Lakeshore East is an enormous complex situated on what once was land used by the Illinois Central Railroad rail yards and was intended to be part of the Illinois Center.

Master plan by SOM:
http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/9773/1769972xc.jpg

Maps showing Lakeshore East in relationship with its surroundings:
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7858/lseneigh7jh.jpg
http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/695/le28nc.png

This complex is one of the largest in the US under construction right now.
Only 9.7 out of 14.5 million sq. ft will be utilized
5,000 residential units planned
6 acre park
14 residential towers
2 office towers
Future elementary school for residents (either in or around complex)
Market place as well as other convenience shopping

Tower Name/ Height/ Floors/ Completion Date
Aqua 250 m 82 2009
340 on the Park 205 m 64 2007
The Tides 152 m 51 2008
The Regatta 142 m 45 2007
The Shoreham 137 m 47 2005
The Chandler 118 m 36 2008
The Lancaster 99 m 30 2005
Coast at Lakeshore East 130 m 49 2013
375 East Wacker 281m 76
Lakeshore East Building 2-O 198 m 2008
Lakeshore East Building 2-A 168 m 2008
Lakeshore East Building 3-I 160 m 2010
Lakeshore East Building 1-K 128 m
Lakeshore East Building 3-J 104 m 2010
Lakeshore East Building 3-L 85 m 2010

Completed
Under Construction
Approved
Proposed

Completed:
Aqua
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2540/3704626584_fae8c17ae9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/b24chicago/3704626584/)
Aqua (http://www.flickr.com/photos/b24chicago/3704626584/) by b24chicago (http://www.flickr.com/people/b24chicago/), on Flickr

340 On The Park (from scb.com)
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/8901/40060472yu2.jpg

The Tides
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5010034922_2bd3b1aea4_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/compujeramey/5010034922/)
The Tides and The Shoreham (http://www.flickr.com/photos/compujeramey/5010034922/) by compujeramey (http://www.flickr.com/people/compujeramey/), on Flickr

The Regatta (from dplusp.com)
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/8733/untitled1ey9.jpg

The Shoreham
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2594413925_95ea9d0d5a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zol87/2594413925/)
The Shoreham (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zol87/2594413925/) by Zol87 (http://www.flickr.com/people/zol87/), on Flickr

The Chandler (from dplusp.com)
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/1200/untitled2fa8.jpg

The Lancaster
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/2595249524_efec6b571a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zol87/2595249524/)
The Lancaster (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zol87/2595249524/) by Zol87 (http://www.flickr.com/people/zol87/), on Flickr

Village Market
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u291/kdickert/VMCLSE2.jpg

ParkHomes (from Magellan Sells (http://magellansells.com/search-item.html?listid=289))
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2069/aptb7mqbuvc182nharbordr.jpg

Under Construction
Coast at Lakeshore East- site preparation
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8113/buildinga1.jpg


Approved

Proposed
Arquitectonica Proposal (375 East Wacker)
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/5769/arquitectonicacolorno4.jpg

edsg25, Check out this thread on how to post pics, don't worry, it took me a while to figure it out as well.

How to add pics to your post. (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=59844)

I use Fotopic for hosting my pics, it is free and relatively easy to do.

As for Lakeshore East, I have done some walking around there as well, and I like what's going on. That park is going to change a lot over the years as they construct new buildings. I think it's funny that in an ad for one of the buildings, The Lancaster, the rendering shows a huge amount of park space, but they don't tell you that there will be many more buildings added to that park space in the future and the vast park shown will not be that way for long.

This article is more about Millenium Park's influence on some Loop residential megaprojects, but still has some good info on LSE...


Chicago - It takes a park to raise a village

http://www.theslatinreport.com/pictures/millenparkpix%20002.jpg
Lakeshore East is rising on a 28-acre site just north of the park.

http://www.theslatinreport.com/pictures/millenparkpix%20001.jpg
First to be built: The Lancaster, with 209 condos.


http://www.theslatinreport.com/pictures/millenparkpix%20003.jpg
The Regatta, 60% sold and slated for late '05 opening.

"Just how much did the park cost?" queries a reporter. Daley spreads his hands about two feet apart. But reflected in the curving mirror-like surface of the Kapoor behind him, the distance between hizzoner da mare's hands stretches the entire 66-foot width of the bean-like sculpture.

Such has been the debate over Millennium Park's price tag. Plagued by steep cost overruns and delays that postponed the park's unveiling years beyond its scheduled 2000 debut, Daley's pet project has met with its share of criticism.

But since its gala July 16th grand opening, the nay saying has fallen off more steeply than Sammy Sosa's batting average.

"One hundred years from now, no one will remember the cost," more than a few have opined, their eyes still glassy after touring the 25-acre fountain- and garden-dotted blanket of green. "All people will care about is that Chicago boasts this world-class lakefront treasure."

That's yet to be seen. But what can't be disputed is the zest with which developers are building high-rise residences around Millennium Park and with which buyers are snapping them up.

Just west of the park, the luxurious new 57-story Heritage at Millennium Park condo is 99% sold, and the buyers reportedly include Daley himself. To the north of the park, a new development forest of 17 high-rises called Lakeshore East is starting to sprout on 28 acres of vacant land. And the park has been a catalyst for condo development up and down its Michigan Avenue border.

Among the more notable examples are an adaptive reuse of a Victorian-vintage building that once housed catalog giant Montgomery Ward at 6 North Michigan Ave., and the creation of The Columbian, a 46-story condominium building at 1160 South Michigan Ave.

Nowhere has the park's influence been more evident than in its ability to help launch Lakeshore East. The tract upon which that development sits, bordered by the Chicago River on the north, Lake Shore Drive on the east, Randolph Street on the south and Columbus Drive on the west, was once the largest undeveloped parcel of downtown land in any major U.S. city.

In the 1960s, urban planners decided it would serve as the site of a mega-development called Illinois Center. But the crumbling economy of the 1970s deep-sixed the eastern half of the retail-and-office complex.

Briefly considered as the location of a new Chicago Bears stadium in the 1980s, the site was later reborn as a nine-hole downtown golf course.

Joel Carlin, president of Chicago's Magellan Development Group, was lining up a putt at the sixth hole one day when he determined to find out who owned this "fabulous piece of land." In 2002, with the rich potential of neighbor Millennium Park increasingly apparent, Magellan teamed with Chicago's Near North Properties and led an investment group in purchasing the land. Then the group assigned the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill to craft a master plan.

The result is a $2.5-billion development program that by its conclusion, around 2020, will yield nothing less than an entirely new city neighborhood in the heart of downtown Chicago-one that is just steps from the visual enticements and entertainment lures of Millennium Park.

Encircling the project's own green centerpiece, six-acre Harbor Park, will be 4,950 residences; more than two million square feet of commercial space; 1,300 hotel rooms, and a public school accommodating up to 350 students. San Jose-based KMD Architects has already designed a village center that will house a gourmet grocery, restaurants, shops, cafes and service businesses.

The Lancaster, the first condominium tower to be built in Lakeshore East, stands a block north of Millennium Park and is slated for occupancy late this year. Its 209 condos, priced at $250,000 to $900,000, are 92% sold. Another condominium building, The Regatta, offers 324 units priced from $210,000 to $1.1 million, and is 60% sold. Magellan Development hopes to break ground on The Regatta this autumn, for a late 2005 opening.

In terms of prominence, however, these and other buildings will take a back seat to 340 On The Park. The jewel in Lakeshore East's crown, this 62-story luxury tower perched on the park's northern periphery is scheduled to begin construction later this year, with first occupancies in 2007. Its 350 one- to four-bedroom condos, as well as top-floor penthouse units, are priced from the high $300,000 range to several million dollars for the penthouses.

Developed by Chicago's LR Development Company in partnership with Magellan, the sleek glass tower will feature curving east- and west-side walls to maximize views of Millennium Park south and Harbor Park north.

While other buildings might tuck common areas in the basement or rear, 340 On The Park will plunk its club room, fitness center and 25-yard pool in a 25th-floor 360-degree space overlooking Millennium, Harbor and Grant Parks.

Clearly, Lakeshore East's creators are heeding Daniel Burnham's admonition to "make no small plans." But some skeptics have voiced concern about the potential impact of adding almost 5,000 residences to a 28-acre parcel in one of Chicagoland's densest areas.

Whether the

two- and three-level roadways bordering the community on all four sides will accommodate the expected glut of motorists remains to be seen.

Given predictions the number of downtown Chicago housing units could double between 2003 and 2020, a car-free existence may turn out to be the optimal solution for those in Lakeshore East and elsewhere.

But for now, in the giddy afterglow of Millennium Park's unveiling, folks just seem happy to be close to this urban oasis. "I can't overstate how important the park is to the residential development around it," says Andrew Warner, sales and market director of The Heritage at Millennium Park. "It will be Chicago's version of Central Park."

Given predictions the number of downtown Chicago housing units could double between 2003 and 2020, a car-free existence may turn out to be the optimal solution for those in Lakeshore East and elsewhere.

^ My favorite quote in the whole article

Oh, and BTW, isn't one of those highrises supposed to have a huge archway that looms over the development? The depictions of it are breathtaking! I hope that is still in the plans..

Just for centrality's sake, can someone put the picture of 340' on the park here? Whenever I feel like ogling it, it always takes me a while to find it through some long list of threads.

Ask, and yee shall recieve...

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/5298340_on_the_park.jpg

http://63.240.68.115/FirmFiles/95/images/image%5F340%2D8%2Ejpg

http://63.240.68.115/FirmFiles/95/images/image%5F340%2D1%2Ejpg

http://63.240.68.115/FirmFiles/95/images/image%5F340%2D6%2Ejpg

http://63.240.68.115/FirmFiles/95/images/image%5F340%2D7%2Ejpg

http://63.240.68.115/FirmFiles/95/images/image%5F340%2D3%2Ejpg

http://63.240.68.115/FirmFiles/95/images/image%5F340%2D2%2Ejpg

Long time lurker, first time poster!

I work in the east Loop and walk by Lakeshore East 3 or 4 times a week. The Lancaster is topped out and the tower crane for that building was starting to come down last Thursday. The two fountains in the park appear to be structurally complete and now electricians are working on the lighting. A small playground is in place (complete with swings, jungle gym, etc.) and lots of trees were on site last Friday, ready for planting.

As far as I can tell, The Regatta has not started construction yet. What I can only assume to be a parking garage on the east side of the development was getting some attention last week.

340 on The Park has not started construction yet either.

Yes, and the arch?

muhaha, another chicagoer to join our unholy army. (welcome)

Wut arch?

the north-south axis of lakeshore east (centered on the park) has a projected high rise on its north end that contains a huge arch in its base that opens up the view to the river and the various levels of wacker.

http://lakeshoreeast.com/

the north-south axis of lakeshore east (centered on the park) has a projected high rise on its north end that contains a huge arch in its base that opens up the view to the river and the various levels of wacker.

http://lakeshoreeast.com/

Yes, and to me it's the most beautiful part of the project. If that is not incorporated, then I will be very dissappointed.

Yes, and to me it's the most beautiful part of the project. If that is not incorporated, then I will be very dissappointed.

fully agree with you on that, but i must admit there is a lot i like about LSE.
to put in a generous 6 acre park this close to Grant Pk, Millennium, etc., is extraordinary. the townhouses surrounding it are a very humanly scaled decision. the plans for the market place sound very good. I think this project is going to be outstanding.

the north-south axis of lakeshore east (centered on the park) has a projected high rise on its north end that contains a huge arch in its base that opens up the view to the river and the various levels of wacker.

AGH, I may be daft, but I'm not seeing where the heck you're getting this info from.

A good place to find out more about Lakeshore east is to stop by their sales center on State St. near the corner of State and Chicago. There the people are more than happy to show models, pass out brochures, answer questions, etc. I did that about 6 months ago (when I was last in town) and got some good pictures of 340 on the Park (long before one could obtain them on the internet).

i got a bunch of pics of that arch on my computer, but there is no way to put it on this forum w/o hosting, which im just too lazy to do. Try searching SSP for it. It definatly does exist, and its quite amazing actually. It really does add a lot to the Riverfront side of the project...

Urban Politican, do they have material there that they do not have on their web site? And where exactly from the intersection of State and Chgo...I've been by there a lot and never saw it (I hope I don't have to go into Holy Name and ask a priest for a copy)

An interesting article today about the effect of Millennium park on nearby residential growth:


September 06, 2004
Park stokes condo sales
New East Side views, locale wow buyers


By Alby Gallun



The buzz surrounding Millennium Park's July opening is stoking sales at nearby condo projects, with buyers standing in line for hours to put down deposits, and sales contracts being signed at a faster pace than any other downtown neighborhood.
The $475-million park is "going to light up that area," says Jason Vargas, a 37-year-old marketing executive who, along with his wife, is buying a three-bedroom condo on the 15th floor of the Columbian, a 46-story tower going up at Michigan Avenue near Roosevelt Road.


continued below

Advertisement






"Without a doubt, (Millennium Park) was a big reason" the Vargases want to live in the area — so much so that they waited three hours, along with 500 others, to make a deposit on a unit when the Columbian's sales office opened on a Saturday in mid-July.
"It was absolutely packed," recalls Myranda Zarlengo-Vargas, a 29-year-old photographer.

