM**

Blue Cross blocked Aqua form being seen by anyone like Shaq blocking a nobody

Vicelord John · #**5058** Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 4:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan81

Sweet Popcorn ceilings.....

hahah I just noticed that. Like I said before, Mexico grade construction. I guess in a big city you get what you get.

viewguysf · #**5059** Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 5:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan81

Sweet Popcorn ceilings.....

Surprisingly cheap kitchens too! I hope that they're substantially nicer in the condo units.

rich · #**5060** Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 11:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by viewguysf

Surprisingly cheap kitchens too! I hope that they're substantially nicer in the condo units.

From the comparison sheet between Rental Apartments and Condominium units, here are the differences between the ceiling and the kitchen finishes:

Ceiling Height: 8' vs 8'8" or higher
Ceiling Finish: Spackle vs Skim Coat
Washer/Dryer: GE vs Whirlpool Full Size
Kitchen hardware: Basic Brushed Nickel vs Upgraded Brushed Nickel
Flooring Living/Dining/Hallways: Nylon Carpeting vs Hardwood
Countertops: Granite vs Upgraded Granite/Hanstone Options
Sink Fixture: American Standard vs Grohe or Moen
Kitchen Sink: Single Drop-In Stainless Steel vs Undermount Stainless Steel DOuble Bowl
Cabinetry: Standard Maple vs Snaidero or Fieldstone
Appliances: GE Stainless Steel vs Stainless Steel Kitchen Aid Architect Series