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

[NYC2ATX]

ROFL I saw this comment and I actually went back to look for it. That's so funny. It makes something I see like one or twice a week or so seem exciting for once. Thanks for the oddly enthralling vid!

Originally Posted by the urban politician

^ Spyguy, that was too funny. That was my first tour of a CVS store to the accompaniment of trance music

[jc5680]

6.13

[Vicelord John]

that building looks completely mid-century and already kind of dated to me.

I had such higher hopes.

[wrab]

6/13 "Bump" effect:

[Jibba]

Re jc5680: that shot really showcases how terribly awkward that little mechanical penthouse really looks. I'm afraid we're stuck with that setup for the final building form. Maybe they can slice a little bit off of it here and there to make it at appear as a passable attempt at aesthetic continuity a la those cheesy planters fronting Columbus.

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^ I like the penthouse how it is, I personally don't like buildings that have an excessive screen or parapet wall on top that does nothing practical except shield the views of mechanical equipment. I think the honest display of mechanical junk isn't really that displeasing, I mean look at all the crap that is piled up on top of Sears and Hancock, looks wonderful to me!

[EarlyBuyer]

Great shots jc5680 and wrabbit!

[jc5680]

6.14

[EarlyBuyer]

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer 6/14/09

[EarlyBuyer]

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer 6/14/09

[harryc]

Jaw drops.

[Dr. Taco]

i couldn't be happier with the railings. mechanical penthouse? come on, who cares. such a non-issue

[NYC2ATX]

Originally Posted by EarlyBuyer

Another spectacular Chicago building. This shot is a particular favorite of mine, because the balconies getting their furniture gives the building a real life. I can't wait for more residents to move in. AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT IN PERSON IN TWO WEEKS!!!!

[the urban politician]

Great pics all around, agree with the comments about seeing Aqua when it's occupied.

This pic stands out to me--a real vista is developing here as one walks south and sees the growing South Loop skyline in the distance. Wow, that's quite a scene..

[mrnyc]

love it from afar. from those extreme closeups it looks quaintly mid century se floridian, ie., the rickety balconies and the home depot bbq grills. not bad things, but i didnt expect that.

ps -- how many bottom floors in this one are parking?

[wrab]

Wowzers,EB.

Originally Posted by EarlyBuyer

Habitation!

[Nowhereman1280]

Originally Posted by mrnyc

ps -- how many bottom floors in this one are parking?

None of the bottom floors are parking. This building has "underground" parking in the sense that its below the main entrance. I put that in quotes because the parking is actually above ground (park level) but below the 3 level streets where the entrance to this building is.


I just thought of some things:

A. What happens when junk (paper, plastic bags, leaves, whatever) gets on the wave-fins between the balcony railings? Do the window washers sweep the dirt off of them as they go?

B. How do the window washers to the cleaning? Are they going to use ropes and get off the where they can't reach the windows from their rope? What kind of ingenious system has Gang devised?

C. Does anyone think that those same open spaces between the railings are going to be prime nesting sites for pigeons and other birds? It seems like those balcony spaces would be excellent spaces and will quickly be home to the shit hawks (god forbid that the seagulls set up shop).

[uaarkson]

I really wish the waves were blue instead of white.

[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?

[johnandahalf]

I wondered the same thing (about the railings)