The Vargases declined to say how much they're paying, but three-bedroom condos at the Columbian range from about $700,000 to $1.6 million. So far, buyers have reserved 150, or 68%, of the building's 220 units, says Andrew Warner, vice-president of Chicago-based Equity Marketing Services Inc., the sales agent for the Columbian.

Looking south

The neighborhood, which real estate agents have dubbed the New East Side, stretches roughly from Millennium Park's northern border at East Randolph Street south to Roosevelt Road, the southern border of Grant Park. It includes projects like the Heritage at Millennium Park, a nearly sold-out 57-story tower at the park's northwest corner (Mayor Richard M. Daley is buying a unit there) and Britannica Centre, an 80-year-old Graham Anderson Probst & White-designed office tower at 310 S. Michigan Ave. that's being converted into a 220-unit luxury condo building.


Long-awaited: Myranda Zarlengo-Vargas and Jason Vargas are buying a condo at the Columbian. Photo: Brett Kramer
"The opening of Millennium Park has had a huge effect on the market," says Gail Lissner, vice-president of Appraisal Research Counselors Ltd., a Chicago-based consulting firm that tracks downtown condo sales. "It's really pulling that center of gravity (in the condo market) southward."

According to Appraisal Research, buyers signed contracts in the second quarter for 226 condo units in the Loop/New East Side, an area bordered by Lake Michigan to the east, the Chicago River to the north and west and Congress Parkway to the south. No other downtown submarket had more new contracts.

Moreover, the Loop/New East Side accounted for nearly 24% of the new downtown condo contracts in the first half of the year, vs. 9% for all of 2003, according to Appraisal Research.

Sales have been brisk at projects like 340 on the Park, a 62-story, 343-unit building at 340 E. Randolph St. with units ranging from $315,000 to $4 million. The developer, Chicago-based LR Development Co., started taking reservations for units and had 140 by the end of June.

Though condos are still cheaper south of the Chicago River, the price gap appears to be narrowing.

In mid-2003, a three-bedroom, two-bath unit at the Heritage at Randolph Street and Wabash Avenue ranged from $633,500 to $683,000, or $383 to $413 a square foot. At the end of the second quarter of this year, the same unit listed for $760,500 to $795,500, or $460 to $481 a square foot.

The average price per square foot at the Heritage is now $592, which makes it the highest-priced project near Millennium Park, even more expensive than, say, Riverview Tower II, just west of Lake Shore Drive in Streeterville, which averages $455. Still, the most expensive downtown condo developments remain north of the river: Trump International Tower averages $880 a square foot, and a unit at 65 E. Goethe St. in the Gold Coast averages $812.

Perks, views

The appeal of the Millennium Park area, buyers say, is the mix of amenities — the new park, the cultural attractions and the proximity to Loop offices. Then there's the view.

"You're right on the lakefront. You've got incredible views anywhere you look," says Gail Fitzpatrick, a 52-year-old finance executive who's buying a two-bedroom unit on the 46th floor of 340 on the Park.

Park views command a premium. At the Columbian, for instance, east-facing units have sold for an average of $516 a square foot, 54% more than the $336 a square foot for units facing west.

To be sure, a parkside project is no slam dunk. A 129-unit redevelopment at 6 N. Michigan Ave. is on hold: Its lender foreclosed on the development, which was plagued with construction problems, and in July sued the developers for fraud. But that was more a matter of execution than location.

Condo speculators, who try to flip units for a profit, may also be driving the strong sales around Millennium Park, says Ms. Lissner of Appraisal Research. Speculators remain a concern for some observers, who worry they're inflating demand for units, giving developers the sales they need to get projects off the ground, leading ultimately to a condo glut. And some speculators never close on their units, saddling developers with extra inventory.

Urban Politican, do they have material there that they do not have on their web site? And where exactly from the intersection of State and Chgo...I've been by there a lot and never saw it (I hope I don't have to go into Holy Name and ask a priest for a copy)


Yes, they have a 3-D model, some better pictures, and they are available to answer questions (as opposed to us speculating on this forum).
The sales center is on State St near Chicago on the west side of the street. If you could not find it than perhaps they moved..

The Lakeshore East sales center is in One Superior Place (just north of Blockbuster)... located on State between Huron and Superior.

geoff, do you know what the temporary building is at the far east end of upper wacker (where it ends)...i thought that was a sales office, too; am i wrong.

It sure looks like a sales center to me. I guess it's possible that they could have two? Maybe it's a construction office?

Maybe it's a construction office?

It's a sales center for Lakeshore East. . . don't know what's become of the one at Superior Place. . .

The one next door to BlockBuster on State and Huron is still open. I was by there on Saturday.

I can't wait for this to be complete, it's very nice looking.

Snapped a few shots today when I was in the park.

Here's the latest progress on the Shoreham:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/shoreham_090704.jpg

And here's the Lancaster, all nice and topped out :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lancaster_090704.jpg

Okay, so, yes, we're naughty. Tiffani and I took this glorious Sunday to sneak into Lakeshore East and do a bit of site-seeing. Originally, my intention was just to poke around the site a bit and get some photos for you guys, but, what can I say? I couldn't resist the temptation that lay in front of me. Getting inside the Shoreham proved to be a very easy task and we decided to go up as high as we could. We ran out of railings on the stairs around the 20th floor, and by the 27th, we plumb ran out of stairs :(. At any rate, here's some of the shots that I got while there. I really hope everyone enjoys as we went to a lot of trouble to bring these to you :)

I believe this is the space that will be occupied by the Regatta (sp?):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120401.jpg

Looking at the grand staircase that leads out of the park and perimeter drive:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120404.jpg

One of the fountains in the central park:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120405.jpg

One of the lighting fixtures that ring the park (inside of the perimeter):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120406.jpg

The northern portion of the perimeter road that rings the park (looking east):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120407.jpg

One of the lighting fixtures that surround the perimeter drive:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120408.jpg

Overview of the western half of the site from Middle Wacker:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120409.jpg

Exterior shot of the Shoreham from Middle Wacker:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120410.jpg

Looking down at the portion of the site just off the eastern-most edge of the Shoreham (from about the 20th floor):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120411.jpg

Looking southwest across the site toward the future location of 340 on the Park (from about the 20th floor of the Shoreham):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120412.jpg

Looking down on the middle and western-most portions of the central park (from the 27th floor):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120413.jpg

Looking down on the eastern portion of the central park (from the 27th floor):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120414.jpg

Looking north from a unit on the 27th floor:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120415.jpg

Another shot of the fountains in the park:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120416.jpg

Another shot of the grand staircase:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120417.jpg

The eastern-most portion of the site (where I assume Target will be):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120418.jpg

Looking west across the site from the 27th floor:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120419.jpg

Exterior shot of the Lancaster from the 27th of the Shoreham:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lancaster_exterior_09120401.jpg

Some of the facade treatment already applied at the base of the Shoreham:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/shoreham_exterior_09120401.jpg

Interior shot of the 9th floor of the Shoreham:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/shoreham_interior_09120401.jpg

15th floor elevator bank in the Shoreham:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/shoreham_interior_09120403.jpg

Looking down a framed-out hallway on the 6th floor of the Shoreham:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/shoreham_interior_09120404.jpg

Southwest portion of the Shoreham's first level:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/shoreham_interior_09120405.jpg

View from a unit around the 15th floor of the Shoreham:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/shoreham_interior_09120407.jpg

Same view from the entry-foyer of the 15th floor unit:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/shoreham_interior_09120408.jpg

Looking west across an unframed floor in the Shoreham:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/shoreham_interior_09120409.jpg

Again, looking west across and unframed floor:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/shoreham_interior_09120410.jpg

Northwest view from the 27th floor:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/shoreham_interior_09120411.jpg

That's all for now... anyone who wants to go out there next weekend... let me know... I might be up for trying to get into the Lancaster :)

Great spy photos! Anyhow the Regatta will be situated east and north of the Shoreham along Wacker Drive. . . the space in the photo you posted is likely going to be filled in with townhomes or possibly some commercial structure. . .

Ahhh... I know exactly where you're talking about :) Thanks.

Geoff, Thanks for the urban exploration. Great pics, I am guessing you had to climb all of those stairs to the 27th floor? That's quite a climb.

WOWZERS, GD! The urban explorer has brought home the bounty! It's pictorographic explorers like you, Qwerty, and Goonsta who make visiting this site so rewarding :)

Even though it shall take many years, I can't wait for Lakeshore East to be complete. It will be the ultimate urban neighborhood. Shops, a school, grand staircase with a park and fountains, all like a valley surrounded by highrises in the middle of downtown Chicago. I'm sure buses will come around Harbor Drive and take riders off into their jobs in the loop. Ahh, I look forward to this masterpiece coming into fruition! Some day I will live in Lakeshore East..

I *heart* Geoff!

Those pictures of Lancaster has been one of the rare instances for me where the actual building has far surpassed the renderings in design quality and aesthetics.

Lakeshore East will simply be amazing when completed. Now... it just needs some CTA connections...

Glad everyone's enjoying :) And yes... we had to climb all the way to the top (the breakers for the construction elevators had pad-locks on 'em) :(

Lakeshore East will never get an 'L line.
It, however, would be a great place to experiment on light rail. Imagine, a trolley running around Harbor Drive and taking office workers into the loop.

Nevertheless, the best CTA connection for Lakeshore East would be a trolley/bus running around Harbor Drive and taking riders to State and Randolph. From there, riders can 1) take the elevated train wherever, 2) take the Red Line Subway, 3) walk somewhere, 4) Take the State St. bus, or 5) Take the Block 37 express trains to the airports!

Lakeshore East will never get an 'L line.
It, however, would be a great place to experiment on light rail. Imagine, a trolley running around Harbor Drive and taking office workers into the loop.

Never expected an L line, I meant something like a strong bus connection or, as you say, a light rail/trolley line.

Plus, it would be a good time to also connect streeterville/gold coast as well, eh?

I don't really feel like the Gold Coast is lacking connectivity... Streeterville, on the other hand, is a whole 'nother story.

The #60 bus goes to the far eastern end of Randolph right now, I would imagine that all they need to do is extend it's run. Beisides, most of the folks living there won't be taking public transit, if they don't drive, they will take a taxi.

great photos you got for us!

so what else is going to be open when residents start moving into the towers? I would have thought that it would be a good idea to have more than two towers ready in addition to the townhomes, the park, and the retail ready before _anyone_ moved in... so that it wouldn't seem so much like a construction site.

^
Sadly... Developers could care less about their buyers living in a construction zone. For them it's all about closing on the units, paying off construction loans, and reaping huge profits.

Awesome stealth pics, Geoff!!! Thanks for sharin'. It must have been a blast walking around that site... (with those empty dirt streets, it kind o' has an "Omega Man" quality to it. :))

Amazing pictures!

What is really begining to hit me is how DENSE and MASSIVE this project really is. Randolph street east of the Aon has always been bleak and dead. I wonder if, once LSE is complete, will become a busy downtown street? Same applies to the eastern tip of Wacker Dr. I hope that the entire LSE neighborhood will be vibrant and full of pedestrians and cars on the streets, instead of a quiet residential 'highrise suburb', so to speak. Im leaning on that it will. I got very high hopes for LSE.

great photos you got for us!

so what else is going to be open when residents start moving into the towers? I would have thought that it would be a good idea to have more than two towers ready in addition to the townhomes, the park, and the retail ready before _anyone_ moved in... so that it wouldn't seem so much like a construction site.

Harbor Park, as well as the new LSE school, will be already open and ready by the time the first residents begin moving in to the Lancaster and Shoreham. Im not sure about any retail will be available then. The townhomes will be well under construction by the time the Lancaster gets flooded with moving vans.

What is really begining to hit me is how DENSE and MASSIVE this project really is. Randolph street east of the Aon has always been bleak and dead. I wonder if, once LSE is complete, will become a busy downtown street? Same applies to the eastern tip of Wacker Dr. I hope that the entire LSE neighborhood will be vibrant and full of pedestrians and cars on the streets, instead of a quiet residential 'highrise suburb', so to speak. Im leaning on that it will. I got very high hopes for LSE.

