TUP started a thread a while back about all the surface parking lots in the River North area--and when I was in the city this summer, it kinda bothered me too.{even though it's still a great neighborhood}

But what I also noticed was how much the situation had improved since I was there in June 2004.

I was hoping we could track the progress here; I've made a few additions, but my knowledge about the city's developments is pretty limited.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
http://img498.imageshack.us/img498/9946/rivernorth110dl.jpg

Number 1
Hudson Tower--remaining part of block?
26 Floors
Residential
264 feet.
http://www.emporis.com/files/transfer/5/2002/05/150363.jpg

Number 1
Rowhomes.


Number 3
Completed condo building--around 15 floors

Number 4
U/C condo building--I think it will be identical to #3.

Number 5
Residential; 47 floors.
"The project will include a landscaped public riverwalk along the North Branch of the Chicago River, running from the tower site at Grand Avenue south to Kinzie Street."

http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Images/NearNorthSide/GrandKingsbury-001.jpg

http://www.hfflp.com/documents/1798/Grand%20Kingsbury-WS-SM.jpg

Number 6
Residential; 35 floors. 450 feet.
http://www.atproperties.com/devImages/img_full/83e1361fd294c09cb1d512e96bd435dc.jpg

Number 7
Friedman-Stein proposal; which would consist of condos, a hotel chain new to the city, and 50,000 square feet of retail.
http://img473.imageshack.us/img473/7469/og102405m0yt.gif

Number 8
"350,000 square foot mixed-use LEED certified commercial condominium"
http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/412/345nwells4os.png

Number 9
50 floors--775 feet.
Office
http://img433.imageshack.us/img433/8927/p10104435yx.jpg

Number 10:
156 W. Superior
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/i_am_hydrogen/156wsuperior.jpg

Number 11
The Superior at LaSalle
14 floors/186'
http://img495.imageshack.us/img495/2917/thesuperior1ad.jpg

--------------------------------------------------------------------
So, yeah, I'm missing a lot of current projects and already completed developments--but I'm hoping you guys can help me out. The "other downtown projects" thread is great, and the two Chicago threads over at SSP are loaded with this stuff. I'd try and add them myself but I have a hard time figuring out their exact location using the addresses provided.

-pottebaum. :)

Nice work Pottebaum. The Grand Kingsbury is going into a vacant stretch immediately north of the East Bank Club. It amounts to turning a sow's ear into a silk purse.

Thanks Frumie! I just added it--right location?
Also, there's this thread at SSP:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?threadid=72499&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

Many of the projects look like they're going up in RiverNorth, but I can't quite find the right location on the map. Anybody able to help me with this?

Another huge concern of mine is that I'm missing completed projects, since this picture is somewhere around 2 years old..which is quite old in Chicago years. ;) Are there any obvious additions I should add?

If you go to Emporis' site and click on Kingsbury Zone and the other rivernorth zones, you'll get a slew of projects underconstruction and completed; these come with location and dates. If you have the energy, I for one would be eager to see the complete picture.

I'll need input from all you guys(especially on completed buildings; they won't be listed anywhere), but yeah, I'm up to that! :D

Alright--here's what's happening in Kingsbury Park; it only includes highrises. Which proposals do you think are serious enough to include?

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/zo/?id=100010

Alright--here's what's happening in Kingsbury Park; it only includes highrises. Which proposals do you think are serious enough to include?

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/zo/?id=100010
Erie on the Park is one of my favorites; so is the one that is across the street. Both are ectoskeletal structures. Huron Pointe is worthy of inclusion IMO.

I'll make sure to include those, Frumie, but it might not be tonight. Emporis' servers appear to be down.

You could also browse Steely's master list of U/C, proposed, and completed highrises on SSP. There you'll get renderings, links to their websites, and all of that great stuff

TUP is correct. Steely's master list of the high-rise is the best and most informative all about Chicago. See 150 E Ontario and the Silver Tower; they are proposed high-rise residential towers in River North. I am sure there are more.

A small suggestion for what it's worth: perhaps you could color code the underconstruction sites differently from the completed and proposed sites? The colors can be changed as things develop.

Great idea, I would love to see something like that done on an aerial of the entire greater downtown area, not just river north.

Why would somebody want to build a 55 storey office building that is not only outside the Loop (north of the river), but removed from the west Loop metra stations? This isn't prime office building country.

Do you know if anything has gone up in that gigantic lot across the street from East Bank club?

-teeny tiny update-

Here are some you might want to add:

156 W. Superior - U/C - Not sure about the floors and height
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/i_am_hydrogen/156wsuperior.jpg

The Superior at LaSalle - U/C - 14 floors/186'
http://img495.imageshack.us/img495/2917/thesuperior1ad.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

They are being built right next to each other. I believe the exact address for The Superior at LaSalle is 150 W. Superior.

Very cool; thanks! But could you tell me which blocks they're being built on? The addresses help, but I have a hard time narrowing it down using nothing but Google Earth.

^Alright, I can do that. But I have to first ask, is the northernmost street in your photo Chicago Ave? I can clearly see State, then Dearborn, the Clark, and then LaSalle.

The one right above the Montgomery Ward building? Yep, that's Chicago Ave.

Okay, do you know which street is LaSalle? The right side of the green box with the number 9 is right up against the west side of LaSalle St.

http://img496.imageshack.us/img496/8893/rivernorth8mf3xm.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Red Street - LaSalle
Green Street - Wells
Assuming the Blue Street is Chicago Ave, then the Yellow Street is Superior. These two developments are where the brown smudge is, right at the intersection of Superior and LaSalle. But I'm not 100 percent sure that the Blue Street is Chicago.

^Thanks--I'll update tomorrow.

Yes, the blue street is Chicago Ave (you can tell from several different buildings and the bend in the brown/purple tracks).

Nice work pottenbaum, keep at it! This should be a sticky.

Thanks again, Frumie. :) I just included Hydrogen's additions.

Demolition crews have been tearing down two abondoned buildings at the NW corner of State and Erie (YEAAH! :) ). Does anybody know what is going to be devoloped their. Obviously demolition does not necessarily mean new construction to come however after visting this website

http://www.30westerie.com

I became intruiged, notice the high rise next door to the right of it?...rarely will devolopers show proposed or u/c high rises that would potentially block their own devolopments views so this makes me think its possibly by the same devoloper...anyone know anything?! Im very intruiged.

There is something for that site. I know we have worked on some prints for it. Can't really remember what it looked like and we just have it saved as Dana Hotel. So I guess I'm not to much help.

I called the demolition company and asked them who was devleoping that lot and they mentioned something along the lines of Neighborhood Development Co. So I am not really sure who is developing it, all I know is that I am eager to see what comes up.

Anybody know anything..very anxious...I noticed soil testing last weeks so this thing should be coming down the pipes in a matter of couple months... everyone here always has the inside on these new devolopments but it seems this one has gained stealth status. ANYBODY!?....

http://opus110chicago.com/

This exactly what we need more of in River North...All Glass front and back! unlike the ugly north side of 30 West Oak. And the balconies are very tastefully done..The signage just went up over the weekend at the site.

The building that you see to the right in the rendering is actually The Fordham (which is not really a view-blocking buildings for 30 West since it's three blocks away.

^^^No way. The high ratio is not there (Fordham's 50+ floors) neither is the overall design and its positioned on the same lot as 30 west erie. And actually from that vantage point you wouldn't be able to even see the Fordham because 2 East Erie is completely blocking it.

Actually, if Im looking at what youre looking at, then I think that is The Fordham also. Im willing to put money on it.

Edit: Go to emporis.com and go to The Fordham. Look at the extra photos in its compilation. The rendering doesnt seem to be drawn to scale.

