Height: 745 ft
Floor count: 67
Location: North Rush and East Huron
Construction end: 2009
Architect: DeStefano + Partners, Ltd.
Developer: LR Development Company, LLC

Website (http://www.canyonranchchicago.com/)

http://img459.imageshack.us/img459/3222/canyonranch1mv5.jpg
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3923/680nrush3kp7.jpg
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/7454/680nrush2ip0.jpg
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/6710/71huron39mb.jpg
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/4564/71huron58on.jpg

Does anyone have any information about this tower proposed on the site of the administrative offices of St. James Cathedral? From the looks of the sketch I saw somewhere posted on here, it was amazing. I love the elliptical shape and hole cut out of the top... That would be an amazing addition to the skyline, unless cheapo developer baits and switches...

Actually, I sent an email to someone at the LR Development offices yesterday about this project. Haven't had a reply yet, but it's the same gentleman that i've had email transactions with before. The last time was in early October of 2004 and he told me then that hopefully they'd start marketing in the late spring of 2005 and that the building would be about 64 floors.

Remind you this was 4 months ago, and things could have changed, but if I get a reply, i'll post it here.

They've been guaging interest through real-estate agents for the past year or so, but not making any pre-sale commitments. . . they'll probably start marketing it sometime mid-year 2005 and begin construction on it next year sometime. . .

Here's the image ChicagoLover is referring to if anyone's not familiar.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/geoff_diamond/Chicago%20-%20Renderings/65EHuron01.jpg

^ Fuck SOAR and their stupid bullshit. They need to move out to Schaumburg where their attitude belongs.

That tower so needs to get built

I second Urban. Finally a River North tower to be proud of. Another icon, on par with Marina City, and 860-880 North Lake Shore Drive.

I wouldn't worry too much about this tower getting tangled up with SOAR. If it doesn't happen, it will be for its own reasons.

65 East Huron

Well, I don't have that much information about this project, but what I do have you all aren't going to like :(

I went down the the church office building that is now on the site and spoke with a woman who knew a bit about the project. I hope that you all like the rendering of the tower with the opening, because that's all you'll ever see of that opening. It has been removed from the project. The woman told me that the engineering costs for the void were just too much. She also told me that the number of floors had been reduced to about 55 or so.

I did get a phone number and a new email address for someone at LR Realty. I'll send an email over the weekend, and if I don't hear back i'll give them a ring sometime next week.

SORRY GUYS.....

^No big deal. Perhaps that hole will be filled in by whatever is taken out of the MoMa (or whatever it's called).

I still don't think it will look bad, although it won't be as distinct. I don't mind the reduction in height, either

In my mind, that's very disappointing. I do hope the tower will still be elliptical.. that shape is such a welcome site in a skyline of boxes. I should have known such a distinctive design for a residential building was a pipe dream. :( wimper

BVictor, I got my hopes up so high for this one. I want to call the developer. Engineering costs too high for whom? I want to know more... !

Well from what I was told by the lady from the church, the building will retain its elliptical shape. I guess it was the developers who felt the costs were too much, as I said there was an email on the posterboards, and I will be sending one this weekend, and if I don't hear from someone by mid-week i'll be calling.

I'm also disapointed that the void will no longer be.

Hopefully between now and whenever the final plans are released, things will go the way we'd like.

Thanks for the info BVictor. In spite of my grave disappointment at the disappearance of the void, I am heartened to learn there are skyscraper/architecture/Chicagophiles like myself actually living in the city bold enough to venture wherever they can to get the information, this time with the "church lady."

Gah! What a piss-poor decision! As others have stated: the building will still be cool because the ellipse is rare in Chicago, but, losing the void certainly knocks it off the pedestal I had it on.

65 East Huron--A bit of Info

I was so disappointed by what I was told about 65 East Huron, that I just has to send an email to the development company. I recieved this reply. Below is the email coorespondance.


Hello Ms. Molk,

My name is Butler Adams, and I am an architecture student here in Chicago. Over the past year or so i've been trying to document and keep track of all of these new skyscraper proposals. I've also been keeping track of 340 on the Park, which LR is also developing. 65 East Huron though has been somewhat of an elusive project. There is no sales center yet so I really haven't been able to ask the questions that i've wanted.

On Friday I stopped in to the St. James Church offices, presently at 65 East Huron, and I had a chance to speak with Ms. Leslie Keller, who told me that I should contact you because you'd know a lot more about the project and could answer my questions. Ms. Keller though did tell me some very disappointing news, that the void near the top of the tower is no longer a factor in the design, 'say it ain't so'. That was the distenguishing feature of the tower. She also mentioned that the building was now 50 something floors instead of 62.

I was wondering if you could tell me:

Is this project still going to happen?

How many floors is the tower going to be, and how high in feet?

Did you all really remove the void and why?

When is ground breaking scheduled?

Is this building going to be LEED Certified like 340 on the Park?

I really hope that you all retain that void. It was so striking and would have made a statement on the skyline, and it would be a shame to lose it. I also hope that you make the builing as tall as possible.
It's one of the nicest designs for a building that i've seen in a long time.

I certainly looking forward to your response Ms. Molk.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Butler Victor Adams
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE RESPONSE

Dear Butler-

Thanks for your recent inquiry regarding 65 East Huron. The project is proceeding quickly, and we intend to be marketing within the next several months. As with all projects of this magnitude, the design has gone through a great deal of analysis and potential modification before it will be finalized. We are, however, getting close. We are also confident that the final design of the tower will be distinguishing and striking - you should not be disappointed. Feel free to call me if you have additional questions. Thanks.

Kerry Dickson (312) 595-xxxx

^BV, you're a SHARK, baby!

Well she certainly didn't manage to give up anything, now did she?

65 East Huron mid-evening Update :)

Actually Kerry Dickson is a dude, and I have a bit more of information, because he returned my phone call about a half an hour ago.

As mentioned before, the void was removed due to financial reasons. The void would just have made this project economically unrealistic.

The reason why they've reduced the number of floors is because that land is zoned for a certain amount of square footage to be built on it, and by filling the void, that adds space, so to make up that difference they've reduced the number of floors. At the moment the building is some where in the 50's. Things are not set in stone yet.

The planned development is in place. Also they are still deciding whether the building is going to go for the LEED standard, as I said, they're still working out the finer details.

He also told me that marketing and a sales center will hopefully be happening in the next 6 or so months (mid to late summer).

what!? no more void?

oh well, either way, it's still gonna look cool without the void. the void imo actually make the building look a bit like those short modernist lampposts. lol...

I also emailed LR Realty. The person who responded to me either misinterpreted my question, or deliberately evaded it. I am going to persist with this. Let the tower breathe--let the void live!

I also emailed LR Realty. The person who responded to me either misinterpreted my question, or deliberately evaded it. I am going to persist with this. Let the tower breathe--let the void live!

Oh yeah! Hound them, that'll teach em' :|

They're still working on things with DeStefano.

If they haven't even figured out whether or not they're going for LEED certification, then we're nowhere near where I thought we were on this project. This building could end up looking like the Apparel Center at this point.

I got anemail today from LR Realty, and I was told that the building wouldstill be elliptical.

ooooooh give us the void .. give us the void... PLEASE... They have a chance to build an icon! They could rename it the LR building, or hell the name of the developer .. just give us the void!!

Has anyone been keeping up with the news for this tower? I saw this today at the website for St. James Cathedral:

St. James Cathedral update on 65 E. Huron (http://www.saintjamescathedral.org/redevelopment.asp)

This news looks extremely promising. A quasi-void... I'm dying to see the latest plans.

update (http://http://www.saintjamescathedral.org/redevelopment.asp)

void is a void. i still like it.

Bah... i want an actual void, not a quasi-void!

A quasi-void isn't a void at all. It's a goddamn dent.

Bah... i want an actual void, not a quasi-void!


You can either have this or no tower at all, take your pick!!!

I'm going to call then and see it it's at all possible for a couple of "architecture students to attend.


Building Redevelopment

Parish Meeting April 17
12:00 Noon - Burrill Hall
Update on Redevelopment

Read the Dean's Letter

Plans are underway for a spectacular new building to be built at 65 East Huron, the current site of offices and meeting space for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and St. James Cathedral.

The first three floors of the new 50-plus-story eliptical, glass-clad building will house program and conference space (first floor and mezzanine), the Cathedral offices (mezzanine), and the diocesan offices (second floor), connected by a stunning 3-story glass atrium.

Several floors of valet parking, and about 40 floors of condominiums will rise above the Cathedral and Diocesan floors. Construction is expected to begin in 2006 and the building is scheduled to be completed in late 2008.

More details will be posted here as they become available.

