CHICAGO | 700 W. Chicago (Halsted Landing) | 4 Towers | 650 - 500 FT | 57 - 44 FLOORS

[lakeshoredrive]

What a mess.

[Steely Dan]

The political trash has been taken out to the alley.

Carry on without that stupid fucking shit, please.

[Randomguy34]

The silver lining to this is that developers are becoming more aware they can now force a zoning committee vote. Big and small developers may become more bold with proposing projects in NIMBY-land, and possibly help the alderman save face. Heck, someone could make a lot of money by buying land and securing zoning changes where it's difficult, and selling that land to a developer for a significantly higher price.

[r18tdi]

Originally Posted by Randomguy34

The silver lining to this is that developers are becoming more aware they can now force a zoning committee vote. Big and small developers may become more bold with proposing projects in NIMBY-land, and possibly help the alderman save face. Heck, someone could make a lot of money by buying land and securing zoning changes where it's difficult, and selling that land to a developer for a significantly higher price.

Maybe, but zoning attorneys aren't exactly cheap. Neither are the taxes and other carrying costs associated with hanging on the chunk of land in Chicago with the hopes that a well-off developer will want it in the future. Definitely a gamble, especially in this market...

[twister244]

https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics...mpaign=Newsletter-breaking-news-20250520

Good news here is that Omni is going to try to force a vote on this, as they should. What's crazy is even the Trade union is against all of this shit because it's costing them potential jobs. It's insane that we have Alderman that aren't standing up to this nonsense. This also includes our beloved mayor....

Despite today’s deferral, Onni can now push for a full City Council vote in June under a city zoning rule that allows stalled projects with significant affordable housing to force an up-or-down vote. The plan calls for 2,451 units of housing on a 7-acre property at 700 W. Chicago Ave., with 490 units set aside at affordable rates.

Before the vote, Mayor Brandon Johnson said at an unrelated press conference, “my preference is there’s labor peace before anything moves in this city."

[left of center]

Lack of housing is approaching crisis levels in this city (and country). Screw labor peace. Lets get more units built!

[BVictor1]

Originally Posted by left of center

Lack of housing is approaching crisis levels in this city (and country). Screw labor peace. Lets get more units built!

Seems like that more about getting financing. Plenty of projects in FM over the past years and they've yet to get money.

ONNI's other project at Halsted Point is already approved... North Union...

[twister244]

Originally Posted by BVictor1

Seems like that more about getting financing. Plenty of projects in FM over the past years and they've yet to get money.

ONNI's other project at Halsted Point is already approved... North Union...

Financing is a completely different topic here. Or at least that's what is being discussed in the article I posted.

This is an issue of a Union trying to leverage city alderman to ensure they can have a presence in a large project after completion.

The question of whether Omni can get the money to break ground is financing - This is something else. I'm not sure what the process has been like with other Omni projects in the city. Have they had to deal with this particular union in the same way?

[BVictor1]

Originally Posted by twister244

Financing is a completely different topic here. Or at least that's what is being discussed in the article I posted.

This is an issue of a Union trying to leverage city alderman to ensure they can have a presence in a large project after completion.

The question of whether Omni can get the money to break ground is financing - This is something else. I'm not sure what the process has been like with other Omni projects in the city. Have they had to deal with this particular union in the same way?

I'm aware of what you posted. i read the Crain's article and was at the Zoning meeting yesterday.

My comment was in reference to the overall housing issue LOC was talking about.

[twister244]

Originally Posted by BVictor1

I'm aware of what you posted. i read the Crain's article and was at the Zoning meeting yesterday.

My comment was in reference to the overall housing issue LOC was talking about.

Copy - Haven't had my morning coffee yet.....

[Randomguy34]

Universal Studios is planning to bring a horror attraction on the site. Onni wasn't planning to start construction on their development till 2029 anyway. It does feel weird Universal is moving forward with this development, unless Onni ended up withdrawing their plans

Universal Horror Unleashed: Chicago will transform a vacant commercial building, located across from the new Bally's Casino at 700 W. Chicago Ave., "into a world-class horror attraction and entertainment destination."

The experience is expected to open in 2027, bringing "terrifying mazes, unforgettable scares, themed bars, unique food and beverage offerings, and a retail space," according to the announcement.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, the city said, "following design finalization and permitting."

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/un...ience-to-chicago-city-announces/3776999/

[r18tdi]

So out of left field. I guess if Onni still can't get final approval on the resi plan, they might as well pivot to entertainment and try to ride momentum from the casino.

[twister244]

Yikes.... I don't see this as a good sign for this development. It has that "pickelball court going into 170 Green Street" vibe.......

[lakeshoredrive]

This is so infuriating and pathetic. I’m honestly just so angry right now. I hope this is temporary.

[left of center]

Unfortunate that this plot isn't getting redeveloped. The attraction itself is nice, I just wish it was the ground level of a larger/denser high rise project. I think putting it on Michigan Avenue would be a better idea. Lots of foot traffic and tourists, and plenty of vacant space, especially in upper levels.

Originally Posted by lakeshoredrive

This is so infuriating and pathetic. I’m honestly just so angry right now. I hope this is temporary.

If it's anything like DisneyQuest from the late 90s, it's got 3 years tops.

[bhawk66]

Idk, cheesy? Yes. But that area is suddenly bringing a growing tourism draw. Chicago can use all the extra tax dollars it can get. Good luck with infrastructure if this area blows up....more

[sentinel]

Originally Posted by Randomguy34

Universal Studios is planning to bring a horror attraction on the site. Onni wasn't planning to start construction on their development till 2029 anyway. It does feel weird Universal is moving forward with this development, unless Onni ended up withdrawing their plans




https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/un...ience-to-chicago-city-announces/3776999/

As a temporary thing, this seems kind of awesome!

[Zapatan]

Bizarre, but maybe sort of cool.

[Jstange059]

IIRC, I remember hearing that 700 W Chicago would only start construction until after ONNI finishes building out 901 N Halsted, which would be around 2030 if it was to be on track. So this attraction which I am almost certain will be temporary shouldn’t affect the timeline of this project. I myself welcome some temporary use to fill this site in the meantime

[Zapatan]

Originally Posted by Jstange059

IIRC, I remember hearing that 700 W Chicago would only start construction until after ONNI finishes building out 901 N Halsted, which would be around 2030 if it was to be on track. So this attraction which I am almost certain will be temporary shouldn’t affect the timeline of this project. I myself welcome some temporary use to fill this site in the meantime

If this is temporary that's way better, I wouldn't be surprised if both projects get pushed back since Halsted has yet to start (or even be approved IIRC)?