I love it, but it is kind of a dwarf among giants. Also, what's with calling this "West Loop"? In my mind, West Loop is west of the river.

so I guess north of the chicago river is north loop using this logic?
This is the westside of the loop if you map it,
I think Near west side makes more sense for the area west of the loop,
the Loop isnt that big,
Its all semantics, but West Loop term for something not in the Loop
is a headscratcher but is apparently in common usage,
Wikipedia puts the borders as such river to the east, lake street to north, congress parkway to south, and halsted or ashland to the west,
personally this doesnt jive with me, and its considered part of the nearwestside.

I guess the article could have said the West side of the Loop then.
Just goes to show how confusing names can get when you start naming neigborhoods after what they are next to instead of what they are,
WestRidge instead of West Rogers Park makes Tons more sense and is the older name. For Example.
I do know about South Loop as well,
Ofcourse of North Chicago, West Chicago, East Chicago, South Chicago,

South Chicago formely known as Ainsworth
is the southernmost part of Chicago on the lake. Should have kept its former name IMHO

North Chicago is very far from Chicago and its strange to have that name
but it was named long ago so its more accepable

East Chicago always made sense to me cuz it is JUST east of Chicago,
and its very old.

West Chicago formerly known as Turner Junction,
is pretty damn west, and should have kept its former name, but hey
then we wouldnt have N/S/W/E Chicago

Ofcourse Little Chicago in Wisconsin is a joke, but hilarious
and is just an intersection inbetween Merrill and Wausau
in the middle of nowhere,

Talk about Names.:cheers:

I actually do pretty much think about the West Loop in terms of the Wikipedia borders, but I would put the west border at Ashland and the north border at the Metra viaduct because I tend to group the Fulton District into the larger "West Loop". West of that is West Haven (until Western Ave). All of these neighborhoods (West Loop, Fulton, West Haven) are part of the Near West Side. Then comes East Garfield Park, which is just straight-up West Side.

North of the Main Branch of the river is, of course, River North (or Streeterville further east). Between these two, starting about Huron or Erie, is the Cathedral District, which includes Rush Street.

Loop, if you ask me, is from Michigan to Clinton, Congress to the River.

http://chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=25245

Hotel planned for North Franklin Street site

By Alby Gallun

A group led by hotel investor Peter Dumon plans to build a 295-room limited-service hotel on North Franklin Street in the Loop.

The developers are likely to run the hotel as a Marriott Courtyard Inn or a Hyatt Place, Global Hyatt Corp.’s new limited-service brand, says Mr. Dumon, president of Oakbrook Terrace-based Harp Group Inc. The group recently paid $5.7 million, or about $700 a square foot, for the 8,100-square-foot development site at 28 N. Franklin St., currently a parking lot.

“We’ll be full during the week with business travelers, and on weekends we can be a discount alternative to Michigan Avenue,” Mr. Dumon says.

Yet the scarcity of restaurants, shopping and other attractions nearby means “weekends could be tough” for the hotel, says Brian Flanagan, president of Chicago-based Property Valuation Advisors Inc.

As usual, Mr. Dumon is teaming up on the project with developers David Bossy and Michael Firsel, his partners in Crescendo Cos., a holding company the trio formed several months ago.

Downtown hotel development has picked up as hotel occupancies and room rates have surged the past couple years. Other recent limited-service hotel projects include a Hampton Inn at 22 W. Monroe St. and La Quinta Inn at 1 S. Franklin St.

Mr. Dumon’s project would rise about 24 stories and cost about $70 million. He expects that city officials will approve zoning changes for the project if the developers make a donation to the city’s affordable housing trust fund.

The development group bought the property from a land trust controlled by real estate investor George Hanus.

http://chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=25478

Sterling Bay in deal to buy Zell building

By Thomas A. Corfman

Sterling Bay Cos. has a contract to buy 300 W. Adams St., a privately owned asset of billionaire investor Sam Zell that his father bought nearly four decades ago.

The deal comes as Sterling Bay puts up for auction its most recent acquisition, the Igoe Building, a loft office building on the edge of the West Loop acquired earlier this month.

For 300 W. Adams, the purchase price of roughly $23 million for the building is somewhat less than the minimum $25 million that had been expected, meaning that Chicago-based Sterling Bay is seemingly getting a bit of a bargain. But Mr. Zell opted for the certainty of a relatively quick sale, sources say. And he knows the condition of the 12-story structure, built in 1928, better than anyone: His father, Bernard Zell, an astute real estate investor, bought it in 1970.

Sterling Bay has already made a substantial earnest money deposit on the purchase, which is expected to close early next month, according to sources close to the transaction. The Chicago firm was apparently one of several bidders that made unsolicited offers offer on the building, prompting Mr. Zell to hire the Chicago office of real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield Inc. to formally market the property.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Zell declines to comment; an executive with Cushman & Wakefield could not be reached.

300 W. Adams wasn’t part of the sprawling portfolio of Equity Office Properties Trust, where Mr. Zell was the chairman until it was acquired earlier this year by Blackstone Group L.P. in a leveraged buyout.

Sterling Bay principal Scott Goodman declined to comment on the plans for 300 W. Adams, but the firm has traditionally focused on so-called opportunistic investments, such as buying buildings with high vacancy rates, or that require redevelopment. About 23% of the antiquated 252,000-square-foot building is vacant, according to real estate research firm CoStar Group Inc.

Lynn Becker has a piece on the "meet downtowns new aldermen" event yesterday.

http://arcchicago.blogspot.com/2007/06/chicagos-downtown-aldermen-pushovers-no.html

The top 15 floors of the Mid-Continental Plaza are being converted to condominiums. That portion will be reclad and balconies will be added to the building.

Kennedys, developer plan big Wolf Point project
(Crain’s) – A joint venture including the Kennedy family and a Texas developer aims to transform a long-vacant riverside property just west of the Merchandise Mart into a massive hotel, residential and office project anchored by an 89-story skyscraper.

read more: http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/n...25853&seenIt=1

FANTASTIC NEWS!!!! This project has been talked about behind the scenes since Christopher Hill was commissioner of DPD back in 1999. What amazes me is that there will be THREE towers on the site.

This development will wipe out one of the most quirky post-industrial nature habitats in the central area. This area, home Samuel Millers tavern, then lumber yards with railroad spurs, then stone yards, then parking lots and weeds, ultimately gave rise to mature trees along the bank. There are huge roots shooting downward past old steel bars and rotted wooden planks, like a salad of roots, metal and wood.

The riverbank was pure nature, then cut bare for industrial use, and then allowed to revert back to nature for decades. Birds, both local and migratory stopping-over type, loved this place. I saw a beaver there about six years ago on the side near the Orleans Street Bridge. There are beaver toothmarks on many of the trees.

Holy shit this is amazing.

If people are concerned with the late-afternoon shadows from the proposed 50+ story development at Lake and Riverside, they're going to throw an absolute FIT with the 89-story tower. And owners in Riverbend are going to be uber-pissed as well, even though they have no real right to be. (want guaranteed views? go live in the Spire...)

By the way, Tom, do you have a link to that article? Per Jan's request, all Crain's articles can only be quoted partially with a link to the full article.

If people are concerned with the late-afternoon shadows from the proposed 50+ story development at Lake and Riverside, they're going to throw an absolute FIT with the 89-story tower. And owners in Riverbend are going to be uber-pissed as well, even though they have no real right to be. (want guaranteed views? go live in the Spire...)yeah the people in Riverbend will completely lose their views. that sucks! but they certainly aren't the only ones in the city with that problem lately.

is 89 stories 1000 feet? its gotta be close right?

There really is not a lot of room at the Point. Isn't there an existing parking garage there now as part of the existing Holiday Inn? It is a weird shape that even at the longest point it is only 600' wide and from the river at the point of the triangle to the edge of the building to the north is only about 300'. Sounds like a job that Harry Weese might have been more experienced with than Pelli!

There really is not a lot of room at the Point. Isn't there an existing parking garage there now as part of the existing Holiday Inn? It is a weird shape that even at the longest point it is only 600' wide and from the river at the point of the triangle to the edge of the building to the north is only about 300'. Sounds like a job that Harry Weese might have been more experienced with than Pelli!

I understand your tongue-in-cheek suggestion that one of Harry Weese's triangular buildings would be able to fit the site's footprint. However, I have to point one a bit of irony.

Specifically, Harry Weese himself sketched a plan for the downtown area several decades ago. On that sketch he indicated that the Wolf Point parcel (the one that we're talking about here) should be a park!

By the way, Tom, do you have a link to that article? Per Jan's request, all Crain's articles can only be quoted partially with a link to the full article.

Thanks i_am_hydrogen, I put a link in with the 1st paragraph.

Specifically, Harry Weese himself sketched a plan for the downtown area several decades ago. On that sketch he indicated that the Wolf Point parcel (the one that we're talking about here) should be a park!

Haha... that is great. You would think he would look at that site as a blank canvas!

..

Looking to beef up apartments
REAL ESTATE | Near North renters might be getting ritzy room service

August 1, 2007
BY DAVID ROEDER droeder@suntimes.com
In today's residential market, developers need to stand out from the crowd. James Letchinger, president of JDL Development Corp., might do that by chasing a unique customer base: renters who eat meat.
Especially those hungry for steaks at Gene & Georgetti's, 500 N. Franklin. Letchinger has a deal with the restaurant's owner, Tony Durpetti, to buy property on the block east of the restaurant and put up an apartment building. One amenity under consideration, he said, is letting the renters call Gene's for room service.......

More at link below, but I just had to post this interesting excerpt from the article:

Letchinger said negotiations with the community have brought about several design improvements to the apartment tower. He wouldn't get into specifics, but said groups have asked for a tall, lean design rather than something that sprawls over every available square foot.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/roeder/491488,CST-FIN-roeder01.article

PDNA, are you reading this?

http://chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=25983

Reschke refinances Roanoke Building ahead of renovation

By Eddie Baeb
Aug. 10, 2007

Chicago developer Michael Reschke has refinanced a vintage LaSalle Street office building as he prepares for a $25-million renovation of the 35-story tower that was recently designated by the city as a landmark.

http://www.globest.com/news/973_973/chicago/163265-1.html

Prime Group Receives $43M Refi for 11 LaSalle
By Gina Kenny

...
Last month, a $25-million renovation began on the exterior of the building. Interior work will begin once Prime Group receives the building permits. The renovations include cleaning of the exterior of the building, reconstruction of the lobby, new elevators, a new sprinkler system, remodeling of the common corridors on the multi-tenant floors, upgrading the emergency generator, tuck pointing and restoring the exterior facade ornamentation. Additionally, exterior lighting will be installed so the tower will be illuminated at night, he says. The renovation is expected to take about a year...The building has a bell tower which will be made operational during the renovations, he says.