An early drawing of the new building. Several modifications have since been made, including the "cut-out" at the top which will now be recessed but not open all the way through.
http://www.saintjamescathedral.org/images/Buildings/NewBuilding.jpg

Well, void or no void... I think the massing will be a refreshing change for a very rectilinear city. It will be nice to have such a prominent organic form in the skyline.

Well; Tom, Shawn and myself has an opportunity to go to the LR Development offices today and collect a little information on 65 East Huron and the Streeterville tower (also known as Parcel 24).

Both projects are moving forward. I was unable to learn exactly when the towers will start marketing, but there is a chance that the Streeterville Tower will start marketing units first.

Both towers will be between 55 and 60 stories, and both buildings will be about 650' tall.

LR is still thinkiong about shooting for leed for both projects.

We were also able to see the renderings of both projects. Those who were concerned about the void being removed from 65 East Huron, rest easy, everything still looks pretty much the same. As mentioned before, there is now an indentation, and that space has been filled by units. Other than that the building looks virtually the same.

Thank goodness, 65 E Huron project is still alive!

I realized that the Streeterville Tower is actually 500 N. LSD; 58 stories high; designed by Perkins & Will. Can you post the rendering here?

Well; Tom, Shawn and myself has an opportunity to go to the LR Development offices today and collect a little information on 65 East Huron and the Streeterville tower (also known as Parcel 24).

Both projects are moving forward. I was unable to learn exactly when the towers will start marketing, but there is a chance that the Streeterville Tower will start marketing units first.

Both towers will be between 55 and 60 stories, and both buildings will be about 650' tall.

LR is still thinkiong about shooting for leed for both projects.

We were also able to see the renderings of both projects. Those who were concerned about the void being removed from 65 East Huron, rest easy, everything still looks pretty much the same. As mentioned before, there is now an indentation, and that space has been filled by units. Other than that the building looks virtually the same.

^Thanks, Butler. Did they mention anything about SOAR or issues with city approval?

BVictor, based on the rendering of the so-called "Streeterville Tower", what is your assessment? Is Chi Coruscant is correct about this being the R. Johnson building? How does it compare with his other work?

Why is it taking a long time to introduce the 65 East Huron building? Does the process have more to do with the client (the church) or the market?

BVictor, based on the rendering of the so-called "Streeterville Tower", what is your assessment? Is Chi Coruscant is correct about this being the R. Johnson building? How does it compare with his other work?

Why is it taking a long time to introduce the 65 East Huron building? Does the process have more to do with the client (the church) or the market?


It is a very nice design. I believe that it will make an elegan edition to the Chicago Skyline. It's height will come very close to that of Lake Point Tower to the east. LR really didn't have to deal with SOAR on this project, because the land had been re-zones several years ago by Dan McLean when he owned the property. I believe that one you all see it, you will like it. It's not as modern as Skybridge, but I think it's better than the Clare at Watertower. I feel it's quite nice. I'd give it an A- or B+


65 East Huron is taking so long, because several things had to be re-designed, including the parking layout, and the modification of the void. Don't worry though. LR Development has a good reputation, so just be patient.

It's better that they take their time and not rush into things, because when you rush, you are liable to have more problems.

Below is basically the shape of the building.
http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/554/6324500_north_lsd.jpg

Of course, this is the old rendering of 65 East Huron
http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/554/632465_east_huron.jpg

The back glass wall of the void will be where the back of those balconies are. So the indentation is roughly about 15' or so on both sides. And residential units have filled that space.

Well, it's official... there goes my view :((

I was browsing Emporis and saw that they listed this tower as approved with 67 floors and a height of 730 feet. Anyone know anything new about this tower?

I was browsing Emporis and saw that they listed this tower as approved with 67 floors and a height of 730 feet. Anyone know anything new about this tower?

It's no longer that tall. It's about 55 stories at the moment

Well that sucks :ohno:

Not sure if this is new or not:

http://img419.imageshack.us/img419/8451/65east5bf.png

Not sure either. This was my favorite development, and now we hear nothing about it. I tried to write a nice, solicitous letter to the point person for this thing at St. James Cathedral. His response was all of "We're in the planning stage." Thanks guy! I suppose he has his reasons for being discreet.

Not sure if this is new or not:

http://img419.imageshack.us/img419/8451/65east5bf.png


No, its not the most recent design, this is the old one. As mentioned in the past, the void is no longer a part of the building, it's just an indentation not. The overall design is the same. Imagine a 10-15' indentation in the space where the void is and that's the way the tower looks now.

Canyon Ranch set to lease in Streeterville November 1, 2005

BY DAVID ROEDER Business Reporter Advertisement
http://www.suntimes.com/output/business/cst-fin-canyon01.html

The posh Canyon Ranch resort -- which markets condominiums, fitness programs and food in the name of healthy lifestyles -- would open its first Chicago operation under a tentative deal signed with developers of a Streeterville high-rise.

Canyon Ranch has agreed to take 65,000 square feet in a planned 64-story building at 65 E. Huron, said Thomas Weeks, president of LR Development Co. He also said the project will market 100 hotel condos linked to Canyon Ranch.

The balance of the building would contain about 330 residential condos. The project would rise on the southwest corner of Huron and Rush, currently the site of offices for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago.

Weeks said the addition of Canyon Ranch entails a modified design, for which LR will seek a zoning change. The original design, which the City Council endorsed in December 2003, included a hole in the upper floors that would have formed open-air terraces.

Ald. Bernard Stone (50th) expressed concern about the terraces' safety. Weeks said the redesign addresses that concern by narrowing the hole and incorporating the space into Canyon Ranch.

LR has a contract to purchase the site from the Episcopal Diocese, and has yet to start marketing the condos. Weeks said if he gets city approval of the new design, he hopes to start construction in 2006, and finish it in 2009.

Canyon Ranch has been mentioned as a possible tenant for downtown's empty Block 37 across from Marshall Field's, but experts said they expect the deal with LR would foreclose on that possibility.

Weeks said Canyon Ranch has signed a letter of intent with his firm. The legal step precedes final lease negotiations. Approval of the Canyon Ranch board also is needed, Weeks said.

Canyon Ranch owns spas in Tucson, Ariz., and Lenox, Mass. It is building its first "community,'' a condo and hotel complex on beachfront property in Miami.

i never knew Canyon Ranch resort has been mentioned as a possible tenant/hotel possability for block37

i never knew Canyon Ranch resort has been mentioned as a possible tenant/hotel possability for block37

^Yeah, they were.

I just hope this doesn't screw Block 37 over

^Yeah, they were.

I just hope this doesn't screw Block 37 over

Why would it screw Block 37 over? It's not like they signed a lease then pulled out of it. It was just speculation.

Good to hear news about this tower at least.

Why would it screw Block 37 over? It's not like they signed a lease then pulled out of it. It was just speculation.

^Yeah, but Mills isn't exactly soaking in a bath of interested retailers, despite what they claim. If retailers who are interested in Block 37 sign on to different developments, it's only going to make it harder for Mills Corp, I would think

Bring back the idea of Harrod's for B37. I would love to have their world class grocery store even.

Too bad 65 E. Huron isn't in S'ville.

I trust you all noticed the announced reduction in the hole at the top of the building?

Butler,

Your guess regarding the height for the Huron-Rush project is correct. The building would be back at its previously approved height of 720', approximately 64 occupied floors. Just so you can get an idea how long it takes for something like this to develop, we were working on the expanded building when we met over the summer. The update in the paper this morning is the item I hinted at during our discussion when I said that we might have a way to get the height back in the building. I have attached a rendering of the view of the building from the west.

As for the tower at Illinois and Lake Shore Drive, we wouldn't be working on it as hard as we are if we didn't think that there was a good chance that it would be built. Obviously, there is still a lot of work to do on the development of the design of the building and the necessary approvals, but we are confident. I don't have any images to send you at this time, but maybe in the near future.


New Rendering of 65 East Huron
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/11/413297.jpg

ENJOY:):):)

Wow, good work. I like what the they did to the top floor, but umm...the entire hole is clogged up. I knew to expect it, and it's better than just a complete cylinder, but I still thought there might be a little gap. Obviously not.

sexy!

Butler,

Your guess regarding the height for the Huron-Rush project is correct. The building would be back at its previously approved height of 720', approximately 64 occupied floors. Just so you can get an idea how long it takes for something like this to develop, we were working on the expanded building when we met over the summer. The update in the paper this morning is the item I hinted at during our discussion when I said that we might have a way to get the height back in the building. I have attached a rendering of the view of the building from the west.

As for the tower at Illinois and Lake Shore Drive, we wouldn't be working on it as hard as we are if we didn't think that there was a good chance that it would be built. Obviously, there is still a lot of work to do on the development of the design of the building and the necessary approvals, but we are confident. I don't have any images to send you at this time, but maybe in the near future.


