Height: 823 ft
Floor count: 83
Location: 211 North Columbus
Neighborhood: New Eastside
Construction end: 2009
Architect: Studio Gang Architects, Loewenberg + Associates
Developer: Magellan Development Group, Ltd.

Website (http://www.lakeshoreeast.com/aqua/views.html)

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/9109/aquaresizedaw8.jpg

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/5022/popupaqua02sg8.jpghttp://img244.imageshack.us/img244/8051/popupaqua03gz2.jpghttp://img244.imageshack.us/img244/3278/popupaqua04rz2.jpghttp://img244.imageshack.us/img244/4475/popupaqua05tz2.jpg

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1300/aqua6ne.jpg

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/8632/aqua13ie.jpghttp://img119.imageshack.us/img119/264/aqua35jn.jpghttp://img119.imageshack.us/img119/6344/aqua44td.jpg

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/3060/aqua67ad.jpghttp://img119.imageshack.us/img119/6717/aqua56xf.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/8947/aqua6pi.jpg

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/6100/aquabasenh5.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/3826/aquabase2ek2.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/7538/aquaamenitydeckandparkhbt3.jpg

Excellent idea. For starters: Aqua rocks!

An Aqua Tower thread with no pictures?

http://photos.yafro.com/pics3/i/20060320/11/6/e/3/6e34cf1c879ba1fa00e1b09b68b00925200603200_full.jpg

^I liked the top of Aqua as it was swayed by the wind.

It looks like it is leaning over to talk to someone.

Somebody know something more about this investment?:) Meaybe it sounds like a stupid question but when construction can be start?;)

Krzycho -- Too early to say. They're in the sales phase now -- there are ads all over the place. I imagine there is a certain percentage of condos they have to sell before receiving the money from the banks to start. I don't know what that percentage is.. It seemed lower for Trump Tower and Waterview than for some others, e.g. One Museum Park West. I imagine, with all the concerns about a real estate bubble, banks are being especially careful about providing financing. So I would guess its going to take a while, if at all..

^ Doesnt the fact that they seem to have an hotel operator (Starwood, I think is the name) really interested, and that a good portion of the building will be apartments, lower the amount of condos they have to sell in order to receive financing? There doesnt seem to be much risk at all financing this tower. I think that this great bubble everyone's talking about is exaggerated. The market here will cool down (like it is now), but I really dont see it bursting. Just my opinion. I could be wrong. I'd be surprised and disappointed if this didnt happen.

I think it will be my best tower in Chicago, where it will be located?

I think it will be my best tower in Chicago, where it will be located?
Krzycho:

Use this link to go to the Lakeshore East home page - It has maps, etc. of the site: http://www.lakeshoreeast.com/

Something that has come into my possession.

https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2006/05/456686.jpg

https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2006/05/456690.jpg

There should be no problem with this building being build. I think buyers are looking for
innovating new designs in buildings. If i was buying i would want something that stands out from all the other ones. I hope studio gang do more exciting designs for our city.

If the rendering that Azn boy posted holds, it will probably be the most unique building in Chicago imho.

Well the on that was posted is actually photoshopped. It does not have that swirl at the top.

Something that has come into my possession.

Damn, nice find! Lets break this up:

https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2006/05/456686.jpg

^ Is that the Columbus Avenue side? Wicked!

https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2006/05/456690.jpg

^ I'm guessing this is the LSE side. Are those modern townhomes I'm spotting? And on the left, is that a giant zig-zagging staircase between Columbus and LSE? This base just got wickeder by the second!

Well the on that was posted is actually photoshopped. It does not have that swirl at the top.

The base of the rendering I posted is the same. The roof is flat... I only stared at the bottom of the pic I posted. That is what you get for not seeing the entire picture before posting it. :lol:

looks like someone messed up the rendering , unless they changed it , which i highly doubt. it lookes like the page was bent back lol

The one thing that concerns me about the latest rendering is the color of the glass...obviously these are preliminary renderings but surely it would not be that ugly brown hue?

Krzycho:

Use this link to go to the Lakeshore East home page - It has maps, etc. of the site: http://www.lakeshoreeast.com/
Thanks :okay:

I went to the Lake Shore East sales center yesterday, and they finally have a real model for Aqua. I snapped a few shots of it. I didn't ask what percentage of sales they were at, but they did say that construction would begin sometime this fall.

View up the northern face - 2006-7-13
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2006/07/473402.jpg

View up the northwest corner - 2006-7-13
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2006/07/473405.jpg

http://images1.snapfish.com/3475%3A%3C%3B92%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D3233944292%3B86nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3475%3A%3C%3B92%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D3233944292%3B8%3Anu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3475%3A%3C%3B92%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D3233944292%3B94nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3475%3A%3C%3B92%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D3233944292%3B95nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3475%3A%3C%3B92%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D3233944292%3B98nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3475%3A%3C%3B92%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D3233944292%3B%3A3nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3475%3A%3C%3B92%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D3233944292%3B%3A6nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3475%3A%3C%3B92%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D3233944292%3B%3A%3Bnu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3475%3A%3C%3B92%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D32339442%3A43%3B4nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3475%3A%3C%3B92%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D32339442%3A43%3B7nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3475%3A%3C%3B92%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D32339442%3A43%3B9nu0mrj

Sublime. Thanks for those shots, BVictor.

HOLY SHIT, this building kicks a$$!

Any idea what construction materials will be used for the building and balconies, glass color, etc?

Well, if we weren't excited about this tower before, we should definately be now! This one is a real gem.

I just wish it were taller....such a distinctive building should really stand out at 823ft I wonder wheher it will be lost amongst the rest of LSE given 340 OTP, some other LSE developments in the 600+ range, the proximity to AOn and 2Pru, and possibly Mandarin Oriental

I was really hoping this thing would be on the 1000ft range


.....it is an amalgam of certain chicago classics w/ a twist......

it appears boxy (masculine) from a distance like many of the classic chicago buildings......yet is punctuated by the marina city stlyle pleats....

it wraps this hybrid of type in feminine undulation

I can't make up my mind if its a guy dressed as a girl, a girl dressed as a guy.....

....or a hermaphrodite

holy shit!!!! i take back all i said about this one! this one is gonna be speck-fucking -tacular!!!!!!!!!!

Wow! Aqua is 21st century's version of Marina City. Look at the curve balconies! So cool!

I really hope it has some of the lighting that is shown in the model. This would really enhance it.

Wow that is nice looking. Do they have the models open at the sales center?

Well,

I was there last weekend and they have the bamboo floor down that they will be using in the units. In addition, the Snaidero cabinetry was being assembled (no countertops yet). It looks really good....The interiors are going to be spectacular....very clean and modern.

I saw the new model of the building then, it does look amazing.....

Oh, on a side note, assessments are not as bad as one would think for a building with this many amenities....

Can't wait till this one is built

Asheesh

Oh, on a side note, assessments are not as bad as one would think for a building with this many amenities....
For now. I'm sure once the permanent condo board is in place they'll jack them up.

This building is a piece of art.

Geoff, don't forget that all the apartments will have higher rent due to the amenities. Also the hotel would take a huge burden off the condo owners aswell. Ofcourse, I have no idea on how they plan on spliting common area fees among everyone.

Also, "condo fees" pay for common areas such as elevators, lobbies, fitness center, general upkeep of the buildings exterior/interior, etc. "Special Assesments" are for new carpeting, adding new furniture to common areas, etc. But the hotel also has interest in the building so they have to pay for their share of the building as well.

:O

:O

Seeing it in color is simply outstanding. Is the glass/lighting/etc going to be matching teh model/rendering shots?

Is this a condo-only or a mix of rental and owned units, cause goddang I want to rent out somethting small in this.

Thanks for the insight Adam - I hope you're right, but, I've seen assessments skyrocket too many times to be too optimistic. Although, then you look at a building like the Heritage where the rates are still dirt cheap.

Have they announced what luxury hotel is going in Aqua or have that not yet signed anyone on still?

I hate the location, it should be on the other side of the river next to the proposed fordham, the LSE towers going up along lake shore drive and the river mouth are shit compared to this thing.. Imagine that, the fordham spire and Aqua forming a gateway into the river canyon, both awesome, organic skyscrapers, it's a shame we have the regatta or whatever instead on that site.

at the very least it should have taken the 340 location

I like it's location - it's cautious. I'm still not sold on this thing, especially since it's just a basic box with wavey balconies. This building could go either way - for something this unique, I'll only judge it from the real thing, not a model or rendering. If it turns out horrible, then I'll be glad it's obstructed from LSD. If it turns out amazing, then I'll be glad it's visible from LSE Park, Upper Columbus, and Wacker.