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/5025/chiroanokebuildingom9.jpg

http://www.globest.com/news/973_973/chicago/163265-1.html

Prime Group Receives $43M Refi for 11 LaSalle
By Gina Kenny

...
Last month, a $25-million renovation began on the exterior of the building. Interior work will begin once Prime Group receives the building permits. The renovations include cleaning of the exterior of the building, reconstruction of the lobby, new elevators, a new sprinkler system, remodeling of the common corridors on the multi-tenant floors, upgrading the emergency generator, tuck pointing and restoring the exterior facade ornamentation. Additionally, exterior lighting will be installed so the tower will be illuminated at night, he says. The renovation is expected to take about a year...The building has a bell tower which will be made operational during the renovations, he says.

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/5025/chiroanokebuildingom9.jpg


LaSalle has to be one of the top five coolest looking streets in the nation. This is only going to speed up the process of downtown LaSallle turning into a 24 hour diner destination.... so to speak...... lights . camera.. action.

http://chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=26098

Developer plans to convert East Loop property to hotel
By Alby Gallun and Eddie Baeb

As it wraps up its rehab of the Blackstone Hotel, a Denver developer has agreed to buy a 27-story vintage office building in the East Loop that it plans to convert into a hotel.

Sage Hospitality Resources LLC has signed a contract for the 186,000-square-foot office building at 203 N. Wabash Ave...

^A link to photos of 203 N. Wabash on Emporis: http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=203northwabash-chicago-il-usa

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/5025/chiroanokebuildingom9.jpg

Oh my God... THAT'S what the Roanoke Building is supposed to look like??

:banana:

Sorry about the flash.

I just noticed this 5 minutes ago as I was leaving the office. I will attempt to get a better rendering tomorrow.

The Peshtigo
http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/9417/p1090374tb2.jpg

^ Anything that covers up North Pier apartment tower is welcome.

Oh, no... huge blank parking podium!

I think that is the building I have always referred to as parcel 24. Looks the same and on the same street. Is it related and perkins?

^ Anything that covers up North Pier apartment tower is welcome.
Touche!!!

Nothing special.

Just a general mention about the lot across from 155 Wacker that Buck has plans on. Didn't spyguy or someone find a render of the Kennedy view of a massing of the building?

Also talk in the article about Buck planning a 3.5 million sq.ft. mixed use project in a mystery city but the speculation is it will be NYC.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/544271,CST-FIN-buck06.article

.........In Chicago, Buck has started construction at 155 N. Wacker, its third office building along that street. Buck also said the firm has an option to acquire property on the northeast corner of Randolph and Franklin now occupied by parking lots and a Walgreens. He said the firm is interviewing architectural firms for what could be its next Chicago office building.O'Donnell said the building could be delivered in the 2011-to-2013 time frame, when several large leases for downtown office users expire.......

I hadn't realized that the La Quinta conversion of the old Jewish Federation office building was going to roughly double the existing building eastward. Here's what the building looked like last weekend and the rendering in the window:

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/2810/laquintara0.jpg

^Whew! I'm so glad that the conversion won't end up looking like this previous rendering:
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4771/laquintacn3.gif

Yikes! Me, too.

Does Chicago not require operable sashes for hotel windows?

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/2810/laquintara0.jpg


^Whew! I'm so glad that the conversion won't end up looking like this previous rendering:
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4771/laquintacn3.gif



holy crap! did we ever dodge a bullet with this one. not that the new plan is necessarily gonna grace the cover of architectural record anytime soon, but it's light years beyond the original, horrendously atrocious scheme.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?article_id=28394

Beitler wants back in the Loop
Out of the limelight, developer eyes new Wacker Drive tower

By Eddie Baeb

Mr. Beitler aims to construct a 1-million-square-foot office building, probably about 50 stories tall, on a site just north of the 65-story building at 311 S. Wacker Drive, according to sources who were briefed on the plan.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/483/og091007ghu3.gif

Can't he develop the parking lot on the south side of the property instead? Are they seriously going to demolish that well-landscaped, well-used piece of land?

A fifty story office tower sounds cool though I would rather see one built across the river in the west loop.

I also find it too bad that no developer seems to want to push past the 50 story mark in the office market these days. Maybe the economics of that height make the most sense or something but its still a bit frustrating.

my buddy eats lunch in that park almost every day. he'll be bummed to hear about beitler's plans, for sure.

The original plan for this site was 3 identical caketop buildings - it looked like a 65 story fortress. Anyone still have that render - it was posted in a thread about the worst projects that almost came to your city.

Chicago Children's Museum meeting tonight in Grant Park at Daley Bicentennial Plaza Field House.

We really need you to show your support for this very important project. Please come to the meeting tonight. Grant Park's success and international status are at stake. Grant Park is all of Chicago's park, it is our front yard! It does not belong to any one community but to all of Chicago's communities! This is, at a minimum, a city-wide issue not just a neighborhood issue.

Grant Park is also an international park and we need to show the world that we have the vision and leadership that will help us attract the 2016 Olympics.


Monday, September 10, 2007 - 6:30 p.m.



Daley Bicentennial Plaza - 337 E. Randolph ( just east of Columbus Drive across from the BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois Building)



Chicago Children's Museum officials will give a presentation of the brand-new design for the Museum. The building has been completely redesigned and is very green. They have listened to our requests that it be as green as possible and be lowered farther into the park. It has been.

These are some of the Chicago Children's Museum at Daley Bicentennial Plaza advantages:

It is a building per building replacement thus there is not a net gain of a building in Grant Park.
Provides children with a museum and additional facility in the Grant Park in a central location. We need more children in Grant Park! It is, after all, a park! Children will be able to interact with, and learn from people from all over the world already coming to visit Millennium Park and Grant Park.
Grant Park and Chicago will get a newly-constructed, state-of-the-art field house without funds coming from the Chicago Park District. Park District officials have repeated that funds for a new field house will not be released any time in the near future because of the increased demand for ones in other neighborhood parks.
Will allow for more funds to go to neighborhood parks. Grant Park generates millions of dollars for Chicago's neighborhoods.
Millennium Park's incredible international success brings people over the Millennium Park Bridge and a destination, gathering place and attraction are sorely needed. What will be built and how will it be funded, if not the museum?
Minimal traffic impact as many visitors will walk, take public transit and school buses will use middle-level Randolph to drop off and pick up visitors.
We believe that Grant Park is Chicago's lively, outdoor civic center in a beautiful, green setting that is open, green and active and will continue to be. It is a true urban success story.
Helps Chicago attract the 2016 Olympics.

We would never support a project that did not enhance Grant Park and we have worked for many years to green up the park, make it more attractive, accessible, cultural, and GREEN! We are, first and foremost, green space advocates and Grant Park is more green and attractive than it has ever been in its history! Grant Park is becoming a truly diverse place for people from all walks of life to interact.

Thank you for your interest and participation.

Please contact:
Bob O'Neill

Phone: 312-829-8015

The original plan for this site was 3 identical caketop buildings - it looked like a 65 story fortress. Anyone still have that render - it was posted in a thread about the worst projects that almost came to your city.

That was me, and here you go.
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/4237/3w1.th.jpg (http://img65.imageshack.us/my.php?image=3w1.jpg) http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/6993/3w3.th.jpg (http://img65.imageshack.us/my.php?image=3w3.jpg) http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/5171/3w2.th.jpg (http://img65.imageshack.us/my.php?image=3w2.jpg) http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/9259/3w4.th.jpg (http://img65.imageshack.us/my.php?image=3w4.jpg) http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/2774/3w5.th.jpg (http://img65.imageshack.us/my.php?image=3w5.jpg)

Wow, look who just popped out of his grave!

:lol:

^^ I know I was shocked that he quoted me. So when the heck are you going to get back to the Chicago model. STR - There are so many cool new buildings that we want to see you incorporate into your 2010 model. Put your hand to the South Grant Park Wall with OMP1 OMPW GP3 & GP4.

JV Takes Historic Chicago Property for $31M, Plans Hotel
Sept 12, 2007

A joint venture between Songy Partners L.L.C. and Snider-Cannata Interests L.L.C. has acquired the historic Chicago Athletic Association in downtown Chicago for $31 million. The venture will convert the 114-year-old landmark property overlooking Millennium Park into a luxury Omni hotel. The renovations for the project will cost $125 million, as the property is converted into the luxury 4.5-star hotel. The Chicago Athletic Association will be vacating the 265,000-square-foot, two-building facility, which was originally built in 1893.

http://www.commercialpropertynews.com/cpn/news/briefs.jsp

So they've done it. It's a huge shame - they need to open it up to the public for a couple of days so I can experience all the history in that place, and see firsthand what life was like for a Gilded Age tycoon. It's rare that you get such an complete glimpse into Chicago's past.

Wow, look who just popped out of his grave!

:lol:

I'm too busy to die. I might pop into the next CBP meeting for a beer or 4, depending on how I'm feeling and my schedule.

^^ I know I was shocked that he quoted me. So when the heck are you going to get back to the Chicago model. STR - There are so many cool new buildings that we want to see you incorporate into your 2010 model. Put your hand to the South Grant Park Wall with OMP1 OMPW GP3 & GP4.

There's a thread at SSP where I asked about new stuff people want added to the model, but it didn't get much of a reply.

So they've done it. It's a huge shame - they need to open it up to the public for a couple of days so I can experience all the history in that place, and see firsthand what life was like for a Gilded Age tycoon. It's rare that you get such an complete glimpse into Chicago's past.

^ A hotel is at least a semi-public space. It could be worse.

What's happening with the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan is a real shame to me--now you'll never get to check out those rooms or views unless you're Michael Douglas

Wow. I'm sure glad they didn't build three of the same towers... that would have looked horrible.

Looks like they're painting Millenium Park Plaza (aka The Doral) black. The north side looks complete, and when viewed from South Water Street, almost looks like an extension of Illinois Center. I've never been a fan of the building, but at least now, it might call less attention to it's ugly self.

I wonder if the annex proposal is still alive? I really hope so.

^^ ditto that. it was a very clean-looking gateway out of the park. i haven't heard anything about the project lately.

What was the annex proposal?

What was the annex proposal?

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/2536/doral2b2501op382x600bv5.jpg

Looks like they're painting Millenium Park Plaza (aka The Doral) black. The north side looks complete, and when viewed from South Water Street, almost looks like an extension of Illinois Center. I've never been a fan of the building, but at least now, it might call less attention to it's ugly self.
Maybe it's not paint. Maybe it's adhesive and they're just going to glue the extension on! :)

The Doral... er... Millennium Park Plaza has always been one of my least favorite buildings. It's a blight on that tight corner of Michigan Avenue.

^ I have a feeling that this thing will never happen. It's such a tight squeeze there. I just don't know if it's feasible financially, but I still hope it happens.

Yeah... i am skeptical too. the developer said he was going to build rental properties. you figure if you can sell the units at $800/SF (which I feel you could probably fetch), the rent is going to have to be ridulous like $6,000 for a 1,000 SF 1BR in order to make it work!