New Rendering of 65 East Huron
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/11/413297.jpg

ENJOY:):):)

So is the 'Huron-Rush project' which is 'approved at 720' and 64 stories' the same as 65 East Huron ?

As for the tower at Illinois and Lake Shore Drive, we wouldn't be working on it as hard as we are if we didn't think that there was a good chance that it would be built.

So they really meant it about building TV Tower?????? So, it's not a ploy for other reason such as outdueling the FS.

Well, 65 East Huron was approved last Thursday at the plan commission meeting. Yes, the tower had been approved before, back in 2003, but the design had to be amended. Remember, the void was filled and that means that there were design and structural changes, and more square footage was added.

i'm a fan of this buliding. This will definitly add something distinct to the great chicago skyline. I for one can't wait for it to start construction.

arent we starting to get a bit too many all glass type buildings?,
to me this isnt very interesting, and very samey with other buildings going up,
and that top thing is that a vagina or something? its kindof of stupid looking,

i wouldnt want to live in it, some glass buildings, is okay, but are we trying to be dallas or something, lets get some different styles going up, this is just building a building just for the sake of building a building,

arent we starting to get a bit too many all glass type buildings?,
to me this isnt very interesting, and very samey with other buildings going up,
and that top thing is that a vagina or something? its kindof of stupid looking,

i wouldnt want to live in it, some glass buildings, is okay, but are we trying to be dallas or something, lets get some different styles going up, this is just building a building just for the sake of building a building,

I prefer a variety as well wong, but this one is a keeper. It has a wonderful design, and a great height fot it's location.

^^I agree. This is a really well-designed tower and will certainly be unique among Chicago's many right angles.

arent we starting to get a bit too many all glass type buildings?,
to me this isnt very interesting, and very samey with other buildings going up,
and that top thing is that a vagina or something? its kindof of stupid looking,

i wouldnt want to live in it, some glass buildings, is okay, but are we trying to be dallas or something, lets get some different styles going up, this is just building a building just for the sake of building a building,

^Have your choice: glass and steel or pre-cast concrete.

The second choice is pretty much what has been built in River North almost exclusively for the past 5 years

arent we starting to get a bit too many all glass type buildings?,
to me this isnt very interesting, and very samey with other buildings going up,
and that top thing is that a vagina or something? its kindof of stupid looking,

i wouldnt want to live in it, some glass buildings, is okay, but are we trying to be dallas or something, lets get some different styles going up, this is just building a building just for the sake of building a building,

Isn't this the only glass/steel building, existing or currently planned, that is a circle/oval? That makes it pretty unique.

Yes, that's a vagina near the top. And according to my calculations, the "crown" of One Museum Park fits it perfectly.

We are moving away from Loewenberg-style pre-cast buildings to glassy buildings. If you look at the River North as whole, there are plenty of generic pre-cast concrete buildings. Now there are growing number of glassy buildings.

That is a good thing.

I love this building. It will certainly freshen up River North. I only wish the void would have been present in the final design. But, I'll take it anyways.

Condo Developers Fill Void in $250M Tower Design
By Mark Ruda
Last updated: December 23, 2005 09:28am
http://www.globest.com/news/440_440/chicago/141416-1.html

CHICAGO-Now that LR Development has closed a five-story “sky window” in its 65-story condominium tower proposed for Huron and Rush streets, the company is hoping to begin construction by early 2007. Also added into the $250-million building’s design, criticized by city officials when it came to the plan commission in late 2003, is a 65,000-sf Canyon Ranch fitness center.

In addition to 330 condominiums and 120 hotel condominiums, the elliptical glass and aluminum building at the southwest corner of Huron and Rush streets will have 38,000 sf of office space for the Chicago diocese of the Episcopal Church, which is providing a ground lease to LR Development. Canyon Ranch will be spread over the 13th through 16th floors in the building at 65 E. Huron St., as well as have a restaurant on the second floor.

The hotel condos are planned for the 18th through 23rd floors, with the residential condos filling the 25th through 65th floors. Gone, however, is a five-story open void below the penthouse units. Filling in the hole at the top of the tower results in a 15% increase in the building’s square footage to nearly 800,000 sf, requiring Thursday’s recommendation by the plan commission.

LR Development president Tom Meeks tells GlobeSt.com units are likely to be priced in the neighborhood of $650 sf. Construction is expected to take about three years, he says, indicating there is no shortage of lenders. “We have a tremendous amont of interest in financing,” Meeks tells GlobeSt.com.

However, opposition remains from the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents, which notes 13 projects are underway or in the works that would add 5,000 units to the neighborhood. In addition, Canyon Ranch is expected to increase traffic, even though the building will include a 450-space valet parking garage.

“We’ve already down-zoned 75% of River North,” says 42nd Ward Alderman Burton Natarus. “We can’t down-zone everything because we’ll get another zoning lawsuit.”

Condo Developers Fill Void in $250M Tower Design

“We’ve already down-zoned 75% of River North,” says 42nd Ward Alderman Burton Natarus. “We can’t down-zone everything because we’ll get another zoning lawsuit.”

As many of us have said...."you gotta love Natarus!"

Natarus came and spoke in my Land Use class back in law school. I just wish I knew then what I know now about Chicago projects, SOAR, etc. I would've grilled that son of a bitch with questions.

Down-zoning SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT of River North? You know why they're being sued? Because zoning changes are not supposed to be enacted for the benefit of small groups like these fucking NIMBYs who, for some reason, can't grasp the concept that living within blocks of downtown CHICAGO will entail high-rise construction. If you want your views and your sunlight, don't decide to live in some of the densest residential areas in the city. Take your ass out to the suburbs. You won't be missed.


Sorry for that rant. Had to get it out.

I so agree with you Hydrogen. Who the hell do these NIMBYs think they are anyway? They need to move to the burbs and leave the city to grow.

Not sure if this is new but on my way to work this morning I saw what I thin is a new sign saying coming soon. Also the address is not 65 E Huron anymore they have it as 71 E Huron.

Not sure if this is new but on my way to work this morning I saw what I thin is a new sign saying coming soon. Also the address is not 65 E Huron anymore they have it as 71 E Huron.

It has to be new. The priject was just approved a few weeks ago at the plan commission meeting and it was on the agenda as 65 East Huron. I sent an email to LR asking them the reason for the name change.

It was exciting to see that sign though. I wonder how members of SOAR felt when they saw it?:)

Here's that advertisement mentioned...

http://images.snapfish.com/345939365%7Ffp337%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D323343468%3B6%3A%3Anu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/345939365%7Ffp338%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D3233434695428nu0mrj

It`s great skyscraper, when the construction can start? It`s possible in this year?

It`s great skyscraper, when the construction can start? It`s possible in this year?

Construction won't begin until sometime in 2007. There's still much work to be done. Marketing of units has yet to begin. They still have to demolish the current structure. We have about a year and a half probably.

thx:okay:

I thought the location was currently a parking lot..?

Wow, what a beauty. I’d love to have a balcony on +50 floor.

^ My understanding is that the site contains offices for the Episcopalian Church.

The rendering in the add looks much more defined.

Ah, okay--I think you're right. I was getting the site confused because of the church in the renderings; thinking it was a location at Superior and State. It'd be great to get that parking lot developed, though..

Wow, what a beauty. I’d love to have a balcony on +50 floor.
So, you should think about Park Tower ;)

I heard some interesting information about the height of this tower. Now this is unofficial as the tower is still in the design stages, but it's possible that it will be in the 735'-750' range. As I said this is still unofficial. We must wait until we can see the actual blueprints, but I figured I should share.

Thanks for sharing. This is really great news.

It may grow from initial 650' to 720'-750'???? Now, that is a good new.

When the sales begin?

Do any of you guys have a sense of what the possibility is of this tower becoming a reality? I mean, it has a good location, but you never know. I really like the design, and its nice to mix up the area with something different.

Do any of you guys have a sense of what the possibility is of this tower becoming a reality? I mean, it has a good location, but you never know. I really like the design, and its nice to mix up the area with something different.

I think that it has a really good chance of becoming a reality. They will probably begin to market it some time later this year.

I just called the sales center, and I was told that they will begin to market it sometime this year. Hopefully sometime this summer.

I think that it has a really good chance of becoming a reality. They will probably begin to market it some time later this year.

I just called the sales center, and I was told that they will begin to market it sometime this year. Hopefully sometime this summer.


Thanks. Good to hear you like its chances Bvictor, as your odds would be as good as anyones.

I saw something that Bvictor said we will have to wait and see and lets just his source is good.

Thanks for the reconfirmation that we'll have to wait and see :)

I saw something that Bvictor said we will have to wait and see and lets just his source is good.