If you go back on this thread to Bvictor's earlier shots of its renderings, you'll see that the Aqua development will enhance greatly the Columbus Dr. streetscape with appreciable amenities above and below grade; it will provide access to Harbor Park while covering up the hideous elec. sta just below and east of the viaduct. It can be something of a Zen moment to turn a corner in Chicago and to suddenly encounter a structure like the Aqua just where you would least expect it. :)

Imagine that, the fordham spire and Aqua forming a gateway into the river canyon, both awesome, organic skyscrapers, it's a shame we have the regatta or whatever instead on that site.

Let's not forget that the Regatta is actually quite attractive from the vantage point of Lake Michigan and the mouth of the River. Sadly, it's sort of a moot point anyway since The Chandler is going to all but block that particular view of The Regatta anyway.

My memory is that the stretch of Columbus where Aqua will ostensibly be situated does not work very well aesthetically at the moment. You have some interesting buildings such as the gym, but some of the towers are quite mediocre and do not address the street well. Then you have ill-proportioned duds like the Park Millennium. To the extent that Aqua calls attention to itself and away from other mediocre buildings in close proximity, I think this is a good place for it. You need to sprinkle the spice as evenly as you can amidst the blandness to make up for it.

I wonder since BCBS has announced its intention to add to its building height making it approx 800ft would Aqua feel it necessary to stretch its height taller. Currently Aqua is around 820 barely taller than the palnned BCBS.

Does this affect the lure of aqua to potential suitors seeing its viees to the south will effectively be blocked.

When aqua was originally discussed on this forum there was a lot of confusion over its height...variuous theories were bandied about ....its 1200 ft, its 1000ft, its 900 ft

I think when the final height came in at a little over 800ft some of us were mildly dissapointed that such a potentially landmark building was coming in "so short"....not that 800ft+ is "so short"....but in CHi hey you got some competition.


Anyhow....any thoughts that Aqua might feel presured to go higher say to 1000ft or so in order to preserve upper level views south over BCBS and grant park?

I would guess that it's unlikely. Unless sales absolutely destroy their estimates, the cost to go higher begins to get prohibitively expensive.

not sure if anyone posted this rendering yet

http://www.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2006/09/12/dd_place_3.jpg

I spoke to a high ranking official with McHugh today. McHugh has the concrete contract for Aqua. I guess it's going full steam ahead!

September 14, 2006

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5529/p1010142ij2.jpg

Does anyone know when construction is set to begin? I heard sometime this fall.

^^ ewww....

The fire station is staying, right?

September 19, 2006

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/4038/p9190162lb3.jpg

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/5489/p9190165fv2.jpg

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/8518/grillcj1.jpg

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/6233/p9190166no7.jpg

Strategic Hotels plops down $82 million for Aqua space

September 29, 2006
BY DAVID ROEDER Business Reporter
Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc. said Thursday it has acquired hotel space to be constructed in an 82-story high-rise within the Lakeshore East development downtown.
Strategic said it paid $82.4 million for the 15 hotel floors. They will be part of a building called Aqua, which is due to be finished by late 2009 along Columbus Drive between Wacker and Randolph.

The building will be immediately east of Strategic's Fairmont Chicago hotel, and be operated as an extension of it.

The Aqua is predominantly a residential building. Strategic said the hotel portion will include 200 suites, a 20,000-square-foot ballroom and other meeting space.

The seller was an affiliate of Magellan Development Group Ltd., the lead developers behind the 28-acre Lakeshore East.

Chicago-based Strategic owns 20 high-end hotels and resorts. The company also owns the InterContinental Chicago hotel at 505 N. Michigan, where it has proposed tearing down a wing and replacing it with a 71-story addition. <---- i thought it was cool to see a mention of this proposal. i though it might have been dead by now since i havent hear much about it in a while

droeder@suntimes.com

http://www.suntimes.com/business/76877,CST-FIN-hotel29.article

-----------
Hotel planned in Aqua tower
Strategic Hotels to spend $100 million

By Susan Diesenhouse
Tribune staff reporter
Published September 29, 2006


Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc. will invest about $100 million for a new, luxury all-suites hotel downtown near Millennium Park, with views of Lake Michigan.

On Wednesday, Strategic agreed to pay $82.4 million for the first 15 floors of the $475 million Aqua residential tower to be built by Magellan Development LLC at its sprawling mixed-use project called Lakeshore East.

The Chicago-based hotelier plans to invest another $20 million to outfit the interior of spacious suites ranging from 550 to 900 square feet.

The hotel will be next to, and linked by underground passages to, the Fairmont Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Dr., which the hospitality real estate investment trust purchased last year. The new facility, which is to included a ballroom and outdoor terrace, will be part of the Fairmont complex but have its own identity.

"This is a stunning deal for us," said Laurence Geller, president and chief executive of Strategic. "Essentially, we bought 213 residential units from Magellan."

Strategic will purchase the space after Magellan completes construction of Aqua. Once furnished, the total cost of the suites for Strategic will be about $400 per square foot, said Geller, whose company has spent about $3 billion in the past 18 months buying and developing North American hotel properties.

James Loewenberg, co-chairman of Magellan, said, "This is the exciting first step in developing hotel rooms on our 28-acre site."

Lakeshore East plans call for 16 buildings set around a sunken park that has a new roadway leading to Millennium Park. It may have up to 4,500 residential units, 1,200 hotel rooms and 2 million square feet of offices.

Construction on the 82-story Aqua is set to start this fall and be ready for occupancy in three years. In addition to the hotel rooms, it will have 285 condominium units, 483 rental apartments, 45,000 square feet of retail and 40,000 square feet of offices, Loewenberg said.

The new hotel accommodations will be welcome since few have been built downtown in recent years, said Brian Flanagan, president of Property Valuation Advisors Inc., an appraisal and consulting firm with expertise in the hospitality industry.

Downtown Chicago's existing 30,057 rooms have experienced improving financial performance since 2002. At the end of that year, the overall occupancy rate was 66.2 percent. This year through August it was 75.1 percent.

The average revenue per unit at year-end 2002 was $102.90, compared with $137.06 this year, an improvement of about 35 percent.

While the vast majority of existing accommodations are north of the Chicago River, that is changing.

"Hotel developers in the know believe that this area south of the river is a strong submarket," Flanagan said.

This week the city approved the site plan for the Mandarin Oriental Tower, Chicago, which Palladian Development LLC will build just north of Millennium Park. It is also set for completion in 2009.

Meanwhile, the large suites that Strategic is planning reflect a national trend of offering larger units, said Michael Sullivan, a managing director at HVS Capital Corp., the investment banking arm of HVS International of New York.

Compared with older hotel suites in the 500-square-foot range, larger ones generate much more income, he said.

"Strategic's new project will pivot off the Fairmont and add a premium of 30 to 35 percent," Sullivan said.

"It will make us a lot of money," Strategic's Geller said. "I wish it was there today."

----------

sdiesenhouse@tribune.com
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0609290227sep29,1,5567969.story?coll=chi-business-hed

GREAT NEWS!

This made my stomach drop when I read it...just a rumor but...

http://archidose.blogspot.com/

Also in the rumor mill is news on the oft-reported Aqua tower by Studio Gang, a mixed-use high-rise that's becoming the signature building of the Lakeshore East development in Chicago. According to a tipster who will remain anonymous here, with its latest submission to the building department, "the design appears to have been value engineered...[the] dramatic cantilevered balcony's projecting 12' or more from the body of the building...have been reduced to 5' or less." Also, "the curved edges [now] die into the corners of the building," where before they wrapped the corners, making the building appear less box-like.

I have not corroborated this rumor with the architect or the City of Chicago, though a progression of this sort is not uncommon in this, or any type, of building design. And the fact that Studio Gang is a design consultant on Aqua and Loewenberg Architects -- a firm notorious for throwing up cheap and ugly buildings -- is the architect of record makes this progression all the more understandable. Regardless, let's hope that this rumor turns out to be false.

this tower is so wonderful. construction start november?

October 13, 2006

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/9441/pa130403wj1.jpg

Wow Retro, you really used your camera yesterday. Nice work!

lOOKS GREAT

wow, i hope they build it! they have to add the blue lighting as well, it will be an instant classic in Chicago, much like Marina was in the 60's.

That building is unreal, it really does look like ocean waves when looking up at it.