The 330 North Wabash Avenue building may be converted into condominiums because IBM and Jenner & Block have departed this building and it could be over 50% vacant.

Hmm... let's hope the conversion plan respects what is one of our best examples of Miesian International architecture, and a good counterpoint to all the mediocre imitations produced by P+W and SOM over the years.

I have a hunch IBM isn't going Condo. Several commercial tenants recently signed 15 year lease extensions.

An architecture firm that resides in the IBM Building has been studying planning options for converting the upper floors to residential condominiumns, similar to the 55 East Monroe building. There has never been any substantial discussions of converting the entire building to residential.

For what it's worth, there have also been conceptual studies for converting upper floors of the Aon Center to residential.

For what it's worth, there have also been conceptual studies for converting upper floors of the Aon Center to residential.

I bet that will happen. Aon is losing a huge tenant in early 2009, and big companies are having second thoughts about setting up offices too far from the Metra stations.

Well, these old Class A office spaces will just downgrade to Class B, I would expect. This is a pretty typical cycle.

This is rather big news. Thanks to Suburban Shadow at SSP for the heads up. The tower would be 100 storeys tall:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/OB-AQ927_POD_RE_20070926234358.jpg

Developer Tries Comeback With New Chicago Waldorf
By JENNIFER S. FORSYTH
September 27, 2007; Page B1
.....Now Mr. Reschke is mounting a big comeback, with $2 billion worth of projects planned or under construction. The most prestigious is a Waldorf-Astoria hotel and residence towers in Chicago that he plans to develop for Hilton Hotels Corp. The $500 million project will offer 325 rooms in a five-star hotel and 300 luxury condominiums in a sleek modern building about a block from the Chicago River.....
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119085473819840797.html

Reschke will be using Carley's Fordham Co. for this.

:banana: :banana:

That is an incredible design...please, please, no tease. Can this be real?

This is rather big news. Thanks to Suburban Shadow at SSP for the heads up. The tower would be 100 storeys tall:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/OB-AQ927_POD_RE_20070926234358.jpg

Developer Tries Comeback With New Chicago Waldorf
By JENNIFER S. FORSYTH
September 27, 2007; Page B1
.....Now Mr. Reschke is mounting a big comeback, with $2 billion worth of projects planned or under construction. The most prestigious is a Waldorf-Astoria hotel and residence towers in Chicago that he plans to develop for Hilton Hotels Corp. The $500 million project will offer 325 rooms in a five-star hotel and 300 luxury condominiums in a sleek modern building about a block from the Chicago River.....
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119085473819840797.html

Reschke will be using Carley's Fordham Co. for this.

this could be my new favorite building. looks like its in the same spot as the spire though. where exactly would this be going?

^ 500 north LSD? I thought Frodham had the option just north of the Spire.

BTW, Mandarin Oriental better pull the trigger or pull the plug!:guns1:

Please continue discussion of the Waldorf Astoria here:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=528574

^ 500 north LSD? I thought Frodham had the option just north of the Spire.

The Peshtigo will be at 500n LSD. Carley and Reschke have talked about building something at the site just north of the sheraton for a while now.

I bet that will happen. Aon is losing a huge tenant in early 2009, and big companies are having second thoughts about setting up offices too far from the Metra stations.

AON Centre cannot be converted into residential. That's just as dumb as making every single portion of the John Hancock Centre residential.

something i read in the suntimes last week :

It's a fitting question for Zaya Younan, bona fide property mogul and chairman of Younan Properties Inc. He announced in the Sun-Times two months ago that he wants to build the world's tallest building, and then some. Now, he said he has narrowed his search for a site to Chicago or Houston. He's ruled out Los Angeles.

Younan, who invests in office properties, said he's consulting with experts in aviation regulations and engineering on a 3,000-foot-tall building, twice the height of Sears Tower. His stated aim is to bring the crown of "world's tallest building" back to the United States. He also said he wants to capitalize on a trend toward vertical living and would include so many uses within the building as to make it a self-contained city. He talks about things like schools, hospitals and museums and said he's researching specific sites.

It's tempting to write this off as wacky self-promotion. But who knows? If he can spare space for a children's museum and a casino, I bet he'd get Mayor Daley's OK.

I don't want a 3k footer in Chicago. Let the sheiks or Chinese have it. Give me two more 1,5k or three 1k's and I would be happier.

I'd like to see it built maybe a bit north of the John Hancock center, so futher growth can start there and chicago's skyline can extend a little, but don't build it close to the spire

But if he wants to build in Houston, I'm all for it!!

I really wish I knew if this guy is was for real. I agree with the poster who said 3 1000 fts or 2 1500fts. but hard not to support it either. we'll see

I really wish I knew if this guy is was for real. I agree with the poster who said 3 1000 fts or 2 1500fts. but hard not to support it either. we'll see

I just read about this guy, it's his dream to bring WTB back to the USA and he's got a large multi-billion dollar business that only started back in maybe 2002. I think if he is fixated on this dream, he will eventually do it.

Houston with WTB :banana:

I'm only for it here if it goes at wolf point to be an anchor in the skyline. Otherwise, let it look ridiculously out-of-place somewhere else.

It would likely look ridiculous even at Wolf Point.

what are some possible locations? wolf point would be ok. it will be neighbors with 3 other supertalls on the river.

3000 feet seems ridiculous.

My God...

3000 feet seems ridiculous.

My God...

Yeah... Chicago isn't Dubai. I dunno about y'all, but I really don't care anymore about having the WTB title. It's getting to the point where WTBs look ungainly just because of their ridiculous height.

Chicago needs to focus more on having a uniformly dense, walkable, vibrant street-level experience. In that respect, a 3000-foot building doesn't do anything that a 30-story building can't.

Streetwalls over supertalls....

ya that about sums it up.

although if they brought the height down just 1,200 feet it wud be alright with me

Let's put this thing in the empty parking lot between the ymca and 1 w. superior. That should help compensate for all the beige buildings in river north!

Just make another 2,000 footer or two ;)

Yeah... Chicago isn't Dubai. I dunno about y'all, but I really don't care anymore about having the WTB title. It's getting to the point where WTBs look ungainly just because of their ridiculous height.

Chicago needs to focus more on having a uniformly dense, walkable, vibrant street-level experience. In that respect, a 3000-foot building doesn't do anything that a 30-story building can't.

Streetwalls over supertalls....

I'm with you. The WTB title is something I don't care about anymore, it was when the Sears Tower got beat though. I just think Chicago will look great at this point when all the current buildings are finished. Can't wait.

whether we want it or not, i think chicago is the more likely canditate for it instead of Houston...

Houston isnt even dense, its only 4th largest city because its land area is BIG. Dallas/Fort Worth is a much larger metropolitan area. but thats a whole other story...

and hey, if it looks nice, build it. seems kinda prejudiced to dismiss it without even looking at it..

whether we want it or not, i think chicago is the more likely canditate for it instead of Houston...

Houston isnt even dense, its only 4th largest city because its land area is BIG. Dallas/Fort Worth is a much larger metropolitan area. but thats a whole other story...

and hey, if it looks nice, build it. seems kinda prejudiced to dismiss it without even looking at it..

very true .no offense to houston, but a 3000 fter would look way to out of place. hell, it would almost look out of place in chicago.

soon we get to talk about looking down on the spire.

seems like a pipe dream to me - i realy dont see this happening. i reserve judgment , however, untill i see a rendering and a location . if done correctly, even a 3000 footer stands a chance to realy enhance the skyline. forget about the wtb title , that doesent mean anything anymore, but this could very well be anice addition . if done right,then why not?

Re: The potential 3,000 footer... With so little to go on at this point, I don't think it warrants a separate thread. Therefore, I've moved the posts from that thread to this one.

AMLI 900 - Taken 9/28
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8814/amli900zt6.jpg

Wow 3000 ft!!! I would rather have 2x 1500 footer or even better 3x 1000 footers. What are the odds of this monster getting built? What's next a 3500 ft? 4000 ft?

Wow 3000 ft!!! I would rather have 2x 1500 footer or even better 3x 1000 footers. What are the odds of this monster getting built? What's next a 3500 ft? 4000 ft?

Until there is a location and a rendering, I wouldn't waste any more time worrying about this.

Until there is a location and a rendering, I wouldn't waste any more time worrying about this.

True, True.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/599995,CST-FIN-sears12.article

"The owners of Sears Tower are preparing a plan for City Hall's review that calls for giving the building an environmentally oriented renovation and a new high-rise neighbor in hopes of boosting their returns on the property."

It is interesting to note that Adrian Smith has been tapped as an architect for that project.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/599995,CST-FIN-sears12.article

"The owners of Sears Tower are preparing a plan for City Hall's review that calls for giving the building an environmentally oriented renovation and a new high-rise neighbor in hopes of boosting their returns on the property."

It is interesting to note that Adrian Smith has been tapped as an architect for that project.

Wait, if there are a lot of empty office spaces in the sears...then why build a office tower next door? I mean I'm all for it but is it really necessary?

The fire escapes and coverings thereof have been completely removed from the Palmer House Hilton.

Wait, if there are a lot of empty office spaces in the sears...then why build a office tower next door? I mean I'm all for it but is it really necessary?

My guess is that while it would make vacancy rates in the southwest corner of the Loop even higher, for the short term, it would help make that area more vibrant/viable and thus help lower vacancy rates in the long term....especially with the help of having more hotel rooms in the immediate vicinity, which is an attractive quality for businesses who are entertaining clients or for their coworkers from other cities in town for meetings.

My guess is that while it would make vacancy rates in the southwest corner of the Loop even higher, for the short term, it would help make that area more vibrant/viable and thus help lower vacancy rates in the long term....especially with the help of having more hotel rooms in the immediate vicinity, which is an attractive quality for businesses who are entertaining clients or for their coworkers from other cities in town for meetings.

Here's to hoping. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
I wonder how tall this bad boy would be?

The fire escapes and coverings thereof have been completely removed from the Palmer House Hilton.


Hydrogen, I am glad that they are gone it was such an eye sore. I am sure that anything that they do there will make an improvement:banana:

Thank you for the update......:)

From SSP:

The Tribune has an image of this Sears addition
http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/1854/33182317bl2.jpg
Looks to be about ~55-60 floors

Sears Tower may get sibling
Owners mull hotel, retail structure
By Susan Diesenhouse | Tribune staff reporter
October 13, 2007

The owners of the Sears Tower, pushing to fill its empty office space, have a possible strategy to boost the building's financial performance: Build another tower on its 3-acre site.

One scenario for a possible companion to the nation's tallest skyscraper now informally making its way around Chicago City Hall is a hotel and retail structure designed by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture.

Smith, who recently formed the firm, which focuses on sustainable buildings, was a longtime principal.....

