Who are these mysterious NIMBYs you think commented on the design? The building was merely shown at two neighborhood meetings last year, but no comments were asked for. I think B. Vic was the only person to comment on the design, though I asked if they’d be installing real curved glass.
The only discussions I’m aware of were about the height. We thought the landmark district would not allow anything over 425 feet, but were quickly informed that there was a new sheriff in town. If Landmarks had any staff comments or negotiations about having a base that respects the traditional Michigan Avenue cornice line, I don’t remember it being discussed at the Permit Review Committee. Instead, everyone patted themselves on the back that the Michigan Avenue Streetwall District finally had guidelines in place, even if the guidelines essentially were “south of Ninth, anything goes.”
I’ve been puzzled by the clumsiness of this design from the very beginning. Jahn has always been a very strong form-giver, even if the execution sometimes was mediocre. I can’t help but wonder if he’s trying to let others in the firm take the lead on this, as Helmut himself prepares for his retirement.
Cliff Dwellers and Friends of Downtown had
a presentation last Friday evening and the architect named was Phil Castillo, a partner at Jahn. I’m traveling, so couldn’t attend. The lecture flyer uses this language, presumably provided by the architecture firm:
The goal of the building’s design is to maximize the lake and park views, and to increase the relatively short Michigan Avenue street frontage of 113’-4” in a subtle and graceful way, as the Tower rises to a height of 832’. A 28’ high cutout between the base and tower condominium uses reinforcing the Michigan Avenue Street Wall. Two sweeping curved facades at the east and west facades define the tower. A sharp edge at the northeast and southwest corners slope outward as the building rises giving the tower a strong presence on the City’s skyline.
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