CHICAGO | Aqua | 858 FT / 262 M | 87 FLOORS - Page 268

the urban politician · #**5341** Posted **Nov 8, 2009, 6:14 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ordo_

Aqua is distinctly Chicago's best building of the Boom.

^ Yeah, I'll have to give that title to 235 w Van Buren, but this one takes a very close second place, IMO.

Bigtime · #**5342** Posted **Nov 8, 2009, 8:27 PM**

I love this building, I can't wait to visit Chicago again to see it in person.

EarlyBuyer · #**5343** Posted **Nov 9, 2009, 1:05 AM**

Thanks Saber and BVic for posting the excellent Blair Kamin article!

asheesh88 · #**5344** Posted **Nov 12, 2009, 9:19 PM**

Hi all,

Aqua sure is looking great.

I wanted to know if anyone has heard about any issue with this building getting approval by Fannie and Freddie. According to what I have heard, there were some issues that are preventing the vast majority of the units to close. In fact, Only five have closed (according to the MLS) since closings began in Octoober, all of which are portfolio/cash deals.

In addition, I have heard that Aqua is now considered a commercial development, and as such, buyers need to put down 30% vs. the usual 20% down.

Has anyone heard about any of these issues?

Thanks,

Asheesh

EarlyBuyer · #**5345** Posted **Nov 13, 2009, 2:38 AM**

Update from Magellan released 11/12/09

"...Lakeshore East residents can now take advantage of the Aqua pedway connection. Access can be gained from the 2nd level of the Aqua grand stair case or public outside elevator (northwest corner of the Lakeshore East Park)...current Aqua Pedway access is open to the Swissotel and the 303 E. Wacker building. Connection to the Fairmont Park Millennium Hotel will be coming soon..."

EarlyBuyer · #**5346** Posted **Nov 13, 2009, 2:42 AM**

Update released by Magellan 11/12/09

"...A quartet of America’s most distinguished architectural critics was Magellan dinner guests after convening recently in Chicago to discuss the future of cities worldwide.

Hosted by co-CEOs Jim Loewenberg and Joel Carlins and Chief Marketing Officer Robin Berger in one of Aqua’s club suites, the group included:

Christopher Hawthorne, architecture critic for the Los Angeles Times.

Paul Goldberger, architecture critic for The New Yorker and winner of a Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Criticism in 1984 while critic for the New York Times.

Sara Williams Goldhagen of the New Republic, critic, historian and theorist of modern architecture.

Edward Lifson, cultural critic and creator of the Chicago-based radio show and blog, “Hello Beautiful.”

The group had assembled earlier in the day as guests of the Chicago Architectural Foundation (CAF) for a panel discussion at Murphy Auditorium titled “Imagining the Future of the City.” The unique event provided Chicagoans a chance to hear the leaders of architectural criticism discuss the future of cities worldwide. With a focus on urban planning, infrastructure and architecture, the group explored how design serves as a catalyst for change.

Joining the group of architects, including Jeanne Gang and Mark Schendel of Studio Gang, Aqua design architects, was a distinguished assembly of CAF staff, donors and trustees.

Representing the CAF staff were CEO and President Lynn Osmond, Gregory Dreicer, VP of Exhibitions and Program and Charles Stanford, VP of Development..."

EarlyBuyer · #**5347** Posted **Nov 13, 2009, 2:47 AM**

Update released by Magellan 11/12/09

"...The City of Chicago task force will be out this week to inspect floors 63-67 for occupancy. 30-day notice of closings have been sent out through floor 67. Dry wall is substantially completed through floor 79. Closings are continuing this week..."

Ayreonaut · #**5348** Posted **Nov 13, 2009, 2:54 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigtime

I love this building, I can't wait to visit Chicago again to see it in person.

Same, minus the "again" part.

george · #**5349** Posted **Nov 14, 2009, 2:18 AM**

11-13-09

denizen467 · #**5350** Posted **Nov 14, 2009, 7:29 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlyBuyer

the group included:

Christopher Hawthorne, architecture critic for the Los Angeles Times.

Paul Goldberger, architecture critic for The New Yorker and winner of a Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Criticism in 1984 while critic for the New York Times.

Sara Williams Goldhagen of the New Republic, critic, historian and theorist of modern architecture.

Hope we can expect an Aqua review from Goldberger or one of these others. Or have they done one yet? Going forward, people on this forum who see any Aqua reviews from far-away publications, please post links here!

EarlyBuyer · #**5351** Posted **Nov 15, 2009, 5:54 AM**

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

EarlyBuyer · #**5352** Posted **Nov 15, 2009, 6:08 AM**

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

EarlyBuyer · #**5353** Posted **Nov 15, 2009, 6:19 AM**

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

denizen467 · #**5354** Posted **Nov 15, 2009, 6:39 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlyBuyer

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

It's "Field Blvd", no?
Regardless, it'd make more sense to refer to Park Drive or South Water or Benton I think (is this the connection from 303 ?).

EarlyBuyer · #**5355** Posted **Nov 15, 2009, 6:43 AM**

It is indeed Field Blvd.

You're right, this is the connection to 303 via the Swissotel. The connection to the Fairmont is not open yet.

Ch.G, Ch.G · #**5356** Posted **Nov 15, 2009, 8:03 AM**

^ It's embarrassing that people are paid to do that.

Steely Dan · #**5357** Posted **Nov 17, 2009, 4:57 PM**

does anyone know how the CTBUH's new rules might affect the official height for aqua? i'm guessing that measuring the building from the park level could add another 30 or so feet to this one.

ChiPsy · #**5358** Posted **Nov 17, 2009, 5:50 PM**

edit

EarlyBuyer · #**5359** Posted **Nov 18, 2009, 2:33 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steely Dan

does anyone know how the CTBUH's new rules might affect the official height for aqua? i'm guessing that measuring the building from the park level could add another 30 or so feet to this one.

Steely, I've been wondering the same thing.

the urban politician · #**5360** Posted **Nov 18, 2009, 3:15 AM**

Those BBQ grills on the podium are a nice touch.

I recently have become a born-again barbecue enthusiast--what a great way to spend an evening. I'd love to cook up some chicken, brats, & steaks with a couple of friends while sitting in a forest of great architecture