CHICAGO | General Developments - Page 1387

wierdaaron · #**27721** Posted **Mar 16, 2015, 6:14 PM**

Here's that map I did over the weekend of my least favorite parking lots: http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2...ped-pronto.php

I didn't include any that already have active proposals that I know about. Poor Wabash =(

Tom Servo · #**27722** Posted **Mar 16, 2015, 6:34 PM**

Hilarious. Reminds me of the lists I'd draw up back when I was in high school, before I understood things like the real estate market, urban economics, or, in general, the concept of demand. But yes, someone call the skyscraper wizards and demand they develop these lots now! And they better all be at least 800' tall!!!

Oh, and yes, remove the parking lot from the Jewel. Awesome idea. Because getting groceries on foot is a viable thing.

Quote:

Chicago does not have a 'parking lot' problem. Surface parking lots are a means of mothballing real estate with the revenue paying for the low property taxes. When you think downtown Chicago you don't think parking lots.

-JimA in Chicago (via chicago.curbed.com)

RC Cola 23 · #**27723** Posted **Mar 16, 2015, 6:59 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshpabstphoto

Took this photo on the way to work this AM - didn't know what the river condition here was going to be - certainly seems different than what they've done elsewhere - like an amphitheater/stair/planter kind of detail - which I think would/will be really nice - and give the wacker drive sidewalk a more connected feel to the river.

Looks like this will be "The River Theater." I agree this has great potential.

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs...41.09%20AM.png

EDIT: Aaron beat me to it.

emathias · #**27724** Posted **Mar 17, 2015, 7:01 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wierdaaron

Here's that map I did over the weekend of my least favorite parking lots: http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2...ped-pronto.php

I didn't include any that already have active proposals that I know about. Poor Wabash =(

Just out of curiosity, why didn't you include any of these lots?:

Wells/Huron/Erie
Franklin/Huron/Orleans
Franklin/Huron/Erie
Franklin/Ontario/Ohio
Clark/Superior
Binny's lot
Chase at Franklin/Grand
Sedgwick/Huron
Orleans/Erie

wierdaaron · #**27725** Posted **Mar 17, 2015, 9:29 PM**

So, huh.

The Chicago Athletic Association hotel will apparently be called...... The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Wasn't expecting that.

Seems like they're going for a 30's-athletics aesthetic. Here's some room pics:

Promot website: http://chicagoathletichotel.com/

I find this very surprising. It doesn't look super appealing for a luxury-oriented traveler. If I saw "Athletic Association" on a priceline/orbitz/expedia search listings I'd think it was an error.

Ryanrule · #**27726** Posted **Mar 17, 2015, 10:27 PM**

really, the 30s? depression era?
maybe go back a decade?

sentinel · #**27727** Posted **Mar 17, 2015, 10:30 PM**

Who signed off on that shit?? The bathroom looks ok but the rest of it is terrible. Soho house, hotel Lincoln, the virgin hotel all do 'found' or 'nouveau distressed' hospitality interiors far better..this just looks...condescending. Hotel interiors are not easy to design (trust me), but I always find something to like in most properties. Not here - gross.

ardecila · #**27728** Posted **Mar 17, 2015, 11:07 PM**

Yeah those room interiors are underwhelming. On the other hand, there was so much money spent on restoring and upgrading the common spaces. I think the concept here is not too much different from the original concept of the CAA, minus the membership requirement. Basic, comfortable rooms with opulent social spaces for mixing and mingling.

This for a generation that grew up with fond memories of European hostels and now desires something with a touch more privacy. The luxurious, decadent, spa-like hotel rooms of the past are out.

ChiTownWonder · #**27729** Posted **Mar 18, 2015, 1:16 AM**

the bathrooms look great, but the rooms...

. the worst part is the floor. i dont see why those Navajo looking rugs and bedspread are there.

untitledreality · #**27730** Posted **Mar 18, 2015, 1:42 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardecila

Yeah those room interiors are underwhelming.

I am not directly involved with the project, but its quite obvious they put the squeeze on Roman and Williams with the interiors.

Just take a second and compare it to their work at the Viceroy in Manhattan: http://www.romanandwilliams.com/category/hotels/

the urban politician · #**27731** Posted **Mar 18, 2015, 1:48 AM**

^ I don't know. I don't see what the issue is with the interior. Looks fine to me

harryc · #**27732** Posted **Mar 18, 2015, 2:35 AM**

(some are just chillin)

george · #**27733** Posted **Mar 18, 2015, 3:36 AM**

3/17

Bloomingdale Trail Bridge at Milwaukee & Leavitt

XIII · #**27734** Posted **Mar 18, 2015, 12:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wierdaaron

Here's that map I did over the weekend of my least favorite parking lots: http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2...ped-pronto.php

I didn't include any that already have active proposals that I know about. Poor Wabash =(

Wabash got a little bit of good news today
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/reale...artments-hotel

BuildThemTaller · #**27735** Posted **Mar 18, 2015, 1:05 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wierdaaron

So, huh.

The Chicago Athletic Association hotel will apparently be called...... The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Wasn't expecting that.

I kind of like it! It creates a brand that is consistent with the name and history of the building. It also reminds me of late 19th century exercise equipment, which was most definitely the realm of the well-to-do. My first thought was of the Biltmore Estate, home of George Vanderbilt and largest private residence in the United States. Take a look.

pilsenarch · #**27736** Posted **Mar 18, 2015, 1:32 PM**

^Yeah, put me in the column of really like it.... a breath of fresh uniqueness in hotel design with an incredible amount of thoughtful detailing throughout...

joeg1985 · #**27737** Posted **Mar 18, 2015, 1:52 PM**

This hotel is pretty genius actually. Hipsters/Millenials are going to eat this up. The theme boutique hotel is a huge niche market. Finally something original in Chicago. This is the kind of hotel that even folks that live in the city would want to go stay a night in. Also, the pictures look as though the idea has been executed really well. All that vintage repurposed gym equipment looks pretty good. It will be interesting to see the common space interiors and what they did with those. I bet this place is a big success.

munchymunch · #**27738** Posted **Mar 18, 2015, 1:55 PM**

John buck chosen for tribune site
[URL="http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20150317/CRED03"]http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20150317/CRED03/150319782/tribune-chooses-partner-for-riverside-development[\URL]

Stunnies23 · #**27739** Posted **Mar 18, 2015, 2:11 PM**

A good article that explains how even Lincoln Park lost population last decade due to arcane zoning laws and aldermanic privilege. The article was then posted to reddit where the masses were educated and left semi pro-urban comments. Any pro urban article I come across in the future I will post there as well to help get our cause out to the general public.
http://danielkayhertz.com/2015/03/16...he-whole-city/
http://www.reddit.com/r/chicago/comm...north_side_is/

lu9 · #**27740** Posted **Mar 18, 2015, 2:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by george

3/17

Bloomingdale Trail Bridge at Milwaukee & Leavitt

Starting to come together. I'll reserve judgement until the support piers are removed. A nice paint job will help as well. My main concern is the random support beams between the three arches. Those aren't very elegant.