Yeah, but it still doesn't make much sense they would show a building that:
Is not to scale and Is not even on the right lot...and implies it blocks their own devolopments view!..
I don't know but you'll have to agree its kinda odd?

Does anyone have contact information on 757 North Orleans. I want to buy!

^^Really? The square footage of the floorplans are all on the small side.

I'd Wait for Opus 110 (110 West Superior) posted above.

http://www.metroscenetv.com/757-orleans/plans.htm

(708) 352-4040 Gammonley Group

I think 110 West Superior is too far east. There will be much better views from Orleans. It's probally considerably cheaper as well. Thanks for the info.

Yeah, but it still doesn't make much sense they would show a building that:
Is not to scale and Is not even on the right lot...and implies it blocks their own devolopments view!..
I don't know but you'll have to agree its kinda odd?
I think you need to brush up on your perspective skills :). The building in the rendering (which I would also bet the farm is The Fordham) doesn't appear to be adjacent to the featured property at all (to my eye).

Well, assume that there's an adjacent building behind the logo. That would make it easier to see the Fordham is in the background. Then, they probably shortened it to hide from the buyer that 30 W Erie was a shorty in a neighborhood of giants.

I think you need to brush up on your perspective skills :). The building in the rendering (which I would also bet the farm is The Fordham) doesn't appear to be adjacent to the featured property at all (to my eye).

edited

High life they are setting up a sales center for 757 at Orleans and Superior. It looks like it should be open soon if it is not already. Pretty sure it is not yet. I'll keep you posted since I work like a block from the center.

On the subject of unkown devolopments...Does anyone know whats going in around Dearborn and Kinzie (I think) area. There are signs out front that say "Bovis Lend Lease" as the contractor and they were drilling foundation holes the other day...Or does anyone know if someone's already posted info on it here?

Something about the Dana Hotel

Located at the corner of Erie and State streets just west of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, the new Dana Hotel is a luxury property with 179 guestrooms on 26 floors. The hotel includes a full-service restaurant, spa/fitness component, conference facility, and a unique rooftop lounge with terrace seating areas. Anticipated to open spring 2008.
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2332/7pz8.jpg


Interior architecture and design of 7,400 sf offices for law firm. Dramatic stairway connects offices with public amenities on the upper level. Located in the new Dana Hotel, also designed by ESA.
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9919/12kn7.jpg

On the subject of unkown devolopments...Does anyone know whats going in around Dearborn and Kinzie (I think) area. There are signs out front that say "Bovis Lend Lease" as the contractor and they were drilling foundation holes the other day...Or does anyone know if someone's already posted info on it here?

Its going to be a 30 story hotel.

^^Any word on the hotel name?

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=21786

Another River North condo tower?

The Chicago Plan Commission last week approved a 21-story, 237-unit condo project that Miami's Lennar Corp. plans at 469 W. Huron. The City Council also must approve the project. [Alby Gallun]

Located at the corner of Erie and State streets just west of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, the new Dana Hotel is a luxury property with 179 guestrooms on 26 floors. The hotel includes a full-service restaurant, spa/fitness component, conference facility, and a unique rooftop lounge with terrace seating areas. Anticipated to open spring 2008.
Has this gone before the planning department yet?

Something about the Dana Hotel

Located at the corner of Erie and State streets just west of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, the new Dana Hotel is a luxury property with 179 guestrooms on 26 floors. The hotel includes a full-service restaurant, spa/fitness component, conference facility, and a unique rooftop lounge with terrace seating areas. Anticipated to open spring 2008.
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2332/7pz8.jpg


Interior architecture and design of 7,400 sf offices for law firm. Dramatic stairway connects offices with public amenities on the upper level. Located in the new Dana Hotel, also designed by ESA.
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9919/12kn7.jpg

Wow, very interesting, full service restaurant..yum, yum! :cheers:

I wonder does anyone have any projection of growth say from North to CHicago east of halsted....in terms of highriose and dense development......

also are there any composite rendering out there of this area w/ a vantage point from the west looking east......I would love to fill out that area roughly bounded by north and chiccago and halsted with highrise ( of say the 15 - 25 story variety or so) and midrise say 6-10 story development......

....what is that possibilty ? anyone out there in the know?

Goofing around on emporis and found this that I don't think was ever mentioned before, anyone know the status?...Its suppose to be a Stay Bridge Suites hotel but don't know much else...

http://www.buildordie.com/X-PDF/VDTA_Extended-StayHotel.pdf


http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=238108

We talked about Staybridge somewhere on here like a year ago or something. It's an awesome building - but, I've never heard a single word about it outside of this forum and Emporis.

Contacted Sales center for Silver Tower (Franklin+Ohio) and they said that construction will begin by the end of October. :)

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=235091

Im actually looking forward to this one as it is pretty slick lookin' and the all glass facade will help break up some of the brick and concrete monstrosities River North is known for.

^Yes, I've always liked this design a lot too.

^ I really hope they use highly reflective glass as in the rendering. I hate that opaque glass crap they've been using lately in garage podiums

The tallest buildings in River North are going up along the river. That brings up the following point.

The smallest of the non-historic buildings along the Main Branch is really starting to look like a shrimp. I am referring to the Westin River North, i.e., the former Hotel Nikko. When you consider the current and future giants around it, you have to wonder if someone will want to use that land for a taller building.

Remember that for a decade or so, developers drooled over Sun-Times site. Finally, a deal was struck. Could anyone with a big imagination be thinking the same thing about the Westin site?

Good News...110 West Superior is expecting to break ground by the end of November! The best aspect of this design is the fact that on street level it is very appealing with the all glass facade completely masking the parking structure podium...

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=235092
www.opus110chicago.com

^ Where did you hear this?

BTW remind me, is that the same as Opus 110, Silver Tower, or some completely different development?

^ Where did you hear this?

BTW remind me, is that the same as Opus 110, Silver Tower, or some completely different development?

Its Opus110. He has two links for it below his statement.

^ Where did you hear this?

BTW remind me, is that the same as Opus 110, Silver Tower, or some completely different development?

I emailed Greg Eldridge of @properties who JFJ has designated the lead marketer for 110 W. so I think its a pretty good source, but he is in marketing so obviously I do not have anyway to confirm it 100% for sure but none the less its definetely in the pipeline. Also I saw they put up a link for "Costruction Updates" on the Opus110 website.

Its Opus110. He has two links for it below his statement.

^ Duh, I'm an idiot. I didnt' even notice the links

Anybody heard about what is going in at the corner of Frankliin and Erie. I was just out for a walk tonight and noticed a soil drilling truck on the surface lot?

Also has anyone heard anything about the Dana Hotel on State...(I know RichardsonHome mentioned a while ago he was doing prints for them but their is no activity yet)


NEVER MIND JUST ANSWERED MY OWN QUESTION still curious about the Dana though.

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=flairtower-chicago-il-usa

that is one ugly tower...more brick and concrete for River North...YEAH!

Sometimes I feel I'm the only one on this thread.:)

I contacted the sales center for The Park Kingsbury (http://www.bradmillerdesign.com/TheParkKingsbury/Website/Placeholder/). This is a "100% going forward" and demolitioning of the Ronsley building will begin in 4-6 months with a completion by Fall 2008. I was hoping this would get built I really enjoy the design.

Thanks for all the updates. I particularly favor this design; this makes three in that neighborhood I believe.

^^^My favorite proposed residential towers in River North right now are:

1. Silver Tower
2. Opus 110
3. Park Kingsbury
4. Huron Club (I like this simply because of all the retail it will allow for the corner of State and Huron which is a surface lot right now)

Your post sent me to the Silver Tower web site; stunning!

This is proposed for the corner of Grand & Lasalle. Don't know how long its been on the table but I think it has some potential.

http://http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9224/quadwt7.th.jpg (http://img183.imageshack.us/my.php?image=quadwt7.jpg)

This is where that half torn down/abondoned gas station lot is currently...UUGGLY!


