CHICAGO | Aqua | 858 FT / 262 M | 87 FLOORS

[Jibba]

Originally Posted by i_am_hydrogen

The exposed concrete betrays the purity of the repetition of Aqua's balconies.

While this is an excellent way of putting it and, accordingly, it makes me inclined to agree, I still think the concrete looks fantastic, as the "wave" pattern seems to arise out of the raw concrete in an abstract, organic way whereas with the paint the pattern looks like a bit of a contrivance. Looks excellent either way, though.

[EarlyBuyer]

Photo's taken by EarlyBuyer 5/31/08

[EarlyBuyer]

Photo's taken by EarlyBuyer 5/31/08

[i_am_hydrogen]

Great job as always, EB. You've got quite the view of this project.

[the urban politician]

^ Yup, and he's also giving us a great view of how Aqua will fit into the general LSE fabric. LSE may yet be the greatest success story of this boom. From a gosh-dang golf course to a premier urban neighborhood housing thousands--in under 10 years I might add..

[cbotnyse]

Originally Posted by the urban politician

^ Yup, and he's also giving us a great view of how Aqua will fit into the general LSE fabric. LSE may yet be the greatest success story of this boom. From a gosh-dang golf course to a premier urban neighborhood housing thousands--in under 10 years I might add..

I played that golf course once! It really was a unique place to play.

I agree about LSE. I do hope upper Wacker Dr becomes more pedestrian friendly as a result, right now its horrible. And lets not forget the curent empty lot at the very corner of the river and LSD. Another 2000 footer would be perfect.

I took a ton of shots of Aqua today, but need to edit them. This will be one of the most photographed buildings in Chicago when its finished........ postcard worthy.

[Chitown]

Originally Posted by Jibba

i_am_hydrogen...that picture is DOPE.

I was going to say the same thing. He really has a kick-ass view now.

[Scruffy]

floor plate size, this tower is far smaller than i thought it would be. Its actually quite narrow for the height. does anyone know its dimensions?

[EarlyBuyer]

Thanks for the compliments guys.

[harryc]

May 27 - painted orange


May 28 - group shot


May 30 - before the storm


Special thanks to Early Buyer, Solar, and Hydrogen for some spectacular and very detailed shots of this and BCBS.

[cbotnyse]

[EarlyBuyer]

Thanks harryc and cbotnyse for the update, nice work!

[ardecila]

That spiral staircase at the NW corner of the park is gonna be awesome...

Is there an Architect of Record, or did Studio Gang handle all the design for this one? With such a complicated podium, integrating with Swissotel, it seems like a bit too much for them to handle, out of a tiny second floor office in Wicker Park.

[the urban politician]

^ Which spiral staircase are you referring to?

[Dr. Taco]

so, does anyone know when the variation in floor plate size and dimension will start to become evident?

[honte]

Originally Posted by ardecila

That spiral staircase at the NW corner of the park is gonna be awesome...

Is there an Architect of Record, or did Studio Gang handle all the design for this one? With such a complicated podium, integrating with Swissotel, it seems like a bit too much for them to handle, out of a tiny second floor office in Wicker Park.

The Loewenberg firm has been alongside them from the beginning.

[EarlyBuyer]

Photo's taken by EarlyBuyer 6/2/08

[ethereal_reality]

Great shots EarlyBuyer.
Completely surprised to see the Carbide and Carbon Building
and the Jeweler's Building peeking through.

You achieved a remarkable depth of field.

[FLBlake]

Good article on the curvy concrete slab work from ENR.

http://enr.ecnext.com/coms2/article_nebuar080528

[gttx]

Originally Posted by jstush04

so, does anyone know when the variation in floor plate size and dimension will start to become evident?

Is that a joke?