Unless some significant changes happen, I doubt you will see a "busy downtown street" scenario on Randolph. The south side of the street east of Aon is all park or open space. There is the Richard J. Daley Bicentennial Plaza and to the east of that is the Richard & Annette Bloch Cancer Survivor Park. The north side of the street is either residential high-rises or soon to be high-rises (340 on the Park). The only spot I could see any real potential for some development is above lower Randolph. Upper Randolph "narrows" at the main enterance to LSE so lower Randolph is "exposed" east of there. The road could be decked and shops, restaurants, etc. placed over the top of it. This would only be a block long though. I suppose some development could happen at the intersection of Harbor Drive and upper Randolph but that property is part of the large condo complex there. Again, some changes would be required to get some stuff in there.

Don't get me wrong, I believe there will be plenty of pedestrian traffic in the area but I'm afraid there just won't be much retail.

Actually, I wouldn't bank on the school being finished in time for first occupancy. LSE School is supposed to occupy the northeast corner of Harbor Park, which, as you can see from some of the pictures, has already been filled in with dirt and trees. It looks to me like they're going to build the park, and then come back a few years later and put the school in when the demand is there.

As far as people living in a perpetual construction site for the next 15 years, they should be well aware of what they're getting themselves into before they ever sign on the dotted line, so, I certainly don't blame the developer.

Amazing pictures!

What is really begining to hit me is how DENSE and MASSIVE this project really is. Randolph street east of the Aon has always been bleak and dead. I wonder if, once LSE is complete, will become a busy downtown street? Same applies to the eastern tip of Wacker Dr. I hope that the entire LSE neighborhood will be vibrant and full of pedestrians and autos on the streets, instead of a quiet residential 'highrise suburb', so to speak. Im leaning on that it will. I got very high hopes for LSE.

I agree. The neighborhood looks like it will be self-sufficient and walkable. I believe it will be full of pedestrians. Remember, approximately 10,000 people on about 30 acres of land, with a school! If LSE were built as just residential towers with no retail or a school, then I could expect highrise suburbia. But I think that will not be the case here.

Regarding transit, I think people will use CTA buses. Even people with money who own cars will probably use it to get their jobs in the loop. I mean seriously, who wants to spend 10-15$ or more per day to park in a garage? Besides, 2/3 of all transit users in the Chicago area own cars!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/shoreham_interior_09120411.jpg

:master:

Let's give him a big round of applause
:applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause:

Thank you thank you! *bows*

But seriously, no takers on another little excursion this weekend?

geoff,

thanks for sharing these fantastic photos. What a development. I get a kick out of seeing the oldest building in the area (what once was Outer Drive East) interrelating to all the new around it. I remember when ODE was out there on the tip of Randolph Street, all by its lonesome. I'm afraid I'm showing my age.

Here's a question I asked before but nobody was able to answer (I'll try again): does anyone have any info. the marketplace at LSE? I've only scene the sketchiet and most incomplete pix on the net for it (through the developers website). ANyone know more about it?

Geoff,

Here's a warning for you. We better not hear any stories of you being in the S-T building, taking pictures, when the building is imploded. Although I'm sure such pictures could easily Trump the ones you took of Lakeshore East!

This article is more about Millenium Park's influence on some Loop residential megaprojects, but still has some good info on LSE...


Chicago - It takes a park to raise a village



The Hillary Clinton Memorial Severed Penis Park

??????

Rofl, I'll be sure to steer clear of the S-T during demo... but, rest assured if that shit happens during the week... I WILL be taking a day off of school for it!

Regarding the marketplace, I haven't seen any pictures either :( So, I can't help ya!

The eastern-most portion of the site (where I assume Target will be):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Construction/lakeshoreeast_site_09120418.jpg

Based on the site plan, it actually appears like the area you are talking about in this picture ^ will be the site of several highrises. I doubt that the Target will be there. Below is the site plan for Lakeshore East, I apologize it is difficult to read. But if you notice, the eastern-most portion is where a ring of highrises will be located.

http://www.lakeshoreeast.com/images/map_hood_thumb.gif

According to the lady at the sales center, most of the retail will be located at the southwest portion of the site. Although, my understanding is that the Shoreham will have ground level retail

Interesting. That's good to know and I appreciate the head's up :) It was all speculation on my part anyway! :)

There will be a retail component to LSE, but it will hardly go the direction of being a Target (and why would it...how far away is Roosevelt and Clark?).

There is supposed to be a marketplace setting with the type of upscale stores (gourmet market) that would be consistent with LSE. The website for the development has a sketches of what this complex could look like, as well as the company developing it (which also contains the same sketches...very sketchy sketches...as the LSE website does)

My guess: this complex will be a scaled down, neighborhood oriented development akin to River East Center (North Pier) with some competition for Fox & Obel.

Well, last I heard... there was definately a Target coming to the development. Could just be rumor though.

I went by Lk Sh E today. I don't know if Geoff's pix show this (took too long to load for me to find out), but trees are already going in to the park's NE corner (I don't believe I say them in his pix).

Also, it looks like grading work is being done for the townhouses that surround the park.

One thing that surprised me on this project: why is the park and some of the new high rises submerged to the lowest level of LSE/Ill Ctr? Is there a reason why the park, the town houses, and the new highrises weren't built up to the same level (upper Wacker, upper Randolph) as the rest of the area, instead of depressed in the middle with a hill?

They are being built at what was the grade level after the golf-course was ousted. I can only imagine that the cost would have been prohibitive to fill the area to the level of Upper, or even Middle Wacker. I just hope that they put some sort of sidewalk system in for people to have direct access from the upper levels of Wacker Drive directly into the buildings (without having to go down a set of stairs)... but, this probably won't happen :(

Does this mean no frontage onto Wacker? Ich, I'm suddenly having scary thoughts of Corbusier-ian suburbs in the sky...

the frontage on Wacker should actually be similiar to the frontage on Randolph; the intention is to create an E. Wacker streetwall. The depression is only in the middle of the development. As geoff said, the new park and surrounding land come off of the old golf course.

I have a sense that the building with the archway on Wacker will be the point of access from the park area to the river.

The only negatives I see with the sunken area is that it means some uphill walks. Also, in LSE's ad's which show the park, the walls of the higher portions that surround it like bare. Since the development is north of Madison, I'm hoping they borrow a page from the Cubs and have Wrigley style vines growing down them.

When completed, I wonder if they will make a more user friendly approach for pedestrians crossing the river on the Columbus Dr bridge. The current set-up, closely tied to the service-oriented lower level streets of Illinois Center, is a most unpleasant experience.

Wouldn't you love to see an upper level pedestrian bridge built connecting the development to River East, one that would be aligned in such a way to give a great view of the fountain shooting water across the river? A pipe dream, of course.

Building frontage on Wacker will be for show, only. I think there will be both auto and pedestrian access to LSE from Wacker (through the arch), but most of the activity will be on the interior. I don't blame the architects for this--I mean, how do you provide pedestrian activity for a 3-level roadway?

I am, however, concerned about pedestrian access from Columbus. But I have faith that some sort of connections/staircases will be built. Not a big issue. Supposedly, LSE has won some big national awards for urban design, so surely it must have been well planned..

Also, I'm not convinced that anything that does not fit into a street grid is necessarily corbusian or suburban. LSE is in an awkward position between a river, a lake, and a park. I think a circular roadway in the middle is not a bad idea. Besides, with good pedestrian connections to Columbus, Wacker, and Randolph, I think it will just be another interesting place to explore when visiting downtown Chicago.

Dude, imagine 20 years from now, LSE with its beautiful highrises and townhomes, and a market center with shops, Target, and perhaps a few bars/restaurants (nightclubs? You bet--10,000 people!). Some visitor on his 5th trip to Chicago is hangin' around downtown and accidently makes his way to Columbus, walks down some steps and WHAM BAM--a whole urban neighborhood nestled in a valley in the midst of highrises. "Wow!" he says, "How could I have missed this? This is fuckin awesome, dude". Then, he can take the CTA bus that goes around Harbor Drive back into the loop and have a story to tell.

edsg... the idea of a pedestrian bridge is interesting, but, I certainly hope you don't mean that it would span the river? While the numerous bridges that presently cross the river are a hallmark of Chicago... I would certainly think twice about spanning the already-congested river with anything else - lest we obstruct the views coming in from the lake. As others have stated, however, something desperately needs to be done with the Columbus Drive approach, because, I certainly wouldn't want my commute to consist of walking around on Lower Col and Lower Wacker all day... where's the fun in that?

Trees are being planted in the park like there is no tomorrow! The sloped sides of the main enterance drive were planted yesterday afternoon or this morning. That place is going to look like a jungle in 20-30 years. I should bring my camera one of these days...

Oooh, I'll see if I can't get over there at some point this weekend :)

^Please do. Your picture adventures ROCK!

The contractors have started rolling sod out in the park. They are also installing pavers around the fountains. The Lancaster has exterior concrete painting completed on the east and south sides. The color is white and combined with the blue windows makes for an awesome effect when looking up at a blue sky with white, fluffy clouds. The concrete road surface that is the continuation of upper Harbor Drive has also started to be ground for final surfacing.

lol, thanks TUP. I'll see what I can do :)

The contractors have started rolling sod out in the park. They are also installing pavers around the fountains. The Lancaster has exterior concrete painting completed on the east and south sides. The color is white and combined with the blue windows makes for an awesome effect when looking up at a blue sky with white, fluffy clouds. The concrete road surface that is the continuation of upper Harbor Drive has also started to be ground for final surfacing.

I noticed sidewalks going up on the blocks across the street from the park. are they doing any grading work for the townhouses? they still aren't posting any info on them on the LSE website.

I noticed sidewalks going up on the blocks across the street from the park. are they doing any grading work for the townhouses? they still aren't posting any info on them on the LSE website.

I assume you are talking about the Parkhomes shown on the LSE map. These would be located behind 400 Randolph and along Harbor Drive. As of now, no work appears to be happening with these homes. The sidewalks "decending" into the park area have sloped sides that have recently been covered with topsoil, seed and straw. Well, not too much straw left after the winds on Monday. Seems like it is just erosion control measures until they decide to put in the homes. Same deal with the school. The area where they were rolling out the sod is right where the school would be (NE corner of the park). Trees are planted there as well so I'm guessing they will keep it as a park until there is enough demand for the school.

I walked over to the best view of lakeshore east today (from upper Wacker and upper Columbus, as well as the plaza behind Blue Cross). the park appears to practically all sodded, trees are in, plaground well under construction. as a finished product, this place ought to be sensational.

a few questions (if anyone knows):

• sidewalks are in across the street all around the park and grade work seems to be going on behind the sidewalks. does this mean the townhouses that will surround the park will soon be under construction?

• the fact that the park is sunken to a level below the upper street levels of Wacker, Columbus, and Randolph is not a negative. What is negative is the vast amound of exposed concrete in the base sections of Illinois Center buildings to the west and Lakeshore east high rises to the east. Do they plan to do anything with this most unattractive feature?

• I've asked this one before: any word on the stores; marketplace the development is going to have. On their maps, even the location is a secret.

no word yet.

• the fact that the park is sunken to a level below the upper street levels of Wacker, Columbus, and Randolph is not a negative. What is negative is the vast amound of exposed concrete in the base sections of Illinois Center buildings to the west and Lakeshore east high rises to the east. Do they plan to do anything with this most unattractive feature?


I think that will all be covered up by high-rises and townhouses, eventually.

I think that will all be covered up by high-rises and townhouses, eventually.

^I believe so, too.

I wish I could take a time machine and see this neighborhood in 15 years. I bet it will look unbelievable!

^I believe so, too.

I wish I could take a time machine and see this neighborhood in 15 years. I bet it will look unbelievable!

Of course I don't know where the economy is going, but I bet it will take less than 15 years to pull this off.

They (Magellan) say it's going to be done in 10. As we've all said before though, the likelihood of all the buildings actually going up is slim.

Hey, I was on Skyscrapercity.com and I saw pics of the Shoreham (coming along nicely), but the pics also showed nice views of LSE in general. Wow, the park is looking awesome. Not only that, but the major road and sidewalk is complete, and the stairwell leading into the development is also underway. Really quite an amazing urban project!

BTW, somebody needs to make this thread and the "Back to Block 37" threads into Stickies. Both of those projects are easily just as important (probably MORE so!) than Trump Tower and Waterview Tower. Whoever chooses the Stickies is a bit biased towards individual skyscrapers :)

Where did you see those photos of LSE? Did you mean skyscapers.com (Emporis)?

Someone in some of the earlier posts were talking about the "Gateway Arch" to Lakeshore East. While going through this thread I noticed no renderings of it had been posted, and some people didn't know where to find it.

I got these images from the SOM Web Site:

The Arch
http://www.som.com/resources/projects/3/6/1/lake_render_01_1533.jpg

Townhomes
http://www.som.com/resources/projects/3/6/1/lake_render_02_1534.jpg

Thanks for the find(s) bvic!