AND...

The Huron Club's website is now live...http://www.thehuronclub.com/ (Im really liking this one!)

Alright, this new nesting thing is driving me nuts. The most recent posts in this thread now appear BETWEEN two earlier posts. Gahh!

The Huron Club's website is now live...http://www.thehuronclub.com/ (Im really liking this one!)

Actually that website has been up for quite a while, and now that I've checked it again, nothing has changed.

^^^oh really? I kept getting a deadlink the past month I have been clicking on it, anyways...do you know or have heard anything about the lasalle and grand proposal SPYGUY?

- edit

^ I'm perhaps confused. I thought that was the site of the planned Staybridge Suites Hotel

^^The site for Staybridge Suites is at Huron and Lasalle (or it might be superior and lasalle)

Soil testing rig on the site of proposed Aloft hotel this morning :banana:

may be really old renderings but I was snooping around found these images that leads me to believe they are aloft renderings, considering the text "aloft" is above the doorway.

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/6521/aloftwx4.jpg

http://www.guajardorec.com/

^Those renderings always give me a good laugh. I still don't know wtf they were thinking with some of those images.

How many aloft hotels do we have proposed? There's one at State/Lake, Wabash/Balbo, and where's this one two posts up planned for?

^^Huh? Thats a Wit Hotel at State/Lake, There was only one Aloft I thought and that is proposed for the Illinois/State site.

Yeah those renderings make you scrath your head...a tiger roaming the restaurant!?:ohno:

Yeah, that one above is definately the Illinois/State one (you can see AMA in the background).

^I noticed that, but to add to the oddness that means the rendering is in reverse then...because to get that view it means that the entrance to aloft would be where Rock Bottom is, on Grand.

deleted.

^ ....um, okay...

^Yeah I know they posted a seperate thread earlier... someone should delete it, blatant attempt at advertising

^I noticed that, but to add to the oddness that means the rendering is in reverse then...because to get that view it means that the entrance to aloft would be where Rock Bottom is, on Grand.

Hrmm... not sure where you're seeing that. From both renderings, I see that the new tower sits on the southern half of the same block as AMA.

^^Its not going in the same block as AMA, its going at the surface lot on the northwest corner of State/Illinois or at least I assumed since that was where the drilling rig was the other day.

Oh. Well, that's not what the renderings show at all. And I assumed it was going right next to AMA since there have been talks about developing that piece of the site ever since plans for AMA's twin fell through.

^^^I hope not, I like that little park area, its great for eatin' lunches in the summer.

I agree. That's one of the few bits of open space that doesn't bother me. And why in the World would you develop it when there's a nasty surface-lot right across the street that's just begging for some attention?

Well, Silver Tower has been postponed until Spring :dunno: Man, that is dissapointing, they say it still "100%" on the table. As far as the reasoning to the delay I asked if it was zoning/permit situation and he said "sort of, we are adding more floors" so not sure what the future holds but its very suspcious and quite disappointing in the present.

Well, Silver Tower has been postponed until Spring :dunno: Man, that is dissapointing, they say it still "100%" on the table. As far as the reasoning to the delay I asked if it was zoning/permit situation and he said "sort of, we are adding more floors" so not sure what the future holds but its very suspcious and quite disappointing in the present.

^ Adding more floors? I'm sure if they weren't confident about this project the last thing they would be doing is expanding it. I see this as good news.

^Well I hardly doubt that adding some floors on would delay construction by 6 months, right? Also the way he responded he just didn't seem that confident it kinda went like this ME: what is the reason for the delay on groundbreaking, is it permit/zoning issue Him: "uhh, well, uhh, yeah, well, we are uh, uh, we are adding a few more additional floors. ME: So that's the reason its being delayed? Him: "well, uhh, yeah." Anyways you get the drift it just wasn't a response that would inspire a lot of confidence...Whats odd is on there website in November they had a huge banner declaring that construction would start in November and the last I checked they were only around 60% sold so just doesn't all add up as to why the additional floors now and such a long delay, cripe spring could mean August by devolopers standards.:)

Has anyone on this forum bought a place at Silver Tower Im curious to see what they are telling insiders about it.

^ 60% sold? Man, what the hell are you worried about? Please..

BTW, the 'quote' button isn't working. I just clicked 'quote' but danthediscoman's post didn't show up here

It was something like 75% sold quite a while ago, so I don't have many worries that this won't happen.

Yea..im not worried...Plus this news of it breaking ground in spring was discovered awhile back from another forumer...its not a sudden change just maybe not everyone heard it.

SILVER TOWER CLARIFICATION: Just got an email, its not "floors" plural just "floor" because they needed more parking: Response:

Hi Dan,

I received your message regarding the groundbreaking for Silver Tower. We had to push the groundbreaking back a few months due to the fact that we added an additional floor of parking to accommodate the new Lofts at Silver Tower which will be built in the existing building at the corner of Ohio and Orleans.

We needed to get additional permits and approval for these additions which delayed our original start date for construction. We will now be breaking ground in early Spring of 2007 with delivery set to begin in Summer of 2008.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Well, I feel better!

I'm jealous of Chicago! There is more happening in this little section of Chicago than in my entire Province. I'm quite impressed with what is being built.

I could be off base here (let me know if I am), but it seems like this building is getting virtually no attention over here:

http://www.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/08/390844.jpg

By the way, why do the artists always extend beams of light through the roofs of these buildings. Is that done to create the perception of greater height?

^Well it has its own thread.

By the way, why do the artists always extend beams of light through the roofs of these buildings. Is that done to create the perception of greater height?

...For the same reason they don't show many of the surrounding buildings. A rendering is a marketing tool, plain and simple, that is designed to help get the project approved and sell as many units as possible.

Article in Sunday Trib about downtown office leasing and they have a different rendering and info on 111 W Illinois...they say it will start construction in 3 weeks...only 30 percent leased by Erikson Institute...if you build it they will come...hopefully. Its only something like 10 floors but its covering the whole northern area of a surface lot so ya gotta love that!

Alter Group to develop River North building

Daniel Duggan
Tuesday January 02 2007

The Alter Group plans to move forward with a 10-story building at 111 West Illinois Avenue in Chicago.

The 227,604 square foot building will include office space and possibly a hotel and restaurant in the popular River North neighborhood.

Matt Ward, a senior vice president with the Alter Group says River North is a good location to mix the office and hotel uses.

“A large percentage of restaurants are in River North, as well as the better hotels, not to mention you’re blocks from Michigan Avenue,” he says. “Then you can also be close to the business district without the feeling of being in a cavernous area.”

The building will be anchored by the Erikson Institute, a graduate school dedicated to the education of child development professionals. The school will occupy approximately 75,000 square feet and will have a separate entrance.

U.S. Equities Realty represented Erikson Institute, which ended a 4-and-a-half-year search with the transaction.

Ward says it made sense for the Erikson Institute to buy its office space — making it an example of why the Alter Group chose to make the building vertically subdivided.

“There are myriad reasons why owning institutional quality real estate is a good choice for corporations,” he says. “Our hypothesis is that other businesses will share that same sentiment. We want to offer that flexibility.”

The building has a remaining 150,000 square feet which will likely be used for office space, first-floor retail and a hotel. The space can be leased or sold. Cushman & Wakefield is marketing the project.

Martin Wolf, a senior principal with Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates, designed the building. The building will include green building and sustainable design elements such as energy efficient glass and high-efficiency air-handling systems.

McHugh Construction Company is general contractor for the project, which is expected to be completed by the summer of 2008.

--------

From SCB
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/7108/7057xl9.jpg

^Nothing special, though I like the glassiness. Obviously, it would be ideal to have something taller, but ten stories can still have a solid impact on a streetwall.