Let's not forget that the rumor is that the tower's been "value engineered" since these renderings were released. I had high hopes for this one, but, now, I sit in quiet anticipation to see what the end result will be.

^^From SSP:
honte, you were at the CTBUH function? And you didn't stop by the Emporis table? :hell: Shame on you. But anyway yeah, I met Jeanne Gang today and one thing you'll be glad to hear is the bit about reducing the balconies on Aqua IS ONLY a rumor.

So I hope this was all just a rumor.

You will have made my day if it was just conjecture!!!

new pic's from the Construction site?

McHugh Building Acclaimed Aqua Tower
Tuesday November 14, 1:45 pm ET


CHICAGO, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- James McHugh Construction Co. has been selected general contractor for Chicago's vaunted Aqua tower, McHugh officials announced.
The 82-story, mixed-use tower, slated for completion in Chicago's Lakeshore East area in late 2009, has received international attention for the undulating "waves" of concrete that will make up the balconies. Its exterior features a rippling effect that architect Jeanne Gang says mirrors the striated limestone outcroppings and formations seen throughout the Great Lakes.


Developer is Lakeshore East LLC, an affiliate of longtime McHugh client Magellan Development Group LLC. The design architect is Studio/Gang/Architects, with Loewenberg and Associates architect of record. McHugh has built eight high-rises for Magellan, with Aqua its fifth project at Lakeshore East.

"We've enjoyed an excellent team relationship with McHugh and know they have both the creativity and the technical skills to transform Aqua's extraordinary design into reality," said David Carlins, Magellan president.

Aqua actually will rise 88 stories from ground level, with six levels of parking below the raised street level of Columbus Drive. The eight-story pedestal base will be topped by an 80,000-square-foot terrace.

An all-suite hotel, being developed by Stategic Hotels & Resorts Inc., will be housed in Aqua's first 18 floors. Apartments and condominiums will comprise the rest of the structure.

"In many ways, Aqua will be the Marina City of our generation with the way we're taking a totally new direction in using concrete for the exterior," said Dave Alexander, McHugh senior vice president.

There is no repetition whatsoever in the ripples of the balconies, which range from zero to 12 feet deep. McHugh must custom-build all the concrete forms that will cantilever past the edge of the building, with the shapes of the edges again custom built.

Forty years ago, McHugh rose to prominence in Chicago by building Marina City despite industry concerns that the corncob shape was unbuildable. McHugh developed the fiberglass forms to create the towers' curves, and Marina City still stands as an international landmark.

Founded in 1897, McHugh is one of Chicago's oldest and largest contracting, construction management and consulting firms. Current projects include the $82 million, high-tech Battle Stations training simulator at Great Lakes Naval Station and the concrete structure for Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061114/cgtu072.html?.v=45

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=22925

Upscale Asian hotel eyes Chicago site

Another high-end Asian hotel brand is eyeing Chicago. Reps of Raffles Hotels are in talks with Strategic Hotels about running a 200-suite Raffles in the Aqua tower planned at Columbus and Lake. Chicago-based Strategic, which has agreed to buy 15 floors in the Aqua building, also is talking with other chains, including Starwood Hotels. [Alby Gallun]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0611190292nov19,0,909197.story?coll=chi-business-hed

FRONT AND CENTER

Rising up to new heights
Jeanne Gang making name in architecture with unique designs



BY SUSAN DIESENHOUSE

November 19, 2006

Nature is a driving force in the work of rising design star Jeanne Gang, the 42-year-old principal of Studio/Gang/Architects.

For example, seaside motifs define her largest commission to date, the approximately $500 million Aqua residential tower, which by year's end will start rising on North Columbus Drive.

Gang lives downtown and teaches at the Illinois Institute of Technology. She and her husband and co-principal, Mark Schendel, 47, run their 20-person firm in Wicker Park, where reporter Susan Diesenhouse interviewed Gang.

Q. What is your most original concept?

A. Every project has something special because each one focuses on the client and their issues. What we seek, the excitement of architecture, is the breakthrough moment when the design expresses the project criteria.

Often, my concepts spring from childhood memories of landscapes. My Dad was a civil engineer, and we took lots of road trips to look at bridges. Still ingrained in my mind from one of those trips through Mesa Verde, Colo., is the image of the physical landscape merging with the vernacular architecture--dwellings carved into cliffs.

Q. Since Aqua is the largest, most expensive building you've designed so far, was there ever an intimidating moment?

A. No, we felt we had a good partner, Loewenberg Associates. They're very experienced at construction, and they engaged strong structural engineers.

It may be the largest commission for Studio Gang, but I've had lots of experience with big projects when I worked at other firms. (For instance, while working in Rotterdam for Rem Koolhaas, she helped design the 1 million-square-meter Grand Palais in Lille, France. It is a business, entertainment and residential project.)

Q. How are technological advances affecting your work?

A. In the Industrial Age, a lot of architecture was about using repetition to create a design that was easy to build. Now, digital tools help define our designs.

For Aqua, we discovered that using digital tools let us create slight, very gradual variations in the floor plates, making movement that responds to the site with wavelike configurations. Some people think that we get that effect by having the walls move, but it's the floors.

With digital drawing software we can draft repetitive elements faster than we could by hand. Laser cutting tools help us to quickly make models that translate the design to the scale of the building. In the field, the contractor can then use the digital information to lay out the curves for the real building or use a [global positioning system] to plot the points in space.

Q. Do you experience tension between your art, architecture and clients' economic requirements?

A. Always. I've never had a project without a budget. We always need the design to focus on what's really important for the client. We work with cost estimators early in the project. They could be consultants of ours or of the owners.

Q. How has the rising cost of construction materials affected your designs?

A. The intense cost fluctuations of the past few years, especially steel and concrete, affect the materials we use for the structural frame. For some architects it isn't a problem. They want to cover up the structure. But it's a problem for us because the structure is part of our design. For instance, Aqua wouldn't work as well in steel. It would be all angles. But the design concept is about waves, the fluidity of concrete.

Q. Do you ever feel that business gets in the way of designing?

A. In residential projects, a strong component is what's sellable. In the past, the market wasn't studied that heavily. Now it's almost a science determining how many studios, one-, two- or three-bedroom units to have. An architect has to respond to the market.

Q. Do you delineate between your art and your architecture?

A. No. Defining a three-dimensional building and its interior spaces that respond to the client's criteria is our art. Architecture isn't an art that's practiced in isolation.

Q. What type of projects do you prefer?

A. I especially like public spaces and civic buildings, like museums, libraries and projects like the planned Ford Calumet Environmental Center.

Q. Do you consider yourself to be a regional architect?

A. I respond to the region in which I'm working. For Aqua, overlooking Lake Michigan, the design is about water. But in hot, humid Biloxi, Miss., I'm working with Architects for Humanity on a house made of wood that uses natural ventilation. It opens when the weather's good and closes during storms.

Q. Where is Chicago architecture headed?

A. I hope it goes in a greener, more sustainable direction. Using less energy is the single biggest issue in architecture. It's critical that architects and owners start to address it.

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

Jeanne Gang


Principal: Since 1997 at Gang/O'Donnell, the successor firm to Studio/Gang/Architects


Previous experience: Booth Hansen, Chicago; Rem Koolhaas, Rotterdam


Major projects include: Starlight Theater, Rockford; Liu Building, a youth center in Chinatown; 9/11 memorial in Hoboken, N.J.; installation for an aerospace design exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago; represented the U.S. at 2007 Venice Biennale for Architecture

i have that ^^ newspaper, and i found out that the architect is a Girl !!!!, to me that's cool

i have that ^^ newspaper, and i found out that the architect is a Girl !!!!, to me that's cool
Actually she's a woman.

Was wondering if any of you guys read the articel on Jean Gang and Aqua in thr free Mag Conscious Choice?

They always say
Aqua is on its way to becoming the tallest skyscraper ever designed by a woman.

But I'm pretty sure the towers Zaha Hadid is doing in Dubai will be taller.

from SSP:

December 7, 2006

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/5395/p1010203qo1.jpg

^ This hole is located just south of the fire station towards the northwest corner of the site. I took the picture from Columbus. I wonder how deep it is. It doesn't look very safe. Hopefully no one wanders down there at night.

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/632/p1010202nd2.jpg

^ Current location of the equipment.

does this mean that Aqua is officialy U/C ?!?

Those pics are old. Look @ the snow.

does this mean that Aqua is officialy U/C ?!?