I love the arch. I hope it will look as great when built as the rendering makes it look.

The arch will rock.

Honestly, guys, I am looking at pictures of LSE taking shape and it is seriously blowing me away.

Can you guys think of another city in this country creating anything the likes of LSE and Central Station (as well as Kingsbury and Riverside Parks, for that matter)? Chicago is just kicking so much ASS right now

Does anybody have new pics of LSE? I was looking on the web, and it looks like the park in LSE is coming along very nicely. There appears to be some sort of grand staircase with ornamental streetlights descending into the neighborhood. So incredibly charming! Anybody know how these things are all coming along?

Does anybody have new pics of LSE? I was looking on the web, and it looks like the park in LSE is coming along very nicely. There appears to be some sort of grand staircase with ornamental streetlights descending into the neighborhood. So incredibly charming! Anybody know how these things are all coming along?



Having seen it myself numerous times, I'd say you're pretty accurate. The park is coming along nicely. No construction yet on the CPS school; I'm sure that won't be coming until a lot more people move into the development. Grade work has been done on the four sides of the park for town house construction, but no ground breaking yet.

I still don't have a clue on the market; shopping complex, as to where it will go (although it will be on the west end of the development, near Columbus). I'm also wondering (I've expressed this one before) if there will be an effort to put some type of Wrigley type ivy on the exposed concrete walls which are vestiges of Illinois Center's 3 level roadway system. I sure they plan to cover these up in some attractive way; they have a raw, unappealing under-construction look about them, completely out of sync with the rest of the project.

edsg... are you sure about the retail location? I certainly hope you're right! I always just assumed all that would go on the east side of the development (I'm not sure why)... but your proclaimed location is much better!!

A few weekends ago, I was wandering downtown with my hitched partner (long story... to put in a few words, I was tied to someone of the opposite sex for 37 hours) and I got to see LSE upfront. Man, pictures just capture the amazing wonder that is LSE. Of course, my partner then learned I was a city/architectural buff when I just started pointing and rambling about Lancaster, Shoreham, LSE, the arch, 340, and on and on. This project makes me incredibly happy.

edsg... are you sure about the retail location? I certainly hope you're right! I always just assumed all that would go on the east side of the development (I'm not sure why)... but your proclaimed location is much better!!

the website gives the general area, but not a specific.

lol @ sim.

I don't know about everyone else... but, now I'm just too curious about this "partner" :)

Sim, do you mean "tied" in the literal sense, or just obligatory?

Well, someone requested some photo updates of LakeShoreEast, well I took some today. I was able to "sneak" in and take some photos of Harbor Park, befor I got kicked out that is :)

Looking northeast from the Blue Cross Blue Shield plaza.
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C%3A%3A%3B523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E23236787%3B6784ot1lsi

Looking west across Harbor Park.
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C%3A%3A%3B523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E23236787%3B6%3B62ot1lsi

Another shot looking west over the park.
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C%3A%3A%3B523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E23236787%3B6286ot1lsi

The junglegym. Looking north, that's the Shorham under construction in the background.
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C%3A%3A%3B523232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D32327696%3C5569nu0mrj

On the walking paths.
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C%3A%3A%3B523232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E23236787%3B6887ot1lsi

The park and the Lancaster.
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C%3A%3A%3B523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E23236787%3B5%3A9%3Bot1lsi

Another Lancaster shot.
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C%3A%3A%3B523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E23236787%3B7856ot1lsi

Paths and future water features.
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C%3A%3A%3B523232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D32327696%3C6845nu0mrj

The Shoreham and The Lancaster overlooking Harbor Park.
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C%3A%3A%3B523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E23236787%3B7757ot1lsi

The Shoreham nearing the topping out stage.
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C%3A%3A%3B523232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D32327696%3C5575nu0mrj

The Lancaster.
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B%3C%3A%3A%3B523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E23236787%3B6%3B6%3Aot1lsi

I hope that these are okay. ENJOY!!!!!

fricking awesome... good job... now hopefully they start construction 340 on park and the regetta soon.

BVictor, I have just built a 10 foot tall shrine of you in my house, I plan to worship it on a daily basis


BTW, does anybody have any idea what will happen to those concrete slab bases of all those Illinois Center buildings? Is there any plan to cover them up or do anything to "make them go away"? They would really cramp the style of what is otherwise likely to become an absolutely gorgeous highrise neighborhood

I am awe-stricken.

If nothing else, one thing Chicagoans know how to build better than anyone is a friggin park!

I remember, just a mere 2 years ago, when they were clearing this site. It was completely empty--a giant slab of dirt. I remember telling the girl I was dating at the time that some day I would own a house there (I already knew about LSE, btw). Now I look and see all that has transpired in a 2 year period and it blows me away. I can't even imagine how this neighborhood will look in 10-15 years. It is honestly the most beautiful thing ever--I just hope they find a way to resolve the issue of the bases of those older Illinois center highrises.

We can only hope that Riverside Park, Lasalle Park, and Kingsbury Park are built with the same concientious urban design

BTW, does anybody have any idea what will happen to those concrete slab bases of all those Illinois Center buildings? Is there any plan to cover them up or do anything to "make them go away"? They would really cramp the style of what is otherwise likely to become an absolutely gorgeous highrise neighborhood

That's what the townhomes are for.

Lower Columbus Drive and much of Middle and Lower Wacker Drive will be covered up as well by towers and townhomes. This area will look nothing like how it used to look like back when it was a 9-hole golf course.

edsg... are you sure about the retail location? I certainly hope you're right! I always just assumed all that would go on the east side of the development (I'm not sure why)... but your proclaimed location is much better!!

There will be a two story Target and other things at the base of the Regatta, NE of the Shoreham.

That's what the townhomes are for.

unfortunately not. They will not block the concrete. The setting is essentially a valley. Not a negative, per se. But something has to be done with the concrete walls. I've said it before: run up to Waveland and Sheffield and steal some of that ivy!

There will be a two story Target and other things at the base of the Regatta, NE of the Shoreham.

Target would make a helluva lot more money if it simply moved over a half mile to State Street.

I've heard mentions of a Target at LSE before, as much as I would like one to be there, I just can't imagine enough local traffic to support one. I also question how much it will draw from other areas, how they would handle potentially massive traffic, and how these folks who are paying enourmous sums of money to live there would feel about a Target in their midst, as it would draw people of "lesser means" to the area. I would also argue that the price of retail space would be far too high for a discounter to make a profit. I won't say it's impossible, but I think they could be much more successful locating a bit to the west in the area around what's left of Cabrini.

unfortunately not. They will not block the concrete. The setting is essentially a valley. Not a negative, per se. But something has to be done with the concrete walls. I've said it before: run up to Waveland and Sheffield and steal some of that ivy!

Or maybe they could have some of the Gallery 37 kids design some murals to be painted on the walls. That would look sweet.

I was always so excited about the LSE Target thinking "ahh, so close... so, convenient!" But, now that I actually really think about it... it will be much more annoying to get to than the other new Target at Clark and Roosevelt. I agree that the location should maybe be reconsidered. But, retail will still be a very important component to LSE's success. No true neighborhood can prosper without it.

Retail should be an important component, but the type of overly-commercial big-box retail that's anchoring these developments aren't anything to be proud of. . . unless of course it's a gigantic multi-level McDonald's. . . then it's ok. . .

rofl

in all seriousness though... I don't mind Target as long as they continue to design with conscience. Of course I would rather 100 small mom-and-pop stores, but, let's be realistic. This is 2004, not 1954.

Target will serve the youngling community well.

As the population grows and the neighborhood matures, smaller boutique-type retail and restaurants will appear to give the neighborhood more character.

We will all be middle-aged bastards by then... :)

Some of you are already middle-aged bastards :P

I stopped by the LakeshoreEast sales center earlier this afternoon. I was told that they would break ground on The Regatta this month (November 2004), and that they were about 70% sold.

^^Thats great to hear. I can't wait to see the regetta going up into the world. This project is looking really good, with the renderings I've seen so far. by the way, other then the two buildings that are underconstruction, the regetta, and 340 on the park, are there any other buildings with renderings out there?

I stopped by the LakeshoreEast sales center earlier this afternoon. I was told that they would break ground on The Regatta this month (November 2004), and that they were about 70% sold.

^Bring in on, baby

I've seen a few other renderings floating around here and there, but, I don't think any of them were anything more than concept drawings. I wouldn't know where to begin looking for them at this point.

unfortunately not. They will not block the concrete. The setting is essentially a valley. Not a negative, per se. But something has to be done with the concrete walls. I've said it before: run up to Waveland and Sheffield and steal some of that ivy!

Here's the masterplan for Lakeshore East, it's been posted before, but i'll post it again.
http://images.snapfish.com/3423762%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E2323643%3C8%3C393ot1lsi

It looks like the townhomes are going to cover up the blank walls of 400 East Randolph. I have a feeling that there are going to be many plazas with these towers I believe that will be interconnected. I don't believe that they would leave any exposed any blank walls. They're spending $2.5 billion on Lakeshore East, they better the fuck not have any blank walls. :gunz:

are there any other buildings with renderings out there?

I asked that same question yesterday at the sales center. They said the next thing would be some of the parkhomes. The told me next spring would probably be the time when the next building will be introduced.

From LSE's website, RE: market place:

Do all of your errands in one convenient spot — without ever getting in your car. Take an afternoon stroll to the neighborhood outdoor café. Pick up the kids from preschool on your 10-minute walk home from work.

In addition to enjoying the park upon their arrival, first residences will find a new village center to patronize. The multi-faceted market center will be located on Harbor Park's southwestern edge. This Tuscan-style development is planned to include a host of retail amenities. The village center will be designed by KMD Architects, an international retail design firm best known for their 2 Rodeo Drive work in Los Angeles. *

IMO, all along I never thought anything suburban or strip-mally would be built at LSE. It just plain wouldn't happen

It looks like the townhomes are going to cover up the blank walls of 400 East Randolph. I have a feeling that there are going to be many plazas with these towers I believe that will be interconnected. I don't believe that they would leave any exposed any blank walls. They're spending $2.5 billion on Lakeshore East, they better the fuck not have any blank walls. :gunz:

I hope you're right, but the townhouses certainly won't do anything to make them less visible. In their promo pix, the walls still appear exposed. i would have to think that with the quality of this project, something will be done.

^I have a hard time believing that townhomes will be tall anough to cover multi-story concrete parking garages

^^Those exposed walls belong to the Illinois project if im correct, which would technically mean that the lakeshore east project can't do anything to those walls. The only thing they could do is probably make some agreement with the owners of the Illinois project to have the walls fixed up.

I'm sure the owners of Illinois Center would let LSE do whatever they want with the walls (aesthetically, of course) as long as they didn't have to come out of pocket for it.

The told me next spring would probably be the time when the next building will be introduced.

And it will have some crazy marine name... Why not name the buildings after people? A million a pop, and you have your name on it. Like with university buildings. Or name them after famous Chicago writers. "Where do you live?" "Oh, I live at the Dreiser." "I just bought a condo at the Bellow." :nuts:

I just drove down LSD past LakeshoreEast, and I noticed that there were diggers and bulldozers directly northeast of The Shoreham, so I am assuming that they were doing site preparation work for The Regatta. I'll try to snap some photos tomorrow.

I noticed this on 340ontheparkchicago.com website. It might settle the debate on where the market will be. Or maybe not.

http://images.snapfish.com/3423%3B33923232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2339%3D%3A9%3A%3D%3A28%3DXROQDF%3E2323693979633ot1lsi

Here's a screen shot from 11/19/04 at about four in the afternoon. It does look like there is site prep happening for the regatta. The park sure is . . . well, different. (ed. - wait for leaves on trees . . . )

http://images.snapfish.com/3423%3B33923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2339%3D%3A9%3A%3D%3A28%3DXROQDF%3E2323693978%3B8%3Aot1lsi

wow that park looks kinda cool from the air. I can't wait to see all of this in person

I went back to the LakeShore East sales center today, you know the old saying third times a charm? Well it is, on my previous visits I was never allowed to take photos of the model, but this time I was.


The Regatta is in the foreground and The Shoreham is in the background.
http://images.snapfish.com/3423%3B%3C%3A%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2323%3D785%3D843%3D3232785752734nu0mrj

These are some of the Parkhomes. The view is looking southeast over the site/model.
http://images.snapfish.com/3423%3B%3C%3A%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E232369485357%3Aot1lsi

A closeup of some of the Parkhomes.
http://images.snapfish.com/3423%3B%3C%3A%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E232369484%3B87%3Aot1lsi

The next several shots are of the big model for The Regatta.