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sat_searsoct13,0,6270903.story

Oct 14

http://lh4.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RxKdTz6-msI/AAAAAAAAKQw/UaRPB5KrXmw/IMG_4473.JPG?imgmax=640

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RxKdVD6-mtI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/zJWz4f4_wL4/IMG_4476.JPG?imgmax=576

http://lh4.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RxKdWz6-muI/AAAAAAAAKRE/hmQWeMbcL3A/IMG_4480.JPG?imgmax=512

http://lh6.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RxKdYT6-mvI/AAAAAAAAKRM/uZ9jt24_5XM/IMG_4464.JPG?imgmax=640

Im Just looking at the Sears addition i don't think that looks good at all. The Addition, to me os a nice building and would go better on its own.

First, the Clean Technology Tower
Building on principles of biomimicry, Clean Technology Tower utilizes advanced technologies and climate-appropriate building systems to foster a symbiotic relationship with its local environment. The tower is sited and formed to harness the power of natural forces at its site- but it refines the conventional methods of capturing those natural forces to significantly increase efficiency. Wind turbines are located at the building’s corners to capture wind at its highest velocity as it accelerates around the tower. The turbines become increasingly dense as the tower ascends and wind speeds increase. At the apex, where wind speeds are at a maximum, a domed double roof cavity captures air, allowing for a large wind farm and the use of negative pressures to ventilate the interior spaces. The dome itself is shaded by photovoltaic cells that capture the southern sun. These systems provide both comfort and energy to the space.

The complex includes over 1.8 million square feet of office space as well as a 300,000 square foot hotel, a spa and street-level retail. Dedicated elevators will provide access for both office and hotel tenants to all of the tower’s amenities.

An adjacent grand plaza and park enhances the tower’s relationship with the surrounding neighborhood and provides a public gathering space for tenants. The plaza also complements an existing adjacent winter garden and strengthens the connection between the existing retail and the new tower.

The tower is easily accessible via both public and private transportation. Hotel and office lobbies have dedicated street entrances and vehicle pick-up and drop-off locations. Service access to the building and parking are available below grade.

The tower affords tenants unparalleled views of the city, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Office space will be located on high floors to maximize available views and take advantage of the direct natural daylight. The tower’s domed top offers unrestricted skyward views, creating a truly modern, grand atrium space.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/6179/z03lgmo7.jpg
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2793/z04lgsq0.jpg
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2271/z01lggf9.jpg
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/9548/z02lgep2.jpg
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/6017/z05lgww0.jpg
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2554/z06lgcd8.jpg
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5363/z07lglv7.jpg

Also, this weird Eco-Bridge project (most likely visionary)

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/5867/eb02lgco2.jpg

Wow that looks really cool. Do you know how tall it is supposed to be?
And as a side note what's that second picture about?

Okay, some background on those things that spyguy did not mention.

Both are projects that are found on the website (http://www.smithgill.com) of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill.

Judging by the description and the rendering, the Clean Technology Tower seems to be sited for the parking lot next to 311 South Wacker. The streets in the rendering match Wacker's angles, and the description refers to an existing adjacent winter garden and plaza. The teardrop shape of the building also conforms to the shape of the parking lot.

The Eco-Bridge, I believe, is just a vision to help stuff Smith+Gill's portfolio, since they only formed 9 months ago. It is based off of an idea for a landscaped breakwater, originally from Burnham's Plan of Chicago.

The online portfolio also includes a listing for the Franklin Point project, but apparently the specific webpage for that has not yet been created. Keep checking, folks - this could get awesome.

Also, this weird Eco-Bridge project

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/5867/eb02lgco2.jpg

I like it. :cheers::banana::banana::banana:

If chicago builds this eco-bridge and after all the new supertalls are done, then chicago will be america's most bad-ass city without a doubt. Maybe not the largest, NYC will keep that title for a while, but chicago will fly by New York in green-ness and cool-ness.

I really hope both of these projects get built! That would be amazing. But I think the eco bridge will only get built if we get the olympics because on their website they said that it would enhance the Olympic bid... etc.

I hope I'm wrong but this would be one amazing project!

The Eco-Bridge needs to be built regardless of the Olympics or not. Is there a link with that picture somewhere?

I really hope both of these projects get built! That would be amazing. But I think the eco bridge will only get built if we get the olympics because on their website they said that it would enhance the Olympic bid... etc.

I hope I'm wrong but this would be one amazing project!

If it is planned to enhance the bid, why would they build it after getting the bid, I figured they'd have to build it first to inhance the bid, then when the bid has been inhanced they stand a better chance of getting it.

Apparently, that's an observation tower out there in the middle of the lake. They also mention it would be a great place to put the Olympic flame.

Yea and the way that it would enhance the bid is the proposal of the thing. It will add to the Olympic plans. I hope it gets build regardless but that's what I think is going to happen.

Apparently, that's an observation tower out there in the middle of the lake. They also mention it would be a great place to put the Olympic flame.

That would be PERFECT if Soldier Field could host the opening/closing cermonies since its right there. Imagine how cool that would be to light that bitch seen from SF. Washington Park may be a little too far away from the flame.

Last updated: October 17, 2007 07:01am
Fifield To Start Apartments at $750M Project

http://www.globest.com/newspics/chi_kstation2.jpg
K Station

CHICAGO-Fifield Cos., based here, is starting construction this month on a total of 857 apartment units in two towers, at 555 W. Kinzie and 365 N. Jefferson, as part of its K Station development. The project will have a total of 2,400 units when completed in the area bordered by Kinzie, Clinton, Halsted and Wayman streets and is expected to have a total value of $750 million, Cavenaugh says. The two towers are being developed in a joint partnership with Pacific Life Insurance Co., headquartered in Newport Beach, CA.
http://www.globest.com/news/1015_1015/chicago/165185-1.html

41 and 37 stories, not bad for the height. Design doesnt look too great though, wish they could use some different colors or something, but I guess they're just apartments.

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/page.pl?id=2166

Chicago — South Wacker Mixed-Use Building, S. Wacker Dr., 550-room hotel mixed-use development, September 2008, $135 million.

Chicago — Wabash Ave. Office Building Conversion, 203 N. Wabash Ave., 186,000-sq.-ft. hotel conversion, October 2008, $105 million.

^ Hey Spyguy, the New Yorker II and Evanston Fountain Square are listed in that compilation also. :)

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2271/z01lggf9.jpg
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/9548/z02lgep2.jpg
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/6017/z05lgww0.jpg

Also, this weird Eco-Bridge project (most likely visionary)

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/5867/eb02lgco2.jpg
damn those wind turbines are cool!

also that eco-bridge is just awesome! it looks like you can walk along it so imagine walking along and looking back at downtown Chicago with the Chicago spire towering in front of you...amazing to say the least.

oops...double post

damn those wind turbines are cool!

also that eco-bridge is just awesome! it looks like you can walk along it so imagine walking along and looking back at downtown Chicago with the Chicago spire towering in front of you...amazing to say the least.

I am so sold on that thing, its awesome. throw a jogging path on there too. how cool would that be.

^^ I know...I'm so jealous of you guys in Chicago.
I'd move there in a heartbeat if I didn't have ties here...

A case drilling rig is being delivered to the site next to the AMA building on State.

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=26821

BP considering West Loop sites for new tower
Oct. 18, 2007
By Eddie Baeb

Real estate sources say BP, which had been considering whether it would consolidate its suburban Chicago jobs in Houston or downtown, has been looking for about 350,000 to 400,000 square feet of office space. BP requires floors as large as 50,000 square feet to accommodate its trading operations, those sources say.

In the last couple months, BP has had presentations on at least three prospective sites, including:

* 601-625 W. Monroe St., a site between Jefferson and Des Plaines streets that’s controlled by Chicago-based Fifield Cos.
* 645 W. Madison St., between Des Plaines Street and Interstate 90-94. The site is controlled by MR Properties LLC.
* 240 W. Randolph St., the site of a Walgreens store and parking lot at the northeast corner of Randolph and Franklin streets. Chicago developer John Buck Co. has an option to acquire the property.

------------------

As BP is in the energy biz, it would make sense for them to want a very eco-friendly tower like that Destefano proposal BVictor showed us a few weeks ago.

^^ Or one of Smith & Gill's :)

Well either way it sounds like they will be anchoring a new building and more parking lots will be gone. I forget is the 240 W. Randolph St. they are talking about the proposal that was talked about when 155 N.wacker came about that also included a plaza that some didn't take to?

Er... John Buck planned a plaza for the 245 W. Randolph site, instead of a building. Of course, if BP were interested in working with Buck to build a tower, I'm sure they'd drop their plaza idea in a heartbeat.

The render I am talking about had a tower with a plaza not a plaza without a tower. The render just showed the base though.

I forget is the 240 W. Randolph St. they are talking about the proposal that was talked about when 155 N.wacker came about that also included a plaza that some didn't take to?

Er... John Buck planned a plaza for the 245 W. Randolph site, instead of a building. Of course, if BP were interested in working with Buck to build a tower, I'm sure they'd drop their plaza idea in a heartbeat.

I personally hope they choose the 645 West Madison site. I'm sick and tired of all the surface lots along the Kennedy.

Good news about BP. Sucks that they are reducing there overall Chicago workforce, but, another sign that the major corps are heading DT in order to recruit young talent. The burb interstate office parks are turnoffs to many young professionals.

First noticed today - the CTA 'L' tracks on Wabash are getting a long overdue makeover: Maroon paintjob, which finally matches the look of the beautiful downtown river bridges.

The beige L tracks meeting the maroon bridges has been an outright heinous sight!

Er... John Buck planned a plaza for the 245 W. Randolph site, instead of a building. Of course, if BP were interested in working with Buck to build a tower, I'm sure they'd drop their plaza idea in a heartbeat.

The plan was/is (from W to E): 155 N Wacker, plaza, Franklin St, mirror plaza, future Buck office tower.

spyguy didn't you have a render of the massing of the building showing from the Kennedy view? If it was you and you still have it can you post it again?

Since this will soon become a paid article, I'll just tell you right now that there aren't too many interesting details beyond the first two paragraphs. This is the same company that runs the Allegro, the Burnham, and soon will operate the new Palomar in River North.

Kimpton to convert building to boutique hotel
Oct. 24, 2007
By Alby Gallun


(Crain’s) — Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants plans to convert a 27-story vintage office building in the East Loop into a boutique hotel with about 220 rooms.

The San Francisco-based boutique hotel chain has agreed to buy the 186,000-square-foot building at 203 N. Wabash Ave., which sits just south of the Hotel Monaco, a Kimpton-run property. Kimpton emerged as the buyer after Denver-based hotel developer Sage Hospitality Resources LLC backed out of a contract to buy the property, say people familiar with the transactions.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?post_date=2007-10-24&id=26865

^ I think Mr. Downtown has to fiind new office space.

