I'll open this thread with a question: Does anyone know what's being built at Dearborn and North?

eom

Is there a moratorium on highrise development in the gold coast...strictly construed, and the old town area as well......I though I has heard something about a limit of a few stories like 4-5


maybe just my imagination

Hotel faces wrecking ball

December 28, 2006
By FELICIA DECHTER | STAFF WRITER
A proposal to raze the historic, Near North Side Cedar Hotel, 1112 -1118 N. State St. is raising the ire of community members and preservationists.

The historic property could become history if a developer's proposal to build a 20-story hotel is approved.

According to Maureen Mullady, account manager for DickinsonGroup, which represents the property owner, M Development, a "boutique" hotel with approximately 150-200 guest rooms, a restaurant and limited-meeting space, has been propposed. M Development also owns the Esquire Theater and Papa Milano properties.

An application for the Planned Development was filed with the city on Dec. 13, according to Connie Buscemi, spokeswoman for the city's Dept. of Planning and Development.

In keeping with the neighborhood's "vibrant" character, Mullady said, the State Street frontage will include the restaurant and hotel lobby. The development was designed to incorporate the Cedar's existing brick and terra-cotta masonry façade, she said, and both the facade and setback will remain as is.

There is a contract on the property, Mullady said, and M Development is seeking an upzoning to the same level or less than the surrounding properties. Further details regarding hotel brand and operator will be available once terms have been finalized, Mullady said.

The proposal is not sitting well with community members. Patty Stepak, president of the nearby Newberry Plaza Condo Association, said she and three building representatives met with developer Mark Hunt and his attorneys at the request of Ald. Burt Natarus, 42nd, who was unavailable for comment.

Stepak said she was "OK," with the hotel, but the prospect of an upzone didn't go over well.

"Everything was fine until then...that was the bomb that was dropped," Stepak said. "What happens then is they set precedence." Stepak is worried that the property directly to the hotel's south at the corner of State and Maple streets could also be bought.

"It's just what could happen to the whole landscape," she said. "We're very concerned what's put up at that corner."

So is the Washington Square Association. Coleen Blake, spokesman for the group, said WSA was, "disappointed to learn of plans to tear down the Cedar Hotel," when notifed by Skyline .

"The hotel is a beautiful historic building," Blake said. "Currently, the front of the building is used as an outdoor patio and it is a vibrant neighborhood spot where people can take their dogs and sit outside and have a drink. The site is presently an open inviting spot in a neighborhood that is rapidly becoming darker and more canyon-like with all of the development that is underway.

"WSA is also disappointed to learn that our alderman did not advise the neighborhood association about this potential development, or have the developer contact us. We expect to have some input as to how our neighborhood is developed."

The property is rated orange on the city's Historic Resources Survey, meaning it possesses historical significance and is subject to a 90-day delay if the developer applies for a demolition permit.

Architects Rissman and Hirschfeld began its construction in 1924, and its architectural style is listed as, "baroque, classical" on the city's Web site. According to Michael Moran, vice president of Preservation Chicago, even if the facade--which is "stunning," and a "visual feast" is saved, his organization also wants the recently-removed, large, ornamental centerpiece of the roofline returned. In fact, the group insists that be replaced.

"Why was this terra cotta centerpiece, a work of art, left intact from 1924 until 2006, only to be destroyed just a few months before the demolition plans were announced?," Moran asked. " Clearly, the removal of the centerpiece was related to the impending project at the site. The removal of the ornament is just plain wrong. The roofline should be restored to its appearance of a few months ago."

Moran said though the Cedar is listed as a "contributing building" in the Gold Coast Historic District as listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but that designation does not protect the building.

Although a Jan. 10 meeting is scheduled with Newberry Plaza residents about the project, Preservation Chicago also insists that a public meeting, "open to the entire neighborhood," be held, Moran said.

^ I don't know if I'm writing this too soon, but are there any updates on this project?

Technically not the Gold Coast, but a close neighbor, so I hope it is kosher to ask:

Are there any new proposals for the building that was supposed to be built on 4th Pres's property?

The paper version of this article had a rendering, but the electronic version didn't.

Hold sought on Cedar development

March 22, 2007
By FELICIA DECHTER Staff Writer

Before a demolition permit and a developer's plans for a 20-story hotel are approved for the site of the historic Cedar Hotel, 1112-1118 N. State St. "a sharing of the project with the broader community," should occur, says 42nd ward alderman-elect Brendan Reilly.

On March 7, developers applied for a demolition permit with the city on the property, yet Reilly said, "At a minimum, the developer needs to share information with the neighborhood and address concerns."

Neighbors and preservationists also say the project--which could go before the city's Plan Commission in April--should be deferred until Reilly takes office in May.

M Development in December filed a Planned Development application to build a "boutique" hotel with 150-200 guest rooms, a restaurant and limited-meeting space. The State Street frontage will include the restaurant and hotel lobby. A ballroom/banquet facility will not be included as it is will not be a convention hotel, according to principal Jeffrey Shapack.

The development was designed to incorporate the Cedar's existing brick and terra-cotta masonry façade, and both the facade and current setback will remain as is, and the plaza/setback will be enhanced with new landscaping, Shapack said.

"We have had numerous meetings with residential and business neighbors and have received positive responses to the proposed development," Shapack said. "We feel the project is ready to go before the Plan Commission and anticipate being on the April agenda."

Reilly said at the end of his campaign he met with a number of residents concerned about parking, traffic flow impact, and the height of the structure. He wants the developer to do a better job sharing information and seeking neighbors input. He'd also like to see the developer put together an informational packet.

Reilly, who will be sworn into office on May 21, said he hopes to talk with Alderman Burt Natarus, 42nd, about the project.

"I would hope the alderman would be interested in working with the alderman-elect to make sure the impacted folks feel better about it," he said.

The Cedar Hotel is a contributing building in the Gold Coast Historic District, on the National Register of Historic Places, but it has not been landmarked by the city. It is orange-rated in the Chicago Historic Resources Survey, meaning it possesses historical significance and is subject to a 90-day delay when a demolition permit is applied for.

Architects Rissman and Hirschfeld began the Cedar's construction in 1924, and its architectural style is listed as, "baroque, classical" on the city's Web site.

M Development--which also owns the Esquire Theater, Papa Milano, and Three Arts Club properties--was also seeking an upzoning of the property, and on Monday, Alderman Burt Natarus, 42nd, said that upzone was going through and that he supports the plan.

"I'm very much interested in getting rid of that eyesore," Natarus said, adding the hotel has "questionable activities." Natarus said people are worried about parking with the new plan, but he's mainly concerned because the Cedar is a source of crime, noise, motorcycles, and "everything else."

The two, 4 a.m. taverns with beer gardens the building houses don't help much either, he said.

"It's a very bad building," Natarus said.

Also supporting the plan is the board of the 20 E. Cedar Condominiums. Board president Larry Selander said: "We think it would be a good use for the property and enhance the neighborhood," adding that the parking issues in the area have been there a "long, long time."