Those aren't caisson drilling rigs as we know it. They have been grouting the freight tunnels that run under the site. This puppy won't begin until sometime in January probably.

I've learned several things about the project.

It might a bit longer before we actually see a caisson rig on the site, several months in fact. I was told that they are waiting until they reach 90% before they break ground. The reason that they are doing this is because they will get a much better interest rate on their construction loan once they make that mark. They are currently at the 80% - 85% mark.

I was also tole that the next building will more than likely be marketed after they break ground on Aqua sometime this spring. The tower that will be marketed will straddle Field Boulevard where it meets Wacker Drive. I believe that the rumor was stated sometime earlier in this thread. The rumor is that the tower will be in the 90-story range. This is still unconfirmed. We'll just have to wait and see what is released unless there is a member or lurker on this forum that can provide more solid information.

Jeanne Gang will discuss Aqua Tower at Chicago Architecture Foundation's Wednesday Lunchtime Lecture January 24 at 12.15 pm at ArchiCenter.

She will speak at the Friends of Downtown Brown Bag Lecture March 1, 12.15 pm at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Well, 90 stories is pretty damn good. Let's hope it's not a typical Loewenberg. I'm gonna hold out hope for a Norman Foster.

Oh, and they're calling it Field Boulevard? Is that a nod to Marshall Field? I would assume so.

Well, 90 stories is pretty damn good. Let's hope it's not a typical Loewenberg. I'm gonna hold out hope for a Norman Foster.

Oh, and they're calling it Field Boulevard? Is that a nod to Marshall Field? I would assume so.

I think it's by Arquitectonica and has a big hole in it.

Field Boulevard is just the name of the street, it's not the tower's name.

You're right, it is by Arquitectonica, and I've seen the renderings. Honestly it looked VERY blah! Only thing they had going were the different colored panels and skin. Seriously with the amount of concrete being proposed it could easily be a spiffier/colorful version of just about any Loewenberg building. The version I saw had at least 2 Cylindrical towers.


I think it's by Arquitectonica and has a big hole in it.

Field Boulevard is just the name of the street, it's not the tower's name.

Seriously with the amount of concrete being proposed it could easily be a spiffier/colorful version of just about any Loewenberg building. The version I saw had at least 2 Cylindrical towers.

^ Loewenberg reminds me of one of those American Idol audition rejects. He thinks he's talented but is actually just in total denial about how much he really sucks

I know the building won't be called "Field Boulevard"....

I was unaware that the street itself had that name, and was wondering whether it was named that out of respect for Marshall Field.

Field Boulevard was given that name because it led--on axis--to the Field Museum. This roadway ran through Grant Park from the Z-curve south of the Lake Shore Drive (Link) Bridge to the plaza fronting the museum.

Field Boulevard was later linked with Leif Eriksen Drive along the south lakefront, and in 1946 all of Lake Shore Drive in Lincoln and Grant Parks was given a single name. The Z-curve was eliminated in 1986, leaving old Lake Shore Drive without a name, so the name Field Boulevard was resurrected for that alignment. That roadway eventually was demolished north of Randolph and became the Cancer Survivors Garden south of it, but the Field name was applied to the new ramp down into Lake Shore East, which is on the same alignment.

Indirectly it honors Marshall Field, whose bequest established the Field Museum.

Ah, thanks. It's a shame that Field Boulevard is a broken axis through LSE. It'll never get enough traffic to justify splitting the park in the future.

I can't wait for this baby to start climbing.

I can't wait either but I am cautiously optimistic. Maybe the expectations are too high and the design changes seemed to be going in the direction of cutting some costs. We all know that if Aqua is done right, it can be absolutely spectacular. Am I off base here or am I rightly concerned?

I can't wait either but I am cautiously optimistic. Maybe the expectations are too high and the design changes seemed to be going in the direction of cutting some costs. We all know that if Aqua is done right, it can be absolutely spectacular. Am I off base here or am I rightly concerned?

I'd breathe a sigh of relief if I were you. Did you read what BVic had to say about sales being at 80-85%?

I've learned several things about the project.

It might a bit longer before we actually see a caisson rig on the site, several months in fact. I was told that they are waiting until they reach 90% before they break ground. The reason that they are doing this is because they will get a much better interest rate on their construction loan once they make that mark. They are currently at the 80% - 85% mark.

Lenders line up to launch Aqua tower
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?id=27122&postDate=2007-01-20

Magellan Development Group says LaSalle Bank, National City Bank and German bank Eurohypo have signed letters of intent to provide a $427-million construction loan for Aqua, an 82-story residential tower in the Lakeshore East development. [Eddie Baeb, Alby Gallun]

I'd breathe a sigh of relief if I were you. Did you read what BVic had to say about sales being at 80-85%?

I'm not worried if it will get built but I am concerned on how the building will look. I am probably just worrying for nothing because I really want Aqua to be something special.

For those unable to get into the CAF Lunchtime Lecture today, a very similar presentation will be made at the Friends of Downtown Brown Bag Lecture, 12.15 Thursday, March 1, at the Cultural Center.

http://www.friendsofdowntown.org/events.html

- edit

For those unable to get into the CAF Lunchtime Lecture today, a very similar presentation will be made at the Friends of Downtown Brown Bag Lecture, 12.15 Thursday, March 1, at the Cultural Center.

http://www.friendsofdowntown.org/events.html

And I would highly recommend anyone that can, does go. While there wasn't a whole lot of new info, we probably know everything anyway, but there are some cool slides on how and why the building is shaped like it is.

SSDD

VERY NICE!!:)
I REALLY LIKE THIS PROJECT ( ACQUA )
IT' S REALLY MODERN, IS IT ALREADY UNDERCONSTRUCTION ?

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT DONE!!

VERY NICE!!:)
I REALLY LIKE THIS PROJECT ( ACQUA )
IT' S REALLY MODERN, IS IT ALREADY UNDERCONSTRUCTION ?

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT DONE!!

Not yet, but very soon. The site is currently being prepared for construction and financing is all but guaranteed.

- edit

- edit

^^ :lol:

Construction To Begin on $475M Tower

By Gina Kenny

Aqua

CHICAGO-Magellan Development Group is expected to start construction within the next month on the $474-million, mixed-use Aqua tower at Lakeshore East. Construction financing was recently arranged for the 2.2-million-sf project. The New York branch of Eurohypo AG, LaSalle Bank and National City Bank have arranged a $427-million construction loan with a $24-million mezzanine loan provided by Lehman Bros. and developer Magellan development group providing $24 million in equity. The loans are scheduled to close March 1, Magellan president David Carlins says.

Construction is expected to begin as soon the developer receives the final building permit, which should be within a few weeks, Carlins says. The tower, expected to be compete by the middle of 2009, is a development of Lakeshore East LLC, an affiliate of Magellan Development Group LLC. The 81-story building will feature condominiums, apartments, an 18-floor hotel, retail and office space.

he project will combine condominiums, apartments, a hotel and retail into one building. The mixture allows condominiums to start on the 53rd floor. Amenities will include indoor and outdoor 25-yard lap pools, an outdoor wading pool, a track, fire pits, hot tubs, a spa section, weight rooms and a theater component.
The Aqua building is part of Magellan’s 28-acre Lakeshore East development across North Columbus Drive and adjacent to the Strategic Hotels’ Fairmont Chicago property. Strategic is a partner at Aqua, and will include between 210 and 225 hotel suites, averaging 650 sf each, and will connect to the Fairmont. The hotel portion of Aqua will also consist of a 20,000-sf glazed ballroom with outdoor terrace space overlooking Lakeshore East Park, boardrooms and other general hotel support facilities.

About 80% of the condos have been presold, Carlins says. Magellan’s corporate office will occupy the 42,000 sf of office space in the building. Magellan is still in negotiations for the 37,000 sf of retail space. Negotiations are currently under way with restaurants and a national pharmacy, Carlins tells GlobeSt.com. Lease rates are also still being negotiated. Contracts should be signed in four to six months.

Studio/Gang/Architects is the design architect, headed by Jeanne Gang, with Loewenberg Architects serving as architect of record. James McHugh Construction Co. is the general contractor for the project.

http://www.globest.com/news/834_834/chicago/152584-1.html

^^ Excellent. I can't wait!

I work next door to the site of Aqua Tower and I wanted you to know that the activity has picked up substantially in the last day. A couple of backhoes and two other earthmovers are all out clearing soil from the Wacker side. They've worked their way back about halfway to circle drive in the middle of the R. East development. They appear to have stripped away about 6 feet of soil in the last day. No other equipment is out there, but they've been in the early AM past 6pm for the last 36 hours.

