CHICAGO | Highrise Projects & Construction, v7

[the urban politician]

Originally Posted by 10023

We'll have to agree to disagree.

People go to McDonald's because it's cheap, and just about edible for most. The novelty factor won't justify the prices required to make this idea economically viable.

They never would have built this particular McDonald's the way that they did had they not planned for it to be a destination and showcase.

But that was over 10 years ago and they need to get with modern tastes.

Raise the prices, serve beer, and serve offerings from McDonald's restaurants around the world.

[emathias]

Originally Posted by 10023

We'll have to agree to disagree.

People go to McDonald's because it's cheap, and just about edible for most. The novelty factor won't justify the prices required to make this idea economically viable.

I don't know how many people you know outside of the West, but outside of America and Western Europe, McDonalds is a luxury item, not "cheap food." And even in America and Western Europe, some of McDonalds higher-end offerings are not scoffed at the same way we scoff at their cheap "cheeseburgers."

The "Rock-n-Roll" McDonalds in River North is already the most expensive McDonalds in Chicago, by a wide margain. And that's with other McDonalds available just within blocks of there, including another drive-through one at State/Chicago. People going there even just for ordinary McDonalds items are not very cost conscious.

[PerryPendleton]

Originally Posted by 10023

They would have to be OK with that location losing large amounts of money (too much inventory and spoilage), along with much slower service (many more processes). And to what end, letting people try all kinds of things that they can't get at their local McDonald's and therefore won't drive sales at other locations?

And it would be well worth it.

This location would be for experiential marketing. The same way that many Michigan Avenue or Times Square locations are...

It should be a spectacle, a tourist destination, a place for them to show off.

[harryc]

July 3

[harryc]

July 3

[harryc]

July 3

[harryc]

July 3

[harryc]

June 26




June 27










June 29

[HomrQT]

Originally Posted by the urban politician

They never would have built this particular McDonald's the way that they did had they not planned for it to be a destination and showcase.

But that was over 10 years ago and they need to get with modern tastes.

Raise the prices, serve beer, and serve offerings from McDonald's restaurants around the world.

Beer and an international menu. That's a winning concept plain and simple.

[harryc]

June 27







and the sister project - an additional story on the rectory.

[emathias]

I love these photos. With the modern-looking building and train tracks it has a very European look to it, like it could be in the suburbs of Paris or somewhere in Germany.

Originally Posted by sentinel

Love this

Updated design for Evanston apartment high-rise revealed in latest renderings




https://chicago.curbed.com/2017/7/3/1583...riented-apartment-development-renderings

[Mr Downtown]

^Agreed. The other place I get that vibe these days is in Hyde Park, just west of the tracks. If you squint, you could imagine that you're in suburban Tokyo or Munich, even to the high-voltage catenary hanging over the tracks. Of course JR East or MVV might run more than one train an hour . . .

[Near North Resident]

Originally Posted by emathias

I said it before, I'll say it again. That should be the one McDonalds location in the world that you can order any item off of any McDonalds menu, anywhere. If you want some weird Japanese burger, you can get it. If you want whatever gets substituted in India for the cheeseburger, you can get it. You want the lobster roll from some Maine McDonalds, you should get it.

That would be worthy.

They'd have to get better employees then, the ones at the R&R MCD's are THE WORST, hands down THE WORST mcd's employees in the world

I can't not even fathom how bad they would screw up food from all over the world, they can't even get the American menu correct

I like the idea though!

[emathias]

Originally Posted by Near North Resident

They'd have to get better employees then, the ones at the R&R MCD's are THE WORST, hands down THE WORST mcd's employees in the world

I can't not even fathom how bad they would screw up food from all over the world, they can't even get the American menu correct
...

I completely agree. Considering it's the most expensive McDonalds in Chicago, and a prestige location, you'd think they'd have some of their best employees there - but you're right, the staff there SUUUUCKS.

[BuildThemTaller]

Can we create a Rock & Roll McDonald's thread to put every complaint, suggestion, and desire that this lot becomes a park, a supertall, or something other than what it is (and what it probably will remain for a long time)? It seems like we get on the topic of this particular lot every 10-20 pages and it repeats itself for way too long.

Here, let me summarize what we all agree upon:

• Get rid of the parking lot
• Get rid of the McDonald's OR allow it to exist on the first floor of a supertall
• Prevent tourists from going there
• River North is in desparate need of a park
• Make the McDonald's something that I would enjoy visiting
• The design is horrible and or innovative but outdated
• River North should not have a drive-thru lane, let alone two!
• The Rainforest and Hard Rock Cafes are terrible and also need to go
• That BP station is the worst, turn it into a tall tower

I think that about sums it up, right?

[the urban politician]

^ Dont forget:

"Grand Plaza is the ugliest — this side of the Mississippi"

[KWILLSKYLINE]

^ Add 40 floors to the Anti-cruelity society and turn it into a puppy condo building

[Notyrview]

Grand Plaza gives me diarrhea

[ardecila]

I've heard whispers of McDonalds issuing an RFP for a new flagship location. Not sure if this means a second flagship, or a replacement for Rock n Roll.

Strictly speaking, they could sell the whole block of River North real estate they're sitting on, and open a new West Loop flagship somewhere that's close to their new headquarters. It'd maybe be a good fit for the old Coyne College site... or put it on one of the vacant lots along the Kennedy, with a 500' tall truckstop-style Golden Arches sign!

[Via Chicago]

Originally Posted by ardecila

or put it on one of the vacant lots along the Kennedy, with a 500' tall truckstop-style Golden Arches sign!

or not. are you guys craving visual diarrhea that badly? you know, its OK to admit that MCD is just as — a corporation as any other, and one that largely sells an unhealthy and unappetizing product while propagating horrendous land use policies to boot. the demise of this company would be a net positive for society. i couldnt care less if theyre HQd here or not.