Zoning does not require parking for hotels unless large meeting spaces are included, Shapack said, and hotel management will use valet parking services.

Yet not everyone feels that way. Neighbors are also calling for a decision on the property to be held off until Reilly takes office.

According to Coleen Blake, a Washington Square Association board member, her group is "disappointed," the project is being "pushed through so quickly."

"This matter should be deferred until Alderman-elect Brendan Reilly takes office," Blake said. "On February 27, the residents of the 42nd Ward clearly voted for change, and it is grossly unfair to see so many projects rammed through before our new alderman takes office."

Preservation Chicago is also calling for a deferment. The organization's vice president, Michael Moran, said any decisions on the property should wait until after May 21, when Reilly takes office. Preservation Chicago is not opposing the demolition of the rear portion of the Cedar, yet it does insist that the facade be preserved and its historic elements--which were recently removed--restored, and that the public space in front of the Cedar continue to serve as a cafe or other establishment.

Moran added it's "especially inappropriate," for the plan to go before the Plan Commission before Reilly has a chance to review the project and discuss it with his constituents. The group also is asking for the full 90-day hold on the demolition permit.

"There is no reason for the Department of Planning and Development to ram this project through the Plan Commission," said Moran, who met with Reilly last week. "Likewise, there is no reason for Alderman Natarus to rush this project through. These luxury rooms can wait for approval until after May 21st, when alderman-elect Reilly takes office."

According to Connie Buscemi, spokesman for the city's Department of Planning and Development, as of Monday, it had "not been decided yet," whether or not the proposal will go before the city's Plan Commission in April. The demolition permit application, she added, is being reviewed under the demolition delay ordinance.

Are all the buildings in the Gold Coast old with assessments in the $700/month range? Any new developments planned or a location I should look into? Really not looking for an older building with high assessments.

I hate the look of Sandberg Village and this seems to be the only place people are selling. I can see why too.

..

April 19 Plan Commission Agenda

A proposed Business Planned Development Application submitted by M Development, LLC
for the property generally located at 1118 North State Street. The applicant proposes to
retain the façade of existing Cedar Hotel, then construct a new 250 foot tall building to
contain approximately 200 hotels keys. This building is identified as potentially significant
in the Chicago Historic Resources Survey. (42nd Ward)

The Ambassador East is up for sale again. I just hope this one doesn't go condo and the Pump Room remains open.

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/skylinenews/news/357991,SL-Cedarhotel-042607-S1.article

Plan Commission OKs plans for Cedar

April 26, 2007
By FELICIA DECHTER Staff Writer

Despite requests to hold off on any decisions until 42nd Ward Alderman-elect Brendan Reilly takes office on May 21, the city's Plan Commission last week approved plans to build a hotel on the site of the vintage Cedar Hotel, 1112-18 N. State St.

Additionally, the commission gave the green light for the building of the Chicago Spire, an 150-story tower to be built across Lake Shore Drive from DuSable Park, which is located near Navy Pier, where Lake Michigan meets the Chicago River.

Both projects need approval of the full City Council.

Although the community, preservationists, and even Reilly called for the Cedar plan to be deferred until Reilly takes office May 21, M Development received approval to build a 20-story, boutique hotel, with approximately 150-200 guest rooms, a restaurant and limited-meeting space.

The development was designed to incorporate the Cedar's existing brick and terra-cotta masonry facade, and both the facade and current setback will remain as is, and the plaza/setback will remain and be enhanced with new landscaping.

"We are very pleased with the Chicago Plan Commission's approval," said Jeffrey Shapack, a principal with M Development.

Since the Cedar is orange-rated on the Chicago Historic Resources Survey--meaning it possesses historical significance--it will be subject to a 90-day delay when developers apply for a demolition permit. Architects Rissman and Hirschfeld began the Cedar's construction in 1924. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Shapack said M Development is committed to rehabilitating the Cedar's existing facade, and that original features and materials will be retained and preserved as possible.

Are all the buildings in the Gold Coast old with assessments in the $700/month range? Any new developments planned or a location I should look into? Really not looking for an older building with high assessments.

I hate the look of Sandberg Village and this seems to be the only place people are selling. I can see why too.

I don't live in the Gold Coast, but to answer your question -- yes. The reason behind this is that the building is old and requires a lot more money to maintain. It's just like if you were to buy a 80 year old home versus an 8 year old home.

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070604006322&newsLang=en

Morgans Hotel Group Announces New Mondrian in Chicago

Morgans Hotel Group Co. today announced a new joint venture with M Development, a Chicago-based developer, to develop a Mondrian hotel in Chicago. Mondrian Chicago will be operated by MHG under a long-term management contract and is expected to open in 2010. The hotel is the fifth announced Mondrian, including Los Angeles, Scottsdale, and properties under development in Las Vegas and Miami.

The joint venture will develop Mondrian Chicago, which is currently expected to have 200 rooms, on the existing property of the Cedar Hotel at the highly desirable intersection of State, Rush and Cedar Streets. The property is located in the Gold Coast region of Chicago in close proximity to dining, nightlife, and high-end retail boutiques. In addition, given the property’s prime location, many guest rooms will have views of Lake Michigan.

“Chicago is a key market for us to expand our brand,” said Marc Gordon, Chief Investment Officer of MHG. “Like MHG’s other distinctive Mondrian hotels, Mondrian Chicago will boast the luxury amenities, cutting-edge design and energetic atmosphere that we believe distinguish our properties in the marketplace. We are pleased to partner with M Development, a leading firm with a strong track record in Chicago and the Midwest.”

“We are excited about our entry into this market and believe that this represents yet another example of how MHG can extract value from our distinguished brands by expanding to attractive markets,” said Ed Scheetz, President and Chief Executive Officer of MHG. “Chicago was a priority target market for us and we are pleased to have secured this flagship location for the new Mondrian. We look forward to working with M Development to develop this signature hotel in the very heart of Chicago.”

Mondrian Chicago is expected to have significant space for a restaurant, bar, meeting rooms and an exercise facility, and plans call for it to be uniquely set back further from the street than the adjacent buildings, in order to allow for outdoor food and beverage operations. In addition, the current masonry façade of the existing Cedar Hotel will be restored to preserve the building’s distinctive architectural features.

MHG will have a 49% interest in the joint venture. Upon completion, MHG is expected to operate the hotel under a 20-year management contract with two 5-year extension options. The development project is subject to various conditions, including obtaining acceptable financing.

The Morgans Hotel Group has a lot of awesome properties like the Sanderson in London. I look forward to seeing how the Mondrian in Chicago will compare.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/447167,CST-NWS-melvins28.article

Legendary pub Melvin B's will make way for hotel
VIAGRA TRIANGLE | Bar was hot spot for romance-seekers

June 28, 2007
BY JANET RAUSA FULLER

It's last call at Melvin B's, long a haven for the people-watchers and romance-seekers of the Viagra Triangle.