Nothing picture worthy, but when things start up, I'll bring my camera in and take pics. My office overlooks the site.

^^ thanks for the info

I'm not sure if anyone else has mentioned this project, called Regalia:

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7407/regalialc1.jpg

It's designed by Arquitectonica, for a site in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla. (north of Miami Beach).

I just happened to see a picture in the New York Times real estate section. I'm sure there's info in the Miami forums.

^^ The similarities to Aqua were discussed on skyscraperpage I think.

I work next door to the site of Aqua Tower and I wanted you to know that the activity has picked up substantially in the last day. A couple of backhoes and two other earthmovers are all out clearing soil from the Wacker side. They've worked their way back about halfway to circle drive in the middle of the R. East development. They appear to have stripped away about 6 feet of soil in the last day. No other equipment is out there, but they've been in the early AM past 6pm for the last 36 hours.

Nothing picture worthy, but when things start up, I'll bring my camera in and take pics. My office overlooks the site.

I work right by the site as well and was out on my lunch break having a look. There's a lot of exciting progress. Soon this baby will be u/c.

I had a moment to look out over the progress. The footprint of the building and site have now been staked. They're digging a deep trench/hole right over the NE corner of the footprint that could only be for structural pilings. I don't think it will be too much longer until we see some steel and concrete.

so we can say the tower UC now or?

so we can say the tower UC now or?

I guess it depends upon your definition of UC vs. site prep. Until I see some retainers used to hold trenches or a piler laying something in place, I can't be totally sure. They may be after a really big concrete mess left over from the train yard down there that they need to clean up before starting construction.

so we can say the tower UC now or?

Not until caissons are being drilled.

I just took a shot of this a few minutes ago. Can anyone more versed than I in construction tell me whether or not it's a caisson. I saw a few others.

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/9696/pix9ox6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^ that's a caisson for sure

Others were speculating on the thread a two pages back about these things. I'm not well versed in construction, but I did get confirmation that these are the caissons. I noticed the guys were leaving an hour or so ago from my window, and they park right below me behind the fire station. I went downstairs to the plaza and asked. Caissons confirmed. :)

^^^ does that mean this thing is definitely going up?

I suppose nothing is ever 100% until it's finished. I asked the guy when there'd be more than 5 or 6 them down there doing their digging thing, and he smiled and told me to ask the boss.

I've got to believe if they said construction is slated to start in March, and they're doing this stuff at the end of February, full-blown construction would start in March--especially with the volume of pre-construction sales.

The only thing that concerns me at all is the amount of crap they've managed to pull out of the ground while digging over there. It's a lot more than I saw with the other River East buildings the last two years. Today they managed to unearth a piece of concrete or stone that was the nearly the size and shape of a compact car. It's pretty impressive to see a guy take something like that apart in three minutes with a small wrecking ball attached to a backhoe. There is a lot of junk down there.

So Nat, you're saying you spoke with a worker who confirmed caisson drilling?

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/9696/pix9ox6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

that hole goes all the way back to early December, see this (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=99367&page=40) page.

That link goes to SSP, I didn't feel like searching back here for the original post.

SSDD

February 22, 2007

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8879/dsc0752copyqr2.jpg

It appeared that workers were breaking up a large piece of an old foundation today.

I need to clarify a bit. Going back to the end of November/beginning of December, when I think the original news came out about the holes, they were positioning what some assumed were caisson holes. At the time, they were drilling and pulling out soil. I now assume they were doing some soil sampling, because the cans protecting those holes (most of them smaller/narrower than these) were pulled out a couple of weeks later.

As of Monday there was exactly one whole, which was in the shot by hydrogen at the corner of Columbus and the firehouse wall. The entire area was flat on Monday. They've since dropped in another 5 or so holes. They haven't brought up any slurry, but theyre down there. My understanding of isn't that great. I'm in 303 Wacker off to the right of Retrograde's shot--we go down for smokes in the plaza tucked between the fire station and 303 a couple times a day. To be honest I felt like an idiot calling down and asking, but there's a lot of speculation on the building around here and I'm excited as hell to see this thing go up. Based on 30 seconds of yelling back and forth as they were leaving--these things aren't coming out--they're not testing soil, etc anymore.

The drilling equipment is still sitting back at the BCBS building as Retrograde's photo shows. Also-the concrete they're pulling out isn't necessarily old foundation. They're pulling out random pieces of leftover junk from either the railyard or what was dumped there in building the Ill Center. It's random chunks (see pile to left of Retro's photo). It's not coming from any single place, and it wasn't found at the other locations in the development. My only concern is that this is a bit of a surprise and they're going to need more time to clear the junk down there.

^^ that's a caisson for sure


No it isn't.

Again people, caissons have not started. They are working in the freight tunnels that criss-cross the site. Official construction should begin soon, but it hasn't started yet.

BBut they are potholing, and that's progress. Be patient, it will be built.

Looks like construction will start soon!!! :cheers:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0702280163feb28,0,7209815.story?coll=chi-business-utl

Work to begin on Aqua tower

BY SUSAN DIESENHOUSE
Published February 28, 2007


On Wednesday, construction will get under way on the $474 million, 87-story Aqua residential tower in the Lakeshore East mixed-use development.

Once entirely built out, the approximately $4 billion community overlooking the lake is slated to have 4,750 residences, 1,200 hotel rooms, 250,000 square feet of commercial space, a school and a park.

The 2 million square feet of offices that were planned are likely to become residences instead, said the developer, Jim Lowenberg, co-chief executive of Chicago-based Magellan Development Group LLC.

"The construction of Aqua is an exciting step in the evolution of this new community," he said.

The nearly 2 million-square-foot undulating tower designed by Studio Gang Architects of Chicago will include 264 condominiums, 476 apartments, 210 hotel rooms, 37,165 square feet of offices and 17,536 square feet of retail. It will also feature a 27,500-square-foot indoor health club and an 80,000-square-foot outdoor pool area with cabanas.

Friends of Downtown Brown Bag Lunch
Aqua
12:15 pm, Thursday, March 1
Claudia Cassidy Theater
Chicago Cultural Center
77 East Randolph

(I put this in the big theater after seeing the huge turnout at CAF. Don't embarrass me with low attendance).

There is a real crane now on site. I saw it earlier this afternoon. There are no caisson tubes, drill bits or rebar on site yet, but I'm sure that will follow soon.

^^ thanks for the news

sweet. Another cool looking scraper (especially at street level) officially going up in a few days/weeks.

Rebar has arrived :)

Rebar has arrived :)

Yeah, I saw that yesterday. Soon, soon...

Woohoo!!!!! Aqua is almost as sexy as Jeanne herself!!!

Taken on sunday.

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/2862/img1719ok3.jpg

^^ thanks for the pic

Almost...

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/1897/aquaiinv9.jpg


http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/630/aquaoz5.jpg

BVictor is reporting that Aqua is finally under construction!

March 9, 2007

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/9788/dsc0225copyzk2.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2042/dsc0235copyao0.jpg

I'm pretty sure Aqua is now officially under construction. I was just down there, but didn't have my cellphone or camera with me. What I saw looked exactly like this photo, except the drill rig was drilling down into a large, metal cylinder that is buried halfway into the ground:

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/75512917.jpg

March 13, 2007

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/3637/dsc0259copyry6.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/2875/dsc0262copybo5.jpg

WOOO HOOOO !! :) :) :)

it's going forward :)

Taken today:

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/8634/aqua41607oo5.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/7664/aqua416072cm3.jpg

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum and I live in Lakeshore East. I just a new camera and would like to post some site pics but I'm not bright enough to figure this out. How do I upload pics? I don't see the option anywhere on this "reply to thread" link. Thanks.

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum and I live in Lakeshore East. I just a new camera and would like to post some site pics but I'm not bright enough to figure this out. How do I upload pics? I don't see the option anywhere on this "reply to thread" link. Thanks.

Hi pgold and welcome to the forums; perhaps the easiest thing to do is to sign up for an imageshack.us account or a flickr account and download your pictures/post them on there, and there is usually a link (with imageshack for example) that will have a URL which you just copy/paste on here when you post a reply. Hope to see some great pics of your 'hood sometime soon! :banana:

Well first of course, you must upload the images online someplace. Then click the "Insert Image" button or use the tags imageurl.jpg for each one.

Here's an FAQ
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/misc.php?do=bbcode#imgcode

Pics from today. Hopefully this works.