^So will the law firm my friend works for. First, they were booted out of 188 W. Randolph and now this.

I'm on the board of a nonprofit housed at 203 N. Wabash. Our lease runs through May 2010.

I don't know if there's already a thread for this, but the redesign of 401 S. Wacker looks amazing!!

I love the qoute: "Now we have a design that is worthy of a Wacker Drive address."

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=26947

Down with parking lots!!!

http://chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=27120

School moving Chicago campus, HQ to Michigan Avenue
By Eddie Baeb

Argosy University is moving its Chicago campus and headquarters to Michigan Plaza, where the school has leased about 71,000 square feet on two levels.

The university, which was formed in 2001 by a merger of the Chicago-based American School of Professional Psychology with two other colleges, plans to start moving some offices in the summer to the two-tower complex at 205-225 N. Michigan Ave. and begin holding classes there in the fall.

http://chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=27115

Developer to buy Michigan Avenue site
By Alby Gallun

Mr. Warman signed a contract over the summer to buy the 16,000-square-foot site at 300-310 N. Michigan Ave., currently home to a Walgreen’s, Radio Shack and Subway restaurant, according to people familiar with the transaction. An exact price could not be determined, but one source estimated it in the $30-million range, slightly less than the $32 million that Miami-based Peebles Corp. agreed to pay for the property last spring.

...

But the two dropped the idea, deciding that the recent credit crunch would make it tough to secure financing for the project, says Mr. Roti, who still plans to convert the Motor Club into a 300-room hotel.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-1115accessbeehivenov15,1,370570.story?coll=chi_mezz

Blue light special
Inside the stunning Michigan Avenue skyscraper beacon. (By the way, it is not a bug zapper.)

By Emily Nunn | Tribune staff reporter
November 15, 2007

Don't go into the light. That seems to be the agreed-upon advice from people who make it back down from the heavens after a near-death experience.

Someday, we'll all go into that light -- sorry, but it's true, at least metaphorically -- but very few people will get the chance to go into the spectacular 20-foot-high light that sits atop the Metropolitan Tower, at 310 S. Michigan Ave., 457 feet in the sky.

If you've never noticed the glass and steel lantern before, you should take a look: It's shaped like a giant beehive (hence the building's nickname, the Beehive Building) and hovers above four tremendous carillon bells that play Handel's "Cambridge Quarters," supported by four carved stone bison standing sentinel over the city. At night it glows an ethereal cobalt blue. It's lovely.

http://chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=27377

U.S. says office tenants must vacate 220 S. State
By Thomas A. Corfman

The U.S. General Services Administration has notified office tenants in a GSA-owned building on State Street that they must vacate the 21-story tower, as plans for an expansion of the downtown courthouse and office complex slowly move forward.

The terra-cotta structure at 220 S. State is part of a block-long, 1.3-acre site between Adams Street and Jackson Boulevard, where the GSA two years ago unveiled plans for much as 1.5 million square feet. The site is adjacent to the Everett M. Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn St.

Damn! I knew it was a bad precedent when the city let Boeing and BankOne put big signs on the top of their buildings. Look what's going up this afternoon:

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4369/cnasignlv4.jpg

We need better night lighting for historical buildings and crowns. But not more corporate logos.

At least it's only three letters, right?

Bleh.

I thought that there was a ban on these corporate logos? Chase was grandfathered.

If you construct a timeline, I think there's a long moratorium between United of America, Equitable, and Kemper, which all went up in the early 60s, and BankOne and Boeing, which went up in the early 2000s. More recently we have UBS, ABN/Amro, Citibank, Huron Consulting, and now United and CNA. Feh. Makes us look like Indianapolis.

I'm not sure what changed. I know BankOne leaned hard on the mayor to approve theirs (which the Planning Commissioner did very reluctantly). Boeing was probably an incentive offered to lure them. Surely it's not Reilly being less hardnosed than Natarus about the matter.

Still, better than it used to be, with Grant Park lined on all sides by Chevrolet, Canadian Club, Almer Coe Opticians, Torco, and Illinois Central. Though I certainly wouldn't mind if some Magikist lips had been saved somewhere.

..

Still, better than it used to be, with Grant Park lined on all sides by Chevrolet, Canadian Club, Almer Coe Opticians, Torco, and Illinois Central. Though I certainly wouldn't mind if some Magikist lips had been saved somewhere.

I think the last Magikist sign was the one along the Kennedy, which has been replaced by ANOTHER self-storage place. *sniff*

The huge signage for Pepsi (and Pabst, I think) that used to be at Randolph and Michigan was kinda cool, in a Times-Square sort of way. Certainly not any less garish than the attractions at Millennium Park - the corporate sponsorship was just more overt back in the day.

On a related note, why has the Firstar Bank sign not been removed from the Michigan Boulevard Building?

I enjoy signage. It lights up the skyline at night more.

On a related note, why has the Firstar Bank sign not been removed from the Michigan Boulevard Building?

I don't know, but it's even more annoying that the new owners just covered it up with fabric, instead of actually removing it. One would hope someone somewhere in City Hall could throw a fit and make them remove it, but hasn't happened yet.

One would hope someone somewhere in City Hall could throw a fit and make them remove it

Under what legal theory? Is it unsafe?

I enjoy signage. It lights up the skyline at night more.

me either. what is the problem with it?

Under what legal theory? Is it unsafe?

I don't understand why the sign is still up... Firstar isn't even a valid corporate name anymore. I have to imagine that keeping the sign up presents maintenance costs and hassles for the building owners... so I ask again, why hasn't it been removed?

I assume because it would cost money to take it down. Also, keeping the sign up means that they could replace it with a current corporate name without having to get permission for a new sign. In towns with strict sign control, you'll sometimes find an original 1965 McDonald's or Holiday Inn sign because if they replaced it they'd have to comply with current rules. I think that's probably the story behind that sign at the Kennedy and Ashland for the Chicago Park District. The property owner wants to preserve his nonconforming right to have such a big sign there when the property is redeveloped.

^^ Use it or lose it, eh?

Under what legal theory? Is it unsafe?

I was referring to the ugly fabric covers more than the actual sign, sorry.

I understand, but under what legal theory can the city make someone take down something that's vaguely ugly?

I understand, but under what legal theory can the city make someone take down something that's vaguely ugly?dont buildings need a permit of some kind to have signs like that?

Yes. Presumably the building has a permit, received decades ago (maybe before the 1957 zoning code). If they take the sign down, they'd have to seek new permission to put up a sign, which is unlikely in the landmark district. If they keep the current sign up, they can get a purely ministerial building permit to change the tenant name at some point in the future--or at the very least, the negotiations with Landmarks become a lot easier.

December 19, 2007

R+D659
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/3743/dsc0002zd5.jpg

Trio
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2475/dsc0012kz0.jpg

Did anyone notice the horrid United Airlines logo on top of the old R.R. Donnelley building? I'm not sure how long it's been there, but, I just noticed it for the first time about two weeks ago.

Appeared in late summer, I think. And now the CNA logo on Big Red. I think it looks bush-league. Many posts on this subject on page 58.

^^ Yeah I think UAL official move was in September.

AMLI 900, taken 1/4
http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/7430/amli900tm7.jpg

Library Tower and One Place are also visible in the photo. I had no idea Library Tower was topped out!

Change ahead for ex-News site?
By Susan Diesenhouse | Tribune staff reporter
January 10, 2008
Article tools

Billionaire Sam Zell, who has made a fortune investing in real estate and many other industries worldwide, has never developed a new office building in downtown Chicago. But if he moves ahead on one plan he is considering here he could face a fiery reaction.

Zell, chairman of Equity Group Investments LLC, is investigating the feasibility of building an office tower overlooking the Chicago River on a property he owns at 2 N. Riverside Plaza, Crain's Chicago Business reported Wednesday.

The waterfront parcel includes an Art Deco office building that has long served as Zell's headquarters and an adjacent pedestrian plaza that runs along the river.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-thu_dailynews_0110jan10,0,6757307.story

Don't ask Sam Zell to be your interior decorator. He (or his minions) took down the massive, stunning mural that stretched along the ceiling in the Daily News pedestrian passageway. Train commuters had a grand walk through this concourse with that great work of art on the ceiling. Rather than restore it, Zell had it removed and packed into a warehouse. What a travesty.

I'd be shocked if he actually managed to get approval for knocking this building down. I don't see it happening.

They're not going to knock the old building down. They're just going to ruin the plaza along the river by trying to squeeze in a new tower.

Umm, I worked in that building for the past 6 years. How in gods name are they going to squeeze a highrise on that plaza? It's not THAT big. It's also built over a bunch of railroad tracks, seems like a strange place to try and put a new buiding up. What about the empty lots across the river by the loop????

Nimby's at it again.......:bash:

Preservationists raise flag about plans for second McCormick convention hotel
By Kathy Bergen | Tribune staff reporter

Plans to build a second convention hotel near McCormick Place may run into a wall--a historically significant red brick wall, to be exact--as preservationists are raising a red flag about the potential loss of the 1912 American Book Company building on the proposed site.

The loft building with its tapered tower, designed by N. Max Dunning, made Preservation Chicago's list of seven "most threatened" properties this week, following a proposal last month to build a hotel with at least 1,000 rooms, along with some retail and residential units, on the 3.7-acre site across Cermak Road from the convention center's new West Building addition


http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-tues-mccormick-hotel-american-book-0129jan29,0,4167998.story

NIMBYs? This building actually IS worth saving. Most people on this board support the preservation of the building. Of course, we're not against the hotel as long as they DO preserve the building.

City Council Landmark Committee approved landmarking the IBM Building yesterday:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/763795,ibm012808.article

"But, Landmarks Chairman Anthony Beale (9th) said he intends to hold the matter in committee, either until union leaders come to terms with developer John Rutledge or until Rutledge agrees in writing that the 335-room luxury hotel he intends to build on floors 2 through 14 will be unionized."

That's the first time that I've heard Preservation Chicago called "NIMBY's."

Actually, there are NIMBY groups who have approached Preservation Chicago for help with anti-high-rise causes. Preservation Chicago always tells them "No," not unless there is a significant historic building at stake.

With the American Book Company building, that building must be preserved. It is a solid red-brick building with limestone trim and a very nice central tower. It forms a great partner to the massive old RR Donelly building and the adjacent Platt Luggage facade. These other two buildings are also red-brick with limestone trim.

The American Book Company can be saved and a the Alter Group can build a tall hotel tower immediately to the north. If Alter Group doesn't want to do the reuse work (e.g., conversion to a boutique hotel would be one option) on the American Book Company building, then they can sell that portion of the site to someone else.

By the way, with the American Book Company building saved, the views-to-the-south from the Alter Hotel tower would be permanently clear.

Plan to fill the void on Mich. Ave.
By Eddie Baeb and Thomas A. Corfman February 25, 2008

An influential panel wants to tax Michigan Avenue property owners between the Chicago River and Millennium Park to pay for $165 million in streetscape improvements on that dreary stretch of boulevard.