The beer-and-burger bar at 1114 N. State -- whose outdoor patio in the summer is packed tighter than the abs on some of its customers -- will close in September to make way for a 200-room boutique hotel.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/507264,CST-NWS-reilly12.article

Everything but lunch on his plate
BY DAVID ROEDER

Proposal to replace Esquire theater, 58 E. Oak, with a hotel of about 13 stories

"The development requires an upzoning [for height and density]. I'm leaning against it."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sat_notebook_0901sep01,0,6009943.story

Esquire redevelopment caught up in zoning

BY SANDRA M. JONES
September 1, 2007

A plan to redevelop the shuttered Esquire Theater site on Oak Street into a luxury hotel and retail shopping center has hit a snag.

M Development, the Chicago-based owner of the property, is seeking a zoning change to accommodate a 9-story hotel and a handful of boutiques on the tony street that houses the likes of Hermes, Prada, Furla and Jimmy Choo.

----------

The article also mentions the retail will be 3-4 floors.

FYI... The Latin School extension I asked about in the first post of this thread is complete. It isn't anything earth-shattering, but it does look nice.

Has anybody seen any renderings for the Cedar Hotel site?

Has anybody seen any renderings for the Cedar Hotel site?

I saw a tiny, crappy one in an issue of Skyline many months ago. If my memory serves right, it was glassy and boxy. But don't hold me to it.

That's basically what I remember. I think it's also by SCB.

http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/thebusiness/071018/

The developer of the former Three Arts Club building is requesting rezoning that might permit a taller structure. The proposal’s on the agenda for the City Council’s zoning committee meeting October 25; alderman Brendan Reilly says as far as he knows, they just want to put in a ground-floor restaurant and lobby...

http://www.heartlandrebusiness.com/articles/OCT07/highlight1.html

Chicago Retail Market
Edward Zifkin and Greg Moyer

To the north of the Magnificent Mile, significant changes are coming to Oak Street, as well as Rush and State streets. M Development, led by Mark Hunt and Jeffrey Shapack, has placed a big bet on the continuing demand for luxury retail, restaurant and hotel space in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. The company purchased the old Esquire Theater building on Oak Street, as well as all the buildings along the south side of Oak between State and Rush. For the former, they are seeking zoning approval for a Mondrian Hotel and restaurant space. For the latter, M Development is creating a build-to-suit opportunity for Barney’s, which will be moving from its present location across the street at Rush and Oak. The developer has also purchased the Melvin’s on State Street, and the property at the southeast corner of State and Division, as it expands the boundaries of the community. In each of these locations, M Development is expecting luxury retailers, high-grossing restaurants and expensive boutique hotels, all uses that it feels are in scarce supply and high demand.

http://www.heartlandrebusiness.com/articles/OCT07/highlight1.html

Chicago Retail Market
Edward Zifkin and Greg Moyer

To the north of the Magnificent Mile, significant changes are coming to Oak Street, as well as Rush and State streets. M Development, led by Mark Hunt and Jeffrey Shapack, has placed a big bet on the continuing demand for luxury retail, restaurant and hotel space in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. The company purchased the old Esquire Theater building on Oak Street, as well as all the buildings along the south side of Oak between State and Rush. For the former, they are seeking zoning approval for a Mondrian Hotel and restaurant space. For the latter, M Development is creating a build-to-suit opportunity for Barney’s, which will be moving from its present location across the street at Rush and Oak. The developer has also purchased the Melvin’s on State Street, and the property at the southeast corner of State and Division, as it expands the boundaries of the community. In each of these locations, M Development is expecting luxury retailers, high-grossing restaurants and expensive boutique hotels, all uses that it feels are in scarce supply and high demand.

anybody have any news on these projects??/

luxury retailer wish list:

Fendi
Valentino
Dior
Marc Jacobs

if Dallas can recently get both Carolina Herrerra and Oscar de la Renta boutiques...in a MALL no less...they why NOT Chicago's Oak Street??????

I would also love to see the Hermes Boutique expanded.... plus Ferragamo and Bottega Venenta display their clothing lines as well..... all would be great for Chicago shopping and add to our international reputation....

^^^^^^
Most of those designers are covered by in-store boutiques at Neiman Marcus, Nordstoms, etc..

Chicago has not had great sucess with too avant garde stores. Versace struggled for years and was basically kept on life support by professional basketball players.

Chicago is not ostentacious at all. Showy brands don't succeed here because Midwesterners are conservative by nature.

Shopping is a true pasttime in Dallas.

^^^^^^
Most of those designers are covered by in-store boutiques at Neiman Marcus, Nordstoms, etc..

Chicago has not had great sucess with too avant garde stores. Versace struggled for years and was basically kept on life support by professional basketball players.

Chicago is not ostentacious at all. Showy brands don't succeed here because Midwesterners are conservative by nature.

Shopping is a true pasttime in Dallas.

The lines I listed are NOT too "trendy" [except for Dior under Galliano].....they are classic lines.... they would do amazing business here with their own stand alone boutiques....

I don't expect a Dolce & Gabbana boutique here....

I can see how Versace would not have done too well...way too flashy for Chicago

If Ikram can sell Alexander McQueen....chicago can support the boutiques I mentioned... Chicagoans have amazing taste and individuality...but not "look at me flashiness".

Go into neiman marcus, saks and bloomingdales on michigan...each has big departments devoted to St. John, Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Furla, Tod's, Prada, Jimmy Choo, YSL....all of which have their own boutiques here in chicago.... so that argument does not stand

in other news:

about 2 months ago...a guy at the Bottega Veneta boutique said that in 2008 they plan to fully utilize all 3 floors of the current building and carry the full clothing line as well..... so there IS a demand here in Chicago.....

I think it mainly has to do with available spaces.... plus the Oak St. Council should do more to wooo leading fashion houses here to chi-town

I was walking down Michigan Ave last week and noticed that I could see into the old Virgin Records space.... looks like they are working on the interior now....

what is this going to become again?? any news anybody????

would be a great location for a downtown CUSP store!

I was walking down Michigan Ave last week and noticed that I could see into the old Virgin Records space.... looks like they are working on the interior now....

what is this going to become again?? any news anybody????

would be a great location for a downtown CUSP store!

Unfortunately, the megastore will be replaced by a Forever 21.

http://cbs2chicago.com/business/Virgin.Megastore.Michigan.2.337107.html

Unfortunately, the megastore will be replaced by a Forever 21.

http://cbs2chicago.com/business/Virgin.Megastore.Michigan.2.337107.html

So tell me again what’s so Magnificent about the Mag Mile - Sound more like a cheep suburban mall.:ohno::ohno::ohno:

^While I'm not a huge fan of Forever 21, pretty much all the famous shopping streets in the world have these kinds of stores now. I'd certainly take "cheap chic" stores over the likes of CompUSA or Best Buy.

^ not that it helps any but its suppose to be a higher end forever 21.

How about a HUGE Forever 21? That Virgin Records space is huge for what Forever 21 sells. The popular stuff will all fit on the the first floor, and the second (windowless) floor will be filled with discount and clearance items.