^ Well, it's certainly special even though it's not tall. I've been waiting to see more glassy modern structures in River North. This is a great step in that direction

^RIGHT ON! Bring on the glass! ITS A LOT MORE SPECIAL THAN WHAT IS THERE NOW! :)

Isn't it a parking lot right now?

Its nice addition to River North, for sure. The possibility of a hotel is interesting. I love to see that area continue to become more mixed use-hotel, office, residential to go along with all the restaurants.

Reminds me of the Shure Tech Center in Niles/Skokie/Wherever the hell that thing is.

Not sure if this was posted yet...I didn't know about the hotel aspect actually being for sure before it was just mentioned as an option in Trib article.

http://www.globest.com/news/820_820/chicago/152042-1.html?type=pf

Erikson Buys Space in $70M New Office Tower

By Robert Carr

CHICAGO-The Alter Group will break ground Jan. 18 on a $70-million, mixed-use building in the River North neighborhood, at 111 West Illinois St. The anchor tenant will be the nonprofit Erikson Institute, a graduate school for child development professionals, which has agreed to buy three floors in the 10-story building, about 75,000 sf, as an office condominium.
Most of the rest of the building will be filled by a hotel, says Richard Gatto, executive vice president with Alter. “The hotel should take up to 125,000 sf,” Gatto tells GlobeSt.com. “The rest of the 227,000-sf building will be office space, for sale or lease, and some retail and/or a restaurant on the first floor.” He says there’s a number of potential hotel candidates interested in the building, but none close enough to name...

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-16-2007/0004506582&EDATE=

Dellisart Chicago LLC Completes $42 Million Financing to Develop Staybridge Suites in Chicago, Illinois

First “Staggered Truss” Building Downtown to be Largest Staybridge Suites in System Officials of Dellisart Chicago LLC, a joint venture between Dellisart Lodging LLC, a hotel ownership, management, development and acquisition group, and Miglin Properties LLC, a Chicago-based real estate development and management company specializing in the development of commercial properties, today announced that the JV has secured $42 million in financing to develop a 206-suite Staybridge Suites in downtown Chicago, Ill., at the corner of LaSalle and West Huron. Financing was provided by CapitalSource, a specialized commercial finance company. The hotel will be managed by Dellisart Lodging LLC. Plans call for the hotel to break ground January 25, 2007.

“While we have numerous projects occurring internationally, we remain focused on expanding our U.S. portfolio, as well,” said Douglas E. Artusio, Dellisart founder, chairman and CEO. “We have exceptional development and management teams in place to accommodate our accelerating growth. The Staybridge Suites brand, part of the InterContinental Hotels Group family of brands, is a great product, well suited to the needs of extended-stay business and leisure travelers seeking relaxed accommodations with high-tech amenities in high traffic markets.”

When completed in the summer of 2008, it will be the largest hotel in the Staybridge portfolio. Staybridge Suites offer upscale, all-suite accommodations with fully equipped kitchens. Among the various hotel amenities are high-speed Internet access, 24-hour business centers, complimentary breakfast and evening reception, green space, fitness center and library with books, board games and television. Suites have separate living and work areas with two-line speaker telephones and personalized voice mail. A leased restaurant and parking facilities are planned for the ground floor.

The hotel will be constructed using the staggered truss structural system. The high rise building concept consists of a series of story-high trusses spanning the total width between two rows of exterior columns and arranged in a staggered pattern on adjacent column lines. The basic concept is that the total frame behaves as a cantilever beam when subjected to lateral loads. This process allows developers to build in all weather conditions and to lower costs based on shorter construction time and a faster completion date. Additionally, the finished product has more open space for increased flexibility of interior space.

“This marks our third Staybridge Suites in the greater Chicago metro area,” Artusio noted. “Our other two properties already rank among the highest rated in the system, and we fully expect this hotel to equal or exceed those excellent results.”

“The Staybridge Suites Chicago is among nearly 100 hotels in the brand’s robust Americas pipeline and will be an excellent addition to our upscale extended-stay portfolio,” said Robert Radomski, vice president, Brand Management, Staybridge Suites. “We are thrilled that

Dellisart Chicago LLC chose to build a Staybridge Suites for this ideal location in Chicago’s bustling downtown area, and we look forward to offering the Staybridge Suites experience to our guests seeking extended-stay accommodations in downtown Chicago.”

Amenity highlights planned for the new Staybridge Suites Chicago will include:
• Three well-designed spacious suite options—deluxe studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom/two-bath with:

* 32” flat panel TV’s
* In-room DVD/CD players
* Functional, well-lit work stations with ergonomic seating
* Complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access
* Complimentary local phone calls
* Two-line speaker phones with direct-dial number
* Fully equipped kitchens.
* Deluxe complimentary daily breakfast buffet
* Complimentary guest laundry
* Complimentary workout facilities
* 24-hour business services center
* Guest library with books and games
* BridgeMart, the hotel’s 24-hour convenience store stocked with snacks, sundries, beverages and easy-to-prepare meals
* Evening "Sundowner” receptions three days a week with complimentary refreshments and light appetizers
* A leased restaurant and covered parking facilities for the ground floor

Yay!

I thought she was dead, this is my one of my favorite devolopments in Chicago!...time for my bannana salute again!
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

yea, I love the Staybridge suites. In many ways I think it is the more intreasting of developments going up in the city. Unlike so many other buildings that will just kind blend in it will make people stop, look and really examine it even for the non-enthusisast I have a feeling.

yea, I love the Staybridge suites. In many ways I think it is the more intreasting of developments going up in the city. Unlike so many other buildings that will just kind blend in it will make people stop, look and really examine it even for the non-enthusisast I have a feeling.

This little tid-bit was mentioned earlier. The back part of building that had been on the Staybridge Suites site was the site of the loading dock and vaults for the Purolator armored car service.

That was on the south side of Huron east of LaSalle. I remember back in the 1970's when the Purolator heist at this site became the largest heist in US history. Eventually, bodies started turning up as some of the heisters were thought to have squealed...or at least were at risk of squealing. Those guys all wore those 70's clothes with long pointy-collared polyester shirts, leather blazers and tinted sunglasses.

The Purolator heist record didn't stand for long because the Lufthansa heist at JFK airport occurred within a couple years and it was bigger. And remember what happened to the Lufthansa heist crew? Bodies again started showing up, a turn of events that was later depicted in "Goodfella's."

Sometimes you don't realize how much you unkowningly liked something until its gone, it was tacky, but sometimes tacky isn't always a bad thing...the Hotel Cass neon sign went dark this past week. :(


http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/2193/m16yy.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5876/123909107675c796ff5m0ps.jpg


Lets just hope they won't paint over that vintage Hotel Cass sign painted on the North side of the building.

The Lynd Co. is developing a 32 story 335' building at 161 W Kinzie, replacing the former SCB project at Wells and Kinzie. The building is designed by Valerio Dewalt Train and supposedly contains four levels of retail.

Image and more info from Newcityskyline
http://www.newcityskyline.com/161KinzieArticle.html

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/2928/kinzie20ii11pw.jpg

^^I can't wait to see the rendering, how come nobody has posted it yet?!

I forgot to ask is this condo or rent?

This doesn't surprise me. SCB used the design for this lot and recycled it for the Erikson Institute building a few blocks east. Once I saw that, I knew the original proposal for this lot was more or less dead.

Anyone know if something is going up next to Uno's? I walk by it every night on my way home and just noticed last night they had that little parking lot all fenced off.

^ I can't picture the parking lot next to Unos

Texas developer eyes River North lot
Considering apartments near Merchandise Mart

January 26, 2007
BY DAVID ROEDER AND FRAN SPIELMAN Staff Reporters
A San Antonio company has proposed building an apartment tower immediately east of the Merchandise Mart.
Lynd Co. has filed a zoning request with the city for property at 161 W. Kinzie. The site is at the southeast corner of Kinzie and Wells, and has a surface parking lot.