Wacker Drive facade.
http://images.snapfish.com/3423%3B%3C%3A%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2323%3D785%3D843%3D3232785752736nu0mrj

This view would be looking west towards the building.
http://images.snapfish.com/3423%3B%3C%3A%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2323%3D785%3D843%3D3232785752738nu0mrj

Looking up at the Wacker Drive facade of The Regatta.
http://images.snapfish.com/3423%3B%3C%3A%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2323%3D785%3D%3C94%3D3232785%3B%3A3943nu0mrj

Looking north, all three models.
http://images.snapfish.com/3423%3B%3C%3A%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2323%3D785%3D%3C94%3D3232785%3B%3A3939nu0mrj

Looking west, all three models.
http://images.snapfish.com/3423%3B%3C%3A%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E2323694%3C9%3B255ot1lsi

Looking south at The Shoreham.
http://images.snapfish.com/3423%3B%3C%3A%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2323%3D785%3D%3C94%3D3232785%3B%3A393%3Bnu0mrj

The Lancaster.
http://images.snapfish.com/3423%3B%3C%3A%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2323%3D785%3D%3C94%3D3232785%3B%3A3945nu0mrj

I did ask them about those ugly walls of previous Illinois Center buildings. They will be covered up, mostly with parkhomes.

ENJOY!!!!!

Again, another reason i love Chicago, this tower i like (regatta), a nice change for the banality of the illinois center, i figured this area would produce some nice residential towers, and what i love (or at least one thing) about Chicago is its TALL residential towers!!!

awesome work bvic!!! Your efforts are always greatly appreciated!

Awesome, BVic!

I like the park homes, although I prefer the design on the lakeshore east website as opposed to the models. I'm not a big fan of the "sideways stairwell" leading to the front door, but perhaps that is just a space-saving measure.

WAY TO GO, VICTOR. YOU ARE THE MAN!

Question here: I was under the opinion that only high rises and town houses would front the park. Are the midrises something new to the concept?

Lakeshore East has completely revamped its website, and has a lot more information now about 340 on the Park. It looks awesome, and it is even going to have my favorite urban feature (right, BVictor?)--ground level retail space! Below is a picture they posted of the townhomes. They go along well with the models BVictor showed us. They look better than the renderings from the old website, mostly because they look denser!


http://www.lakeshoreeast.com/images/images_res-parkhomes.jpg

Cool find Urban, and actually what I found out last time that I visited the sales center and didn't post was that many of the Lakeshore East buildings will have some type of retail space within them aside from any larger scale retail that will probably be built within the complex. Also The Regatta has been officially listed as under constrction

I went to the Lakeshore East site today (12/11/04) an took a couple of shots, just to give you guys confirmation that The Regatta is officially under construction.

You can see that several caisons have already been drilled.
http://images.snapfish.com/3425%3A52723232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E23236%3B4%3A566%3C5ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3425%3A52723232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2323%3D7%3A5%3D%3A24%3D32327%3A593338%3Anu0mrj

Also the barricades are down on the entrance to Lakeshore East from upper Randolph Street. I was able to drive around the site and Harbor Park. Also people have officially started to move into The Lancaster. I was able to see into the lobby of the building. There was a doorman in place and people entering the building. I had noticed what looked like painted walls and fruniture inside the building while driving down Lakeshore Drive earlier in the week.

So I recommend anyone who hasn't ever gone to the site, to go there.

....and the Regatta gets built.

Next? 340 on the park!

THE HOUSE HUNTER
Massive project aims to become vertical village

Sharon Stangenes
Published December 18, 2004

Daniel Burnham's admonition to "make no little plans" has stirred the souls of developers for a hundred years and has been most evident recently in sprawling subdivisions on the outskirts of the metropolitan area.

Now a massive new urban development is beginning to take shape at the junction of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

Lakeshore East, a $2.5 billion project planned for 4,950 residents, 2.1 million square feet of commercial space, a 400-student public school, 2,200 hotel rooms and up to 770,000 square feet of retail space, is rising on the former site of a slightly scruffy urban golf course.

The complex, approved by the city in 2001, is a joint venture of Magellan Development Group Ltd. and NNP Residential & Development with a targeted completion date of 2012 to 2014.

According to the developer's press materials, the project "is believed to be the largest parcel of downtown land under development in a major city." The complex is touted as a "village in the heart of downtown Chicago." But unlike many of it suburban counterparts, this village will be mostly vertical and cover just 28 acres.

The first building to open is the Lancaster, a gleaming 29-story glass condominium tower on the east side of the property. You can easily see it from both Lake Shore Drive and Columbus Drive, but getting to the front door is surprisingly tricky. The entrance is on Randolph Street, east of Columbus, where a one-block street leads to the development.

The Lancaster is across the street from the development's six-acre park, which is landscaped with a children's play area, fountains and trees, and has a dandy view of the city's skyline.

The building is about 90 percent sold and the first residents are beginning to move in, said Lee Abdella, Magellan marketing manager. The initial buyers have been empty-nesters, both from the neighborhood and the suburbs, as well as professionals, both singles and couples, many of whom work downtown and like the idea of walking to work.

This is a building for those who favor contemporary design, believe in the potential of the urban-village concept and don't mind paying as much as $400 a square foot.

The two units I visited -- a 927-square-foot one bedroom with den and a three-bedroom, two-bath corner residence of nearly 1,800 square feet -- have good, even terrific views. But the residences do not feel overly generous in size.

The one-bedroom with den plan is dubbed the Discovery. It has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake and Navy Pier. Visitors enter at the kitchen, a 9-by-8 1/2-foot, U-shaped room with the double sink overlooking the combination living/dining area, about 15-by-15 1/2 feet. Sliding doors open onto a balcony which possibly could hold a couple of chairs and a side table.

To the left of the living/dining area, a short hallway leads to the bedroom, past the powder room on the left and the 9-by-10-foot den on the right.

Both the den and the bedroom overlook the lake, but the den is tiny and has no closet. The 12-by-14 1/2-foot bedroom has a small private bath with tub and a decent-sized walk-in closet. Though finished with such touches as a marble floor and countertop in the baths, this unit comes with the understanding that "when the market demands it in 5 or 10 years" another building will rise and block some of the view, Abdella said.

It is a consideration I would think long and hard about before plunking down $420,000 or more for this unit.

The three-bedroom corner residence called the Arabella has a good traffic plan. Even better is the view of the development's central park and the city skyline.

Visitors step into the foyer and turn left down a short hall, past the powder room, coat closet and door to the master suite, to the living/dining and kitchen area. From the foyer, the two secondary bedrooms and the second bath are straight ahead and to the right.

The living/dining area is airy and has an alluring vista broken by two large pillars. The 16-by-9-foot kitchen is a galley with range and refrigerator on the wall. A double sink looks into the living and dining area, which is 24 1/2-by-16 feet, and has two walls of windows.

There is access to a smallish balcony, big enough for a breath of fresh air and a grill, but too narrow for much else.

The master bathroom has dual sinks, a tub as well as a shower and plenty of room for two people. The walk-in closet is spacious but the 12-by-14-foot master bedroom itself seems shortchanged.

I count in its favor that the Lancaster is not a particularly large building and it has a sleek, sophisticated exterior. The lobby is impressive, but not overly large and despite high ceilings manages an intimate feeling. That feeling is continued on the residential floors, which each have eight units. And I like the idea of underground parking, though the $41,000 average cost of a deeded space seems steep indeed.

Residents of the Lancaster will not be alone for long. The Shoreham, a 46-story apartment tower is under construction next door and scheduled for initial occupancy in spring.

Sales are under way for two other pieces of the project -- 340 On The Park, a 62-story condominium, and the Regatta, a 44-story condominium.

- - -

The Lancaster

Address: 201 North Westshore Dr.

Developer: Lancaster Development Group, Ltd.

Phone: 312-520-4000

Web: www.lakeshoreeast.com

Description: A 29-story condominium building with 210 units. Remaining units range from 710 to 1,779 square feet with one to three bedrooms, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 baths. Four duplex units from 2,300 to 2,616 square feet. Base prices, $420,000 to $899,000. Monthly assessments, $342 to $760. Indoor deeded parking, $41,000 per space. Prices as of Dec. 10.

Amenities: Hardwood floors, appliances including washer and dryer, granite kitchen countertops, fitness center, private party room, rooftop sundeck, concierge service and underground garage.

Neighborhood: Near where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan. Within walking distance of Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue shopping and restaurants, CTA bus lines.

I had no idea the Shoreham was going to be rental! That's crazy.

Yeah, it's rental. Well you can't have all condo! Those who want to rent should have a place as well. Chicago has lost many rental buildings over the past several years due to those buildings being converted to condominiums.

Anyway I visited the LSE sales center again yesterday. They have now added the 340 on the Park model into the larger moder. This thing is really started to take shape.

http://images.snapfish.com/34266%3B4%3B23232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D32327%3A%3B642%3B76nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/34266%3B4%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2323%3D7%3A%3B%3D697%3D32327%3A%3B5%3A68%3A%3Cnu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/34266%3B4%3B23232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D32327%3A%3B642%3B79nu0mrj

Great pics, Bvic!

A few points. First of all, I think apartments are a good idea. It's a nice entry point for new tenents, who will get used to the neighborhood and consider buying into it later. Also, its good to have apartments for transients, since we can't assume that everybody who lives downtown wants to actually buy property.

The second point. Regarding the models, I notice they omit the Lancaster and Shoreham parking garages, which is key for me. I would like to see how those parking garages will fit into the urban format of the neighborhood, since they could easily ruin the beauty of the neighborhood if not designed correctly

They aren't really being omitted. When the total project is completed, the parking facilities wont be visible. Just like to bare white walls of the other Illinois Center buildnigs won't be visible upon completion either.

Oh, believe me, I wasn't faulting the Shoreham's status as rental... I was just very surprised. I agree that we need alot more rental buildings downtown as the supply has dwindled so badly over the past five years.

As far as the models go, I really really really wish they would stop lighting them like that. It makes it very difficult to figure out what the building is actually going to look like when you're being blinded by light.

I was able to squeeze out another tiny smidgeon of info about the retail center planned in LSE:

The Shops at Lakeshore East

Noteworthy fact: Neighborhood retail is planned and will encompass a variety of uses to include a grocery store, restaurants, pharmacy and bank.

Location: East Benton Place in Chicago’s new Lakeshore East neighborhood.

Size: 90,000 square feet of retail with 400 car parking facility.

Features: Multi-level village retail center with shopping and dining.

Completion: late 2005

Also, it turns out that many buildings already u/c at LSE will also have a large amount of ground-level retail

I took some pictures earlier today from the little plaza in back of the Blue Cross building. Nothing too exciting.

http://images.snapfish.com/3426%3B79523232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3248%3E9%3A9%3E937%3EWSNRCG%3D32327%3B528%3A%3A39nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/3426%3B79523232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2339%3D%3A9%3A%3D%3A28%3DXROQDF%3E23236%3C437%3B949ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3426%3B79523232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3248%3E9%3A9%3E937%3EWSNRCG%3D32327%3B528%3A%3A43nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/3426%3B79523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2339%3D%3A9%3A%3D%3A28%3DXROQDF%3E23236%3C437%3B954ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3426%3B79523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2339%3D%3A9%3A%3D%3A28%3DXROQDF%3E23236%3C437%3B956ot1lsi

No 340 On The Park yet.

http://images.snapfish.com/3426%3B79523232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3248%3E9%3A9%3E937%3EWSNRCG%3D32327%3B52%3A853%3Anu0mrj

I would love to live in that area. Sure, it's a bit touristy feeling, but it was one of my favorite spots in the Loop, because so much was within 1/4-1/3 mile walk.

Man, I can't wait to get back up to Chicago.

From the Chicago Sun-Times (January 21, 2005)

Fifield wins out on choice downtown sliver of land

January 21, 2005

BY DAVID ROEDER Business Reporter

Developer Steven Fifield has signed a contract to buy a prime empty parcel close to Millennium Park.

Sources said the site on the east side of Columbus Drive could accommodate about a 70-story building. They said Fifield paid about $19 million, plus up to $9 million to build connections to the two-level roadway and to adjacent properties.

The site is north of the Blue Cross-Blue Shield Building (on Randolph) and just outside the Lakeshore East residential project spearheaded by Magellan Development Group Ltd. Owner Archstone-Smith Trust favored Fifield's bid over one from Magellan.

Joel Carlins, Magellan's president, said he's not disappointed with the outcome. "We welcome the development interest in the community. It certainly says something good about the value of our land," he said.

Fifield could not be reached. He is believed to be planning a building that would combine for-sale and rental housing.

A major force in Chicago's West Loop, Fifield has expanded his firm with key executive additions and is widening its geographic focus with upscale housing in Miami, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Magellan retains ownership of another parcel north of Fifield's, across Columbus from the Fairmont Hotel. Carlins said the site may be suitable for a hotel.