Actually what I hear is not only will the store sell Forever 21 items but it will also sell clothing and accessories from their other two lines: the Heritage 1981 line (their men's line) and the Twelve By Twelve line (higher-end women's line). So it makes since that they will need all that space! I am not sad to hear this space become occupied by this retailer for the fact that it'll basically be a Midwest flagship of the brands.

I believe that the old Virgin store is in River North. The 'Gold Coast' is north of Oak street, from LSD to Dearborn.

Esquire Theater"
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chicago-esquire-theater-boutiques-jun06,0,7805020.story

http://www.insideonline.com/site/epage/64831_162.htm

Plans for shuttered theater modified
By Patrick Butler

Preservationists and worried local residents both claimed victory recently when M Development dropped plans for a 10-story, 100-room luxury hotel on the site of the old Esquire Theater, 58 W. Oak, at the behest of Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd). In its place will apparently be a three-story retail complex now being reviewed by Reilly’s staff and the city.

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2213/20070724state20elm2020adx4.jpg
Chicago’s M Hotel will have 23 floors and 240 rooms. The base will house retail and restaurant functions, as well as the hotel lobby. Above the base will sit a terrace for use by hotel guests. The top floor of the hotel will contain a swimming pool and other hotel amenities.

Looks like it is across from 10 West Elm (building with distinctive green roof). I think the developer is M Development.

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/5861/2007200802renderings120pa0.jpg
Chicago’s new Mondrian Hotel will be located at the corner of Cedar and State Streets. This sophisticated, modern urban resort will have 216 hotel rooms and feature a restaurant and night club.

http://www.chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=46&SubSectionID=139&ArticleID=5696&TM=83739.05

M Development ruffling neighbors on Elm and Division
Felicia Dechter

..."They assured me that they were going to start tearing the building down in May," Spence said.

...Alderman Brendan Reilly, 42nd, wants to meet with M in the next two weeks to officially see what he called "reasonable and appropriate plans" for a two-to-three story retail structure, with possibly a café and some boutique retail. M president Jeffrey Shapack said his company is putting together their proposed plans for Reilly's review.

...Vacant since last year, not all neighbors are thrilled with the upcoming 21-story, 216-room Mondrian Chicago, although "it's better than a whorehouse," one person told me, referring to the Cedar. Shapack said construction begins this fall, and the hotel should open the first quarter of 2010.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/9665/5696ajf3.jpg

Where to begin...

1) Mondrian - It's reminiscent of the CBS2 Morningstar building, except that it lacks the benefit of a four-story base to offset its stockiness. The design and height definitely aren't compelling enough to warrant demolishing the Cedar Hotel. The once conspicuously vibrant patio fronting the old hotel now sits deafeningly quiet, almost in a state of dereliction.

2) Elm & State - I see no reason why it can't be renovated and preserved. The replacement will likely be some schlock design akin to the nearby Barnes & Noble building.

3) "I don't go out after 8 p.m. or when it's dark," said Sally Loeser, a member of the Near North Neighbors. "With nothing happening at the site of the Cedar Hotel and nothing happening on the east side of the block between Elm and Division, that whole area looks terribly rundown, dirty and depressing." This a catastrophic mischaracterization of that area. By no means is it unsafe after dark. This woman sounds like an exurban transplant whose urban sensibilities are severely distorted.

While reading the Dearborn Association newsletter I came across a few bits of info.

First, the Three Arts Club building is no longer going to be a hotel. Soho House pulled out of the deal and now M Development is going to sell the building, possibly to a private elementary school.

Second, they mentioned something interesting about Ogden. I remember that they wanted to add a high school but the newsletter also said something about finding a site to relocate the elementary school because of construction on Walton Street. Are they planning to expand or build an entirely new school on Walton? I wonder if it would be better just to sell that prime piece of real estate to a developer and relocate the school or build it into the base of a skyscraper.

Visit the Ogden School playground at recess time. It'd be a shame if any development of the site resulted in the loss of that outlet for the kids. It's also used after school hours by the neighbors.

http://chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=46&SubSectionID=139&ArticleID=7125&TM=3878.516

Foreclosure pending on M Development's Armitage Collectoin

...M Development owns several high-end properties across the city, including the Barney's site, the Esquire Theater, the Cedar Hotel, State and Elm, and the old Lincoln Park Hospital building. As far as State and Elm goes, Shapack said, "we are in discussions with several tenants who are interested in leasing portions of this property."

The Cedar Hotel project, he said, is on hold due to the lack of hotel construction financing.

"We are exploring alternative uses for this site," Shapack said.

http://chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=46&SubSectionID=139&ArticleID=7122&TM=3878.516

War on the Gold Coast
Tension boils over lack of plans for Three Arts Club

By Felicia Dechter

It's war on the Gold Coast as neighbors battle with 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, and each other, over the fate of the Three Arts Club at 1300 N. Dearborn.

M Development put the circa-1914, Holabird and Roche-designed property back on the market Monday, after the threat of a 2010 ballot referendum to vote the precinct dry caused the scrapping of a boutique hotel project. Downtown-based Grubb & Ellis is marketing the 67,000-square-foot building, according to Brian Pohl, senior vice president of the firm. M Development bought the property in 2007 for $13.5 million and is taking offers, Pohl said.

Lululemon plans new Gold Coast store
By: Eddie Baeb April 01, 2009

(Crain’s) — Lululemon Athletica Inc. is planning a store in the Gold Coast that could open this fall at the corner of Rush and Walton streets.

The women’s athletic apparel retailer signed a lease late last year for 2,930 square feet in a standalone store to be built at 930 N. Rush St., a now-vacant corner that was once a Gino’s pizzeria.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=33524

http://www.suntimes.com/business/1543596,CST-FIN-oldtown25.article

New plan for Old Town
APARTMENTS INSTEAD OF AUTOS |
Alderman backs rezoning for 13-story tower
Recommend Comments

April 25, 2009

BY DAVID ROEDER AND FRAN SPIELMAN droeder@suntimes.com fspielman@suntimes.com

A developer has proposed an apartment tower on an Old Town block where neighbors fought off a plan for an auto mall two years ago.

JDL Development Corp. has asked for a zoning change to build 13 stories with 250 units at 1233 N. Wells, the site of a Grossinger auto dealership.............

..

^ Great to hear

http://chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=46&SubSectionID=139&ArticleID=7377&TM=29.857

To foreclose or not to foreclose?
Felicia Dechter
4/29/2009 10:00:00 PM

...Yet dotted among the tony graystones and well-heeled residents of the area stand several multi-million dollar vacant properties bought by M Development before the real estate market crash. At an April 15 meeting at Ogden School, Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) told the crowd those properties - which include The Cedar Hotel, Three Arts Club, the Regina, the east side of State from Elm to Division and the Esquire Theater - are facing foreclosure suits.

Yet M Development firmly denies this is so, and says they're not in foreclosure on any of their properties in the ward.