Got rebar?
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/229/463542464_7483c827e0_b.jpg

100 footer
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/463542454_f546211a7f_b.jpg

Lots of holes. They all have wood covers on top, but they're there.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/463542470_6274248846_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/463542492_996e4dd5f0.jpg

Cover on a giant hole
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/463551143_0f809661ec.jpg

A new hole...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/463551165_4caaadc3fa_o.jpg

pgold - welcome to the forum! We're looking forward to a steady stream of progress shots!

Those "holes" are where the caissons, or columns, that support the building will be. You'll see A LOT more of them to come.

welcome and thank you very much :).

May 3, 2007

http://img453.imageshack.us/img453/5648/dsc0109nv4.jpg

http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/5258/dsc0124ne8.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2756/dsc0106pv8.jpg

http://img453.imageshack.us/img453/3179/dsc0110hh9.jpg

What time did you take these shots? Because I was out there at around 12:30pm and saw someone taking photos. I assumed it was someone from SSC or SSP.

What time did you take these shots? Because I was out there at around 12:30pm and saw someone taking photos. I assumed it was someone from SSC or SSP.
The photos say 12:17 & 12:18 pm. That was probably me.

What time did you take these shots? Because I was out there at around 12:30pm and saw someone taking photos. I assumed it was someone from SSC or SSP.


What is SSC and SSP?

What is SSC and SSP?

SSC = skyscrapercity.com
SSP = skyscraperpage.com

May 23, 2007

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/8241/dsc0329copyka4.jpg
^ not much new, but I was in the area

Is that building on the right going to stay there? What is it?

Is that building on the right going to stay there? What is it?
Yes, it's a Com Ed station, but it'll will be decked over by the Aqua's development.

New images of Aqua's podium/based from SSP:



http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/6100/aquabasenh5.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/3826/aquabase2ek2.jpg

The forest being shown is a roof deck for the residents and hotel guests. Below 'the forest' is a 5 levels undergound parking, townhomes, retail, restaurants, condo/hotel/rental lobbies, ballrooms, and resident amenities.

In reality the Aqua podium is your typical mega bustle similar to those in river north, only much prettier.
This is due to parking being stuffed below UL Columbus, contemporary townhomes facing the park 50 feet below, and a contemporary colorful street frontage. On UL Columbus the podium will look have a Crate and Barrel/Room and Board contemporary look which will really liven up the area.

So, the upper image shows the frontage along Columbus?

So, the upper image shows the frontage along Columbus?

Yeah, BVic was explaining that there will be a road separating the fire station and Aqua. In this rendering, that is the road with the red car parked on it. The other road is Columbus. It's really going to be amazing the way everything will be connected at Columbus's street level.

http://www.otis.com/corp/b2-newsrec.html?item=20070530

Otis awarded sixth tower in premier Chicago development

Otis Elevator Company, a unit of United Technologies Corp. won an $11 million order for Aqua, the latest high-rise tower under construction as part of Chicago’s premier Lakeshore East community.

“We have selected Otis as our primary elevator supplier, because of the quality of the Otis product and the responsiveness of its people,” said James Loewenberg, co-chief executive officer, Magellan Development Group, developer for the project. “Through our longstanding relationship, we have worked together to overcome any challenges that have arisen in the new construction and service sides of the business.”

Otis has been selected for six of the seven towers that have been completed or are under construction in the development. In this latest award, Otis will provide high-speed, gearless elevators for the 82-story Aqua, which will be Chicago’s first high-rise building designed to combine condominiums, luxury rental apartments, hotel suites and retail space.

this is a Lowenberg building with a facelift. it's "beauty" is skin deep at best. architecturally, it's about as signigicant as a fresh coat of paint. the 'influence of the lake' is juvenille and sophomoric. it is a testament to good marketing and networking.

Can someone give estimates on how long the steps of the timeline will take. Ciassons? Foundation? Pedestal up to Columbus Dr? beyond?

this is a Lowenberg building with a facelift. it's "beauty" is skin deep at best. architecturally, it's about as signigicant as a fresh coat of paint.

Yeah, well, Lowenberg gives these architects the box to work worth, and they take it where they can on Lowenberg's notoriously tight budgets - but I admire how Gang has nonetheless created something sculptural & organic with the balconies given those constraints...

the 'influence of the lake' is juvenille and sophomoric.

One or the other, can't be both! ;)

it is a testament to good marketing and networking.

Indeed.

http://midwest.construction.com/features/archive/0706_TS.asp

Aqua

Cost: $474 Million

A distinctive aesthetic design feature of 86-story Aqua mixed-use residential tower in Chicago will be the building's undulating waves of concrete.

The appearance of ripples will be achieved via the edge of every balcony, says Steve Wiley, chief estimator of Chicago-based James McHugh Construction Co., the contractor.

"Each edge or perimeter of every balcony is unique and different from the one above or below it," he says. "It will look like there was a fire in the building that randomly burned the patterns going up the face of the building."

Designers are working with glass and reflectivity to accentuate the appearance of wave shapes.

Given the unorthodox design feature, the typical issues of construction are being carefully thought through.

For instance, finding the best location and connecting the hoist will be challenging because of the varying geometry of the balcony edges.

The undulating design feature, however, will not have a bearing on the structure.

"It's a simple, rectangular structure, and the only thing 'moving' are the balcony edges themselves," Wiley says.

One Big Building

The 2.2 million-sq-ft building on Columbus Drive will hold 968 housing units-474 rental apartments, 264 condominiums, 225 hotel rooms and nine park houses.

Because of its size, Wiley says the building will require 31 rock caissons-footings socketed about 6 ft into the bedroom beneath Chicago. The project also calls for 223 traditional belled caissons.

In addition, the structure will rest on a 6-ft-thick concrete mat slab.

Due to the complexity of the project, elements that include the structure, mechanical system, electrical system and fire protection are being done design-build, Wiley says.

A podium will hold 1,300 parking spaces. The podium's lid will hold many of the building's amenities-running track, walking path, fire pits, whirlpools, lap pool and volleyball court. The building will hold two ballrooms.

Construction activity started in February and is expected to last until February 2010, Wiley says.

building will require 31 rock caissons-footings socketed about 6 ft into the bedroom beneath Chicago.


bedroom?

^^
lol:nuts:

http://midwest.construction.com/features/archive/0706_TS.asp
Because of its size, Wiley says the building will require 31 rock caissons-footings socketed about 6 ft into the bedroom beneath Chicago. The project also calls for 223 traditional belled caissons.

So, what's the basic difference between these 2 types of caissons?

Belled caissons widen at the bottom to distribute loads to subsurface clay or hardpan, somewhere around -30, while the deeper caissons go all the way to bedrock, which is probably about -90 feet.

June 8, 2007

http://img471.imageshack.us/img471/9290/dsc0135ip2.jpg

http://img471.imageshack.us/img471/4382/dsc0146wq6.jpg

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3244/dsc0136dw1.jpg

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/8821/dsc0141at9.jpg

June 14, 2007

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/586/dsc0040iv3.jpg

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/8939/dsc0049copyjj4.jpg

its just amazing how a new neighborhood (river east) has and is being created in just a matter of a few years. chicago is great. not to mention they are all sick ass highrises.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l221/Mansmith_2006/DSC_0112.jpg


Looks like their dealing with some old growth pillions that were used to support the trains tressell. These have been an issue all projects along the old lake shore line. They were digging these two out along the Com Ed substation's north wall.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l221/Mansmith_2006/DSC_0118.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l221/Mansmith_2006/DSC_0117.jpg

This may have been covered before, but has anyone discussed the similarities between this project and Architectonica's project in Miami...?

I got to say that the Miami project looks pretty good.
http://regaliamiami.com/

The red crane went up today.

This may have been covered before, but has anyone discussed the similarities between this project and Architectonica's project in Miami...?

I'd be curious to know which design was presented first.

Given how far along Aqua is and how long we've known about it - I would assume that Studio Gang's came first. Just speculation though.

I remember seeing a half-page ad for it in the WSJ back in Feb. or March of '07. Aqua was well on its way by then.

You know, I'm not so sure the Architectonica one wasn't first? I mean at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter because they're different enough....according to the law. Jeanne Gang and her husband are no slouches.

However, I think I like the Miami tower better. The facade seems more integrated with the floor plans and it is less a "reskinning" of an existing building which is how I still see Aqua.

I do think it'll make an intersting addition to the skyline, though my gut tells me it'll sorta be a love it or leave it building to most people not unlike Marina City or even River City.