Lakeshore East is a 28-acre complex that has two residential high-rises near completion and two more due to start in the next few months. The zoning ultimately allows for 4,900 homes on the tract, which previously was a golf course.

Good gawd... the New East Side just going to be plain silliness in 10 years!

I drove past the Lakeshore East site tis afternoon, and noticed that they are now taking down the construction crane for The Shoreham. But what's interesting is that they are re-erecting that same crane for the construction of The Regatta.

I was looking at construction pics for the Lancaster and the Shoreham today, and something struck me.

When completed, Lakeshore East is going to be an incredible place. Fountains, outdoor glass elevators (the Lancaster--so creative!!), an elitist school, a gorgeous park with street lamps, and beautiful trees; all surrounded by a ring of modern glass skyscrapers. Everything looks so divine.

Does anybody else feel this way (or differently)?

I was looking at construction pics for the Lancaster and the Shoreham today, and something struck me.

When completed, Lakeshore East is going to be an incredible place. Fountains, outdoor glass elevators (the Lancaster--so creative!!), an elitist school, a gorgeous park with street lamps, and beautiful trees; all surrounded by a ring of modern glass skyscrapers. Everything looks so divine.

Does anybody else feel this way (or differently)?

I agree 100%. For skyscraper and architecture geeks like us, Lakeshore East is like one big orgasm.

-On an even more exciting note myself, Chicago Shawn and Rivernorth took a trip today to the Lakeshore East sals center and we were in for an unexpected bonus. While we were there the president of Magellan Development, Joe Carlins along with infamous architect James Lowenberg came in to have a meeting around the model with what seemed like a couple of investors. Unfortunately we were unable to as questions or grill Mr. Lowenberg about his bland architecture, although we did practically have to ristrain Rivernorth from boxing Mr. Lowenbergs ears. He also kept staring at us and giving us the 'evil' eye, I found this quite annoying and was quite tempted to sick R.N on him.

-Another thing that we heard is that 340 On the Park will hopefully be breaking ground in about the next 30 days or so. This statement came directly from Mr. Carlins mouth.

-The development is planning on having approximately 4900 residential units, 1500 hotel rooms, and about 2,500,000 sq ft of office space, and several grocery stores of about 30,000 sq each. There will possibly be 4 Starbucks within the development which all 3 of us as well as the receptionist found utterly rediculous.

-The next tower might be announced sometime in February or March.

I believe that's about is. If i've left anything out hopefully Chicago shawn and Rivernorth will fill in the blanks.

4 STARBUCKS?!?!?!?! Good god!!!

Only 4? Seems something on the order of 400 are necessary. I hear one of the new buildings will be nothing but Starbucks in every unit and that the BlueCross BlueShield building will be closing to be converted into a Starbucks...

Having read Chicago Shawn's and RiverNorth's additional info on SSP, I am stunned. I can't believe the townhomes have finally been announced. I have been waiting for those.

Another tower being announced in 1 month? Construction of 340 on the Park in 30 days?

Tell me, honestly--why would an architect in America NOT want to come to Chicago (or NY)?

Question:

There is always a little building next to the Regatta that is depicted in the renderings. However, they never mention anything about it in the website.

Is this building also going to be condos? Is it also U/C right now along with The Regatta?

Question:

There is always a little building next to the Regatta that is depicted in the renderings. However, they never mention anything about it in the website.

Is this building also going to be condos? Is it also U/C right now along with The Regatta?

Yes it will be built along with The Regatta, it's just a lowrise portion of the building, and I far as I know it also contains condos.

The Regatta model.
http://images.snapfish.com/34299%3B6323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2323%3D785%3D843%3D3232785752736nu0mrj


It's similar to the lowrise that goes along with The Shoreham

The Shoreham model
http://images.snapfish.com/34299%3B6323232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2323%3D785%3D%3C94%3D3232785%3B%3A393%3Bnu0mrj

That is actually part of the Regatta. It will serve as a connection to a row of other buildings along the river in the LSE master plan. You can see that here:

http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=138858

It will probably contain condo units, as well as connecting corridors, i would imagine.

Vic, you beat me to it! We responded on the exact same minute :D

Ahh, I see.

Thanks, guys

BTW, I like the fact that they want a continuous streetwall along Wacker. It will look very impressive. Also, it is nice because that same streetwall will extend west of Michigan Avenue well into the north loop, with Waterview and Trump Tower lingering above. Ahhh, what a sight that will be.

I may never end up living in Chicago (although I'll fight hard to), but I cherish the day I'll be able to see that sight

That's possible R.N, but remember that that plan is old, it's from 2001 and it contains that arch which most likely isn't going to happen, but I guess that the next time that one of us goes down there, all we have to do is ask.

That's possible R.N, but remember that that plan is old, it's from 2001 and it contains that arch which most likely isn't going to happen, but I guess that the next time that one of us goes down there, all we have to do is ask.

Awww, man! I really like the arc. I hope they incorporate that. It would really do a lot to introduce some sunlight into a neighborhood that will likely be shrowded in shadows all day long!

That's possible R.N, but remember that that plan is old, it's from 2001 and it contains that arch which most likely isn't going to happen, but I guess that the next time that one of us goes down there, all we have to do is ask.

Thats true. Im assuming that they would keep that continual effect though, since they seem to with the Regatta's rendering, plus how they want to incorporate retail along Upper Wacker Dr there. But yeah, we can always ask. Lets wait till it warms up :D

plus how they want to incorporate retail along Upper Wacker Dr there. But yeah, we can always ask. Lets wait till it warms up :D

^They told you that? Retail along Wacker, that is..

It's going to be fantastic! Walking along that section of Wacker has always been such a drag (save for the view). I will be disappointed if the arch is never realized though :(

Not to get picky, guys, but after all this is an architectural website for supernerds :)

I notice, in this picture, that the northern portion of The Shoreham is supposed to have a nice sidewalk, grass, and some trees. Yet the actual construction site has a garage on the north side of the Shoreham (and the little building flanking it) that doesn't resemble what is displayed in this rendering at all. Any thoughts about this discrepancy?

http://images.snapfish.com/34299%3B6323232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2323%3D785%3D%3C94%3D3232785%3B%3A393%3Bnu0mrj

^They told you that? Retail along Wacker, that is..

Its been stated that there will be retail on upper wacker, yes.

The majority of the retail space it seems will go to the southwestern corner of Harbor Park, along West Shore Drive. They specifically stated atleast 2 grocery stores (which is good, that area needs em) and up to 4 stackbucks (bleh). So sign of a Target, though. Better, i guess. Put Target on State Street :)

TUP - If you look closely at that model, the sidewalk and grass appears to be elevated off of the true grade... so, it could, in theory, be a cap to the parking structure?

^Ahh, yes.

Nevermind :)

Regatta Construction Poses Challenges
By Mark Ruda
Last updated: February 6, 2005 12:46pm

CHICAGO-Construction has begun on the $86-million, 325-unit Regatta condominium tower in the Lakeshore East neighborhood. Project manager Randy Bullard, whose James McHugh Construction Co. is building the 44-story tower on E. Wacker Drive, is expecting the unexpected before the first units are scheduled to be delivered in July 2006.

Already, wood piles supporting the walls of boat slips have been uncovered by construction crews. In the 1800s, the site was a harbor. “While we have a little more elbow room here than your typical city site, the proximity to Lake Michigan, along with the mysteries of working on a site that was first part of the lake and then filled up with debris from the Chicago Fire, will keep the project interesting,” Bullard says.

Crews are drilling 99 caissons and will pour more than 30,000 cubic yards of concrete to support the 700,000-sf building designed by DeStefano + Partners. The project is McHugh’s third in the Lakeshore East neighborhood.

Magellan Development Group and NNP Residential & Development have sold 81% of the units, which range from 650 sf to 2,500 sf.

The markets being closed for President’s Day, I took a walk with the camera. Work is definitely underway at 340 on The Park. I use the word “work” to avoid the word “construction” and its technical meaning.

This is looking east on E Wacker. The Regatta crane is visible.

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3C269923232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2339%3D%3A9%3A%3D%3A28%3DXROQDF%3E232377%3B%3B5%3A667ot1lsi

This sign is on upper Columbus.

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3C269923232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2339%3D%3A9%3A%3D%3A28%3DXROQDF%3E232377%3B%3B5%3A66%3Bot1lsi

This is looking SE from Upper Columbus across the site. The future site of 340 on The Park has been marked off on the right. There are already some facilities set up for the workers.

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3C269923232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3248%3E9%3A9%3E937%3EWSNRCG%3D323286%3C%3A69763nu0mrj

The diggers have collected piles of old wooden beams. I guess this could be some of the remnants of pre-fire Chicago. Maybe they should let some historians look for old markings on the wood.

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3C269923232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2339%3D%3A9%3A%3D%3A28%3DXROQDF%3E232377%3B%3B5%3A673ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3C269923232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2339%3D%3A9%3A%3D%3A28%3DXROQDF%3E232377%3B%3B5%3A677ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3C269923232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2339%3D%3A9%3A%3D%3A28%3DXROQDF%3E232377%3B%3B5%3A67%3Bot1lsi

The diggers have collected piles of old wooden beams. I guess this could be some of the remnants of pre-fire Chicago. Maybe they should let some historians look for old markings on the wood.


naw, they are nothing special, just old railroad ties. that area used to be a busy intermodal center... grain silos that lined the river would recieve and ship grain between boats and railcars.

Noooooo!!!! Don't involve the historians! This could delay the project so long that eventually the developer just gives up! :)

Well, I took these photos 02/17/05 at the 340 On the Park site.

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3B9%3A3523232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E232377%3B3%3B7582ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3B9%3A3523232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E232377%3B3%3B7583ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3B9%3A3523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E232377%3B3%3B7585ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3B9%3A3523232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D323286%3C2%3C6675nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3B9%3A3523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E232377%3B3%3B7586ot1lsi

What I believe that they are doing at the site presently is sweeping for debris. They are going back and forth like when you mow your lawn. The digger, digs down several feet to make sure that there are no obstructions, and if there are it's removed. As you can see in the bottom photo, they are un-earthing a lot of old railroad ties. Remember this site was once a rail yard. The site is fenced off.

Just walked by the 340 site. Cranes are on site and cassion tubes were being delivered. "Real" construction should start any day!

woohooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grant Park is going to become a more amazing space than it's ever been with the recent efforts to 'bookend' it on the north and south. Sitting in the bandshell will be quite the treat (not that it isn't already) :)

Has this site been posted? I'm new to the forum. It's an interactive map of the Lakeshore East that when clicked on shows the heights of all structures underconstruction and those proposed for nearly the entire development

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/zo/?id=100200

^Thanks, Frumie :)

However, you'll soon realize that many of us have long since seen that link.

This website is full of architects, non-architect enthusiasts, alcoholics (who love Chicago), investigational reporters (ie BVictor), photographers, etc etc who scrape and search every nook and cranny of every type of news media to find out what's going on in the world of Chicago construction. So, my friend, that link you provided was seen GENERATIONS ago!

But keep up the investigational work, please!

I saw that map a long time ago as well. What would be good is an updated map that reflects many of the changes and additions that have been made since the first map. It is sort of a nice tool. Anyway - The topographical views are off in a number of cases.

I would LOVE to get my hands on a topographical drawing of 340 that includes 360 and 320 Randolph. What most of the RE marketing offices are using is a view that is the footprint of the building which doesn't support examination of site-lines etc. Let me know if anyone knows where to get a peek at one of those!

^Topgraphical? The map is pretty accurate. . . I'm not sure what you're referring to. . . when Mikael (mlm) and I made it, it was meant to be representational not an exact overview. . . for now it's the best map of the area. . . we make changes to it as the buildings change status, but don't know what more we can do since we'd like to keep it as simple as possible. . .

Neat project. Even cooler, if I were to land a pretty decent job in the loop one day, I could afford to rent a one bedroom apartment in The Shoreham (around $1300) I wonder if public transport will be improved in the area..I took a look at the CTA a map, and unless im looking at the wrong area, it looked sort of out of touch with both rail lines and bus routes.

^Topgraphical? The map is pretty accurate. . . I'm not sure what you're referring to. . .

We are looking for a 340 plot that has the structure above the parking garage indicated. I see the footprint of the building (340) on many drawings, however what I am looking for is the structure from floors 2 and above. We are trying to determine site-lines from within 340 as well as those site-lines impacted by 340. Particularly 360 residents in the 05 Units (NW Corner). Does that make sense?

Yes. . . but unfortunately that map is not going to be of assistance. . . I can assure you, however that your south views will be unobstructed for the foreseeable future ;)

Neat project. Even cooler, if I were to land a pretty decent job in the loop one day, I could afford to rent a one bedroom apartment in The Shoreham (around $1300) I wonder if public transport will be improved in the area..I took a look at the CTA a map, and unless im looking at the wrong area, it looked sort of out of touch with both rail lines and bus routes.