EXCLUSIVE: Melvin B's coming back?! (http://312diningdiva.blogspot.com/2009/05/melvin-bs-coming-back.html)

Could this be true?!

Just in time for summertime shenanigans, word is that Melvin B's—the Gold Coast's most notorious outdoor bar—is back!

An Ultimate Insider tells 312DD that it's resurfacing in its old home at 1114 N. State St., and will be reopening in about three weeks.

Former owner Donnie Kruse (who also owns Stanley's), says he's not behind this second incarnation, so we're on the case to find out who's in charge.

Not that Melvin B's fits in with the rest of the Gold Coast, but the outdoor patio was always packed with people in the summer. Which definitely beats the current desolate and dirty Cedar Hotel.

http://www.skylinenewspaper.com/News/In-The-Paper/05-05-2009/Battle_over_Lake_Shore_Drive_address_winding_down?

Battle over Lake Shore Drive address winding down?
05/05/2009 12:47 PM

By FELICIA DECHTER

Despite the fact that a decade has passed, Gold Coast residents and real estate giant Draper & Kramer continue to duke it out with residents over 9 highly-desirable piece of property that is currently a surface parking lot at 1320 N. Lake Shore Drive.

The latest step in what has become a 10-year-old lawsuit occurred April 21, when D&K appealed a March 25 Illinois Circuit Court ruling that once again denied D&K the right to build the 400-foot tall, 40-story building it received city approval to erect in 1978.

EXCLUSIVE: More on the return of Melvin B's! (http://312diningdiva.blogspot.com/2009/05/exclusive-more-on-return-of-melvin-bs.html)

Apparently, the team behind Manor and RiNo secured the landmark Gold Coast space at 1114 N. State St. and will change the name to Cedar Hotel when it opens in a few weeks.

And they've brought on the boys from The Fifty/50 to upgrade that menu with more upscale bar bites. Thank god because even though Melvin B's and its neighbor, Cactus, were the hot outdoor spots in the summer, the food was pretty bad.

Glad something will open there.

New Barneys

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/9329/dsc09810.jpghttp://img38.imageshack.us/img38/9554/dsc09812.jpg

^Nice shot of the green roof. Your photos make the area look very warm and cozy, if you get what I mean.

^Yeah the green roof is quite substantial, isn't it? Certainly transcends a silly PR scheme...

And yeah, I certainly get what you mean about the warm and cozy feeling; that feeling is certainly exemplified in those shots. I just wish it felt the same way at ground level, where it counts.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-gold-coast-school-cabrinimay25,0,5726163.story

Ogden School move: Parents in Chicago's Gold Coast upset by impending temporary move to Cabrini-Green area

By Azam Ahmed
May 25, 2009

...But the aging school at 24 W. Walton St. will temporarily close next month while it gets a nearly $60 million makeover, and exactly where the 400 or so kindergarten through 4th-grade students will learn while the hard hats go to work has become quite a controversy in the swanky neighborhood.

...Ogden, though, isn't being permanently closed because of low performance or declining enrollment. Instead, the district is building a state-of-the-art facility replete with underground parking.
---
http://www.pbcchicago.com/content/projects/project_detail.asp?pID=CPS-36

Description: A modified prototype, 3 story, steel frame and masonry 109,000 sf school with standard elementary school amenities. LEED features: This building will incorporate the sustainable design criteria required by the USGBC to achieve LEED "Silver" Certification.
Architect of Record: Nagle Hartray Danker Kagan McKay Penny, Ltd
---
http://www.ogdenschool.org/index.htm

...This will be our relocation site during the demolition and construction of the new school facility on Walton Street

-----------------------------
Again, if they're going to demolish Ogden I wonder why they didn't just sell the valuable land to a developer and relocate the school elsewhere. Or put the school in the base of a new tower. With Elysian, 10 E Delaware, Walton on the Park, and the new Barneys, it would be nice to fill in that gap on State Street.

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=34270

Deal for trendy Gold Coast hotel collapses
By Andrew Schroedter, June 03, 2009

A new pub and restaurant is planned for a closed Gold Coast transient hotel where a deal by developer Mark Hunt for a trendy Mondrian hotel fell through.

The hotel deal was quietly killed late last year when Morgans Hotel Group Co. terminated a joint-venture agreement with Mr. Hunt’s M Development LLC to demolish the existing structure and build a 216-room hotel near State, Rush and Cedar streets.

Ogden Replacement Elementary School
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4128/ogdenelem2.jpg
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9549/ogdenelem1.jpg

So the playground/lot on State and Walton will be no longer?

http://www.skylinenewspaper.com/News/06-17-2009/Cafe_pitched_for_vacant_Cedar

Cafe pitched for vacant Cedar
By FELICIA DECHTER

...Proposed is a restaurant just shy of 100 seats inside, with 120 seats on the outdoor plaza, according to Chris Oakley, the in-house architect for M Development. The restaurant — which will receive deliveries off of an alley — will occupy 3,000-plus square feet of the building, spanning its ground floor. M Development will illuminate the property’s upper floors so they no longer appear dark and abandoned.

The café will lease the site through 2011, Oakley said. Outdoor seating would close by 11 p.m.

...As far as the rest of the Cedar Hotel goes, all plans are “completely off the table,” Oakley said.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/article.pl?articleId=32131

Schrager digs the Gold Coast
By: Eddie Baeb June 29, 2009

Ian Schrager, the hip hotelier and onetime impresario of New York nightclub Studio 54, is in talks to buy a pair of faded Chicago landmarks, the Ambassador East Hotel and its Pump Room restaurant.

While his deal for the Ambassador East isn't finalized, Mr. Schrager says he would rename and overhaul the 285-room Gold Coast hotel at 1301 N. State Pkwy.

^^^^^^
I hope this happens. I can kind of see the same thing happening to this hotel as what happened to the old Clift Hotel in San Francisco. Phillipe Stark designed the new interiors and the hugely popular Redwood Room.

I think Shrager could have the same sucess here.

Agreed. I stayed at the Clift a couple years ago, and while the room was a bit beat up from all the partying, the Redwood Room was uber-pimp.

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=34951

Stake in Esquire Theater site to be auctioned
By Thomas A. Corfman, July 29, 2009

A key lender to Chicago developer Mark Hunt is seeking to auction off an ownership stake in the shuttered Esquire Theater to collect a $2.9-million debt on the prominent Oak Street development site.

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=35177

2 Gold Coast sites face foreclosure
By Andrew Schroedter, Aug. 19, 2009

...In the larger of the two suits, Anglo Irish Bank Corp. is seeking to collect $33.2 million for the nearly half-acre Esquire site at 58-104 E. Oak St., where Mr. Hunt had once planned to demolish the 1930s-era theater, known for its vertical neon marquee, and build a boutique hotel.

...Separately, Anglo Irish filed to foreclose on the former Cedar Hotel, a mostly empty building that Mr. Hunt owns at 1112-1118 N. State St., seeking to collect nearly $18.7 million. As with the Esquire property, Mr. Hunt wanted to bring a trendy hotel to the site, but a deal with Morgans Hotel Group Co. collapsed late last year amid the deepening the financial crisis.