I remeber he said something about he couldn't tell us something and we would have to wait and see but I thought that was about Studio Gangs Lakeshore East building........So what are you refering to?

The height change.

Well I was trying to say it with out really saying it. But anyways. Looks to be 745

745
You serious?!?! The new numbers are beautiful!

I got this rendering yesterday from LR Development. It's a perspective view from Huron and Rush Street towards the residential lobby.

https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2006/01/432006.jpg

WOW! :cheers1:

That is quite perty.

The renderings are fine art, but impossible to achieve. If you actually look at the site for 71 East Huron from the intersection of Huron and Rush you can see that the building will have no view at all. Most of the units will face directly into Fordham's Pinnacle, The Omni Hotel or even 55 East Erie. The architecture is fine, but the architects have completely missed the utility of the site. The building will be stuck in the middle of a grouping of high rise condominiums and seen by no one.

LR has missed the boat. It sailed when Fordham, and the others overbuilt the area. Who will buy these things with a 5000 unit excess inventory in River North/Streeterville?

I feel sorry for the St. James people. If this thing heads south in the marketing phase, they will be stuck with a lot of promises and no office building at all.

I think its distinctive shape will help it survive. Canyon Ranch is a plus too.

The renderings are fine art, but impossible to achieve. If you actually look at the site for 71 East Huron from the intersection of Huron and Rush you can see that the building will have no view at all. Most of the units will face directly into Fordham's Pinnacle, The Omni Hotel or even 55 East Erie. The architecture is fine, but the architects have completely missed the utility of the site. The building will be stuck in the middle of a grouping of high rise condominiums and seen by no one.

LR has missed the boat. It sailed when Fordham, and the others overbuilt the area. Who will buy these things with a 5000 unit excess inventory in River North/Streeterville?

I feel sorry for the St. James people. If this thing heads south in the marketing phase, they will be stuck with a lot of promises and no office building at all.

Well, immediately to the north and south are lowrise buildings that at this time will help to protect the view in those directions. You also have the church as a barried between this tower and the Pinnacle. It will do fine.

Actually to the south is one of the largest residential condominiums ever built....55 East Erie. Only separated from St. James' office by a small historic (protected) walkup.

To the north is the parking garage to 30 East Huron and worse, the old Crain's building which may be developed in the near future. Last year the Fordham Cathedral deal that fell through would have put a major development on the site. This may be a hint to the future. If the Fordham deal died for lack of financing in a risky market.....LR might have the same problem.

I still don't see a market for this building. You don't buy into a bubble and there most certainly is a bubble of glass and steel buildings in the area.

I still don't see a market for this building. You don't buy into a bubble and there most certainly is a bubble of glass and steel buildings in the area.

Keep in mind an unobstructed view or view at all for that matter right downtown in NYC is a unbelievable luxury...yes I know Chicago is not NYC but with that being said many of the new buildings that lack views make up for in architecture and interior design in NYC...and the more buildings built here in Chicago the less the views...but like NYC devolopments,71 east Huron seems to make up for what may be lacking in views with overall design that will attract buyers...Chicago is growing and some buildings are surely going to be masked by others but I wouldn't wish doom and gloom on this building just because of that.

I don't think this building will have any problems. It has a great location and a great design. Also when you through in he extras like canyon ranch it just makes it look even batter.

Chicago and New York are on different planets. Prices in New York have been climbing higher and faster than new buildings. In the River North/Streeterville area of Chicago prices have been falling for almost two years. The near north area has declined by 6.5% in the last year alone. There simply is a condominium glut in the area and this building, if it makes it to the financing stage will face an uphill battle.

Chicago and New York are on different planets. Prices in New York have been climbing higher and faster than new buildings. In the River North/Streeterville area of Chicago prices have been falling for almost two years. The near north area has declined by 6.5% in the last year alone. There simply is a condominium glut in the area and this building, if it makes it to the financing stage will face an uphill battle.

I never was nor intended to compare the prices to New York just the concept of better design = better sales...No doubt there is an overabundance of condos but an overabundance of bland, boring, conforming designs...good design sells.

Exactly. There will obviously be towers that will fail, but the those that have good locations and designs will survive.

Major buildings set for Chicago, San Diego, Salt Lake City
'Church of the Future' planned now

By Pat McCaughan
Monday, April 03, 2006
[Episcopal News Service] The church of the future just may be connected to a high-rise. The Diocese of Chicago is moving forward with plans to erect a 64-story elliptical-shaped glass office and condominium tower, which will double its current space and help fund future ministry, said Michael Stephenson, canon for development.
Located on the city's upscale residential North side, the new building will house offices for the diocese, St. James Cathedral and Episcopal Charities and Community Services.

"The space will also include a 65,000 square-foot Canyon Ranch health and wellness center and restaurant, 100 hotel condominiums connected with Canyon Ranch and another 330 private condominium units," Stephenson said.

"It is planned that the new building will be the greenest high-rise building in Chicago, in the forefront of environmental and energy conservation designs," he said. The building, which will also include several floors of parking, is planned to replace the current five-story diocesan and cathedral office building, constructed in 1967.

The Chicago development mirrors a growing national trend among churches of all denominations seeking to maximize land use for ministry, said the Rev. Cindy Voorhees of Voorhees Design (see related story).

"Such churches are typically in inner cities where the real estate market has skyrocketed and a renaissance is occurring in the city and the church has now become again the center point of the city," said Voorhees, a church designer for 16 years and associate rector at St. John's Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. "The churches realize that they can be a more integral part of the city if they offer more direct services, so they partner with developers to do that."

In addition to Episcopal churches, Voorhees' current clientele includes Presbyterian, Baptist, Calvary and nondenominational churches, as well as a synagogue. Typically, such projects can include retail space and underground parking, as well as low-income and high-end housing units like condominiums.

"It's not everyone's model, but this is more millennium thinking, in my view. I think the church needs to become more entrepreneurial in the use of assets. Why not use the land for the benefit of the city and the church?" said Voorhees. "You have churches with a lot of land and very little parking, so they put in underground parking beneath retail outlets and it becomes one big happy family, a kind of symbiotic relationship where everyone wins."

Bishop William Persell of Chicago praised city officials for supporting the plan. "The building's design will be notable on the skyline of our great city, known for its architecture, and the new diocesan and cathedral center and the proceeds from the property lease will greatly enhance our mission," he said.

"Proceeds from the ground lease will fund future mission of the diocese in such areas as congregational development, church starts or more direct ministries," added David Skidmore, communications director.

Construction is expected to start in early 2007 with completion in late 2009.

Additionally, the plans for the new office center have sparked a renewed interest in refurbishing and rendering more accessible nearby St. James Cathedral, Skidmore said. "The Cathedral in tandem is considering innovative approaches to redesign of space in keeping with renovation plans developed in the 1980s that were never realized."

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_73287_ENG_HTM.htm

So I guess the opposition to this building has been quelled.

So I guess the opposition to this building has been quelled.

There really hasn't been too much opposition to this particular church-side highrise. Remember this is 71 East Huron which is next to St. James Episcopal Church, not Fourth Presbyterian.

Major buildings set for Chicago, San Diego, Salt Lake City
'Church of the Future' planned now

By Pat McCaughan
Monday, April 03, 2006
[Episcopal News Service] The church of the future just may be connected to a high-rise. The Diocese of Chicago is moving forward with plans to erect a 64-story elliptical-shaped glass office and condominium tower, which will double its current space and help fund future ministry, said Michael Stephenson, canon for development.
Located on the city's upscale residential North side, the new building will house offices for the diocese, St. James Cathedral and Episcopal Charities and Community Services.

^^^^Now if we can just get this applied to 4th Presbyterian

I don't really care what happens to 4th Presbyterian anymore. In fact, I'd be a little relieved to see it gone.

There really hasn't been too much opposition to this particular church-side highrise. Remember this is 71 East Huron which is next to St. James Episcopal Church, not Fourth Presbyterian.

Ok, that's what confused me. I thought these two were one in the same.

Like I posted on SSP:

I found these on DeStefano's new website. They also state it is a 67 story tower.

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/5528/71huron17bu.jpg
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/2431/71huron25xu.jpg
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/6710/71huron39mb.jpg
^Nice glass. Sort of like 30 West Oak renderings
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/4564/71huron58on.jpg
^Center of the world? Reminds me of "the Bean"
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/6758/71huron48ze.jpg
^LOVE that base. I think without that glass feature that extends onto the sidewalk people casually walking by might mistake the tower as an office building and not a residence/hotel.

Cool renderings. Thanks!

This building is probably my 3rd favorite design.

The other being WV and Calatrava??

http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/2431/71huron25xu.jpg


lol. Is this one of those "only in Chicago" things? A massive skyscraper next to a tiny lowrise?