A Lynd affiliate has proposed a 32-story building containing about 250 homes plus 25,000 square feet of commercial space. The company owns or manages 36,000 apartments that are mostly in the southern United States.

This would be its first investment in Chicago, said Lynd's vice president for development, Jason Tompkins. He cautioned that the deal is not a sure thing, and that several design issues must be negotiated with the city.

Lynd has a contract to purchase the property, said Andy Gloor, principal of Sterling Bay Cos., the current owner. Gloor said he hopes the deal can close in 30 days.

Sterling Bay has considered several options for the lot since it acquired it in 2004 as part of its purchase of the former Helene Curtis building at 325 N. Wells.

The Helene Curtis property became office condominiums and Sterling Bay considered that use for the empty lot. But Gloor said his company and Lynd connected through a mutual acquaintance and that the prospective buyers were eager to expand to the Chicago market.

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/744/buildingfullwg0.jpg
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/8211/building2az3.jpg
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/6359/building3py2.jpg

^oooh. I like it. If only it was a few extra floors!

Also I dropped in at Superior 110 Sales center today. It was formerly Opus 110 but a small marketing firm in Minnesota (of all places) sued them for name infringment. I was not able to get a sales % but he said the delay was due to complications from city permits and underground tunnels beneath the site, so he said any day now (of course thats what I was told in November but I have a good feeling about it this time. :colgate:)

Wait until you guys see what they're doing with the lobby of the Erikson Institute... Gensler is handling the interiors and they have something very special planned for the entry :).

RE: the VDT tower, I have a friend who works there - I'll see if he can't get some more information (and possibly a rendering) of the tower.

^So I assume the smiley face means its a good "wait until you see" rather than a bad "wait until you see" So what is it!? Spill the beans!... My teacher is on the design team at Gensler, maybe I can pry something out of him on Tuesday about it if you aren't going to tell us:)

they have something very special planned for the entry :).

Giant digital display flashing obscenities?:) :nuts:

Giant digital display flashing obscenities?

Better yet, giant digital display flashing obscenities directed at Rex Grossman :naughty:

they have something very special planned for the entry :).

^ A street vendor?

I can't tell :)

I'm interviewing at Gensler tomorrow and I don't want to jeopardize anything by spilling some beans that were supposed to stay in the can. It's a good smiley though - I think you'll be very impressed if it happens like it's supposed to.

^Good Luck :okay:

Yeah, good luck with the interview. Maybe if you get the job you can drop a line or two so that B37 isn't a complete surprise for us all :)

http://www.globest.com/news/842_842/chicago/152890-1.html

Alter Starts $90M Tower, Active Year On Tap
By Gina Kenny

The Alter Group recently started construction on a 227,604-sf office building at 111 W. Illinois St., estimated to cost $90 million. Several projects are also planned across the country, including Corridors 4 locally in Downers Grove and two industrial buildings in Mount Prospect.

The nonprofit Erickson Institute, a graduate school for child development professionals, will anchor the 10-story 111 W. Illinois St. in the River North neighborhood. The school has agreed to buy three floors, about 75,000 sf, as an office condominium. No other leases have been signed at the property. “Up until, now it has really been getting this Erickson deal done and getting the building off and running,” Alter Group president Michael Alter says. “In the next 30 to 60 days, we will be focusing more on trying to get it leased up.”

The majority of the rest of the building could be filled possibly by a hotel with retail, such as a restaurant, on the ground floor. “The hotel is a good use for the building. It is not the only use. It could be office or hotel,” says Matthew Ward, senior vice president for the Alter Group. “We are talking to several hotels right now but we do not have anything signed up.”

The average lease rate will “probably be in the low to mid $20s” per sf, Ward tells GlobeSt.com

Completion of the building, designed by Martin Wolf, senior principal with Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates, is expected in early 2008. Cushman & Wakefield of Illinois Inc. is the marketing agent and McHugh Construction Co. is the general contractor for the project.

^^
there is a small picture i found
if you google news it with alter group chicago,
it is the fifth one down on feb first, costar group,

anyways it looks nice and simple, a black building with nice windows,
something different, a little reminiscent of mies van der rohe,
and the black bands around it are asymmetrical,
i really need to learn how to post pictures.





Alter Group Develops Class A Space at 111 W. Illinois
Erickson Institute To Anchor 227,600-SF Building in River North


The Alter Group broke ground this month on its latest development, 111 W. Illinois St., a 10-story, 227,604-square-foot Class A building in downtown Chicago's world-class River North neighborhood. Construction is due to be completed by fourth quarter of next year.

Erickson Institute, the anchor tenant, will occupy approximately 75,000 square feet at 111 W. Illinois. The institute will have its separate entrance to the building. Erickson is one of the nation's leading graduate schools dedicated to the education of child development professionals. Geoff Euston, senior vice president of U.S. Equities Realty, represented Erickson Institute.

Euston said, "A key factor in the decision to purchase rather than lease space was the tax-exempt financing and future real estate tax exemption Erikson would receive from owning its space. These economic incentives afforded Erikson the ability to purchase almost double the amount of space it currently leases and at a much lower cost than leasing comparable space."

The building was designed by Martin F. Wolf, FAIA, senior principal with Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates, and will incorporate a suite of green building, sustainable design and performance elements. The building’s significant technological capabilities include 10 watts per square foot of electricity capacity; ample cable and fiber optic capacity; a high-density HVAC system that assures maximum flexibility; energy-efficient low-e glass; a high-efficiency air-handling system; a dedicated telecommunications room that accommodates multiple fiber carriers; dual power grids; an automatic transfer switch to assure uninterrupted power supply; and ample room for dedicated user generators.

Erickson's trustee Virginia Bobins, who helped lead the search process, said in a statement that it "took a 4 ½ year study and search to identify the best location to suit the institute's unique needs ... and that the new permanent space will allow for projected growth in academic programs, research activities, community projects and clinical programs."

Michael Alter, president of the national corporate real estate development firm, stated that the building "offers the same quality of space as a premium-priced skyscraper, but at 40 percent of the cost. Office space at 111 W. Illinois St. is a strategic investment that lets owners build equity and enjoy significant tax advantages, long-term appreciation and stable occupancy costs."

Matthew A. Ward, senior vice president at The Alter Group, said, "111 W. Illinois St. offers users the unique opportunity to be a single-floor user with expansion options in a Class A product. Other potential users include a boutique hotel with a dedicated entrance and lobby, a white-tablecloth restaurant and retail space."

Jeffrey P. Samaras, executive vice president, and Jeffrey Mulder, associate director, at Cushman & Wakefield are The Alter Group's exclusive marketing agents for the building. 400001036
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Spotted something new on the fence....Looks like they finally got their permits last week! :banana:

There are two on display one for the costruction of the actual tower and the other for the sidewalk scafolding.

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/2860/110wsuperiorzt5.jpg

February 15, 2007

River North Marriott Suites
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/1889/dsc0576copyyv7.jpg

*Finally* a little activity on the Dana Hotel site. A backhoe ripping up soil and concrete.

Whats the Dana hotel? I've never heard of this one, or at least not this name.

^If you saw it in its final year you would be happy that its gone. It was abondaned w/ broken windows and that nasty dive of a restaurant was disgraceful. But if the property owner would of maintained it I agree it would of been ashame to loose it.

Any additional discussion of 660 N State/Dana hotel site can be continued in this thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=448713.

Thanks.

March 8, 2007

River North Marriott Suites
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/7867/dsc0056copycf3.jpg

161 W Kinzie
http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/1622/dsc0035copynb3.jpg http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/5757/dsc0034copyzw4.jpg
^ soil testing

Thank god the Marriott is going to get hidden by 353 N. Clark. It's going to be one ugly bitch.

Thank god the Marriott is going to get hidden by 353 N. Clark. It's going to be one ugly bitch.

^ True that may be, but you've gotta love the collossal urban canyon that is being created over there. And only in a few short years:

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/7867/dsc0056copycf3.jpg

Hey guys,

Does anyone have any ideas on what could be going in at the corner of West Huron and North Orleans? Currently, that area is just a parking lot and a seemingly deserted old shop.

I managed to find these two links related to the site, but it looks like those plans have been scrapped:

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=300westhuron-chicago-il-usa

http://www.brininstool-lynch.com/1_projects/2_large/300Huron.html

I'd really appreciate any sort of info you guys could provide about what you think could be going in there (and when).

The reason I ask is because I'm thinking about buying a unit at 757 N. Orleans (Chicago and Orleans) that faces South. I don't want my view to get totally blocked by a 35 story building comes up 2 blocks South.

Thanks!

I have a question. Why is Filling up River North considered a High Rise Development News, rather than neighborhood development news? I already think Chicago has the most organized threads on this BBS let's keep up.

I have no idea but think you are smart to inquire. And never believe a word from your realtor.

I have a question. Why is Filling up River North considered a High Rise Development News, rather than neighborhood development news? I already think Chicago has the most organized threads on this BBS let's keep up.

Because most of the projects discussed in this thread are high-rises.

I wouldn't worry about it. As beautiful as that proposed tower is, it's dead for at least a few years. If anything does get built there, it will probably not be higher than 757 Orleans anyway.

BTW, I also love 757. My favorite of the many projects going up around River North.

I wouldn't worry about it. As beautiful as that proposed tower is, it's dead for at least a few years. If anything does get built there, it will probably not be higher than 757 Orleans anyway.

BTW, I also love 757. My favorite of the many projects going up around River North.

Thanks for the comments guys. Do you know how long that proposed tower has been dead for and why it died? Also, what leads you to believe that anything being built there wouldn't be taller than 22 stories? Is there some regulations in River North or something, or do you just have a feeling?

Thanks everyone!

No, just the feasibility of the project. Although construction itself is increasing daily, sales of units are slowing. If this tall project couldn't make it at this location, it will cast a bad light on a similarly-sized project.

Any developer who gets the parcel in the future will probably scale his plans down, because of the difficulty of selling large numbers of units, and also to stay in the context of the other high-rises in the area.

No, just the feasibility of the project. Although construction itself is increasing daily, sales of units are slowing. If this tall project couldn't make it at this location, it will cast a bad light on a similarly-sized project.

Any developer who gets the parcel in the future will probably scale his plans down, because of the difficulty of selling large numbers of units, and also to stay in the context of the other high-rises in the area.

Those are great points. I had thought about the "context" of the area not really being fit for a huge building, but wasn't sure that was good logic that would really hold.

I totally agree that the slow-market throws a damp-towel on any huge plans for the site for now. My thoughts are that something will end up going there eventually (empty buildings and parking lots don't last forever do they?), and I'd just love to know that it's only a 20 story mid-rise.

Thanks!

I never understood why this thread wasn't merged with "Other Downtown Stuff" to be honest with you. Maybe this is something that we should look in to?

I guess you could, although there's a point where a thread can have TOO much stuff in it.

I never understood why this thread wasn't merged with "Other Downtown Stuff" to be honest with you. Maybe this is something that we should look in to?

Merging threads isn't as easy as it sounds. When you do it, posts are merged in their chronological order, so you end up with a bunch of mismatched posts. Besides, this thread has proven useful in starting discussions about projects that later evolve into having their own individual threads.

Merging threads isn't as easy as it sounds. When you do it, posts are merged in their chronological order, so you end up with a bunch of mismatched posts. Besides, this thread has proven useful in starting discussions about projects that later evolve into having their own individual threads.
Makes perfect sense. I just wonder if there's some naming convention we can use, then, to make this thread and the "Other Downtown..." thread more harmonious with everything else on the board?

I also do want to just say congratulations on how this forum has turned out - we've come a LONG way in the past year in terms of being organized. It's an absolute joy to interact with the Chicago Development board now :). So, appropriate thanks go out to all those involved in the process!

Makes perfect sense. I just wonder if there's some naming convention we can use, then, to make this thread and the "Other Downtown..." thread more harmonious with everything else on the board?

I see your point. I'm going to change this thread to "River North Development News" and the Other Downtown Stuff thread to "Other Downtown Development News." I think the latter thread is a useful way to keep tabs on smaller projects, such as Vetro or Burnham Pointe, that don't have their own threads. It's also a good place to post information about downtown that doesn't fit anywhere else.

I also do want to just say congratulations on how this forum has turned out - we've come a LONG way in the past year in terms of being organized. It's an absolute joy to interact with the Chicago Development board now :). So, appropriate thanks go out to all those involved in the process!

Thanks, I appreciate you saying that. When I first became a mod here, the development news section was so random. Thread titles were mostly news headlines like "New Project in Streeterville" that didn't even mention the project name, let alone the height or development phase. Now, the naming conventions are more consistent and user-friendly. People don't have to keep asking "How tall is this one?" or "Is this one under construction?"

And your Quick Links thread has added greatly to this forums lucidity. Thanks for all you do. :)

^-- Yup. Totally agree. The quick-links have been a real boon.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/roeder/305612,CST-FIN-roeder21.article

March 21, 2007
BY DAVID ROEDER Sun-Times Columnist

BUCK BEAT: Maybe this will be the last spring to enjoy the plaza next to the American Medical Association building at 515 N. State. Developer John Buck Co. has filed zoning plans for a building of about 40 stories on that plaza at 505 N. State. The proposal calls for 261 boutique hotel rooms and 121 condos, plus parking for 121 cars.

Buck principals declined to comment. But last year, they said they had formed a partnership with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. to introduce a hotel flag called aloft (yes, all in lower case) at the River North site and elsewhere in the Chicago area.

The zoning application said Buck's State Street venture is a partnership with the landowner, Champaign-based Royal Properties. Royal invests in student housing, but a source said that isn't a part of the State Street project.

Buck wants to change the zoning that allowed a 22-story, 454,000-square-foot office building on the plaza. The new plan involves a taller and thinner building and is just one of many decisions that will land in the lap of downtown's incoming alderman, Brendan Reilly.

40 stories would be pretty good. I still like the plaza that is there though.

I'd vote to keep the plaza. It's really the only green space IN River North. There are plenty of drab parking lots available to build hotels on.

^Agreeable... I used to spend plenty afternoons eating lunch in that plaza.

From the beginning two structures were to rise on that site, but an economic turndown put that on the back burner. The park was a delightful afterthought. Enjoy it while it lasts. :)

I'd vote to keep the plaza. It's really the only green space IN River North. There are plenty of drab parking lots available to build hotels on.
Ditto. It's uncharacteristic of me to oppose a new tower, but there are ugly parking lots and other crappy buildings just two or three blocks from that location that would be better for the neighborhood if they were replaced.

So frustrating when there is a horrid parking lot RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET!!! This is one of the best open spaces in the City!

Well I hate to be Mr. Negative Town, but what're ya gonna do? The developer/owner only owns the park, not the parking lots next to it! They need more space, and they're gonna have to use what they've got, or spend millions in land acquisiton first, which I can imagine is a hassle.

the city could buy the parking lot and turn it into a park...lol...makes good sense

^I have mentioned that lot before on this thread but for a different reason beccause I had noticed some soil testing trucks on it mid winter, so something is in the works we have not heard of yet.

I mean, just imagine a huge tower cantilevering over Rock Bottom... how sexy!

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/2742/huron20design20newestparm1.jpg (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=streethuronclub-chicago-il-usa)
Well this puppy is moving along quite well under our radar. They supposedly have 45-50% already under contract (so about 35 units) and will be opening a sales center on the site in about 4 weeks according to the agent I spoke to. Also they expect a groundbreaking in January. It sounds promising and is good news about a sales center opening. I'm assuming its actually going to be freestanding and built on the surface lot currently their...we'll see. I really like this devolopment.

Hmm... I'm not sure how it's possible that it could be freestanding. I don't live at 30 E. Huron any more, but, if memory serves, that lot is TINY! As in, smaller than where Millennium Park Plaza is going.

^Yeah you are probally right I just figured it would be a small trailer or something they would wedge in there.

In general, I like The Huron Club. Its overall shape is reminiscent of 600 N. Fairbanks. But why must there be that god-awful white lattice at the bottom portion of the building? I also noticed that in the rendering posted by dan, the lattice continues up the full height of the building. But if you click that photo, you're taken to a rendering at Emporis which doesn't have the lattice going all the way up. I'm hoping the latter is the correct version.

^Good eye:) I didn't even notice that but fully agree, wonder what is most recent? I guess if we go by the Huron Club website the version w/o the lattice is the most recent.

- edit

Glass
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/148/rivernorthmarriotsuitesls9.jpg

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/6033/rivernorthmarriotsuitesgb6.jpg

Visited sales center and he said projected groundbreaking around May 1st. Still around 75% sold. The agent also said it would be 40floors, but I highly doubt this and think he's confused because even with the extra floor of parking it would still only be 36 floors. Some photos of the model (has some terrible reflections because its encased by plastic) that give you a better idea of what it will look like since we only have one rendering. Looks like a real beauty.
East

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/1188/silvertowermodeluw0.jpg

South

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/8903/silvertowersouthol8.jpg

South West

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/5181/silvertowersoutwesthn6.jpg

West
http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/9251/silvertowerwestvi4.jpg

110 W ILLINOIS

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/1716/110westillinoisdl6.jpg

In general, I like The Huron Club. Its overall shape is reminiscent of 600 N. Fairbanks. But why must there be that god-awful white lattice at the bottom portion of the building? I also noticed that in the rendering posted by dan, the lattice continues up the full height of the building. But if you click that photo, you're taken to a rendering at Emporis which doesn't have the lattice going all the way up. I'm hoping the latter is the correct version.
I would hardly call that a lattice - if it were I'd be equally offended. They look like panels of some sort to me (think Apple store). <-- If this is the case, I hope they stay right where they are!

FINALLY!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8629/finallytv6.jpg

^ ^

Opus (or Superior) 110, right?

What's this, a non-POMO highrise in River North?! AMAZING!

I have no doubt this is going be absolutely beautiful, of course all the other concrete high rise messes are going to become very self conscious and depressed seeing their own relfections in the gorgous glassy facade of Superior 110 for the rest of their lives:lol:

FINALLY!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8629/finallytv6.jpg

^ Not to quell the excitement, but it's just site prep..

The Granville was in site prep for like a year before it started actual construction

^Yeah but this has been postponed so many times I don't mind celebrating site prep, for its never got that far before, baby steps:) .

This is great news to wake up to.

April 5, 2007

River North Marriott Suites
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7904/dsc0025rz6.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2337/dsc0146sk2.jpg

April 13, 2007

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/7538/dsc0044copymi1.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/4083/dsc0143copyka9.jpg

Finally some activity over at the Silver Tower site.

April 13, 2007

30 West Erie
http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/5849/dsc0070copywd3.jpg

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/392/dsc0112copyjq5.jpg

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/6712/newimagegc2.jpgAT&T surface lot at South West corner of State and Erie has a soil testing truck on it.

Also remember back to winter when they were drilling on the surface lot of North West Corner of State and Illinois, which is also an AT&T lot, think they might be expanding?, or just a coincidence.

April 13, 2007

30 West Erie
http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/5849/dsc0070copywd3.jpg

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/392/dsc0112copyjq5.jpg

What a disappointment....it looks nothing like the rendering at all which resembled something charming like the Falwell builiding.

Give it 60 yrs for it to be charming.

Also remember back to winter when they were drilling on the surface lot of North West Corner of State and Illinois, which is also an AT&T lot, think they might be expanding?, or just a coincidence.

There's a small midrise project for State and Illinois.
http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/9657/stateilqu9.jpg

There's a small midrise project for State and Illinois.
http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/9657/stateilqu9.jpg

^ Wow, that sure is a POS. What genius designed that podium?

^ That thing is worthless. Way to contribute to the skyline! POS indeed.

Today:

http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/3253/newimage3my0.png

^This will be a welcome addition to that area.

^ Yeah, because of the glassiness this is one of the most important devolopments for River North in quite some time in my opinion. Can we open a thread for it?

Franklin and Illinois
22 floors
JDL Corp.
http://img490.imageshack.us/img490/958/franklinillinoiscx9.jpg

Franklin and Illinois
22 floors
JDL Corp.
]

Anymore info on this?

^You mean any info on it other than the fact its going to be horrible! Look at that podium!

May 21, 2007

River North Marriott Suites
http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/6426/dsc0084bw6.jpg

^You mean any info on it other than the fact its going to be horrible! Look at that podium!

Maybe this will cheer you up a bit.

Another rendering of 505 North State
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/8775/505nstatejt8.jpg

^ Wow. But I can't remember what project this is.

Condo? Hotel? Rental? Mixed? Grain storage?

You know it as the aloft Hotel that is proposed to replace the plaza next to the AMA Building.

I like it, but it's still a shame to lose that plaza.

^^ i agree. it fits so well with the building itself, and everytime i go through there during the work week in the summer there's people using it--not to mention those two ducks.

WHO CARES ABOUT THE PLAZA!? I will gladly sacrifice my summer time picnic lunches their for this! The parking podium does not even look too bad.

Today:

Signage:

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2152/img1231mu1.jpg


The mini copter!

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/7007/img1232dj2.jpg

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/3509/img1229iq3.jpg

You know it as the aloft Hotel that is proposed to replace the plaza next to the AMA Building.

Are you sure that 505 North State St. is going to go up on the site of the plaza and not the parking lot across the street?
If you look on maps.live.com 505 N. State St. is indicated as the parking lot. The buliding next to the parking lot also has a blank walls (what is up with that building anyway- is it a parking garage, because it look like a prison or something? Some people have said that Vision on State reminds them of a prison and should be more aptly naed as Prison on State, well according to that standard this building would qualify as a Fort Knox type crap depository) so it would be more logical to build such a tower on an asphalt parking lot than to squeez it ontp such a nice plaza next to an existing building where it would blocking both the views and sunlight.

^If you scroll a few pages back youll see their is a proposed apartment low rise for the parking lot.

Are you sure that 505 North State St. is going to go up on the site of the plaza and not the parking lot across the street?
If you look on maps.live.com 505 N. State St. is indicated as the parking lot.

Yes, I'm sure. In Chicago, odd addresses fall on the east side of the street, and even addresses are on the west (for north-south streets).

Don't get me wrong, I love the plaza and don't want to give it up, but it's all about highest-and-best-use, or in this case, just the highest. There are rumors that the River North Post Office will be demo'd and a public square built in its place, which would lessen the loss.

June 26, 2007

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/664/dsc0197nl9.jpg

http://www.suntimes.com/business/roeder/444805,CST-FIN-roeder27.article

Global Hyatt thinking smaller
REAL ESTATE | Scaled-down River North spot will tout amenities for biz travelers

June 27, 2007
DAVID ROEDER

Global Hyatt Corp., owned by the Pritzker family, has dibs on one of the dwindling number of surface parking lots in River North. Hyatt has a deal with Friedman Properties and White Lodging Services Corp. to build on the southeast corner of Clark and Grand.