There are many rental units available in the area that are quite a bit less than what they're looking for at the Shoreham (check apartments.com). . . I just moved into a studio in Outer Drive East and pay significantly less than that. . . also we're pretty well served by CTA busses. . . the #60 goes all the way out to Harbor Drive via Randolph and the #20 services Illinois Center along Columbus and Wacker. . . I've taken both of these to get back home after work and they get me within a block of my building or in the case of #60, there's a stop right out in front. . . also some of the buildings have their own private bus. . . I take the private shuttle into the Loop in the mornings and return on the CTA in the evenings so despite what it looks like on paper, this "neighborhood" is in fact tied in to the rest of the public transit system. . .

I'm surprised there isn't more information available on the LSE market place. The LSE website has virtualy nothing on it and even the web page of the architectural firm had virtually nothing.

This sounds like it should be a major retail facility, but I find it surprising that nothing is written about it and not even spec pictures are available.

******

Another LSE point: this one has come up before, but nothing definitive has ever been answered. Do the developers have any plans to cover the concrete "canyon" walls that rise above the park in various segments? It seems absurd that they would leave them exposed the way they are?

******

Third point...never brought this one up before. I remember a brochure I had seen during the 70's or early 80's on downtown redevelopment. It had been released by the city. A number of elements have come to fruitan...i.e. the landscaping of streets such as Wacker. One interesting picture I remember was of the riverfront portion of what today is LSE. It had the exposed (and rather unattractive...especially in comparison to the classically beautiful stretch west of Mich Ave) portions of Lower Wacker covered by town houses that faced directly out to the river, covering up the view of the roadway.

Does anyone know if the developers and/or the city have plans for how this frankly brutal stretch will be redeveloped. There must be something in place. It would seem unlikely that the signature arched building would stand above something so unattractive as the Ill Center portion of Lower Wacker.

Good question, edsg--isn't all of lower wccker going to be covered (eventually) by the bases of the highrises?

I hvae another question... why did they make the road in LSE one-way?!? The development is already sealed off from traffic enough.. the only entry is from Randolph. I just thought it was a little extreme to build what is essentially a big cul-de-sac..

Good question, edsg--isn't all of lower wccker going to be covered (eventually) by the bases of the highrises?

I hvae another question... why did they make the road in LSE one-way?!? The development is already sealed off from traffic enough.. the only entry is from Randolph. I just thought it was a little extreme to build what is essentially a big cul-de-sac..

isn't the road essentially just a (large) ring around the park and, if so, wouldn't practicality and safety make sense if it is one way. I mean, if everyone has to turn at the corner, why would you want two way traffic?

int: this one has come up before, but nothing definitive has ever been answered. Do the developers have any plans to cover the concrete "canyon" walls that rise above the park in various segments? It seems absurd that they would leave them exposed the way they are?


That's what the parkhomes are for. I think what we possibly need to be concerned about is how these buildings will look abutting Wacker Drive. I say this because the main level/entrance level of those towers will be the same level as upper Wacker Drive, but upper Wacker only goes so far...It doesn't go all the way to LSD. How will the walls of the highrises that face Wacker Drive furthest to the east be treated...

That's what the parkhomes are for. I think what we possibly need to be concerned about is how these buildings will look abutting Wacker Drive. I say this because the main level/entrance level of those towers will be the same level as upper Wacker Drive, but upper Wacker only goes so far...It doesn't go all the way to LSD. How will the walls of the highrises that face Wacker Drive furthest to the east be treated...

Chicago's Dept of Planning and Devt and the City council, as a reflection of the population they represent, are obsessed with appearances. Sure some shit gets built, but when it comes to what we present to the lakefront, riverfront, and Lakeshore drive--I highly doubt they'll let an ugly wall face Wacker--especially in that particular area.

Chicago's Dept of Planning and Devt and the City council, as a reflection of the population they represent, are obsessed with appearances. Sure some shit gets built, but when it comes to what we present to the lakefront, riverfront, and Lakeshore drive--I highly doubt they'll let an ugly wall face Wacker--especially in that particular area.

They can't be that obsessed with appearances, seeing as the towers that were previously there had blank walls, even thought hey weren't against Wacker Dr, We'll see. Wherever I revisit the sales center, I'll enquire about their plans.

Relatively not in the stream of conversation, but I'd jsut like to say that I took a cab to the north side (Pizano's pizza) and passed by lakeshore east. The Lancaster makes me drool.

They can't be that obsessed with appearances, seeing as the towers that were previously there had blank walls, even thought hey weren't against Wacker Dr, We'll see. Wherever I revisit the sales center, I'll enquire about their plans.

^Yes, but you have to realize that we have entered a new era. Chicago, like it did before WWII, is beginning to understand the importance of the pedestrian, the human, the citizen, etc. Those and many other structures were built during a time when Chicago had given up on those ideals and caved in to developers trying to make a quick buck. I honestly think that if many of those buildings had been developed in the current climate those issues would have been better addressed.

-Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I stopped by the Lake Shore East marketing center yesterday. Someone already mentioned this several weeks ago, but the next tower will be called "The Chandler". I was told that it would be around 35 stories.

When I asked who the architects were, I really didn't get the response that I was looking for, but then again, she wasn't 100% sure. She said that she believes Lowenberg were the architects, possibly with DeStefano: I would rather it be the other was around, DeStefano, with Lowenberg working on the interior.

She told me that they would probably begin marketing the new building sometime next month. There is no rendering as of this moment. The new tower will be directly east of The Regatta.

Any rendering on The Chanlder? Just asking.

Any rendering on The Chanlder? Just asking.

No, not yet, they should have something within the next several months.

Any rendering on The Chanlder? Just asking.


Here's a rendering of The Chandler

http://img287.echo.cx/img287/8274/thechandler8tm.jpg

I stopped by the Lakeshore East salescenter, and this is what I was able to pick up. You are looking at the southern facade, the norther facade is identical. It reminds me a bit of The Lancaster.

Here's a rendering of The Chandler

http://img287.echo.cx/img287/8274/thechandler8tm.jpg

I stopped by the Lakeshore East salescenter, and this is what I was able to pick up. You are looking at the southern facade, the norther facade is identical. It reminds me a bit of The Lancaster.


I like the southern facade! How tall is the Chandler?

Memo to Victor: your sleuthing is unparalleled!

Excellent work Butler. It does remind me a bit of the Lancaster, but, given that the Lancaster's west facade is practically perfect, I think it's okay :)

It kind of looks like a marriage between the Lancaster and the Regatta. Quite fascinating!

I like it. LSE will have good architecture. It is perhaps going to be Chicago's first downtown hood with all modern architecture. Actually, Central Station was first, but its architecture hasn't been all that good...

^^ its improving though. slowly :)

For such a fast growing, successfully, and prominent project, I'm rather surprised by the elements of LSE that are not forthcoming.

Clearly the row houses will be built before a number of the high rises. The land is graded already for here and the location on the park is ideal. This will undoubtedly be some of best town houses in Chicago, unique in their proximity to the Loop, unparraelled by their lake and river location. Why are there only some rudimentry drawings of them currently available with total lack of detail?

Same on the market place. The concept has been locked it. The architect chosen ages ago. The need most evident. Why do we have virtually nothing on this aspect of the project at this point?

Why do we have virtually nothing on this aspect of the project at this point?

Indeed. Perhaps Magellan is revising their "best and highest use" of these parcels? When shovels first hit the dirt on LSE, the Loop condo market hadn't yet reached its current white-hot status. I'm astonished by the number of condo projects that have hit the boards in just the last year - where is the bottom to this trend (higher lending rates, perhaps?) With demand so very high and space limited, townhouses might look less attractive to a speculative developer today than they did even a few years ago.

re: market - isn't this the project that Studio Gang is working on, or are they involved in some other aspect of LSE?

With demand so very high and space limited, townhouses might look less attractive to a speculative developer today than they did even a few years ago.

^You think so? I think townhouses will attract a subset of rich people who don't want to live in penthouses or condos, but still want to be downtown. IMO, they'll sell very well

I wonder how well the townhouses on the water at River East have fared. Anyone know?

I like the chandler. I was starting to get worried that all the buildings would be white and blue glass (forget if Regatta is suppossed to have paint or not), so the brown-blue of the Chandler is a good mix up.

It looks like print media is behind yet again...

In an article about the financing of Lakeshore East in the Tribune today, real estate columnist Thomas Corfman wrote:

"And later this year construction is expected to start on a high-end, 61-story condo tower, to be located at 340 E. Randolph St., a venture with developer LR Development Co. That deal values the site at $20 million."

I guess Corfman's window in Tribune Tower does not face south, precluding him a view of the foundation work being completed for 340 on the Park ???

^They were behind and ahead at the same time because the same article said the Shorham was finished but it is still UC.

It looks like print media is behind yet again...

In an article about the financing of Lakeshore East in the Tribune today, real estate columnist Thomas Corfman wrote:

"And later this year construction is expected to start on a high-end, 61-story condo tower, to be located at 340 E. Randolph St., a venture with developer LR Development Co. That deal values the site at $20 million."

I guess Corfman's window in Tribune Tower does not face south, precluding him a view of the foundation work being completed for 340 on the Park ???

^These Tribune columnists reporting on developments downtown SUCK! It is quite a huge shame and embarassment how badly they get their facts mixed up. Maybe they all live in the suburbs and have no clue. Either way, do your jobs and get the facts right, motherfuckers!

Wait, you mean that when they finish painting the outside of building, that doesn't end it's time as "under construction."? ;)

^These Tribune columnists reporting on developments downtown SUCK! It is quite a huge shame and embarassment how badly they get their facts mixed up. Maybe they all live in the suburbs and have no clue. Either way, do your jobs and get the facts right, motherfuckers!
lol , i agree man but its funny how worked up you get about it. its becouse you have such a passion of these subects that it bothers you to the point that you curse. dont worry , i do the same thing.

Well, they are officially ,arketing The Chandler now. There was a large rendering of the building in this past Sunday's Chicago Tribune. The building is also now on the Lakeshore East website.

http://www.lakeshoreeast.com/images/images_res-chandler.jpg

THE CHANDLER

The high-life happens at The Chandler, a world-class high-rise at Lakeshore East. Rising 35 stories above the Chicago Skyline, with 286 residences, the Chandler offers amenities such as an indoor rooftop pool, rooftop decks, a media room and an outstanding fitness facility.

The vibrant new neighborhood on the New East Side is a place for extraordinary things, and there’s no doubt that, the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, Millennium Park and the Park at Lakeshore East will catch your eye. But it’s The Chandler that will command your attention, capture your spirit, and welcome you home.

Studios, 1, 2, 3 Bedroom, Penthouse
Distinctive Luxury Condominiums

Priced from the low $200’s up to $1.7 million

CALL TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

312.540.9891

After Chandler, what's next?

^I think a building just west of the Regatta and a ~70 story building on the north west portion of the site just south of the fire station. The latter is to be designed by Janine Gang.

After Chandler, what's next?

I believe that a 70+ story building is planned on Columbus Drive just north of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Building. The thing is, I don't know if this is one of the parcels that was sold off ro not, not that it matters. The building it think is being designed by Studio Gang :)

I'm trying to make an appointment with them to learn more on the project.

I am praying very hard for Janine Gang's design on 70-story building is spectacular.

Man why couldn't they have started with Studio Gang in the first place?!?!

It's Jeanne Gang.

Will this be the 1st major highrise in Chicago designed by a woman?

http://www.lakeshoreeast.com/images/LSEneigh.pdf

Not sure if you guys already saw the updated LSE map involving Chandler and East Village Market. If you have, my apology.

Would someone mind posting this map? My stupid f$#king computer is not capable of pulling it up

do we know the site location of this studio gang tower?

^ along columbus, just south of the fire station.

Interesting map: for the first time, the market place has a name (East Village Market) and a shape, but the CPS school has disappeared from the park (does this mean that CPS has some questions about this project?).

I wonder when more information will be released on the market place...what a great location; it should be able to draw from LSE condos and rowhouses and the surrounding downtown areas. I wonder if East village Market is the real name, or just the name they're working with at the present.

http://img300.echo.cx/img300/4015/lseneighcopy2te.png

Interesting map: for the first time, the market place has a name (East Village Market) and a shape, but the CPS school has disappeared from the park (does this mean that CPS has some questions about this project?).

The area has a long way to go before it reaches the population levels necessary for a new school. Lots of families need to move in as well. Seems like a lot of the condo buyers are empty-nesters, retired couples or single people. I wouldn't say it is scrapped at this point but realistically, I don't forsee any school being built for at least 10 years (assuming no other major projects get built in the area).