A group of architects, urban planners and retail experts will this week introduce a plan to liven up the strip, where T-shirt shops and empty storefronts stand in stark contrast to the gleaming Millennium Park on one end and the Magnificent Mile on the other.

The panel, co-sponsored by the Chicago Loop Alliance, the city's Department of Planning and Development and Alderman Brendan Reilly's office (42nd), is proposing the city build two sets of landscaped, ornamental steps leading from Michigan Avenue to the Illinois Center office complex, as "a modern adaptation of the Spanish Steps in Rome," according to a draft report obtained by Crain's.

©2008 by Crain Communications Inc.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=29316 (http://http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=29316)

Is the area really that bad?

That section of Michigan is no worse than the rest of the Loop, but it doesn't even come close to matching the urban grandeur on the Mag Mile and in Millennium Park. I wouldn't consider it an embarrassment by any means, but it has ups and downs (Hard Rock Hotel/Moonstruck good, 7-11/CVS bad).

Personally, I think the city should concentrate on getting high-end retailers to occupy the spaces that are already there, before demolishing space.

As for the Spanish Steps - the people that go into Illinois Center are office workers who will go to their buildings regardless of whether there is a grand entrance or not. It might be appealing for tourists, but not as appealing as heated underground passageways (oh, yeah - those already EXIST). The upper street levels of Illinois Center are quite windswept and unpleasant in cold or rainy weather, anyway, and the pedway would be much less confusing with a decent, unified signage system, and a unified management of the passageways that didn't lock random doors at 7 pm and effectively shut down whole sections.

That section of Michigan is no worse than the rest of the Loop, but it doesn't even come close to matching the urban grandeur on the Mag Mile and in Millennium Park. I wouldn't consider it an embarrassment by any means, but it has ups and downs (Hard Rock Hotel/Moonstruck good, 7-11/CVS bad).

Personally, I think the city should concentrate on getting high-end retailers to occupy the spaces that are already there, before demolishing space.

As for the Spanish Steps - the people that go into Illinois Center are office workers who will go to their buildings regardless of whether there is a grand entrance or not. It might be appealing for tourists, but not as appealing as heated underground passageways (oh, yeah - those already EXIST). The upper street levels of Illinois Center are quite windswept and unpleasant in cold or rainy weather, anyway, and the pedway would be much less confusing with a decent, unified signage system, and a unified management of the passageways that didn't lock random doors at 7 pm and effectively shut down whole sections.

I guess I don't get why having things high end is always the only way to qualify something as successful. CVS and 7 Eleven are needed in that area...sure I would take a little local convenience store over a national change..but most thriving areas have the day to day stores...even North Michigan AVenue has two Walgreens.

The area needs a hook...to draw people to it.....and to make it a vital pedestrian hub (we know there are fricken too many cars there as it is..another example how cars are never the solution) so the Spanish steps seem like a great idea. Extending Lake isn't...unless they do it on the lower or middle level.

To me I don't really find this part of Michigan Ave that bad. It feels darker probably because it is more dense than the rest of the street. The buildings are more compact and people and cars are everywhere.

I happen to prefer this part of Michigan Ave. It's the real city part. It reminds me of every street in the Loop. Cleaning it up for tourists doesn't help the Loop community who use the services of this three block stretch.

Screw the Spanish Steps... Spend our tax dollars on our crumbling public transport or terrible public education. Tourist only pay attention to Millennium Park and the Mag Mile... who cares if there are Spanish Steps located in the most urban part of Michigan Ave?

That section of Michigan is no worse than the rest of the Loop, but it doesn't even come close to matching the urban grandeur on the Mag Mile and in Millennium Park. I wouldn't consider it an embarrassment by any means, but it has ups and downs (Hard Rock Hotel/Moonstruck good, 7-11/CVS bad).

Personally, I think the city should concentrate on getting high-end retailers to occupy the spaces that are already there, before demolishing space.

As for the Spanish Steps - the people that go into Illinois Center are office workers who will go to their buildings regardless of whether there is a grand entrance or not. It might be appealing for tourists, but not as appealing as heated underground passageways (oh, yeah - those already EXIST). The upper street levels of Illinois Center are quite windswept and unpleasant in cold or rainy weather, anyway, and the pedway would be much less confusing with a decent, unified signage system, and a unified management of the passageways that didn't lock random doors at 7 pm and effectively shut down whole sections.

CDOT is doing the signage for the Pedway. Hopefully, it is far less confusing than now.

^^ That's good to hear. Do you know if the signage upgrade include the privately-owned sections in Illinois Center, especially though the Hyatt Regency?

They're already in the middle of renovating the main entrance to Illinois Center, so I doubt the steps would go there. Not sure where else they would put a bunch of fancy schmancy steps.

Whatever they do, I hope it enhances the transition from Michigan Ave to the New Eastside neighborhood. I go to the gym there every night (well, most nights....ok, some nights) and it seems like there is a huge seperation between the two. With such a booming residential area popping up right off of Michigan Ave, it should be a very lively stretch. Restaurants and retail should be going out of their minds to get in there (when the economy picks up again).

There are already tons of restaurants between Michigan and LSE, but many are buried inside Illinois Center and (I think) only open for the weekday business crowd.

Aria, The Palm, Stetson's, Grill on the Park, Typhoon and maybe some little fast food joints. Not much for such a vast expanse of high-income residential. There should be a much more active evening scene.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=29477

Loop hotel plan locks up funding
By: Eddie Baeb March 24, 2008

Local developer Michael Reschke has secured $395 million in financing to convert a landmark office building at 208 S. LaSalle St. into the largest hotel in Chicago's central Loop.

The financing, confirmed by Mr. Reschke last week, will fund a 610-room luxury hotel operated by J. W. Marriott, a more upscale brand in the Marriott line.

There was a soil boring truck in Pritzker Park Wednesday and surveyors working around it this morning.

There was a soil boring truck in Pritzker Park Wednesday and surveyors working around it this morning.why?

Now that you mention it, I did see that on my way to the library this morning.

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=29419

Panel OKs big jump in subsidy for Loop project
By Alby Gallun, May 14, 2008

Facing ballooning construction costs, a Michigan developer that wants to convert a 45-story landmark Loop office building into apartments has asked the city for another $12 million to help finance the project, which would more than double the original subsidy.

The Chicago Community Development Commission on Tuesday approved (tk) $20 million in tax-increment financing (TIF) for the proposed project at 188 W. Randolph St., a dilapidated Gothic Revival office tower built in 1930. Farmington Hills, Mich.-based Village Green Cos. wants to redevelop the building into 313 apartments, 20% of them affordable to lower-income residents.

Gourmet grocer coming to former Carson Pirie Scott & Co. building on State Street

by Blair Kamin
May 20, 2008

This could be great for State Street. It could also mar Louis Sullivan's landmark Carson Pirie Scott & Co. building if design issues are not sensitively handled.

'm referring to the announcement today by developer Joseph Freed and Associates that it's signed up three tenants, including gourmet grocer Fox & Obel, for the building, now called the Sullivan Center, at 1 S. State Street. The other tenants are the Flat Top Grill and an Australian retailer.

For State Street, this sounds like fabulous news.

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/theskyline/2008/05/gourmet-grocer.html

Chicago Loop Alliance says work will begin "later this year" on a revamped Pritzker Park. The improvements certainly don't look that much superior to what was there before it was closed and the old landscaping removed. However, I see that it's now under Park District control, apparently. I can't help wondering if this is deliberately to head off talk of putting the Children's Museum there.

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/5512/pritzkerparkpt8.jpg

Damn. I was hoping to see this site redeveloped. No amount of landscaping can transform this utterly joyless piece of land into a bona fide park. It has too many strikes against it.

<<It has too many strikes against it.>>

agreed, and too many pigeons. And too many homeless guys drinking out of paper bags

Also, John Marshall Law must've ruled this location out for their expansion. About 8 months ago, they announced exploring of expansion options

<<It has too many strikes against it.>>

agreed, and too many pigeons. And too many homeless guys drinking out of paper bags

And a very loud el station. And one of the most hideous parking structures in the city. Even if permission is given to grow vines on its facade, that would only provide a solution for about half of the year. A better idea would be to construct a large wall to cover it up and then allow local artists to paint murals and such.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/advice/chi-re-randolph-wells-0608jun08,0,3801229.story

City hikes TIF aid for 188 W. Randolph
By Jeanette Almada
June 8, 2008

Redevelopment of a 45-story downtown office building to mixed-use with apartments, retail and office space has gotten a $20 million tax-increment financing shot in the arm.

Wait a second, doesn't that plan for Pritzker "Park" rip out the existing semi-mature trees for concrete paving? Are they actually stupid enough to tear out the only thing on the whole plot that isn't hideously depressing? And the "plan" still involves chain link fencing at the alley?

Last night they took down the "Water Tower Place" sign on the southeast corner of the building. It was kind of funny seeing all those letters lined up on the sidewalk looking like with a little help they might spell out a giant rude word.

Is a name change in the works for Water Tower Place, or are they just updating the signage to something from this century?

Last updated: October 17, 2007 07:01am
Fifield To Start Apartments at $750M Project

http://www.globest.com/newspics/chi_kstation2.jpg
K Station

CHICAGO-Fifield Cos., based here, is starting construction this month on a total of 857 apartment units in two towers, at 555 W. Kinzie and 365 N. Jefferson, as part of its K Station development. The project will have a total of 2,400 units when completed in the area bordered by Kinzie, Clinton, Halsted and Wayman streets and is expected to have a total value of $750 million, Cavenaugh says. The two towers are being developed in a joint partnership with Pacific Life Insurance Co., headquartered in Newport Beach, CA.
http://www.globest.com/news/1015_1015/chicago/165185-1.html


These 2 towers are finally out of the ground and the playground across the street is also finished....it looks 100% better than it use to.....

Now that Block 37 is well on the way to completion, I can't think of a Chicago project that has been more "on hold" than MetraMarket. I went to their website (http://www.usequities.com/metramarket/) which still lists for "latest news" a cafe that will open in "late 2007".

Over the years, they talk about a vender here and a vender there opening, but nothing happens. These merchants must be awfully patient if anyone seriously believes they are going to stick it out.

What gives? Here's a structure (at Ogilvie) that is already built, just needed the cost of renovation of the space and nothing happens and we don't hear a thing about it.

Are the developers still out there and if so, is their only cost maintaining a 3 year out-of-date website?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Sure the economy is tough now, but that was hardly the case during the eons this place was announced but never opened. Every major city has a quality major market with stalls, I believe, except Chicago. Our neighbors to the north run rings around us with the Milw Public Market. This project, especially with the two huge Metra stations and key CTA links along with huge wealthy office and residential workers all around is a no brainer. What gives?

I see no reason to pull the plug on the project. A delay is a delay, but ultimately I think it's a fantastic idea. Truth is, the city has invested much more time/energy & publicity on Block 37. Perhaps when Block 37 is completed, and if it's successful, there will be a larger focus/effort on Metra Market.

The developer is US Equities (Bob Wislow). They're not in any danger of failing, and are pretty savvy and risk-averse players. This is their first big retail or market project, though. I find myself more doubtful with each passing year.

I suspect the reasons are simply that the US doesn't have a tradition of suburban station market halls. This space is out of the travel path for commuters, and serves a pretty modest number of commuters compared to Grand Central, the only other US example. There are relatively few surrounding office buildings for lunchtime business; the Ogilvie food court already blankets that market. Tenants selling groceries or ready-to-eat meals see the surrounding market as small, the commuter market limited, and the rent high. In addition, those kind of tenants are often small locals who are poor credit risks for the developer. Real restaurants also see little nearby market and an odd atmosphere and buildout challenges compared to Randolph Street.

I don't think B37 makes much difference one way or the other.

I walked past the site 2 weeks ago. I've always felt it was a bad location for a public market. Call me crazy but I believe that it makes more sense to locate a public market on Navy Pier. I also like the Fulton Market District.

I think this is a phenomenal location for a public market and an outstanding location for the sidewalk cafes, wine bars, etc. I would love to know what's holding this project back.

I see no reason to pull the plug on the project. A delay is a delay, but ultimately I think it's a fantastic idea. Truth is, the city has invested much more time/energy & publicity on Block 37. Perhaps when Block 37 is completed, and if it's successful, there will be a larger focus/effort on Metra Market.

absolutely agree: fantastic idea. By "pulling the plug", I was thinking more emotionally rather than governmental action as in "do I really believe this will happen?"

I also can see the B37/MM link you suggest. Both take advantage of the number of commuters in the Loop daily as well as its growing residential populaiton.

Still....taking this long? There is something not quite kosher in this market.

The developer is US Equities (Bob Wislow). They're not in any danger of failing, and are pretty savvy and risk-averse players. This is their first big retail or market project, though. I find myself more doubtful with each passing year.

I suspect the reasons are simply that the US doesn't have a tradition of suburban station market halls. This space is out of the travel path for commuters, and serves a pretty modest number of commuters compared to Grand Central, the only other US example. There are relatively few surrounding office buildings for lunchtime business; the Ogilvie food court already blankets that market. Tenants selling groceries or ready-to-eat meals see the surrounding market as small, the commuter market limited, and the rent high. In addition, those kind of tenants are often small locals who are poor credit risks for the developer. Real restaurants also see little nearby market and an odd atmosphere and buildout challenges compared to Randolph Street.

I don't think B37 makes much difference one way or the other.

What about Redding Terminal Market in Philly; it's in the heart of downtown and near both commuter rail terminals and subways system?

Could be. I guess I thought Reading Terminal Market was more of a farmers market than is planned for Ogilvie; more like Grand Central Market in LA or Saint Lawrence Market in Toronto.

Why would we pull the plug on MetraMarket? I can't think of a better way to use that space... might as well let US Equities ride it out until they can fill the retail spaces. They may need to launch a new advertising campaign, since people have already tuned out the signs.

Could be. I guess I thought Reading Terminal Market was more of a farmers market than is planned for Ogilvie; more like Grand Central Market in LA or Saint Lawrence Market in Toronto.

no, it's a variety of different type of venders, a much larger version of Milw's Public Market.

Why would we pull the plug on MetraMarket? I can't think of a better way to use that space... might as well let US Equities ride it out until they can fill the retail spaces. They may need to launch a new advertising campaign, since people have already tuned out the signs.

my fault, ardecila. i was totally unclear in the title of the thread. "Pulling the plug" was the wrong term since I used it more in the sense of "these guys have no credibility;why believe them."

of course this is a good idea and I wasn't suggestion any action other than our skepticism about why this has yet to open.

Could be. I guess I thought Reading Terminal Market was more of a farmers market than is planned for Ogilvie; more like Grand Central Market in LA or Saint Lawrence Market in Toronto.

^ Reading Terminal a farmers market? Not even remotely.

It's one of my favorite "downtown markets". Great food of all types, and awesome Philly cheesesteaks.

Yet I wouldn't consider Reading to be in any more prominent or vibrant location in Philly than MetraMarket would be in Chicago. Reading is near a large hotel & convention center, which helps I guess..

Lets not forget, MetraMarket will also have around 100 parking stalls. So it's even accessible to those with low transit IQ's.

Come to think of it, I have have no friggin idea why this project is having so much trouble..

^ Reading Terminal a farmers market? Not even remotely.

It's one of my favorite "downtown markets". Great food of all types, and awesome Philly cheesesteaks.

Yet I wouldn't consider Reading to be in any more prominent or vibrant location in Philly than MetraMarket would be in Chicago. Reading is near a large hotel & convention center, which helps I guess..

no doubt helped by Philadelphia's comuter rail system working its way smack into the heart of downtown, as opposed to the Chicago terminals (like Ogilvie) that remain more on the fringe.

Implications for Chicago? The direction of big business within the CBD is definitely to the west with areas west of the river destined for a lion's share of new development. This area already has considerable commerical and residential high rises, but Metra Market and other such projects are needed to take adantage of the prime business location and all those commuters to create the critical mass that Urban is talking about, point is the business/residential complexes and the lifestyle institutions like MetraMarket can create the best kind of symbioltic relationship with each other. And like the hotels Urban mentions in Phila near Reading, these need to be part of the mix here too.

Perhaps I should use a different term. Traditional public markets are what I would call "raw food" markets. You can buy fish, meat, and produce that's ready to take home and cook. The few "restaurants" are essentially sandwich stands, though they may sell local specialties such as crab cakes or fish and chips or cheesesteaks. I would put LA's Grand Central Market, St. Louis's Soulard Market, Portland's Saturday Market, and Toronto's Saint Lawrence Market in this category. These markets are more substantial than traditional "farmer's markets," which are little more than covered tables beside trucks.

A slightly different breed are "home meal replacement" markets that sell mostly prepared food to go or cater to a lunchtime crowd. I would call New York's Grand Central Market and the beautiful (but now failed) Portland (Maine) Public Market examples of these. It's what I thought Metra Market was aiming to become.

Seattle's Pike Place Market, West LA's Farmer's Market, and Vancouver's Granville Island eventually grew to encompass both raw food and restaurants.

What category would you put Reading Terminal market in?

Perhaps I should use a different term. Traditional public markets are what I would call "raw food" markets. You can buy fish, meat, and produce that's ready to take home and cook. The few "restaurants" are essentially sandwich stands, though they may sell local specialties such as crab cakes or fish and chips or cheesesteaks. I would put LA's Grand Central Market, St. Louis's Soulard Market, Portland's Saturday Market, and Toronto's Saint Lawrence Market in this category. These markets are more substantial than traditional "farmer's markets," which are little more than covered tables beside trucks.

A slightly different breed are "home meal replacement" markets that sell mostly prepared food to go or cater to a lunchtime crowd. I would call New York's Grand Central Market and the beautiful (but now failed) Portland (Maine) Public Market examples of these. It's what I thought Metra Market was aiming to become.

Seattle's Pike Place Market, West LA's Farmer's Market, and Vancouver's Granville Island eventually grew to encompass both raw food and restaurants.

What category would you put Reading Terminal market in?

Sounds like a good concept, but I have to wonder: is it practical and profitable in this day and age? When such structures were originally built in downtown areas, weren't they there because they were the only areas (due to the critical mass of customers) that could support such complete enterprises? They were the magnets for all forms of urban pleasure. For all the improvements in great downtown areas like Chicago's Loop and Midtown Manhattan over the years, their degree of centralization in their own metropolitan areas may be less important due to the technology that allows the joy of the center to be spread over a wide area (car transportation alone is responsible for much of this).

BTW, Chicago used to have an enormous lower level market between State and Dearborn, where Block 37 is today It was one of the great urban markets in the nation..

Hillman's/Stop&Shop? That's funny. I remember it as a small, dark, cramped ordinary supermarket--though I was still sorry to see it close. I certainly don't remember it having particularly notable meat, produce, or baked goods.

It appears that post-Fire Chicago didn't really have a strong tradition of public markets as you find in Eastern cities like Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington. I've often wondered if this was the result of immigration (housewives wanting to buy from a local merchant who spoke her language) or of technology (chain stores with centralized purchasing and storage) being able to establish a presence in the rapidly growing city faster than public markets could be started.

Hillman's/Stop&Shop? That's funny. I remember it as a small, dark, cramped ordinary supermarket--though I was still sorry to see it close. I certainly don't remember it having particularly notable meat, produce, or baked goods.


I didn't remember a time when hillman's owned it. It was definitely gourmet in selction and I thought it was set up with different stalls but it's been so long I might be a little off. I know it did have a great reputation.

I goggled it and all I got was bits and pieces, even in Ency of Chgo.

Maybe someone else knows about it and could offer some info.

It appears that post-Fire Chicago didn't really have a strong tradition of public markets as you find in Eastern cities like Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington.

There's Soulard Market in St. Louis, which definitely isn't Eastern. From what I understand, there's also a similar market in Detroit. I always assumed Chicago had several large public markets back in the day, but that they had fallen victim to 20th-century progress.

Didn't South Water Market sell produce to the public? Today, of course, those functions have been moved to a big warehouse out in Cicero that's open only to restauranteurs.

My favorite "raw food" market is in Lancaster, PA, where many booths are run by Amish. Best sub sandwich I've ever had.

Isn't Farmers Market in LA (which really ceased being a farmers market early in its history), though far removed from the city's core, one of the absolutely best examples of the type of market we're talking about and one that if replicated even on a small scale at MetraMarket would be great to see? I think the place is incredible and a real sign of the urban nature of LA that some people may not be aware of.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/1079580,bennigans072908.article

Reports: Bennigan's shuts down Chicago locations

BY SANDRA GUY Staff Reporter
July 29, 2008

Bennigan's restaurants are closing throughout the Chicago area, including those on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago and in Bolingbrook, Calumet City and Deerfield and possibly others, according to media and eyewitness reports...

Anyone know if it's real or just conceptual?

Conservatory Tower
Chicago, Illinois

Conservatory Tower aspires to set a precedent for environmentally sensitive tall buildings in Chicago’s urban context. The 1.1 million sf project is composed of two distinct yet complementary components, a conservatory or enclosed winter garden, and an 80 story hotel and condo tower rising above.