One thing to remember is that Aqua is a massive building with large retail spaces, hotel facilities, office space (I believe), plus hundreds of residential and hotel units. And it's 83 floors for $400+ million. Regalia has only one unit per floor and according to a quick Google search, roughly $200 million.

June 19, 2007

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/2817/dsc0114ls5.jpg

However, I think I like the Miami tower better. The facade seems more integrated with the floor plans and it is less a "reskinning" of an existing building which is how I still see Aqua.
Actually, the idea behind the two towers is essentially identical. If you look at the floorplates for Regalia, you'll see that it is just as much an exercise in draping curvilinear balconies over a rectilinear building. The biggest difference between the two seems to be the impression of "thickness" afforded to each slab. The balconies on Regalia seem to be more "expressed" than those on Aqua, and thus the entire effect of their meandering is magnified.

^^ Actually, the idea behind the two towers is essentially identical. If you look at the floorplates for Regalia, you'll see that it is just as much an exercise in draping curvilinear balconies over a rectilinear building. The biggest difference between the two seems to be the impression of "thickness" afforded to each slab. The balconies on Regalia seem to be more "expressed" than those on Aqua, and thus the entire effect of their meandering is magnified.

I think your right. When I looked at regalia it looks exactly the same as aqua, but the literal trough (botom) of the wave never reaches the rectilinear building face. It seems as if the two have almost the same wave pattern, except the flat plane of the of aqua is pushed out a bit further. Hope that makes sense

I really think this highrise is going to have a much more dramatic effect on the skyline that people think. I can't wait for this. Once people start to get over the dramatic effect Trump will have on the skyline, here comes Aqua, Waterview and Spire right behind it.

what a great time for this city.

Looking at all of the greenery, pretty skies and pretty tall blue glassed buildings, Dubai suddenly doesnt seem so much more exotic than chicago

except for our winters, of course

July 6, 2007

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/6928/aquayj9.jpg

July 11, 2007

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6498/aqua2vi5.jpg

July 19, 2007

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/7926/aqua4sy2.jpg

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/8308/aqua3bj2.jpg

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/6141/aqua5kg6.jpg

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/6718/aqua6pv0.jpg

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/299/aquaea4.jpg

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/3227/aqua2li5.jpg

As a local resident, I have to say that I eagerly await the completion of this building in particular. That stretch of Columbus is pretty desolate on the east side.

I just hope they open a stairway between the park and Columbus sometime soon. I love being lazy and I just hate walking around 340 on the park and the BCBS building just to get to Columbus Dr. I miss that old nasty, shady elevator.

From the July 18

https://community.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2007/07/548205.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2007/07/548209.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2007/07/548211.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2007/07/548218.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2007/07/548225.jpg

we really need an update here. I'll try to get out there tomorrow. Cant wait for this to start rising!

July 30, 2007

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9844/dsc0304xk7.jpg

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/4809/dsc0324xo0.jpg

July 30, 2007

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/6665/untitled2yq3.jpg

retrograde. you are my hero.

August 8, 2007

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/8323/untitled1jz5.jpg

I was just walking past the Aqua site. The amount of progress since Retro's August 8th update is really impressive. The core looks like it's about 2-3 floors from reaching Upper Columbus street level. I wish I'd had my camera with me.

I was just walking past the Aqua site. The amount of progress since Retro's August 8th update is really impressive. The core looks like it's about 2-3 floors from reaching Upper Columbus street level. I wish I'd had my camera with me.

DOH!!!!

I was just walking past the Aqua site. The amount of progress since Retro's August 8th update is really impressive. The core looks like it's about 2-3 floors from reaching Upper Columbus street level. I wish I'd had my camera with me.I went for a walk today, camera in hand! This site is MASSIVE.


August 16th, 2007 :cheers:


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/Picture036.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/Picture035.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/Picture034.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/Picture033-1.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/Picture032.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/Picture038.jpg

In the second image from the bottom, it looks like the levels below the upper level of Columbus Dr are for tenant parking (the forms for that floor slab are angled to form a ramp) and that that will be a VERY LARGE 'pedestal' to hold all of those parking spaces.

Mike

I can't wait to see what goes on TOP of all that parking. From the aqua website:

"Tantalize your sense of reality in the largest outdoor pool deck in Chicago. Aqua’s palatial 80,000 square foot outdoor space enables you to engage the sun during the day and dance with the stars at night. Swim in the pool and relax in the hot tub while warm lake breezes fill the air. Walk or jog on the Shore Club running track winding through the lush landscaping. At night, grab a drink and sit at the fire pit watching the flames try to compete with the skyline."

does anyone princing for units in this building

August 17, 2007

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9311/dsc0638wy3.jpg

I can't wait to see what goes on TOP of all that parking. From the aqua website:
If memory serves, you can see the top of the podium in one of the earlier posts of renderings in this thread. I could be crazy though.

August 22, 2007

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4756/untitled4vp5.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5683/untitledc1ym8.jpg

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/5413/untitled3oo5.jpg

Nice shots, Retro. Did you go wide or are these panos? If it's the latter, you ought to think about going wide. Not sure if Nikon makes a 10-22mm ultra-wide, but if they do, get one.

Nice shots, Retro. Did you go wide or are these panos? If it's the latter, you ought to think about going wide. Not sure if Nikon makes a 10-22mm ultra-wide, but if they do, get one.
Thanks, i_am_hydrogen. All three are panoramic shots created by merging multiple photos. Yeah, I should look into getting a wide angle lens. Good suggestion.

Thanks, i_am_hydrogen. All three are panoramic shots created by merging multiple photos. Yeah, I should look into getting a wide angle lens. Good suggestion.

what kind of camera do you have?

are you taking requests? ;) how does the progress look from the east?

There's not much to see from the East yet. Just columns and concrete floors, as far as I can tell from the park.

what kind of camera do you have?

are you taking requests? ;) how does the progress look from the east?
Nikon D80. Sure, maybe next week.

Thanks, i_am_hydrogen. All three are panoramic shots created by merging multiple photos. Yeah, I should look into getting a wide angle lens. Good suggestion.
I still say these are some of the best stitched photos I've ever seen. I don't care if the seams aren't perfect... you don't have any of that typical blurred overlap that's so prevalent.

I walked past the site today. I have never in my life seen a project of this scale progress so quickly. At this rate, Aqua will topout before 300 N. LaSalle. As the site reaches street level, the true impact of this project can already be felt. As an east side resident, I can attest to the unfinished, unbalanced feeling that Columbus has always had. A road with a sixty foot drop along its entire east side is hardly conducive to a pleasant neighborhood experience. Aqua will completely transform this area of the city. I now consider it one of the most important new sites in Chicago.

For those of you not able to see this site in person, the pictures don't do it justice. It's frickin' enormous.

For those of you not able to see this site in person, the pictures don't do it justice. It's frickin' enormous.

thats what my bro said.

I still say these are some of the best stitched photos I've ever seen. I don't care if the seams aren't perfect... you don't have any of that typical blurred overlap that's so prevalent.

I get amazing results with Autostitch. The biggest problem I had in a large pano was forgetting to take sky shots to fill in the top areas.

I also noticed that your stitcher gets confused by North Harbor Tower. Mine did that too.

I was wondering what you guys thought about this. Do you think Aqua will be visible from this view? If so, could someone attempt to render the building in this photo? thanks very much.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/Picture0171111111111.jpg

I was wondering what you guys thought about this. Do you think Aqua will be visible from this view? If so, could someone attempt to render the building in this photo? thanks very much.
In that view (from the north-northwest), the very topmost floors of the Aqua should be visible to the left of the AON.

Mike

September 11, 2007

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2020/dsc0138jq7.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7626/dsc0140nw7.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9030/dsc0019bk6.jpg

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/9113/dsc0010uk6.jpg

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/554/untitled4uu3.jpg

Wow, only 2-3 more stories to go until the undulating floors begin. Of course, this is the stage where they will need to bridge over the ComEd substation. That should be interesting - there doesn't appear to be room for the major trusses they will require.

Also - what is that gray substance that forms the floor in the last shot? It looks like granite, but I can't imagine why they would do that.

Damn. I just went back and looked at the rendering of this building. When completed, this will be one cool ass building! :eek:

Wow, only 2-3 more stories to go until the undulating floors begin. Of course, this is the stage where they will need to bridge over the ComEd substation. That should be interesting - there doesn't appear to be room for the major trusses they will require.

