CHICAGO | Boom rundown - everything over 12 floors. v5

[honte]

^ Nah, Schaumburg sucks. Fine. I'm not giving that up either.

[Nowhereman1280]

Originally Posted by BVictor1

I know that I'd like to see something of impressive height built within the "retooling" of the area. I don't know if I have a specific height in mind, but I wouldn't be displeased if something of at least 700' were built that far south.

Anyone else want to weigh in?

I think there should be a clearly staged plan like LSE or Central Station that situates the tallest highrises along the lake side, with some taller ones also near the west side of the area. It would be nice to see a row of 500'-1000' highrises along the lake this far south. I know 1000' is asking a lot, but even a 700-800' building would do the trick.

Having really tall towers along the East side of this development would really create a nice wave or step effect with the 15-30 story Olympic village buildings stepping up to 40-80 story Prarie Shores towers.

I really see no reason why an innovative solution can not be reached that preserves at least some of the nicer specimens of these nice modern buildings.

[aaron38]

Originally Posted by VivaLFuego

Here's the whole collection:
http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/cushman/

There are some absolutely amazing views of the skyline from Adler, from 1941.
The Tribune Tower used to feature quite prominently in the 'postcard view', as did the Palmolive Building. You can't even see them anymore.

[BVictor1]

Originally Posted by Nowhereman1280

I think there should be a clearly staged plan like LSE or Central Station that situates the tallest highrises along the lake side, with some taller ones also near the west side of the area. It would be nice to see a row of 500'-1000' highrises along the lake this far south. I know 1000' is asking a lot, but even a 700-800' building would do the trick.

Having really tall towers along the East side of this development would really create a nice wave or step effect with the 15-30 story Olympic village buildings stepping up to 40-80 story Prarie Shores towers.

I really see no reason why an innovative solution can not be reached that preserves at least some of the nicer specimens of these nice modern buildings.

I think that the Olympic Village is being re-tooled. Remember, the city is trying to purchase Michael Reese and build it there. Hopefully, well be getting information on it soon.

[aaron38]

Originally Posted by Steely Dan

i also think schaumburg sucks from a planning perspective; are we no longer going to be allowed to take shots at chicagoland's favorite whipping boy out of fear of offending some who might there as well?

My first apartment was in Schaumburg. I couldn't buy a stick of gum without hopping in the car. Whip away, it deserves it!

[RockfordSoxFan]

With Lake Meadows being the next proposed mega-development at ~7,000 units. I am curious, what where the original plans for number of units proposed at Central Station vs what is actually being built. I know Lake Shore East built way below their zoned number of units. I dont remember... what those numbers were either. Thanks in advance, I am just trying to get a scope on how big this project is, and how much bigger or smaller in might end up.

[BVictor1]

I think that Lakeshore East reduced the amount of units by 1/2. I can recall ever seeing a figure for Central Station.

[spyguy]

According to Yo, 541 W. Cornelia is now officially dead with single family homes going up instead.

[aaron38]

Originally Posted by spyguy

According to Yo, 541 W. Cornelia is now officially dead with single family homes going up instead.

Oh that sucks, I'm a huge fan of that building. It was perfect for Lakeview. 1/2 a block from the lake, walking distance to Halsted and the Addison El. There are highrises on either side, it was a great lot.
Was it the neighbors who killed it, the complaint about the foundation?

Single family homes? On that lot? They'd get 2, 3 houses max. Utter bullshit.

[SamInTheLoop]

^ Although I'm always in favor of greater infill density, the design of this proposal was the very height of banality. It was just awful. It was classic "looks like design-build" junk from JDL...

[SamInTheLoop]

Originally Posted by honte

Please PM me when you think of an actual example of this...

The "I feel" was intended to signify that this is an opinion - ie fervent preservationists won't usually volunteer "I adore this little decrepit building so much I don't care how it continues to drag down the neighborhood - it should be saved"...

[SamInTheLoop]

Originally Posted by VivaLFuego

So why demolish a functioning neighborhood that embodies what planners already want (from the demographic perspective)? Isn't that just repeating the mistakes of 50s-era renewal? Why not just update, and not clearcut the whole neighborhood and displace all residents, thereby eliminating the community?

Well, although I have a background in urban and regional planning I'm not a fan of demographic planning (social engineering) to begin with....for instance - I believe the most effective way that government can promote affordable housing is to adopt policies that work with the market by encouraging increased supply - the opposite of developer affordable unit mandates, for example, which discourage supply, or for that matter grand subsidized housing schemes -whether low income or mixed income....

[VivaLFuego]

Originally Posted by SamInTheLoop

Well, although I have a background in urban and regional planning I'm not a fan of demographic planning (social engineering) to begin with....for instance - I believe the most effective way that government can promote affordable housing is to adopt policies that work with the market by encouraging increased supply - the opposite of developer affordable unit mandates, for example, which discourage supply, or for that matter grand subsidized housing schemes -whether low income or mixed income....

Exactly....so take this train of thought to the logical conclusion:

1. Mandated affordable units, which undoubtedly would be part of the development, would even drive up the cost of the "market-rate" units;
2. Current construction prices dictate that any new construction sells at a high price point anyway (true affordable housing will be pre-existing with city land and labor costs, no way around that);
3. Lake Meadows is currently affordable and diverse, and market-rate:

why demolish the housing units? It makes no sense.

[VivaLFuego]

Originally Posted by spyguy

According to Yo, 541 W. Cornelia is now officially dead with single family homes going up instead.

Guess they lost in court, then. That really bites, what an AWFUL site for single family homes. So what are we talking, two houses?

[VivaLFuego]

Originally Posted by spyguy

According to Yo, 541 W. Cornelia is now officially dead with single family homes going up instead.

Guess they lost in court, then. That really bites, what an AWFUL site for single family homes. So what are we talking, two houses?

[the urban politician]

^ Four

[harryc]

The core rises


Starting on the next floor up.

[honte]

Originally Posted by Jaroslaw

From the west:

OK guys, I have some "insider" stuff on this one.... Don't blow out the candles yet, but apparently the city is not taking kindly to the possible demolition of this building. As I gather, they are open to the hotel, but would like the building saved as a part of this.

Thanks to the Demo Delay Ordinance and a little luck that this building is on the list, they have the ability to landmark the structure in advance of any demolition permit being granted, if nothing else works. Hopefully we'll see a very nice compromise plan result.

[BVictor1]

^Excallent!

That's a beautiful structure that should be saved. There are plenty of vacant lots in the area that could be developed.

[the urban politician]

Great news. Thanks for the sleuthing Honte