^^^ ???

they have plenty of skyscrapers next to lowrises in practically any city with a skyscraper

May 18, 2006 10:45 PM US Eastern Timezone
Canyon Ranch Selects Chicago and LR Development for Nation's First Urban Lifestyle Community
TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 18, 2006--Spa and wellness pioneer Canyon Ranch and Chicago's LR Development Company are joining to create luxury condominiums, a hotel and a combination spa and wellness center in a 67-story tower overlooking the Magnificent Mile. Canyon Ranch Living - Chicago will be the first urban application of Canyon Ranch's innovative hotel-residence-wellness center concept.


"Our two companies have emerged as the recognized leaders in our respective industries -- Canyon Ranch leading the way in creating the wellness lifestyle and LR setting the standard for upscale urban living," said Thomas Weeks, president of LR. "Working together, we will do nothing less than introduce an entirely new lifestyle concept, centered on healthier living, for discerning urban residents."

The high-rise will include 256 residential condominiums, 128 hotel condominiums, a world-class 65,000-square-foot health and wellness center, a 100-seat gourmet restaurant featuring fresh healthy food, and parking. Located adjacent to St. James Cathedral, the new tower also will house 48,000 square feet of offices for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago.

The development appeals to buyers seeking sophisticated urban living combined with a healthy lifestyle. A team of highly credentialed Canyon Ranch wellness professionals, including leading physicians with access to famed Cleveland Clinic, will offer residents an integrated approach to well-being through exercise and fitness activities, medical evaluations, nutrition and stress management consultations, spa treatments, body therapies, and an ongoing lecture series.

"For many years we have been looking to find the right partner and location in the great city of Chicago, which is home to many of our resort guests," said Canyon Ranch President Kevin Kelly. "Our extensive research indicates many people are passionate about a wellness-based lifestyle. We have been courted by several Chicago-area developers. With LR, we have found a company with the expertise, value system and location that match our very stringent criteria and will result in a project that complements our growing portfolio of residential offerings. Canyon Ranch Living - Chicago will respond to an enormous emerging market demand by offering the most advanced wellness lifestyle community available today."

The first Canyon Ranch Living community is under construction in Miami Beach on oceanfront property and will open in 2007. Canyon Ranch Living - Bethesda, scheduled for 2008, was announced in April. With the announcement of the third Living community in Chicago, coupled with two renowned destination resorts, three SpaClubs and partnership with the Cleveland Clinic, Canyon Ranch is formulating one of the largest integrative wellness networks in the country.

Architect DeStefano and Partners has created a sleek, contemporary tower, which will feature a curved glass curtainwall rising from an elliptical footprint. LR's in-house Synthesis Architecture and Design group, leveraging its extensive experience with customized private residences, will create the interiors. Robert D. Henry Architects will design the hotel and wellness center.

The development site, at Huron Street and Rush Street, is steps from the North Michigan Avenue retail corridor, in the heart of a neighborhood that combines some of the city's most desirable residences with a thriving hospitality and entertainment scene. "In recent years, Chicago has emerged as a major tourist destination and the country's fastest growing residential downtown," Kelly added. "We are very excited to have the opportunity to introduce our concept to this market with a partner that shares our commitment to innovation and quality."

A Planned Development (PD) ordinance governing development of the Chicago site passed City Council in February 2006. As part of the PD, LR will contribute over $1.5 million to the City of Chicago Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund. Sales of the residences are slated to begin in fall 2006, with completion projected for 2010.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20060518005895&newsLang=en
=================================
Canyon Ranch goes urban in plan for Chicago condos
By Levi J. Long
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 05.19.2006
advertisementTucson-based Canyon Ranch is planning to build a third "healthy living" residential community, this one in Chicago, as the company continues its quest to merge the wellness concept with high-priced residential developments.
Canyon Ranch and Chicago-based LR Development Co. are scheduled to announce the $450 million project today.
The companies plan to build Canyon Ranch Living-Chicago, a 67-story tower overlooking the Magnificent Mile, the city's renowned luxury shopping and entertainment district.
Touted as Canyon Ranch's first "urban lifestyle community," the high-rise will house a 65,000-square-foot health and wellness center, 256 luxury condos, 128 hotel-condominium rooms and more than 48,000 square feet of office space.
Along with other Canyon Ranch properties, the focus remains on health, with staff doctors, therapists and other specialists from the Cleveland Clinic available to serve residents. An exercise, fitness and spa center will be part of the center, merging with medical, nutritional and stress-management consultations, Canyon Ranch officials said.
The project is expected to break ground by early next year.
Canyon Ranch plans to break ground on another residential development this year in Miami Beach, Fla., and one in Bethesda, Md., is expected to open in 2008.
With plans to announce a new residential development every 18 months, Canyon Ranch has contemplated other potential sites in Los Angeles, New York City and Texas.
What makes the Chicago project different is its location in an urban center, said Kevin Kelly, president of Canyon Ranch. Behind New York City and Washington, D.C., Chicago ranks as Canyon Ranch's third-largest market for guests, Kelly said.
"It's a significant market for us," he said. "Chicago is a major urban hub in the country. We're going to be able to build in the heart of the city's retail and entertainment center."
Potential condo buyers should expect to pay between $1.2 million and $3 million for units ranging from about 1,600 to 3,000 square feet. Part of the complex will also include hotel rooms that can be purchased, similar to a time-share.
Susie Ellis, president of Spa Finder Inc., an international media and marketing company that tracks spa trends, said more residential developments are incorporating healthful-living programs into their plans.
"Canyon Ranch is in a good position to develop in Chicago," Ellis said. "This community is going to be like no other."

http://www.azstarnet.com/business/129824.php

"Sales of the residences are slated to begin in fall 2006, with completion projected for 2010. "

It looks like the construction will commence in middle- or late-2007. On the other hand, 71EH will have a serious competition with Mandarin Oriental whose sales center also opens in fall, and Shangri-La hotel units sales remain ongoing.

http://www.canyonranchchicago.com/

Experience a lifestyle available nowhere else. Canyon Ranch Living - Chicago, a 67-story glass elliptical tower, is home to 256 lavish residential condominiums, a 65,000 square-foot wellness center, a café and dining room and five-star hotel with 128 hotel condominiums. Under one roof, you can live in a private domain that nurtures the body and inspires the soul.

They have really small renderings. The "hole" looks a little different too:
http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/6100/currentdevelopmentcr6pl.gifhttp://img380.imageshack.us/img380/4189/sidebarrightrendering7pe.jpg

Not sure if anyone knows this yet but this building is now being called 680 N Rush. Also the height from the street is showing as 752'. Don't know if that is how it will be measured but that is what it is sjowing from street level.

This and Mandarin Oriental Hotel are by far my favorite new buildings, seriously.

Not that anyone cares - just wanted to get that out there.

The address needs to be changed to 680 North Rush

I'm just glad that it's round.

There haven't been too many round buildings built downtown, from recollection

I'm just glad that it's round...

...and glassy. It will help offset a lot of the beige concrete crap in its 'hood.

I like the 71 E Huron's style. If it is placed in the same cluster with 4-towers Museum Park and 830 S Mich, the south end will steal thunder from the north end of downtown skyline.

I like the 71 E Huron's style. If it is placed in the same cluster with 4-towers Museum Park and 830 S Mich, the south end will steal thunder from the north end of downtown skyline.

Um, I believe this puppy's in River North...

^I know that. I said if

^I know that. I said if

My bad. Perhaps if you worded it "If it was placed in the same cluster with 4-towers Museum Park and 830 S Mich, the south end would steal thunder from the north end of downtown skyline" the hypothetical meaning would've been clearer.

http://img459.imageshack.us/img459/3222/canyonranch1mv5.jpg

Hot damn I love this building. (especially now that I sold the condo whose view it would have blocked :P). At any rate - when are they going to stop tinkering with the hole at the top? It was so much better when it was just a void!

My bad. Perhaps if you worded it "If it was placed in the same cluster with 4-towers Museum Park and 830 S Mich, the south end would steal thunder from the north end of downtown skyline" the hypothetical meaning would've been clearer.

Not to be overly picky, but if we're going to start talking about grammar, in this case, I think we should use the subjunctive mood*: "If it were..." ;)

Back on topic -- I too wish this building were at the corner of Michigan and Roosevelt. It would have such an awe-inspiring impact on the skyline there. But even hidden in the Gold Coast, this building will be a treasure.



*Contrary to popular belief, the subjunctive is a mood, and not a tense. (Mood expresses the relationship between a verb and reality/intent, whereas tense situates the verb temporally.)

From the Saint James Cathedral website:

http://www.saintjamescathedral.org/design.asp

The 65 East Huron Tower. The new 64-story, elliptical-shaped, glass-clad building will include close to 48,000 square feet of space (double the space in the existing building) on the first four floors for the offices of the Cathedral, the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, and Episcopal Charities, as well as a fellowship hall, kitchen, and other meeting spaces. The new building will have a direct connection to the Cathedral proper at the southeast corner of the Cathedral nave. The remainder of the building will be several floors of parking, a Canyon Ranch Health and Wellness center and restaurant, 100+ hotel condominiums connected to Canyon Ranch, and another 300+ private condominium residences. It is planned that the new building will be the “greenest” high-rise building in Chicago, in the forefront of environmental and energy conservation designs.

Demolition of the exisiting structure and new construction could begin as soon as May 2007.

Site Plan
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1917/65ehuronsiteplanql7.jpg

Cross Section
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8166/towersectionxx0.jpg

Plaza and Entrance
http://www.saintjamescathedral.org/images/Redevelopment/plazaview1.jpg

Cathedral & Diocese Lobby
http://www.saintjamescathedral.org/images/Redevelopment/dioceselobby.jpg

The July 26, 2006 Update Letter mentions moving out of their existing space towards the end of this year.

Contacted the devoloper and they said they were finalizing the pricing and floorplans for the units, so probally within a month they will be launching there ad campaign for it.

good update Dan, thanks

Just got an invintation for the "Taste of Canyon Ranch" coming up at River East which is suppose to go into details about the building which they say in the email is 67 floors (I noticed we have 65 floors listed) Hopefully it really will be informing and not just fluff info, any new details I'll be sure to post. This is all good news and leads me to believe they will probally start marketing it late this year or early 07. I really want this puppy to get built, something round in Chicago?...what an odd idea!

...and glassy. It will help offset a lot of the beige concrete crap in its 'hood.

I agree, this is exactly the type of building this area needs. I love it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/02/garden/02spa.html?ex=1163307600&en=295ff4078b76d5e0&ei=5070

Living in Zen: The Spa Life, 24/7

By PHILIP NOBEL
Published: November 2, 2006

BREATHE. It’s been a busy day. Your husband woke you as he raced to the steam room at 6 a.m. Then your own serene morning began with Zen Boot Camp at 7 and some Cardio Dance before you bundled the kids off to their Aqua Fun class in the pool. When they were back home with the nanny you stole a moment for your own quick steam on the way to Balletone at 11. After Pilates it was time to collect the little ones for Children’s Self Defense. The late afternoon found you contemplating mindfulness in a communal meditation room and stopping by a nutrition-conscious cafe to order dinner, delivered. Your husband reappeared for Ballroom Dancing at 6 p.m., but the two of you had to sneak out early to catch a lecture on “The Essential Components of Healthy Aging.” Somehow you still had the energy to do your personalized Tantra homework.

Good thing you never had to leave your building.

Such are the possible rigors of a balanced urban life as envisioned by Miraval, the Tucson-based destination spa. Beginning in early 2008 those who choose to relocate to 515 East 72nd Street will be able to experience Miraval’s spa, fitness, nutrition and general wellness programming from the comfort of their own high-rise condominium homes. The project will be known as Miraval Living; the company is billing it as New York City’s first “inspired living residence” and the first of what John Vanderslice, the chief executive, said would be 10 to 15 similar developments in the next decade in cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami and Washington.

The age of the “spadominium” has arrived. In the last four years Susie Ellis, the president of SpaFinder, a research clearinghouse and information service, has identified more than 200 “spa lifestyle communities” across the country, most of them second-home condominiums at destination resorts like Sundara Spa in Wisconsin Dells or Red Mountain Spa in Ivins, Utah. But the expansion of Miraval Living into New York City — and the condominium projects that Miraval’s principal rival, Canyon Ranch, has under way in Miami Beach and Chicago — represent a new twist: primary-residence spa living for urbanites.

“We started in the city that we thought needed stress relief most,” Mr. Vanderslice said last month, a few weeks before the opening of Miraval Living’s on-site sales office. Thousands of apartments are for sale in Manhattan at any given moment, he said, but “the way we like to think about it is that only 350 of them can change your life.”

Today’s condominium market is an arms race in which each new development tries to best a crowded field of competitors with ever more lavish materials and thick bundles of exotic amenities, or at least the reflected glory of a star architect like Richard Meier or (coming soon to West 19th Street) Jean Nouvel.

Renovating and adding spa services to an undistinguished 1985-vintage apartment tower on the Upper East Side, as Miraval is doing, might seem like just another elaborate come-on. Sales literature for other recently announced condominium projects like the Caledonia in Manhattan and Mezzo in Atlanta highlight their soothing green features and, respectively, the “Zen luxury” and pleasantly scented air that will promote “a centered lifestyle.”

But Miraval Living is notable for the intensity — one might call it invasiveness — of its concept. Staff advisers will design a custom regimen for each new resident, drawing from hundreds of in-house services that include things like sessions with Dr. Lana L. Holstein, a sex therapist, and the chance to experience the Quantum Leap, a tethered, sometimes blindfolded jump from a tiny platform affixed to the top of a telephone pole. The flagship Miraval Living project in New York may offer a window into an entirely new market at the intersection of two of America’s most lucrative obsessions: comfort, in the form of luxury real estate, and “wellness,” which encompasses health, fitness and all the so-called alternative practices once known as New Age.

Miraval and Canyon Ranch are both trying to appeal to buyers of all ages, but “the whole trend is supported by aging baby boomers,” Ms. Ellis said. As adults in that active and affluent demographic glut reach their golden years and eschew a remote, quiescent retirement, high-end urban residences with easy access to life-enhancing therapies may be the retirement homes of the future for the very well off.

“Retirement?” Ms. Ellis asked. “They’re not interested in that term. Retirement community? Forget it! But a spa community? That’s something they can relate to very positively.”

Next June Canyon Ranch will open the doors to the first of several Canyon Ranch Living condominium developments: more than 600 units of spa-served luxury residences in three towers on the ocean side of Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, intended as both primary and second homes. Canyon Ranch said the project is 87 percent sold out; a second Canyon Ranch Living, planned to open in Chicago in 2010, had a waiting list of 600 even before pricing was finalized, according to Kevin Kelly, the Canyon Ranch president.

And Miraval Living may soon have direct competition in Manhattan. For several years Canyon Ranch has been looking for an appropriate property there; Mr. Kelly said that as recently as last year the company had an option to buy the 72nd Street building that Miraval is now developing. (The ambience of the neighborhood, the building’s pool and its huge garden gave it obvious appeal to both companies.) Canyon Ranch passed it up, Mr. Kelly said, to focus on properties in other neighborhoods, like TriBeCa, where he said his customers are already clustered.

“Here are the facts,” Mr. Kelly said. “Three out of four Americans think their life is out of balance, and one out of three is looking to do something about it.”

His company’s research, he said, suggests that by 2025 fully half of all Americans will be actively pursuing a way to live greener, healthier, more psychologically satisfying lives. Mr. Kelly predicted the emergence of a $400 billion to $1 trillion market in “wellness lifestyles” that will comprise segments of the health, beauty, food, fitness, medicine, spirituality and, of course, spa industries.

Steve Case, the former chairman of AOL Time Warner, seems equally confident. In 2004 Mr. Case, now the chairman of a new health-centered holding company called Revolution, bought a majority stake in Miraval. “I saw it as a much bigger brand that would reach more people,” he said. “A kind of Nike of wellness.”

“The market has been building for 20 to 30 years, and certain things that were once fringe are now mainstream,” he continued. “It’s no different than my experience with AOL: when I got involved, the Internet was a fringy hacker hobby.”

In addition to the Miraval Living projects planned for cities, Mr. Case said the company would build developments in suburban areas. His competitors are looking at the marriage of spas and subdivisions as well. Mr. Kelly said that Canyon Ranch is considering the development of several “horizontal master-plan communities” in the Sun Belt — therapeutic villages that might resemble new-urbanist towns with spas, clinics and recreational facilities at the center, where one might expect the town square.

Ms. Ellis of SpaFinder is guardedly thrilled about the potential integration of real life with spa life.

“I think it’s one of the most exciting trends we’ve seen in the industry in the last 20 years,” she said. But Miraval’s plan for 10 to 15 such developments “is very ambitious,” she added. “I think it’s a matter of proving the concept in practice.”

How, for instance, does one translate the spa experience from a distant desert retreat to an apartment building on the less-than-serene Upper East Side? Will one feel the same sense of inner refreshment from a Detoxifying Seaweed Body Mask or a class in Fletcher Towelwork when it is available all the time just an elevator ride away?

Dr. Holstein, who directs Miraval’s medical programs and, with her husband, Dr. David J. Taylor, conducts a popular intimacy workshop at the Arizona spa, said she sees only opportunity.