From the Burnham Plan Centennial website (http://burnhamplan100.uchicago.edu/big_bold_visionary/towers/hotel_cool_chicago), Big. Bold. Visionary.

State and Elm - I guess replacing the B&N
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7858/boothhasencoolhotel.jpg
Hotel Cool Chicago

Urban hotels make visiting Chicago exciting and enlivening. While corridors and rooms provide the function, public spaces create the experience. Hotel Cool Chicago builds the rooms to form a large, high public space and garden on the second level, creating fresh views of the surrounding city. Bringing an ever-changing cast of characters together in a dynamic, energetic gathering room will keep people returning.

I see that one of those renderings shows the dark, glassy hotel that will rise behind the Cedar Hotel facade. Is that hotel project dead?

For those interested who haven't been by the area recently, the tear-down of the old Ogden School building is essentially complete. While you can still see into what remains of a few basement rooms when looking down at the site, there is nothing left standing above ground save heavy machinery. While it was never a particularly tall building, the change in site lines between Washington Square Park/the Newberry Library and State St is surprisingly noticeable...

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=32573

Dorms for the dead
By: Alby Gallun and Thomas A. Corfman

The dead may breathe new life into the Three Arts Club in the Gold Coast.

Once a 110-room dormitory for women artists, the landmark building could become a permanent home to the cremated remains of as many as 15,000 people.

...Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd), whose ward includes the property, is reserving judgment but likes the proposed project's limited impact on traffic.

^No columbarium for Three Arts Club:

http://arcchicago.blogspot.com/2009/11/three-arts-club-wont-see-dead-people.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/stage/chi-tc-arts-second-city-1202-120dec06,0,4273586.column

Second City celebrates 50 years of funny
Chris Jones
December 6, 2009

...Indeed, Second City now finds itself a stable, profitable Chicago business with $30 million in annual revenue, a licensed offshoot on cruise ships, various multimedia deals and a new raft of midcareer celebrity alumni -- the likes of Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert -- that any Ivy League school would covet. Its 62-year-old owner, Andrew Alexander, says he is in negotiations to buy a lot at the corner of Wells and Division streets, and build his company a new home -- with theaters, a training center and headquarters -- from the ground up.

^ Great news!

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=36477

Local firm teaming up with hotelier Schrager
By Eddie Baeb, Dec. 16, 2009

A local group has agreed to be the lead investor in Ian Schrager’s bid to buy the Ambassador East hotel.

Syndicated Equities Corp. has signed a letter of intent to potentially put upward of $15 million of equity into the famed hotelier’s bid to revitalize the legendary Gold Coast hotel at 1301 N. State Pkwy., says Richard Kaplan, president and founder of the Chicago-based real estate investment firm.

http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/hoekstra/1972435,pump-room-chicago-ambassador-east-010410.article

Revamp to shrink legendary Pump Room
January 5, 2010
BY DAVE HOEKSTRA

Chicago cabaret singer Nan Mason includes “One for My Baby (One More For the Road)” in her repertoire. Chances are Mason will include the Sinatra classic on Jan. 30 when she makes her final appearance at the legendary Pump Room bar and restaurant.

Mason’s contract has not been renewed, and the restaurant is being downsized.

http://www.skylinenewspaper.com/News/02-10-2010/Next_up_at_Parkside

Next up at Parkside
02/10/2010 10:00 PM

By IAN FULLERTON

...The new leg of the project calls for a seven-story rental development at 544 W. Oak. The 112-unit development would be made up of 39 public housing units, 53 units priced affordably and 20 priced at market-rates. The developer plans 1,300 square feet of commercial space on the building’s first floor. Six of the units at the development are slated as townhouses.

http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/we_hear_on5dOD1tBNSZpCfxe1gIoK

We hear . . .
March 30, 2010

That Ian Schrager has finalized his takeover of the Ambassador East in Chicago -- where Humphrey Bogart married Lauren Bacall -- and will turn it into a hipper, less expensive hotel for the chic set...
---

http://www.hotelsmag.com/article/454482-Dual_Luxe_Hotels_Offer_Deluxe_Repositioning_Options.php

Dual Luxe Hotels Offer Deluxe Repositioning Options
By Adam Kirby

...The company is reportedly close to rebranding a hotel in Chicago, and negotiations over potential reflaggings are also in the works in San Francisco and New York City, he says.
---
Assuming they're talking about rebranding one of their own hotels, it's either the Seneca Hotel or Belden-Stratford. I hope it's not the latter since I love that building.

Beware of new developments with low assessments. Often the original developers lowball the assessments to attract buyers.

When the new Association takes over, there is a lot of pressure to keep the number low, but reality sets in and the assessments usually double. Sometimes older buildings with high (but stable) assessments end up being a good deal compared to a newer development with smaller units and unrealistic assessments that are only going to go up.

Thanks for reminding. I will always take this to my mind.

http://chicagobreakingbusiness.com/2010/07/merc-trader-buys-shuttered-esquire-theater.html

Merc trader buys closed Esquire Theater
by Sandra M. Jones

A Chicago trader has acquired the Esquire Theater on Oak Street, reviving hope that the long vacant property will be redeveloped into a luxury shopping complex, the Chicago Tribune has learned.
---

I've done an about-face on this project. After it became clear that nothing grander than a few three story stores done in the same style as neighboring buildings could be built here, my support waned.

The Esquire should be preserved as a theatre. Perhaps something more upscale showing indies, foreign films, and classics with some kind of restaurant/bar. But it would be a shame to destroy such a lovely marquee and a neighborhood theatre for bland retail buildings that always close early.

http://travel.usatoday.com/hotels/post/2010/10/ian-schrager-starting-private-label-hotel-company/127747/1

Hip hotel guru Ian Schrager focuses on 'value' with new brands
By Barbara De Lollis

...Obtaining hotel construction financing doesn't appear to be a major obstacle - for this hotel, anyway. Schrager says he's financing the Ambassador East with a mix of his own money and that of Morgan Stanley.

The hotel's rates will be high, but not sky-high.

When the Ambassador East hotel does open in 2012, Schrager says he expects rates to average about $225 per night.

Ald. Reilly newsletter:

Alderman Reilly Brings Flower Shop Back to State and Elm Next Week!

Since 2007, Alderman Reilly has fielded hundreds of complaints about the vacant retail storefronts at 1149 North State that are also known as "State and Elm." The vacancy was forced when the previous property owner, M Development, chose to remove all tenants in the building.

The beloved corner tenant, "Chicago Blooms" was one of the casualties of M Development's decision. This neighborhood florist was a long-time fixture in the Gold Coast neighborhood - providing character, color and beauty to State Street. Once they were forced out of the building that vibrant storefront was replaced by dark, ugly brown paper-covered windows and a frontage often strewn with litter.

When DRW Holdings, LLC purchased a large portion of the M Development real estate portfolio earlier this year, Alderman Reilly met with the new owners to discuss his concerns about the vacant State and Elm property and the blighted appearance of the storefronts and general lack of maintenance of the building.

Alderman Reilly petitioned the new owners to reactivate the retail frontage at this high profile address - to improve neighborhood safety and aesthetics. As a result of Alderman Reilly's meetings with DRW, they have committed to being a good neighbor and have followed through on their promise to reactivate the site.

The store fronts are now well-maintained and clean and, with the assistance of Alderman Reilly, DRW has gone above and beyond the call by agreeing to re-open the corner flower shop under the new name: "Regina Court Flowers."

Bob Susic has managed the property located at State and Elm for over 24 years. Mr. Susic and his family have run flower shops in the past. So when DRW mentioned Alderman Reilly's interest in bringing a flower shop back to this building, Mr. Susic volunteered to reopen the family flower business again.

Alderman Reilly is very grateful to Mr. Don Wilson and his team at DRW Holdings for their generous work (and financial support) to facilitate the re-opening of the flower shop and their commitment to reactivating this important Gold Coast icon.

"Regina Court Flowers" will offer a fine selection of seasonal flowers and gifts. The shop will serve the local Gold Coast neighborhood and local businesses with its delivery service. The scheduled hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Please note: if there is not enough steady business to sustain the shop seven days a week, the owner may be forced to cut the hours back accordingly. As such, Alderman Reilly is urging neighbors to join together and support the re-opening of the flower shop that was requested by the Gold Coast community!

The flower shop shall remain on-site until which time DRW has an approved plan for redevelopment of the site - after going through the Alderman's rigorous and transparent development review community process.

Nice to see something will be back in that storefront, at least temporarily. I'd actually like to see the entire building reused, although unfortunately I highly doubt that'll be its fate.

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/15836641/11-15-E-Huron-Chicago-IL/

This building is pretty much framed out in steel at this point.

They started the footings and the steel before taking down the old structure. At first it looked like a remodel...but now most of the original building has been dismantled. I live around the corner and have heard nothing regarding tennants, etc. The building permit says Stone Street Partners, LLC.

Previously there was a low-rise slope-roofed building that served as the sales center for the neighboring Pinnacle.

^That's ikram's new store.

Looks like Hines is the new developer behind the Grossinger redevelopment on Wells. They're stating that construction is to begin this spring.
http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/3870/grossingerredev.jpg

Looks like Hines is the new developer behind the Grossinger redevelopment on Wells. They're stating that construction is to begin this spring.
http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/3870/grossingerredev.jpg

Oooh. Very skeptical on this architecture wise. The colors seem like they might end up as vomit.

Still given the state of highrise or even midrise construction here; I suppose we should just take what we can get.

http://www.chicagomag.com/Radar/Deal-Estate/January-2011/Home-Wrecker-Frank-Lloyd-Wrights-Gold-Coast-Love-Nest-Slated-for-Demolition/

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Gold Coast Love Nest Slated for Demolition
By Dennis Rodkin

The buyers of the red brick house at 25 East Cedar Street where Frank Lloyd Wright lived during one of the most tumultuous chapters of his life will tear it down and build a new residence on the site, according to the real-estate agent for the home’s sellers. The sale closed on Tuesday, and the buyers, not yet identified in public records, paid $1.5 million for the property; the sellers, Gordy and Clari Siegel, had been asking $1.7 million. A Chicago Tribute sign in front of the house notes that Wright once lived in the home, but the place does not have landmark status.
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9999/de20110127flashfrankllo.jpg

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9999/de20110127flashfrankllo.jpg

Total wast to knock that down,
UNLESS you are putting up a nice highrise.

Knockdown cool old house
to put up new house?
Dumb.

^not dumb. Retarded.

"Very skeptical on this architecture wise. The colors seem like they might end up as vomit."

As for me the colors of the building is look great. Very cool in my eyes. LOL

----------------
TVwebi (http://www.squidoo.com/tvwebi-review)

Total wast to knock that down,
UNLESS you are putting up a nice highrise.

Knockdown cool old house
to put up new house?
Dumb.
A nice highrise? On a 30ft lot? In this market? Are you kidding me?

You are knocking down a "cool old house" because its foundations have been fully compromised, its exterior masonry is being torn apart, the interior floors are sloping following the direction of the failing foundation, the interior has not been renovated in decades and... its just not worth saving. There is nothing significant about this house. Yes, FLW lived there, but for only a short time and he did not have a hand in any of the architecture of the building. His presence alone does not warrant preservation.

Buildings don't last forever, they have life cycles and each comes to a point where the discussion of whether it is worth investing the capital to save it must occur. Not all deserve the effort. Best to save for those that do.

^not dumb. Retarded.
Guess you should have ponied up the $1.5 million to buy it and another $1.5 million for repairs then.

Once again, its just not worth saving.

I hope their plans don't include massive amounts of parking, but good to see that Scottish Rite will be preserved in some way.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20110212/ISSUE01/302129976#axzz1Dgtk0XiX

Taking Names: Suburban mega-church to land in Gold Coast
By: Shia Kapos February 14, 2011

A tony block in the Gold Coast will soon include an unlikely resident: a suburban-based mega-church.

The new home of Harvest Bible Chapel is so far noted only by a temporary sign. Neighbors, many of whom attend nearby Holy Name Cathedral or Fourth Presbyterian (both also quite large), say they haven't heard a peep about its plans.

^ I guess, but I"m not a big fan of religious institutions in general.

But whatever--it was already a church anyhow..

A nice highrise? On a 30ft lot? In this market? Are you kidding me?

You are knocking down a "cool old house" because its foundations have been fully compromised, its exterior masonry is being torn apart, the interior floors are sloping following the direction of the failing foundation, the interior has not been renovated in decades and... its just not worth saving. There is nothing significant about this house. Yes, FLW lived there, but for only a short time and he did not have a hand in any of the architecture of the building. His presence alone does not warrant preservation.

Buildings don't last forever, they have life cycles and each comes to a point where the discussion of whether it is worth investing the capital to save it must occur. Not all deserve the effort. Best to save for those that do.


Guess you should have ponied up the $1.5 million to buy it and another $1.5 million for repairs then.

Once again, its just not worth saving.


So the new construction building will cost how much to build?
At the very least I would put a small condo building there.
Small condo buildings are the best as far as condo buildings go
you have lower assesment costs
and less hassles with having alot of other people on the condo board.

yea the lot is wide enough for a 5 story building. I'd be happy with anything above 3 floors over another vacant lot... they could keep it closed off until it crumbles on its own instead knocking it down for nothing imo...

yea the lot is wide enough for a 5 story building. I'd be happy with anything above 3 floors over another vacant lot... they could keep it closed off until it crumbles on its own instead knocking it down for nothing imo...

Who ever said they were leaving it a vacant lot?

The purchasers are demolishing it to build their own new construction residence.

