Question for NWside and others who might know

[The Urban Politician]

Hello, I would like to revisit a question I asked you guys earlier. Has there been any new construction yet on that parcel at Armitage and California? I am still wondering if Smithfield properties is building a strip mall there

[NWside]

Construction has actually moved at a rapid pace, the only thing that's posted at the site is a sign for National City Bank and a URL that doesn't work. As for what's being built is still a mystery except for probably another bank on Armitage, i read something a while ago on Globest.com that there was going to be a Jamba Juice, Ulta, and some other sh** that I personally don't need, but i have to see the finished product to judge. Now im no construction expert BUT, the structure is being built in a circular fashion and the middle as of now is empty.... for parking? Who knows because i certainly don't. Still as of now it looks very strip mall like, and there seems to be no residential components included.

[The Urban Politician]

Fuck Smithfield, and Fuck Daley for approving this garbage!

Does that central area look big enough to be a parking lot?

[NWside]

Well i hope im wrong, but the buildings are being built around this empty space, and yes it's enough for parking. Even though i live so close; a block away, i hardly notice it, but right now as im going out i will take a good look at it, and give my final analysis. ;)

[24gotham]

I will go along with F*ck Smithfield, I have a personal grudge against them..... :wink2:

[The Urban Politician]

It looks like Daley, Smithfield, and Booth Hansen pulled a fast one on us. They quickly built a strip mall before anyone could notice or complain

[NWside]

Well after taking a closer look it's almost safe to say that it will become a strip mall. There is an entrance on Armitage for cars, and the center is still empty... for cars. They should have just put another Jimenez or El Guero grocery store, but gentrification is taking over the neighborhood at an amazing pace, i can't say im in complete favor. Many of the hispanics are getting pushed out because rent and taxes are to high, but what can i say? You would be surprised at the amount of rats and gangbangers on my block alone, but everyone is and will get pushed out eventually, that's how the city works.

[The Urban Politician]

Well, I have thought it over again. I am not happy about it being a strip mall (esp designed by Booth Hansen, supposedly a very reputable architecture firm), but it being so far from downtown I guess a few will inevitably get built and we have to accept that. I am optimistic, nevertheless, because in Chicago's neighborhoods, for every 1 strip mall built there are usually a dozen or so good urban developments.

However, the bottom line is this. In Chicago, a stand alone retail center outside of downtown cannot be built unless it's a strip mall. For some reason I don't understand, developers are so locked into the strip-mall model that they can't build anything else. That's why mixed-use (residential above, retail below) is the best thing to promote in this city.