The 28,000 sf winter garden is enclosed by a high efficiency glazing system, protecting a lush landscape and occupants from inclement weather, noise and air pollution, while optimizing natural air ventilation. The tower’s thin profile makes full use of natural light, while minimizing heat gain during summer months and shadow effect on neighboring spaces. Natural light can reach the interior spaces, reducing energy consumption year round. Topping the tower is a Sky Garden containing a number of condominium amenities and an enclosed garden.


http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/4572/conservatorytower071108lg5.jpg
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/1761/conservatorytowerbase1ppz4.jpg

posted by "SpyGuy" over at SSP....

^http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=23314818

http://www.suntimes.com/business/roeder/1104471,CST-FIN-roeder13.article
ON THE MOVE: Michael Tobin, a star player in commercial real estate here for 33 years, has joined U.S. Equities Realty as senior vice president for development. He'll be in charge of breathing some life into the slowly developing plans for the Metra Market in the Ogilvie Transportation Center in the West Loop.

Tobin, 55, most recently was a partner at Northern Realty Group Ltd. He led development projects there, but Northern's main business as a consultant for retailers has been absorbed by CB Richard Ellis Inc.

^ That's funny. I just met him at a job shadow I had there. And yes MetraMarket is moving along.

I'm not one to use dancing bananas, but there are few things that could make me happier... :banana:

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/1860/terracesectionjk9.jpg
28 N Franklin Located at the corner of Franklin and Calhoun in downtown Chicago will be a new 205,000 sf, 306-room hotel. At the base of the 26-floor hotel will be a restaurant and 4,000 sf of retail. On the top floor, the hotel will have an outdoor terrace and club for guests.

^This is the hotel proposed for that small lot north of UBS Tower.
---

August Plan Commission

A Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Ordinance application and a
proposed Residential-Central Area Parking District Planned Development
Application submitted by M & R Development, L.L.C., for the property generally
located at 171 North Wabash Avenue and 73 East Lake Street. The applicant
proposes to construct a 44-story mixed-use building with up to 321 residential
units, approximately 25,000 square feet of retail/commercial space, and up to
431 off-street parking spaces of which up to 180 parking spaces may be nonaccessory.

^ I am loving that little hotel on Franklin. What a great peice of infill.

^ I don't see a podium...where are 431 parking spots going to go? I'd be impressed if they're underground

Nothing new, but nice to get an update...
from the Trib
Under the 'L,' Wabash turns a new corner
Between State Street and Michigan Avenue lies a road less traveled, ripe for development of a new type of downtown living, including upscale shops, grocery and entertainment
By Robert Manor | Chicago Tribune reporter



http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi080818wabash_gfx,0,5999484.graphic
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-mon-wabash-loop-revival-aug18,0,2637947.story

^ I don't see a podium...where are 431 parking spots going to go? I'd be impressed if they're underground

Sorry, but I probably should have been more clear in my post. Those are two separate projects - one is a hotel on Franklin and the other is a residential building on Wabash.

^ I'm still waiting to see the rendering of the Wabash/Lake street apartment bldg SpyGuy. That is going to be one very well located rental tower. Butt up against Hard Rock hotel, 2 blocks from House of Blues, stones throw from Chicago & Oriental Theatre, immersed in the Wabash-State street shopping and a holler from Millineum Park. And on top of the Loop El & subway! :banana: Which you may not need that much since you could walk to work. :lol:

^^
171 N Wabash
http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/5648/171nwabashdp1.jpg
http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/7339/171nwabash2eg1.jpg

^^
171 N Wabash

So will that knock down the parking garage at Wabash/Randolph as well?

If not, that is a prime development spot as well.

^^
171 N Wabash


Spyguy,

Is that building supposed to be the one @ 73 E. lake?

Looks good. BUILD IT!

^^ Hell yea.

Long-delayed MetraMarket gets construction loan

By Andrew Schroedter, Aug. 28, 2008

(Crain’s) — Developer U.S. Equities Realty LLC has secured a $25-million construction loan for MetraMarket, a long-delayed restaurant and retail emporium within the Ogilvie Transportation Center.

In a sign of the times, with the credit crunch pushing U.S. lenders to the sidelines, German bank Eurohypo A.G. stepped up to provide funding to Chicago-based U.S. Equities for the project's first phase, about 60,000 square feet.

Construction could begin within the next few weeks and the stores could open next summer, U.S. Equities said in a release.

MetraMarket is to consist of 100,000 square feet of rentable space underneath a stretch of tracks, and just north of the transportation center in an area bounded by Washington, Lake, Canal and Clinton streets. The street-level shops and stores were conceived as a retail gateway linking the Central and West Loop districts...

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30790

Metra to open marketplace under Ogilvie
Commuters can shop, eat, officials say

By Richard Wronski | Chicago Tribune reporter
9:00 PM CDT, September 12, 2008

After years of delay, work will begin next week on transforming a two-block stretch of decrepit storage and parking space under the Metra tracks at the Ogilvie Transportation Center into a retail and dining center, officials said Friday.

The $42 million development, called MetraMarket, will feature a French market offering baked goods and produce, a CVS pharmacy, a cafe, retail shops and restaurants.

Metra and the developer, U.S. Equities Realty Inc., hope to tap into the West Loop's booming residential and commercial growth, and grab the attention of some of the 105,000 commuters who pass through each day.

MetraMarket will be built under the rail platform and tracks on property bounded by Clinton, Canal, Washington and Lake Streets. A brick building used for storage will be converted for the new use. A groundbreaking will be held Thursday...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-metra-both-13-sep13,0,5101512.story

$40-million revamp of Inland Steel Building

By Alby Gallun, Sep. 03, 2008

(Crain’s) — The new owner of the Inland Steel Building plans a $40-million overhaul of the modernist Loop landmark, hoping to finance the project with $16 million in city and federal assistance.

Ten months after paying $57.3 million for the 19-story tower at 30 W. Monroe St., an investment group including New York-based Capital Properties LLC and celebrity architect Frank Gehry has asked two city panels to sign off on the renovation plan for the glass-and-steel structure, considered a pioneering architectural feat when it was completed in 1958.

One goal is to restore many elements of the building to their original appearance. In the lobby, the venture plans to remove the existing acoustical ceiling and bring back original lighting and also take out wood paneling that was installed in the 1980s, covering up the original black Belgian marble.

http://www.chicagoloopalliance.com/news.php?newsid=28&cat=all

$40-million revamp of Inland Steel Building

By Alby Gallun, Sep. 03, 2008

(Crain’s) — The new owner of the Inland Steel Building plans a $40-million overhaul of the modernist Loop landmark, hoping to finance the project with $16 million in city and federal assistance.

Ten months after paying $57.3 million for the 19-story tower at 30 W. Monroe St., an investment group including New York-based Capital Properties LLC and celebrity architect Frank Gehry has asked two city panels to sign off on the renovation plan for the glass-and-steel structure, considered a pioneering architectural feat when it was completed in 1958.

One goal is to restore many elements of the building to their original appearance. In the lobby, the venture plans to remove the existing acoustical ceiling and bring back original lighting and also take out wood paneling that was installed in the 1980s, covering up the original black Belgian marble.

http://www.chicagoloopalliance.com/news.php?newsid=28&cat=all

What in the hell were people in the 80s thinking?! :lol:

What in the hell were people in the 80s thinking?! :lol:

Hey! DALLAS was a hit show back then.:lol:

JW Marriott conversion
http://www.jwmarriottchicago.com/

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/5941/06003301adamsperspmodervb7.jpg
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/2710/galleriasketch92107revdf7.jpg
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8536/208transog8.jpg
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4945/208groundbg9.jpg

THAT IS AWESOME!!!

What a phenomenal use of that building!

That will bring some much needed nite life to so. lasalle st.

Upper floors of the Park Monroe are well into their facade replacement. It's a big difference, but can't yet tell if it will be an improvement or not.

(taken on a rainy day, through a window, with a cell phone):
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2843/parkmonroedm4.jpg

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=31498

Dorm developer doubles down in East Loop
By Alby Gallun, Oct. 22, 2008

The owner of a new 456-bed dormitory in the East Loop wants to pack another 1,221 students into a planned 37-story high-rise next door.

A joint venture including Chicago-based real estate investment firms L&H Real Estate Group and Brownstone Realty & Development Co. has asked the city to approve a zoning change that would allow the new dorm at 51-67 E. Van Buren St.

...They aim to complete the tower by the beginning of the 2011 academic year, meaning they would break ground sometime in late 2009 or early 2010.

Mr. O’Leary declines to disclose the cost of the building, which is being designed by Chicago-based architecture firm Solomon Cordwell Buenz.

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/theskyline/2008/10/chicago-archite.html#more

Chicago Architecture Foundation: New details in its search for a new home
Blair Kamin
October 22, 2008

...Her dream is for the foundation to own--and design--its own home. And that home might be 50,000 square feet, versus the 20,000 square feet the CAF now has at 224 S. Michigan, a historic skyscrapaper designed by D.H. Burnham & co. That would allow more space for classrooms and youth education programs, as well as a sexy new, interpretive model of the city.

Pritzker Park, at South State and the El, is under construction. Entire site has been dug up and they are already working on the "sitting walls."

Link to renders a few pages back: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=21467061&postcount=1191

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=32043

Charter high school to open in Loop
By Eddie Baeb, Dec. 03, 2008

Noble Network of Charter Schools will open Muchin College Prep next August at 1 N. State St., the former Wieboldt’s Building, with an incoming freshman class of about 175 students.

Muchin will be the first high school in the Loop, where the population of college students and dormitories has been expanding in recent years, and the eighth campus for Noble. By its fourth year, when there are four grade levels, Muchin will probably have about 550 to 700 students.

...Noble Network signed a 20-year lease for 67,000 square feet at 1 N. State, the entire seventh floor including a mezzanine level. In addition to the new school, the space will accommodate Noble Network’s administrative offices and a cafeteria that will prepare meals for students at Muchin and most other Noble campuses.

Fire escapes are considered "historic additions" by preservationists.

I too would prefer to see them go when buildings are renovated. One beef I have with them is that the anchor points for the fire escape structures are prime culprits for facade damage in historic buildings. The iron rusts and swells, which causes the adjacent brick and terra-cotta to basically explode around the anchor points. This allows moisture into the cavity behind the face finishes and rots out the entire tier of facade work.

To painstakingly restore a building and then allow this process to occur repeatedly is foolish in my opinion.

If a fire escape as something like ornate iron work I can sort of understand that, but basic fire escapes are eyesores.

Posted at SSP:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/1492196,CST-NWS-roosevelt24.article

Roosevelt U. plans new Loop tower
EDUCATION | Wants to build $130 million dorm, student facility at Crown Center location

March 24, 2009
BY FRAN SPIELMAN

Loop University -- the nickname for a downtown Chicago area that 60,000 college students call home -- is getting a $130 million addition that will make it even more of a college town.

Roosevelt University has filed a zoning application to build an academic and student center that will double -- to roughly 640 beds -- the dormitory space once available at the Herman Crown Center it will replace at 421-25 S. Wabash.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/434/032409rooseveltcstfeed2.jpg