The company plans a 216-room Hyatt Place, its third location for the brand in the Chicago area and its first within the city. It's part of a national rollout of 50 Hyatt Places that marks a new emphasis on a format smaller than the convention-size Hyatt.

The smaller Hyatts have convenience dining, full Wi-Fi access, digital TVs, a pool and exercise room. They are supposed to appeal to today's business traveler.

If you park your car at Clark and Grand, the best news is that the Hyatt construction timetable isn't quick. It plans to be open in fall 2010.

The company also said it will open a Hyatt Place by spring 2009 in suburban Warrenville at Ferry and Warrenville roads.

July 3, 2007

River North Marriott Suites
http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/7397/dsc006av6.jpg


757 Orleans
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2822/dsc0155oa8.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2525/dsc0157zz1.jpg

Interesting Marketing Strategy -- wonder what demographic they're going for?

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/3294/chicagobuildingsjuly200sc3.jpg
By chi_man (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/chi_man), shot with DMC-FX07 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=DMC-FX07&make=Panasonic) at 2007-07-13

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/7027/chicagobuildingsjuly200hj5.jpg
By chi_man (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/chi_man), shot with DMC-FX07 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=DMC-FX07&make=Panasonic) at 2007-07-13

http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/9187/chicagobuildingsjuly200jf3.jpg
By chi_man (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/chi_man), shot with DMC-FX07 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=DMC-FX07&make=Panasonic) at 2007-07-13

Updated Franklin and Illinois
Now 26 floors
http://img467.imageshack.us/img467/7061/franklinyw4.gif

Potentially awesome development in the near future at a great location?

via Budman over at SSP

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=26002&seenIt=1

Lakeshore Athletic Club closing a location
(Crain’s) — The Lakeshore Athletic Club plans to close a downtown location Sept. 30, when its lease expires, according to a statement from the club.

The club was unable to reach an agreement to extend the lease with Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., which owns the land at 441 N. Wabash Ave.

A 2005 Sun-Times article speculated that Wrigley could build a residential high-rise or office tower on the site.

161 W Kinzie
http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/7755/161kinzie2sq9.jpg

^ I honestly can't remember what this project is. Apartments? Condos? What will it replace?

^ I honestly can't remember what this project is. Apartments? Condos? What will it replace?

To the best of my recollection, that site is a surface parking lot.

something as nice as 161 deserves its own thread,
that looks very nice

^ I honestly can't remember what this project is. Apartments? Condos? What will it replace?

It is currently a surface parking lot, to be replaced by a substantially-sized rental tower. Designed by Valerio Dewalt Train.

Wong, I say we start the thread once we get a news item to form the first post.

posted on SSC a while ago but new signage went up this week www.9westerie.com (www.9westerie.com)nice filler for such a skinny unused surface lot.

161 W Kinzie
http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/7755/161kinzie2sq9.jpg

Wow all that glass will be gorgous against that monster of a wall known as the mart

^^ Finally! I remember seeing posters (around the parking lot it'll replace) about 3 years ago! Looks like they doubled the original building size. Very nice. Only it'll suck if you like sun in the evening cause the Mart blocks out all sun for the north-western part of River North.

August 17, 2007

River North Marriott Suites
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/7785/dsc0545os2.jpg

WHO CARES ABOUT THE PLAZA!? I will gladly sacrifice my summer time picnic lunches their for this! The parking podium does not even look too bad.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8480/505nstate1il0.jpg
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/7215/505nstate5gv5.jpg
http://img469.imageshack.us/img469/1570/505nstate4fp6.jpg
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/7812/505nstate3rl7.jpg
It will house Hotel Palomar (a Kimpton Hotel)
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/167/505nstate2un8.jpg

Beautiful! This is really classy. Who designed it?

I suppose I don't mind the loss of the plaza, now that I've seen the rendering of the square planned for the Post Office site.

what is going on at the small park next to the AMA building on grand and state?

^Look above you at post #221.

^^ I had no idea that was going there. Do we know the height and expected completion?

^Look above you at post #221.

oops. thanks hydrogen. thats a shame. I really liked that park. it should get its own thread no???

edit: the pic of the bently is a nice touch :lol:

Beautiful! This is really classy. Who designed it?

I suppose I don't mind the loss of the plaza, now that I've seen the rendering of the square planned for the Post Office site.

I am so behind. where is the rendering for the post office site?

how about the area just the the west of AMA. and next to rock bottom brewery?? the area is closed off and some construction workers are there. looks like the early stages of demo??

I am so behind. where is the rendering for the post office site?

In the Central Area Plan, released 2003. This is not the finished design, but the setting is nice for a park. Imagine sitting in the park and looking at the surrounding buildings.

The picture they edited was taken looking south. The building under construction on the left is Grand Plaza. There is a blue projected building site above the park that has actually seen a recent proposal for a Hyatt Place hotel, which probably won't fall through, but is planned for a 2010 opening.

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/489/dearbornsquarehs6.jpg

^^ cool thanks looks great

alas i dont live downtown or even near north,
what streets are what surrounding that new park?
i totally cant picture where that is.
please help

Its the post office in River North at between Clark/Dearborn and Ontario/Ohio.

Its the post office in River North at between Clark/Dearborn and Ontario/Ohio.

what does this post office look like?
i know this isnt the big ass old one that the highway goes thru
or the ugly replacement for that one,

is it an old post office and when will it be torn down?

what does this post office look like?
i know this isnt the big ass old one that the highway goes thru
or the ugly replacement for that one,

is it an old post office and when will it be torn down?

no no. you are thinking of the wrong post office. this one is across the street from rock n roll mcdolands

I added street names to the rendering to ease confusion.

Chicagophotoshop - it's actually caddy-corner from the McDonalds, but close.

The park is a nice idea. It's just too bad that it will be fronted by the ugly bases of Grant Plaza and Farallon, Rain Forest Cafe and McDonald's, and parking lots.

is there a thread or picture of the proposed hyatt place?

The Global Hyatt Corporation (HQ at 71 South Wacker, btw) does not foresee the demand for a hotel here until 2010. They have an exclusive contract with Friedman Properties (who owns the lot) to build here, but AFAIK they have not planned very far beyond that.

The proposed hotel has 216 rooms. On this lot, that could mean a 10-story building, depending on how much meeting space they want.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8480/505nstate1il0.jpg


this really needs its own thread. digging/prep work has begun on the site

New image on website for 9 west erie
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/6463/41709118pq2.jpg

BTW.. that podium is horendous and worst of all no retail space it appears.

^^ ^^ ^^
Wow that thing is ugly!

River North Marriott Suites, 10/20/07

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/215f9e8d.jpg

this really needs its own thread. digging/prep work has begun on the site

cassions being dug.... I'll post a pic tomorow

Soil testing truck here yesterday...Anybody know what it is? Btwn dearborn and Clark on illinois

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/2903/222nr8.jpg

The southeast corner of Clark and Grand (the parking lot next to the one you circled) is supposed to get a Hyatt Place hotel. I don't know if this lot is included in the development site. The last time it was mentioned in Crain's, though, the article said "2010 opening".

Perhaps Hyatt has moved up the schedule in an attempt to cash in on the good hotel market right now.

^ Spotted the same drilling truck but on the proposed hyatt site today :dunno:

This puppy defintely needs its own thread!?

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/345/img2169dh9.jpg

It's a nice building (and glassy too!) but is there enough interest where we need another thread?

I think it's good to have separate threads for each project. This is our own forum - we don't have to only select the most notable.

I guess my question was if you thought this building (or any other) would generate enough discussion to really justify a thread. I don't care either way although I'm concerned what happens to the threads after months of inactivity - are they purged (along with all the project info and pics) or are they archived?