“I’m not worried at all about translating our programs from Tucson to New York,” Dr. Holstein said. Because of the time constraints involved in working with people who are not on vacation, she said, the intensive four-day program — with its emphasis on breathing, soul-gazing and mutual worship — might be pared to a two-day introduction, followed by individual consultations in residents’ homes.

“We might offer one homework assignment, focusing on the female, say, and then come back in a couple of weeks and focus on the other side of the dyad,” she said. “We’re coming to where you live, so we can come back in a week or six months and say, ‘How are you doing?’ ”

Just got an invintation for the "Taste of Canyon Ranch" coming up at River East which is suppose to go into details about the building which they say in the email is 67 floors (I noticed we have 65 floors listed) Hopefully it really will be informing and not just fluff info, any new details I'll be sure to post. This is all good news and leads me to believe they will probally start marketing it late this year or early 07. I really want this puppy to get built, something round in Chicago?...what an odd idea!


^^^Talk about much to do about nothing! The only good info I got was the floorplans (which there is about 25 different versions) but other than that...all they did was have the designer come up and have us imagine what the units will look like with his stomach turning poetic descriptions...they couldn't of at least given a short photo powerpoint?!...I mean something!. I didn't have time to talk to the pres of Related because I had to go...you get anything out of it BVIC? Im curious how many units will be designated as hotel condos and how this may hurt sales goals...Oh, I did get pricepoints which were in the package- 1 bed condos start at $825,000...they are large (around 1100 sq feet) and hotel suites start at 700K!, definetely aimed toward high end buyers...however I hope the attendees tonight are not a true representation of their "waiting list" since the two guys and gal in front were drunk and giggling like school kids (not joking) and another dude was asleep the whole time in the front row!>(

Sales center is suppose to be opening in March according to a Canyon Ranch person (finally).

i love this building

Good News! its now UNDER CONSTRUCTION...the sales center that is.:lol: Where? who knows, she didn't say when she emailed me back, and opening is expected in April now instead of March.

^^ Did they drill the caissons for the sales center yet?

Canyon Ranch to treat River North
NewcitySkyline
Thursday, May 10, 2007

Chicago, IL, US - As one of about 20 for-sale residential developments in River North, the planned hotel and condo tower at 680 North Rush is now taking reservations for what will soon be Canyon Ranch Living Chicago, an extension of the award-winning health resort and living community chain first started in Tucson, Arizona.

Related Midwest, formerly LR Development Company, is developing the building as an addition to its Chicago portfolio, including Park Tower at 800 North Michigan Avenue, The Mayfair on East Lake Shore Drive, 840 North Lake Shore Drive and 340 on the Park.

Read more at NewcitySkyline (http://www.newcityskyline.com/CanyonRanchLivingChicago.html)

Prices start at $800.000 . I rather go to the chicago spire and have a great view. I do like the building, but the condos are very expensive . There are
alot of new construction around that area with lower prices.

This is a quite glam project for Chicago. There was a similar development in the D.C. area, but apparently it's been cancelled.

Righto, ricardo....
At this price point there are way WAY better deals with better views. RM has made a big mistake here. To go this far upscale during a condo glut is foolish. C'mon, $800 per sq. ft. and $500 per month to use the pool?

Good News! its now UNDER CONSTRUCTION...the sales center that is.:lol: Where? who knows, she didn't say when she emailed me back, and opening is expected in April now instead of March.

Has the sales office opened? This is May. How many units have been sold? Inquiring mind wants to know.

^YES it is open but who knows what those pompous sales idiots are doing, if they won't even let someone photograph their model in the sales room I wouldn't trust anything they say regarding sales percentage, with those idiots at the helm of the sales this is surely doomed.

^YES it is open but who knows what those pompous sales idiots are doing, if they won't even let someone photograph their model in the sales room I wouldn't trust anything they say regarding sales percentage, with those idiots at the helm of the sales this is surely doomed.
I wonder if the reluctance from the sales office has anything to do with the current market conditions. No brochures have been sent out either. This is an interesting quote from "The Daily Morgage" blog...that explains some of the pain in this market....

"A deeper search shows that 3,131, or 21.8%, of the 14,351 LS-listed condos for sale in Chicago have been listed for at least six months as of today. Of those, 74.4% belong to developers."

"It's no wonder that developers are putting a halt to construction downtown -- rents should be cheaper over the next few years, supply outlasts demand, and hasty homeowners keep dropping the relative value of condos as they sell into an oversold market."

These images weren't taken by me, but I'd like to share them none the less...

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/349%3C7%3B9%3A2%7Ffp6%3A%3Dot%3E2335%3D45%3C%3D36%3C%3DXROQDF%3E23237%3A%3B%3A2%3C3%3C%3Aot1lsi

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/349%3C7%3B9%3A2%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2335%3D45%3C%3D36%3C%3DXROQDF%3E23237%3A%3B%3A2%3C432ot1lsi

^^^WHAT!? HOW?! Whoever took em' must of snuck some photos while they weren't looking.

^YES it is open but who knows what those pompous sales idiots are doing, if they won't even let someone photograph their model in the sales room I wouldn't trust anything they say regarding sales percentage, with those idiots at the helm of the sales this is surely doomed.

The 'pompous sales idiots' may be throwing in the towel on this project already. They have quit advertising...at a time where Trump and the other current buildings are pulling out all the marketing stops. Maybe their luke-warm reception to information seekers fortells their doom...

The last advertising they did forgot to mention the address of the project. No wonder. Anyone that knows the area can see that the building would look into 55 E. Erie, the Omni Hotel, the Pinnacle, and 30 E. Huron. This may be an interesting building design...but this is the wrong location and the wrong time to build it.

This is a quite glam project for Chicago. There was a similar development in the D.C. area, but apparently it's been cancelled.

Any idea why the D.C. project bit the dust? I can't see the economics in Chicago working any better than D.C. for Canyon. Actually, according to Forbes, the zip 60611 is the second worst in the country for condo sales/investment. The market is that damaged.

The Canyon Ranch project in Miami Beach seems to be going great guns. Related is usually good as gold. As far as I know, Vegas has been the only nut they couldn't crack.

Well, the Miami market is where we were five years ago. If they had gotten this one off the ground (no pun intended) a little sooner, they might have survived.

It's a damn shame, I love this tower.

Well, the Miami market is where we were five years ago. If they had gotten this one off the ground (no pun intended) a little sooner, they might have survived.

It's a damn shame, I love this tower.

^ Why are people pronouncing this project's death so quickly? This is ridiculous

The website has been updated according to SSP

http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/6828/canyonranch4ze0.jpg
http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/1494/canyonranch5sq7.jpg
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/9563/canyonranch2lf3.jpg
http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/5018/canyonranch3ke4.jpg
http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/1491/canyonranch6ki7.jpg
http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/2674/lobbyab3.jpg
http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/9069/diningnp1.jpg
http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/6843/canyonranch7ta8.jpg

^Love the night rendering, you don't see those too often sadly.

This is gorgous!:)

so it looks like the current (admin building) will need to be taken down?

They had a good sized add in Crains' (or was it the Tribune? Can't remember now) website a few days ago

I hate these overstated entry canopies that seem to be all the rage these days. A simple eyebrow would have done nicely. The Regatta is the worst offender in terms of these things though.

They had a good sized add in Crains' (or was it the Tribune? Can't remember now) website a few days ago
For the last couple of weeks I have seen a half-page add for 680 N. Rush in the Weekend Journal section of the Wall Street Journal every Friday. Seems like they are still continuing with advertising, so the project is not completely dead yet.

For the last couple of weeks I have seen a half-page add for 680 N. Rush in the Weekend Journal section of the Wall Street Journal every Friday. Seems like they are still continuing with advertising, so the project is not completely dead yet.

It's not anywhere close to being dead. One guy, who I think lives nearby 680 North Rush and is against the development, wrote a few posts on here making up stuff about how 680 North Rush has stopped their advertising. While I was on a United flight just a few weeks ago, they had a mini-section of upscale developments in Chicago with full page ads for 680 North Rush as well as a few others (Ritz Carlton, Waterview Tower, Trump, and I think one more - maybe either the Elysian or MO?)

Here's an article in Crain's that I just read that has a fairly large for 680 Rush in it, as well....

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=25459

'Wellness' becomes condo selling point
With medical staff on site to offer physicals and coordinate exercise programs, Canyon Ranch's Chicago tower will target well-heeled Boomers

By Mary Umberger
Tribune staff reporter
Published June 27, 2007

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2007-06/30801563.jpg
A rendering of Canyon Ranch Living shows the 67-story condo-hotel planned for Huron and Rush Streets.
June 27, 2007


Would you like a shiatsu massage with your new condo? How about a bone-density test?