LINK (http://www.chicagomag.com/Radar/Deal-Estate/January-2011/Home-Wrecker-Frank-Lloyd-Wrights-Gold-Coast-Love-Nest-Slated-for-Demolition/)

^okay now that makes much more sense...

A new retail building on Walton is set to replace these buildings. Already the Underground Wonder Bar and Tom's Gold Coast shoe repair have relocated in anticipation of demolition.

First the new building, about 8000 sf of retail on two floors (although that could always change depending on the tenant):
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/1287/waltondev.jpg

And the buildings it will replace:
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/8291/77957218.jpg
Originally, only the two buildings on the left were supposed to go. However, the developer recently gained control of the last building and now that will be demolished as well.

Since this is the only portion of the block not to have been leveled in recent years, I think it's appropriate to note the changes that have occurred in the area:

2002
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/9467/oldgold.jpg
2010
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9739/newgoldp.jpg

In between 30 W Oak, a new Ogden school, 10 E Delaware, Walton on the Park, Elysian, Barneys, Walgreens, lululemon, and 50 E Chestnut were built.

^ The suburbanization of the Gold Coast.

^ The suburbanization of the Gold Coast.

I dont know whats wrong with some people in Chicago.
I could see knocking down the two buildings to the right,
but jeez, that greystone with the black baywindows is a stunner.

Are they really going to tear that down?
So you would replace 3 four story buildings with
one two story building? Thats dumb.

Also that greystone has a cool underground store.
How common is that? That would be a cool space for a bar.

Super super super dumb.

They have knocked a bunch of older buildings
right around there and replaced them with
rather inferior two story crumb bums.
Like that walgreens right next door.
They are really making that area sterile and dull.

RIP, Underground Wonder Bar. You were a bit of a dive, and I only visited you once, but that one evening of Long Island Iced Teas (and the resulting insanity) I will remember forever...hazily.

I can't wait for the day I'm able to develop this city with out worrying much about my investments.....

Ogden School
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u291/kdickert/OgdenSchool.jpg

Does anyone know what is going on at the southernmost LSD Mansion? I think it is around 1200 N or so. I drove past it on LSD earlier and the entire front stoop and steps were completely removed.

Ronald McDonald SSp Update:

1 floor so far....
4-23

Casa del Ron McDon

http://img863.imageshack.us/img863/9369/ronmcdon.jpg

Ronald McDonalds House Update

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/TcctdgN2-rI/AAAAAAABkYA/vWYidzz5o7k/s720/P1900308.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Tcctf8bgT1I/AAAAAAABkYI/Z3Dx14n36xA/s912/P1900310.JPG

note the holes in the frame (?) for the post tension cables.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Tcctg7DsuQI/AAAAAAABkYQ/yz7ag7roLtI/s912/P1900312.JPG

post tension cables waiting
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Tcctihe7AnI/AAAAAAABkYY/Px91uCsCA0A/s912/P1900315.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Tcctj4bsjlI/AAAAAAABkYg/w0OGd1iVT54/s912/P1900347.JPG

Side view of climbing slip form.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/TcctlZEhDfI/AAAAAAABkYo/AFoV5I1FszE/s912/P1900352.JPG

^Excellend LSE updates.

Museum of Broadcast Communicationshttp://img233.imageshack.us/img233/53/p1010995l.jpg

Thankfully the sidewalk finally reopened.

.......

SSP Updates:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/TcdkaeEDJsI/AAAAAAABkaQ/Y6qsWNtEmWI/s912/P1900281.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/TcdkbV3IkLI/AAAAAAABkaY/DeIKga7OGVY/s912/P1900283.JPG

One of the weirdest press releases I've read in some time, like a meditation on the hotel industry, design and service.

http://www.publichotels.com

http://www.hospitalityworldnetwork.com/brands/ian-schrager-launches-public-brand-in-chicago-11425

Ian Schrager launches Public brand in Chicago
May 24, 2011

....Schrager responds to this cultural shift by creating public spaces within the new Chicago hotel that accommodate this ever-present need for social interaction. PUBLIC Chicago’s “chat rooms” known as the Living Room and the Library will juxtapose comfortable, intimate seating areas with communal work tables and computer stations. Reminiscent of 1950’s American and European coffee houses and French patisseries, The Library will house a coffee bar during the day, offering Stumptown coffee with an array of coffee selections from around the world. By night, the Library is transformed into a sexy lounge and bar offering a full bar, draught beer, international bottled beers, specialty cocktails and small plated exotic food by Jean-George Vongerichten. The Library will also be the perfect spot to enjoy dessert after dining at the new restaurant. Off of the Library is the candlelit Backroom which doubles as a Screening Room and hosts comfortable lounges and intimate seating for enjoying private screenings in an unique and comfortable way, video installations, poetry readings, original performances, relaxing and entertaining.

Although the famed Pump Room is undergoing a complete renovation, it will still be Chicago’s beloved restaurant, but better! The new food concept by world-renowned, chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will be inspired by his 2011 James Beard Best New Restaurant award winning, ABC Kitchen in New York City, but tailored for Chicago. The restaurant will offer reasonably priced, delicious favorites in a relaxed, comfortable environment. Jean-Georges will also support local purveyors, regional flavors and offer a “farm to table” experience as well as a daily special chef’s tasting menu of the most unique creations. At night, the restaurant’s bar will be transformed into a supper club recapturing the glamour of the 30’s and 40’s with a modern twist. Offerings will include light tapas style food including Asian specialties, exotic cocktails and great music. For the first time, guests will have all of their needs for dining, drinking, relaxing, working or entertaining under one roof for both day and night.

Jewel Taking Bids for a High-Rise at Clark and Division
Tuesday, July 5, 2011, by Mark Boyer

Jewel is taking bids from several prominent developers to build a new high-rise with as many as 40 stories on the site of an existing Jewel-Osco store and surface parking lot at Clark and Division streets in the Gold Coast,

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2011/07/05/jewel-taking-bids-for-a-highrise-at-clark-and-division.php

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/6285/4thpres1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/810/4thpres1.jpg/)

A piece I did for Curbed:
http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2011/10/24/fourth-presbyterian-addition-and-more.php

Jewel Taking Bids for a High-Rise at Clark and Division
Tuesday, July 5, 2011, by Mark Boyer

Jewel is taking bids from several prominent developers to build a new high-rise with as many as 40 stories on the site of an existing Jewel-Osco store and surface parking lot at Clark and Division streets in the Gold Coast,

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2011/07/05/jewel-taking-bids-for-a-highrise-at-clark-and-division.php

I see this was posted this past summer, but I overlooked it. Glad to hear this block will be redeveloped, presumably with the parking lot disappearing and on-site parking build underground (hopefully no above ground parking podium).

I see this was posted this past summer, but I overlooked it. Glad to hear this block will be redeveloped, presumably with the parking lot disappearing and on-site parking build underground (hopefully no above ground parking podium).

...and you missed the proposed design that was released a few months later

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2011/11/21/tower-of-jewel-could-tower-over-clark-and-division.php