The area has a long way to go before it reaches the population levels necessary for a new school. Lots of families need to move in as well. Seems like a lot of the condo buyers are empty-nesters, retired couples or single people. I wouldn't say it is scrapped at this point but realistically, I don't forsee any school being built for at least 10 years (assuming no other major projects get built in the area).

I don't think that the school has been scrapped, but I do know that the developer wants to move it out of the park, becaause he feels tht the park should remain whole. I agree with that. I think that they were thinking of placing the school between The Lancaster and The Shorham. They should just incorporate the school into the base of one of the towers and be done with it.

I don't think that the school has been scrapped, but I do know that the developer wants to move it out of the park, becaause he feels tht the park should remain whole. I agree with that. I think that they were thinking of placing the school between The Lancaster and The Shorham. They should just incorporate the school into the base of one of the towers and be done with it.

I walked through the park for the first time last week. The developer is probably on the right track in regards to moving the school out of the park. It seems like the park would seem too small with a school in the NE corner of it. Moving it into the base of one of the towers is a great idea.

I walked through the park for the first time last week. The developer is probably on the right track in regards to moving the school out of the park. It seems like the park would seem too small with a school in the NE corner of it. Moving it into the base of one of the towers is a great idea.
This alteration stinks to high heaven, placing future developer promises in jeopardy. As a teacher of some 44 years, a school for many reasons needs its own presence. If the mayor had reneged on this school plan, the Chicago press would be spluttering their customary righteous indignation, it's what sells their third rate product. :speech:

a school for many reasons needs its own presence.
why?

This alteration stinks to high heaven, placing future developer promises in jeopardy. As a teacher of some 44 years, a school for many reasons needs its own presence. If the mayor had reneged on this school plan, the Chicago press would be spluttering their customary righteous indignation, it's what sells their third rate product. :speech:

I guess I would agree that a school at the base of a large residential tower may not be the greatest idea. There is plenty of room behind The Shorham to place a school. The idea is to get it out of the park.

I thought having it in the park was a fantastic idea. Imagine how overjoyed some stay-at-home parents would be at the thought of looking out their window and being able to watch their children throughout the school day!

Now, whether or not you want Mrs. Jones running downstairs every time Bobby throws sand in Johnny's face is a completely different story. But, I think it would be a great selling point nonetheless.

there so close to the park that im shure theyll be frequenting the park often enough

I thought having it in the park was a fantastic idea. Imagine how overjoyed some stay-at-home parents would be at the thought of looking out their window and being able to watch their children throughout the school day!

Now, whether or not you want Mrs. Jones running downstairs every time Bobby throws sand in Johnny's face is a completely different story. But, I think it would be a great selling point nonetheless.

People don't live that way in the city. We take our dogs out for a walk. We don't open the door and say go pee dog. We also take the kids out to play. Again...we don't open up the back door and say go play kids. Just a different lifestyle in the denser areas than out in suburbia or spread out Chicago neighborhoods.

why?

School, Home, Church, Synagogue, etc. all "places" so much unto themselves as to resist blending. When a child leaves home each day to go to "school" it is a special and distinct destination. For the child it is the first break from home, the first rite of passage, as it were. A "place" where friendships will be formed beyond the family or the kid next door. There is the special relationship that develops with the "teacher," the next deeply involved adult in the child's life after the parents. Navigating the "space" between school and home is its own adventure. Once inside the school, a sequence of physical "spaces" and "places" will become the settings for life-forming physical, emotional, and pedagogical experiences. Note I'm speaking only about the sense of a school's "presence" as the theatre for education, and leaving to the side the myriad of educational issues to be impacted by its loss. I don't think going downstairs really cuts it. Now, it might be possible to replicate all this psychologically, socially, and educationally in an apartment building, but I'm very skeptical.

P.S. As for the develper reneging on his promise, it has always been the way of the powerful to get where they want to get to by riding on the backs of school children. Since I've lived in this state they passed a state sales tax, state income tax, and lottery all on the promise of solving once and for all the school funding problems. In the end, all those funds were diverted to the more highly placed interests, the big donors who influence elections. Just to cover myself, I'm concluding with the rant emoticon. :rant:

^Interesting.

I would have to agree. Just as most people wouldn't think of placing a house of worship in the base of a building, I also think a school shouldn't be.

A school is like a community center, it is a valuable and important place, and it represents learning, rite of passage, and the future. It should be given the dignity of having its own building. Just my opinion, though...

^ i think that having a grammar school as part of a mixed use building would be pretty cool. i don't buy this "stand alone" theory. i just don't.

and thank god that the school has been taken out of the park. there lots of room for it elsewhere within LSE.

interesting conversation on the school. what do you folks think the market place will be like? On the new map, it appears bigger than I thought it was going to be. Do you see this as a general downtown attraction or one that is mainly going to cater to the LSE community. I would think the former; the high end stores geared to the prices of LSE condos and town houses will be an attraction for others. I would imagine that you'd have some sort of competiton for Fox & Obel, even though they'd be less than a mile apart.

People don't live that way in the city. We take our dogs out for a walk. We don't open the door and say go pee dog. We also take the kids out to play. Again...we don't open up the back door and say go play kids. Just a different lifestyle in the denser areas than out in suburbia or spread out Chicago neighborhoods.

I would love to believe that. And it's true, REAL city people don't live that way; but the metranite transplants who are trying to make a go of it in the City because it's the hip thing to do this week are certainly capable of bringing their "let the dog out, wave to the kids while they get on the bus" mentality with them. While I have the utmost respect for people who don't buy into the whole "you must live in suburbia if you have kids" theory, I still feel like Lakeshore East is a pretty suburban development - Chicago's very own gated community. These people are hardly jumping in with both feet and I certainly don't expect them to think and act like TRUE city-folk.

I would love to believe that. And it's true, REAL city people don't live that way; but the metranite transplants who are trying to make a go of it in the City because it's the hip thing to do this week are certainly capable of bringing their "let the dog out, wave to the kids while they get on the bus" mentality with them. While I have the utmost respect for people who don't buy into the whole "you must live in suburbia if you have kids" theory, I still feel like Lakeshore East is a pretty suburban development - Chicago's very own gated community. These people are hardly jumping in with both feet and I certainly don't expect them to think and act like TRUE city-folk.

But you seem to have the misperception that having kids, walking around the park with them, and not being hip is somehow suburban. That is a misnomer, if you ask me. Urban has only recently represented "hipness" and "diversity" because in the past 50 years, "unhip white families" have fled the city for boonie-land suburbia. "hipness" doesn't define urban. Actually, attracting family-minded people of good income and providing a school for their kids' education is very good for the city--it needs more of this.

And this whole "gated community" business is overrated. Gated communities used to mean that a community had a huge fence around it, and only cars with ID cards could get in. Now it seems like you guys want to label everything as somewhat exclusive and rich as a "gated community". LSE will likely have a well-off population, but cities have had exclusive hoods like that since the beginning of time.

LSE is suburban? Please! Numerous highrises, walkability, townhomes, a park, large stores and shops, a school, a community center, office space, likely bus service, etc etc all in just 60 or so acres? Give me a break, my friend....

LSE still bares similarity to any suburban subdivision for one reason, it's not natural. Urban to me at least, means something organic, something created by many people, and infinite interactions and relationships, and not just one developer and his master planner. LSE is not authentic the same way other neighborhoods are, and there is nothing we can really do about that because it isn't in the interest of the consumer or the seller. When we say LSE is suburban, i think I and many others mean it in that sense.

Agreed ThirdCoast. I never meant to say that LSE was suburban because it wasn't dense or because there was nothing to do - I think we all know that simply isn't true. It is suburban, however, in its appeal. The aim of having the school in the middle of the park was simply to draw "family types" back to the City, or to keep them from fleeing in the first place. Until it becomes commonplace, however, for people to remain in the City when the baby-machine starts running, I will always say that family-oriented development is, in some sense, a slice of suburbia. You can't tell me that you view LSE as an integrated part of the whole of downtown - if you really believe that, then I strongly suggest you pay closer attention to it on your next visit. It is VERY isolated and very "gated" - even if only psychologically.

"Until it becomes commonplace, however, for people to remain in the City when the baby-machine starts running, I will always say that family-oriented development is, in some sense, a slice of suburbia."

What? That's insane. A city needs families and children and all that in order to be a truly complete place to live. As a young person, I wouldn't want to live in a neighborhood that was entirely young people. They're not nearly as cool or interesting as they think they are.

The "gated community" argument has slightly more merit, I think, but in another sense a lot of Chicago communities are pretty self-enclosed, and I think it'll probably be only a matter of time before outsiders start to go to LSE for retail and entertainment needs, making it more integrated with the city.

you guys have me in tears. doesn't anyone want to discuss the marketplace (or am I the only one guilty of crass commericalism)????????

:bash: :weirdo: :bash:

I'd love to discuss the marketplace, but, I have to win this argument first :)

I never said that the city didn't need families and children... I'm not sure how you even arrived at that conclusion from what I wrote. What I would like, is for people to be willing to raise their children in the City as it is - without the need for gimmicks (i.e. a school in right in front of the condo). Of course, that's not the City's fault, but, rather the mentality of people. The way to fix it, however, is not by catering to what these people want, but by showing them that raising kids in a traditional (not guarded) urban environment is the best thing you could ever do for them. I just don't want to see the children of LSE stuck in their neighborhood like it was Joliet - they should be allowed to be out and about and going to a school that's not right across the street.

ok, geoff, but i'm holding you to your commitment! :)

rofl

I'd love to discuss the marketplace, but, I have to win this argument first :)

I never said that the city didn't need families and children... I'm not sure how you even arrived at that conclusion from what I wrote. What I would like, is for people to be willing to raise their children in the City as it is - without the need for gimmicks (i.e. a school in right in front of the condo). Of course, that's not the City's fault, but, rather the mentality of people. The way to fix it, however, is not by catering to what these people want, but by showing them that raising kids in a traditional (not guarded) urban environment is the best thing you could ever do for them. I just don't want to see the children of LSE stuck in their neighborhood like it was Joliet - they should be allowed to be out and about and going to a school that's not right across the street.


Isn't it just a grade school up to 5th grade? C'mon man, its not a big deal that 5-11 year olds will have a school in their neighborhood, when they go on to middle and highschool they'll have plenty of freedom.

A school in the neighborhood is one thing; hell, all of Chicago's public schools are set in neighborhoods. A school that is placed smack in the middle of a park so parents can keep an eye out is a whole different ball game. I know I have the unpopular opinion on this one, it just rubs me the wrong way for some reason.

I think this school discussion is going nowhere. From what I have heard, the school will not be placed in the park - possibly in the corner between the Lancaster and the Shoreham. Nothing has been decided at all regarding the school.

In case you don't know:
Regatta is 94% sold. The new residents will move in by mid 2006.

I think this school discussion is going nowhere. From what I have heard, the school will not be placed in the park - possibly in the corner between the Lancaster and the Shoreham. Nothing has been decided at all regarding the school.

agreed. and there is definitely a good chance that the school site was removed from the Harbor Park to show the park configuration upon completion, as opposed to how it would look at a much later date with a school. Although I originally raised the issue of a connection between map and school, I was by no means implying I thought there was. I was just curious about the map's exclusion.

Glad for that to be over :)

That's awesome news about the Regatta! LSE sales continue to amaze me.

A school in the neighborhood is one thing; hell, all of Chicago's public schools are set in neighborhoods. A school that is placed smack in the middle of a park so parents can keep an eye out is a whole different ball game. I know I have the unpopular opinion on this one, it just rubs me the wrong way for some reason.
With this observation I too am in agreement. It would be better to have the school placed somewhere outside the confines of LSE that would be easily accessible to a wider, more mixed population of students; it reminds me of the stultifying effect of the schools built within the precincts of the former CHA projects. That said, I'm stumped as to where one would locate any K_12 school downtown.

There are tons of loft buildings in River North that I think would make fantastic candidates. They're all well-served by public, they're in a very safe area and I certainly think that if the demand isn't quite there yet, it will be shortly.

I think that I have some news that you all would like to know. Hopefully this Thursday, I will be going to see my old professor, Mark Schendel, who is married to Jeanne Gang :) and he's going to give me the rundown on the tower the're designing in Lakeshore East.

Oh, and by the way, he told me that the building's not 70-stories... It's 80 stories

Have a good day...:)

wait ... you said They're designing right ?.... is your professor, jeanne gang's husband, also part of studio gang????? if he isn't, what firm did he, does he belong to?

the building's not 70-stories... It's 80 stories

80 stories tall???? If I am not mistaken, that tower will be 900ft tall. It should be designated as a flagship tower of the LSE.

wait ... you said They're designing right ?.... is your professor, jeanne gang's husband, also part of studio gang????? if he isn't, what firm did he, does he belong to?

Yes, he works for Studio Gang. HIs name is Mark Schindel.

Hopefully I'll have more details tomorrow.