Arizona's Canyon Ranch, regarded as the most glittering brand in the $10 billion spa industry, has branched into real estate, and on Wednesday will roll out a marketing campaign for the 67-story condo-hotel at Huron and Rush Streets that will bear its name.

Joining an increasingly crowded field in the city's luxury high-rise market, Canyon Ranch Living-Chicago is a $650 million bet that well-heeled condo buyers will be drawn to an unusual rendition of that eternal real estate promise, "lifestyle."

Specifically, it's the "wellness lifestyle" on which Canyon Ranch has made its name, and when the first occupants move into the Chicago outpost in 2011, they'll not only have access to such typical spa amenities as a fitness center, massages and yoga, but also to medical care.

"We will have a physician on site," said company President Kevin Kelly. The doctor -- perhaps two, depending on demand -- will be joined by nurses, nutritionists and exercise physiologists on the staff, he said.

Though not intended as primary-care providers for the building's residents, the medical staff will offer physical exams and coordinate exercise and other health-related programs, Kelly said.

They will mirror the medical services available at the 18-year-old, privately held spa in Tucson, Ariz. The company has a combined staff of 21 physicians and PhDs in health-related fields there and at a sister facility in Lennox, Mass. It also collaborates on some programs with the Cleveland Clinic.

Canyon Ranch is hardly alone in believing that spa visitors want to take home that lifestyle. Miraval, Life in Balance, is a Canyon Ranch competitor in Tucson that's undertaking a 365-unit condo conversion on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Called Miraval Living, the condos' spa-wellness services will include a "personal adviser" to coordinate residents' appointments for more than 100 wellness-oriented amenities from golf conditioning to sexuality seminars, said spokeswoman Amanda Miller. And it's scouting other cities, including Chicago.

The International Spa Association, a trade group in Lexington, Ky., said a "spa-residential real estate boom" took off early last year, with at least a dozen projects in the works around the country.

There's even one in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. -- Sundara Inn & Spa opened last year, offering 12 condos and a spa that provides "purifying bath rituals" and organic spa cuisine, among other services.

The trade group doesn't track residential spa growth separately, but soon will, according to an association spokesman. It estimates that revenue for the approximately 14,000 spas of all types -- day spas, vacation resorts, mineral springs, etc. -- is growing 18 percent a year. Revenue for medical spas, the smallest niche in the industry, has grown from $134 million in 2004 to $469 million in 2006.

In Chicago, wellness care will be at the fingertips of the purchasers of Canyon Ranch's 257 condos and the 126 hotel suites. Condo prices range from $810,000 to $4 million and beyond; hotel suites range from $725,000 to $950,000, according to the company. Various health services are extra.

The building's owner and developer, Related Midwest, said 10 percent of the units were sold in the last two weeks, before active marketing began.

Kelly doesn't expect Chicagoans to blink at the costs because the promise of "wellness" is included. "We will work as a team and help people tailor a different life," he said.

Wellness, Kelly said, has emerged "as a new value system in the United States."

Trends forecaster Gerald Celente agrees, saying health awareness is poised to become the new "green."

"The market for 'wellness' is huge," said Celente, who heads the Trends Research Institute in Rhinebeck, N.Y. Led by aging Baby Boomers armed with cash, a large segment of the population is ready at least to pay lip service to living more healthfully, he said.

"The Boomers are previewing what's going to happen to them," he said. "They're previewing their mortality in the illness and death of their parents."

This isn't Canyon Ranch's first foray into residential real estate: For about 10 years, it has been selling homes adjoining its Arizona and Massachusetts spas. And a Canyon Ranch high-rise comparable to Chicago's is under construction in Miami, with the first occupancies expected this fall, Kelly said.

All this, of course, arrives just as the general real estate market is sagging. Plans for a third Canyon Ranch high-rise fell apart last year, when the market slowed in Washington, D.C. At the same time, ultra-luxe high-rises have begun to proliferate in downtown Chicago.

"It's a crowded market," said Gail Lissner, vice president of Appraisal Research Counselors in Chicago, which tracks city condos. "There are many choices for these buyers."

She said about 1,700 units priced from $700 a square foot are under development in downtown Chicago, compared with the $375 to $400 a square foot average there, she said. A Canyon Ranch spokesman said its condos will average $900 to $1,100 a square foot.

Lissner said the sales pace in that upper bracket has been surprisingly steady.

"About 1,000 of those are under contract, and that leaves 700 units available," she said. "Of course, this doesn't include the Spire, which, when it begins marketing, would add more than 1,200 units."

Marketing is expected to begin in September.

Chicago is the No. 2 source of the 35,000 individuals who visit the Tucson Canyon Ranch each year, giving its brand an advantage.

"They definitely will have name recognition here," Lissner said.

Rubloff Residential Properties President James Kinney, whose firm is marketing a competing building, the Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, agreed that health benefits could be the difference.

However, he noted, the timing, especially in waiting for a "wellness lifestyle" that won't be accessible for four years, is difficult.

"I think if you're 60 years old, you'd want that spa right now."

----------

mumberger@tribune.com



Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune

"I think if you're 60 years old, you'd want that spa right now."


I hate their project (Ritz) but I like this quote for some reason.

is this happening??? this is such a sweet building in such a sweet spot.

is this happening??? this is such a sweet building in such a sweet spot.

As long as they are able to sell enough units - then yes.

As long as they are able to sell enough units - then yes.

i want one. what do they start at? half a mil ?

i want one. what do they start at? half a mil ?

I believe for the regular condos they're starting in the low $800s...

August 17, 2007

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/8599/dsc0371ka9.jpg

This is the site as it currently looks. I thought I'd post this for some of the newer readers that might not be familiar with the location. An advertisement for the proposed tower is visible on the corner.

ive always liked that building and its little plaza of open space, rare for that part of town,
i know that its for the greater good that this building go up,
but i would be sad to see this go,

call me crazy:nuts:
but there are other things that could be demolished,
and other places highrises could go up,
but we are always tied up with zoning and nimby concerns,
and this area is zoned for super highrises.

^^ I like these simple black boxes, too - diamonds in the ruff - I'll be sorry to see it go. :cry:

August 17, 2007

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/8599/dsc0371ka9.jpg

This is the site as it currently looks. I thought I'd post this for some of the newer readers that might not be familiar with the location. An advertisement for the proposed tower is visible on the corner.

Let's vote. All in favor of smashing 55 E Erie and moving the SunRanch building 1/4 block south! Raise your hands! Preserve the little black box. It is handsome with the little park and in contrast to all the tan.

I have friends who live in 55 Erie. Can we just compromise and paint the SunRanch building black? Imagine...a tall black phallic building...right in the middle of of all those pasty white/tan square buildings...

Let's vote. All in favor of smashing 55 E Erie and moving the SunRanch building 1/4 block south! Raise your hands! Preserve the little black box. It is handsome with the little park and in contrast to all the tan.

nah, lets go up. :)

Soil testing rig on site.

Soil testing rig on site.

:dance2:

How can there be a soil testing rig on site if they havent even demolished the building that's there yet?

Interesting question. I haven't been to the site, but I don't see why they can't remove a section of concrete from the plaza and test the soil there. Obviously, complete testing will require demolition.

They may be testing the soil conditions underneath the plaza because they plan to put their demolition crane there.

^ Yeah the whole site isnt taken up by the existing structure so they are doing the soil testing on the North half of the site where the large plaza is.

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

Chicago — Canyon Ranch Living Chicago, 680 N. Rush St., 384-unit hotel and condominium building, February 2008, $300 million.

^^ ok cool so get started already :gaah: :gaah:

Changing plans and reducing the building is lame :down:

keep the hole in it

Changing plans and reducing the building is lame :down:

keep the hole in it

where did you read or see this?

http://www.suntimes.com/business/867627,CST-FIN-canyon29WEB.article

Condo tower planned for St. James site scrapped
REAL ESTATE | Building would have housed high-end spa, hotel

March 29, 2008Recommend

BY DAVID ROEDER Business Reporter/droeder@suntimes.com

A planned condominium and hotel high-rise in Streeterville promised to cater to the wellness needs of the wealthy, but it couldn't withstand the virus in the real estate market.

Developer Related Midwest said Friday it has scrapped plans to build the 67-story building at 65 E. Huron. With condos and for-sale hotel rooms plus a high-end Canyon Ranch spa, the building would have replaced offices owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago..............

:cry:

That's crazy... especially since there was so much marketing for it. But who really needs a high-class, holistic, medical spa disguised as a 'lifestyle' building. Those ads made me laugh with their "I'd Live There" ads featuring fashionable, urbanites with arms full of groceries, pdas, puppies and yoga mats!

I think these were just priced way too high. I think they were just about the same as the Spire.

Too bad.