Also - what is that gray substance that forms the floor in the last shot? It looks like granite, but I can't imagine why they would do that.
I assume that those are just the re-usable panels that are used as forms for the concrete.

BTW, what is in those basement levels that are below the fire station?

Mike

BTW, what is in those basement levels that are below the fire station?

Part of the parking garage for Three Illinois Center, I believe. My dad worked there, a long time ago.

Retrograde, that bottom photo is just beautiful. I love all of the blue glass in the area! What a nice day to go take some pictures.

Also - what is that gray substance that forms the floor in the last shot? It looks like granite, but I can't imagine why they would do that.


http://img453.imageshack.us/img453/2835/september600lsd002cv2.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 2007-09-16

Here's a closer view. You can read the brand-name "Peri" on the panels. They're plywood panels with a coating used as forms for the poured concrete -- made by PERI Formwork Systems, Inc.

Chi man,
You are correct. The Peri panels are formwork to contain the underside of the concrete slab when it is poured. If you walk by the site today, you will also see the beginnings of the placement of the rebar for the slab at this level.

Not much actual construction to see in this shot, but a different perspective (i.e. facing West.) You can see the core rising next to the yellow crane.
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/6503/lse3cx9.jpg

September 25, 2007

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7355/dsc0052pk0.jpg

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/1/dsc0051xq6.jpg

I was wondering what you guys thought about this. Do you think Aqua will be visible from this view? If so, could someone attempt to render the building in this photo? thanks very much.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/Picture0171111111111.jpg

here is my try:
not 100% sure abt the location, but i think it is quite close.

comparison (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e185/SorGweiLo/Others/zaqua_aon_comparision4.jpg)

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e185/SorGweiLo/Others/Aqua-edit01.jpg

.

^^ awesome thanks!

October 3, 2007

http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/2973/dsc0100sx8.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/8427/dsc0096ax5.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/28/dsc0117fs5.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/8979/dsc0112bf3.jpg

Wow, I hadn't looked at this one in a while.
It has risen.

I really like this one....it's a keeper, haha.

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/10/569081.jpg
credit goes to BVictor1 from SSP

Some cool pictures I stumbled accross.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/aqua1.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/aqua2.jpg

I took this last Friday or Saturday (10/26 or 10/27):

http://www.uwgb.edu/moored/aqua1.jpg

^Nice angle. Thanks for sharing.

I can't wait to see the bandages start coming off of the individual floor slabs.

:cheers1:

Mike

i say less then 1 1/2 months we will see that

October 30, 2007

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/1189/dsc0041qw6.jpg

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/6985/dsc0046em9.jpg

November 13, 2007

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/1213/dsc0064la5.jpg

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8273/dsc0065pa4.jpg

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/7447/dsc0072cv1.jpg

Looks like they're getting ready to pour the first curvaceous floor. I'm eagerly looking forward to it.

wow, this is much bulkier than i thought... i thought this was a thinner tower. not a problem though

I walked by the other night and it looks thinner in "person" -- especially from the west. Wait till it's 80 stories tall -- it will look plenty thin.

From today

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/8211/dsc08996mr7.jpg


http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8922/dsc08999lu6.jpg


http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/5449/dsc09000mv8.jpg


http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/2237/dsc09001dy9.jpg


http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/1827/dsc09002al2.jpg


http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/4889/dsc09003jj3.jpg

Here's all our Chicago Aqua photos, they are from a distance and not perfectly consistent, but they are all from the same angle over a period of several weeks so you can see the progress.

Click on the photos to view the full image and leave comments.



http://www.windychat.com/photos/images/167/medium/1_AQUA_42__NOV17_.jpg (http://www.windychat.com/photos/image-aqua-42-november-17-2007-53/)

November 17th (http://www.windychat.com/photos/image-aqua-42-november-17-2007-53/)


http://www.windychat.com/photos/images/167/medium/1_AQUA_40__NOV_3_.jpg (http://www.windychat.com/photos/image-aqua-40-november-3-2007-48/)

November 3rd (http://www.windychat.com/photos/image-aqua-40-november-3-2007-48/)


http://www.windychat.com/photos/images/167/medium/1_AQUA-39__OCT_28_.jpg (http://www.windychat.com/photos/image-aqua-39-october-28-2007-16/)

October 28th (http://www.windychat.com/photos/image-aqua-39-october-28-2007-16/)


http://www.windychat.com/photos/images/167/medium/1_AQUA-36__OCT_6_.jpg (http://www.windychat.com/photos/image-aqua-36-october-6-2007-1/)

October 6th (http://www.windychat.com/photos/image-aqua-36-october-6-2007-1/)


http://www.windychat.com/photos/images/167/medium/1_AQUA-35__SEPT_29_.jpg (http://www.windychat.com/photos/image-aqua-35-september-29-2007-4/)

September 29 (http://www.windychat.com/photos/image-aqua-35-september-29-2007-4/)


( All Photos ) (http://www.windychat.com/photos/category-aqua-building-3/)



More to come!

Eric

thanks Eric!! well done.

Thanks. The guys who's taking them has been taking a shot of the Aqua every week for more than half a year and sending them to the architect. Lately he's been cc'ing me but sometimes forget to cc :-) He does send me a few Spire shots each week though.. I'll post those later. They are all from the roof of the Parkshore - 195 N. Harbor Dr.
Eric

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/12-04-2007/0004716607&EDATE=

Memorial to Fallen Firefighters Unveiled

Hundreds of firefighters, community and
business leaders, elected officials and community residents gathered today
as the Chicago Fire Department's Engine 13 unveiled a memorial statue to
recognize and honor the proud work and sacrifice of fallen firefighter
Walter Watroba. The memorial is dedicated to the memory of Watroba and all
Chicago firefighters who have lost their lives in service to the City of
Chicago.
...
The memorial is temporarily located outside Engine 13, and will be
permanently installed in Spring 2009, when construction is complete on the
neighboring Aqua building. An undulating garden wall between Engine 13 and
Aqua will give the sculpture a landscaped backdrop and provide a shaded
seating area for visitors off Columbus Drive at Lake Street. Loewenberg
Architects, Magellan Development Group, McHugh Construction, Studio Gang
Architects and Wolff Landscape Architecture worked to create the permanent
site design in which the memorial will be placed.
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/4318/aquamemorialfx4.jpg

December 12, 2007

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/5236/dsc0084ty5.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/1741/dsc0080er8.jpg

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/8901/dsc0091mi5.jpg

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/5559/dsc0089es0.jpg

^^

The waves emerge!

:cheers1:

Mike

I wonder how many uninformed pedestrians walk by and think "wow, what a screw-up. That second floor isn't even close to being straight."

My problem with this building is that it's basically a giant rectagular box disguised with some little wavey concrete dividers between floors. What do you think those overhangs will look like in 10 years when they're cracked and crumbled away from the destructive winter winds.

^^:lol:

I think we will let the engineers worry about that.

I'm in agreement with Chi Town Fan - it's a fancy dress applied to a dumpy apartment block. Plus, North Lake Shore Drive has several examples of exposed concrete slab edges that deteriorated over time and had to be eventually be rebuilt at great expense to the condo associations.

.....North Lake Shore Drive has several examples of exposed concrete slab edges that deteriorated over time and had to be eventually be rebuilt at great expense to the condo associations.

That may well be, but it speaks more to sloppy construction than to any inherent flaw of concrete as a medium. Are you implying that Magellan's current construction practices on Aqua are substandard? Or just speculatin' from our peanut gallery?

On your first point, that Aqua is basically just a dump of a box with a fancy dress on, I agree, which is why I admire it so - Studio/Gang has taken Magellan's constraints and created something beautiful & sculptural - no small feat.

Regarding the previous comments my opinion is that many developers in chicago force architects to think small. There's only so much creativity you can offer with these reinforced concreate stuctures we put up by the hundreds. Look at places like Vancouver or other international cities which have surpassed the US in style. Does anyone travel? We have many great condo buildings don't get me wrong - such as the steel and glass building at Erie and Kingbury (name ??). Also , I have huge issues with these renderings showing trees and plantings at the unveiling then when they're topped off and completed all we see is painted concrete towers that tend to crack within a few years sitting on parking decks made of still more contrete and dressed up on the first one or two floors with granite.

Hiya guys,

i found making my vids relaxing so i used my spare time to make a nice christmas gift featureing the AQUA for your all to enjoy

http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv6BXquwL_4

Hope you all like it and HAPPY HOLIDAYS:)

^^
Nice job! I liked it. :cheers2: