Height: 498 ft
Floor count: 49
Location: East Illinois and North McClurg
Neighborhood: Streeterville
Construction end: 2008
Architect: Solomon, Cordwell, Buenz and Associates
Developer: MCL Companies

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

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/1232/parkviewwestrc8.jpg

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/6444/parkviewwest1bx6.jpg

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/4623/parkviewwestbaseom9.jpg


Height:
Floor count: 27
Location: East Grand and North Peshtigo
Construction end:
Architect: Solomon, Cordwell, Buenz and Associates
Developer:

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/2947/47295573ql2.jpg

Hmm. I thought there was a thread for this already.

Edit: I didn't realize that the old Parkview thread became "River East Development News," but ok.

January 12, 2007

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/7366/dsc0202copyuo2.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8738/dsc0206copycj1.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/5374/dsc0209copydl1.jpg

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9202/dsc0211copyho3.jpg

We love retrograde! Ra ra ra!

From SSP:



1. Parkview West will be only 497'-6" tall, not 506'-10" as we had it before. It will be 49 stories tall.

All heights are taken from blueprints viewed today.

Taken today:

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/7034/parkviewwestlc0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

February 15, 2007

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/2924/dsc0612copybl8.jpg

Taken today:

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/2848/pvwest2vw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Looking down Illinois
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/2141/pvwest1yn1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

3-11

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2223/dsc07312au3.jpg

^^ how tall is that building in the background and when did it go up

River East Center? A couple years ago.

March 13, 2007

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/6848/dsc0292copyfu4.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/8162/dsc0282copyma2.jpg

For no particular reason, here are some updated renderings from SCB

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/2947/47295573ql2.jpg

Park
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/2883/83920441ki2.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9894/27203531ua7.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/566/22766462kd5.jpg

I enjoy how the yellow balconies contrast with the blue glass. I might be alone but I have always liked this tower.

from this building, one would get a nice view of the spire :)

Are are those sprinklers for real? Nice park though, I was happy this development would get rid of that parking lot, and actually have some green space. thanks for the renders spyguy

I enjoy how the yellow balconies contrast with the blue glass. I might be alone but I have always liked this tower.

I actually agree. But lets see how the yellow actually looks when complete, it could look wierd.

Taken today:

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5122/parkviewwest33007su0.jpg

^They actually have the glass in for the first three floors or so on the south side. I will trot over there tomorrow and try and get a photo of it.

Even though they are increasingly becoming more scarce, that surface lot in the background makes me cringe.

^They actually have the glass in for the first three floors or so on the south side. I will trot over there tomorrow and try and get a photo of it.

Really? Great, I'd like to see it. This building intrigues me.

Very reflective.

http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/6792/ddsded7.jpg

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/5725/parkviewglassfn1.jpg

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/2871/parkviewei0.jpg

The whole site

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/6150/parkviewsiteow0.jpg

In the "whole site shot" there appears to be a tower crane located east of Parkview and in front of 474 LSD. Does anyone know what it belongs to?

^Its all part of the park construction and the foundation work for Parkview east.

How tall was Parkview East supposed to be again?

How tall was Parkview East supposed to be again?

Not that tall... 27 stories
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1030/parkvieweastyp8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Does anyone know why they suspended construction of Parkview East?

They haven't started selling units in that building.

April 5, 2007

Parkview West
http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/2491/dsc0064copyos0.jpg

http://img452.imageshack.us/img452/6568/dsc0084copybn3.jpg

http://img452.imageshack.us/img452/763/dsc0099copyfn8.jpg

^^ Wow ... that glass is fucking brilliant.

I like the glass wall. It will help Parkview West stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other projects with higher profile such as The Streeter, 600 N Fairbanks, and 550 St Clair.

This one is turning out better than expected which we all know is a rarity in these parts.

Any word on when Parkview East will begin?

^^ Wow ... that glass is fucking brilliant.

I agree. The color is off the chain, Im really liking this one.

Taken today:

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/9227/pvwest413yq3.jpg

If that's the yellow from the renderings surrounding some of the windows...That's much milder than in the rendering, and IMO will look better in real life. Another building that will look better in real life than in the rendering! WOW!

^^ No that's just insulative material and will be covered up.

No, not that bright yellow material, its the more-beigey stuff to the right of it on the other side of the corner. Its also on the balconies of that same side. In the renderings, that looks very yellow but not nearly as much so in real-life.

I think you're referring to, what would appear to be, unfinished concrete. I would assume it will be clad or painted.

Oh I guess it is unfinished. My bad. It looked finished for some reason.

^yes, apparently it will be clad in copper. Any updates?

^Funny you should ask. Taken this morning:

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7286/pvwest53largerbd2.jpg

Great picture! Its about halfway to topping out by now! :)

May 3, 2007

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/13/dsc0064fx0.jpg

May 23, 2007

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/2837/dsc0298copyif0.jpg

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/9337/dsc0287copydw3.jpg

^^ glass looks so fantastic--pity it isn't 20 stories taller. between this and 600 N. Fairbanks streeterville is getting a nice boost in quality architecture!

^I always had a good feelin about this one, in person its great lookin' and those bright yellow balconies on the blueish glass give it a hip Cali-look. :)

^ nice observation. It looks really slick.

^I always had a good feelin about this one, in person its great lookin' and those bright yellow balconies on the blueish glass give it a hip Cali-look. :)


That's external construction material.

No in the renderings, they have yellow balconies.

That's external construction material.

Well obviously the visible yellow is construction material in the photos above, but I was talkin about "in person" seein it, in which the East facade already has a few in place.

Many others have said this before but I feel compelled to say that the facade is beautiful. I hadn't been following this thead that closely so I hadn't really noticed the glass yet. Then yesterday it caught my eye and I was taken back by how good it looked. It's nice to know our city is getting another quality tower.

They're turning Lakeshore East into Miami North. I miss the golf course. Makes me want to move back to Florida.

They're turning Lakeshore East into Miami North. I miss the golf course. Makes me want to move back to Florida.

Right, because Miami is so open and clear, there is NO new development in Miami :ohno:

I was actually being facetious...Miami is a disaster amongst people in the know...it's the punchline to an Architectural high rise joke.

They're turning Lakeshore East into Miami North. I miss the golf course. Makes me want to move back to Florida.

Um, Parkview West isn't in Lakeshore East.

Sorry. I'm not a local.....but way to semantically disregard the heart of the comment.

Sorry. I'm not a local.....but way to semantically disregard the heart of the comment.

Welcome to SSC
:cheers:

June 8, 2007

http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/3497/dsc0109copyek0.jpg

6-9-07

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/1427/dsc08033jg0.jpg


http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/3976/dsc08025pi3.jpg

Any opinions on what this new covering is on the north face? I was hoping it would be the copper, but it doesn't look like the right color. Maybe it's some underlayment or something.

(picture from June 2nd)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1379/539875993_bfb185a415_o.jpg

I don't think that's any kind of underlayment. It looks like finish face to me. And a particularly craptastic one at that.

I don't think that's any kind of underlayment. It looks like finish face to me. And a particularly craptastic one at that.
__________________
Straight from State and Monroe in downtown Chicago!

^^ ^^

:down:



I agree.

^^ Why? Give a reason before you knock it (personally, I don't see anything wrong with it; it adds some surface texture to the building facade).

But shouldn't copper be copper-colored? This looks too light. Any chance there's some protective film that will be pulled off to reveal shiny copper panels?

Here's an enlargement (sorry about the grain). By the way, are those balcony railings waiting to be painted yellow, or just safety barricades?

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1182/544946551_471560f410_o.jpg

I did not have a camera with me, but this morning I noticed that another material was starting to be placed over the yellow panels. It's a brown (maybe you call it copper) color with a "brick" design.


It's looks just as bad; if not awful. :gaah:

Why? Give a reason before you knock it (personally, I don't see anything wrong with it; it adds some surface texture to the building facade).
I didn't think it was necessary to explain why - silly me... I assumed everyone on the forum had a fully functional set of eyes. Allow me to describe to you what I see: bloated-ass enlarged yellow 'bricks,' for lack of a better word. It's just some sort of horrible stone or faux-stone or whatever. It's a piece of shit and this is why I always had reservations about this tower.

Here are some new shots showing the copper cladding. (That beige stuff must be some sort of backing.) I had hoped it would look more metallic. It is supposedly real copper that is coated so it won't develop a green patina. To me it looks like really big bricks or some sort of tile.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1417/557247503_09b3b911cf.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1326/557082102_a8fe06fccf.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1422/557247223_5538b870ee.jpg

Hmmm.... it'll be interesting to see how the sun catches the copper. If it's as dull as it looks in those photos, then I'm not too happy about it.

Of course, I can always just go a couple blocks west and thank the gods that LR decided not to use painted concrete.

Hmmm.... it'll be interesting to see how the sun catches the copper. If it's as dull as it looks in those photos, then I'm not too happy about it.

Of course, I can always just go a couple blocks west and thank the gods that LR decided not to use painted concrete.
I recall when the Time-Life building using Cor-ten steel and copper-sheen glass resulted in rapid rusting and blinding glare. The virtue of Cor-ten, first used in the Picasso and later in the Civic Center, was its first acquiring a pleasant reddish-brown patina before the corrosion quickly stopped thus requiring little to no maintenance. For some reason it failed at the Time-Life building (a powerful building in its own right) where traces of its failure still stain the surrounding concrete. Successive chemical applications seem to have arrested further corrosion, and the glass has been toned down as well. Sometimes you had to use your visors when driving East toward the building.

Here are some new shots showing the copper cladding. (That beige stuff must be some sort of backing.) I had hoped it would look more metallic. It is supposedly real copper that is coated so it won't develop a green patina. To me it looks like really big bricks or some sort of tile.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1417/557247503_09b3b911cf.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1326/557082102_a8fe06fccf.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1422/557247223_5538b870ee.jpg

Atually, I think the green patina would be an improvement. The developer had a sample of this material on the outside near Peshtigo Street for several months. I never thought it would be used as siding for the building. I thought it was meant for the park.

And the densification of Streeterville continues. Parkview West is located between Grand and Illinois at McClurg.

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/1232/parkviewwestrc8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/6444/parkviewwest1bx6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/4623/parkviewwestbaseom9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Early renderings from i_am_hydrogen show a shiny copper color that would have been nice. But maybe this dark color will look OK when they paint the porches yellow. It's hard to envision the whole effect -- there's a lot going on here.

I kind of like it.

They're so full of shit! There's no way that's real copper!!! Even dull copper would have a sheen to it and some reflective quality - no matter how diffuse. Also, copper is an incredibly expensive material to skin a building in - I just don't see it happening in a very run-of-the-mill tower.

^Yeah, that definitely isn't copper.

I think they can design the park a little better. seems kinda boring

June 12, 2007

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/7439/dsc0259sb3.jpg http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/8384/dsc0133lo7.jpg http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/7028/dsc0112pb7.jpg

June 20, 2007

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/3652/dsc0057wt4.jpg http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/4504/dsc0049ko7.jpg

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/746/dsc0053qj5.jpg

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/1567/dsc0066ma1.jpg

geoff: I didn't think it was necessary to explain why - silly me... I assumed everyone on the forum had a fully functional set of eyes. Allow me to describe to you what I see: bloated-ass enlarged yellow 'bricks,' for lack of a better word. It's just some sort of horrible stone or faux-stone or whatever. It's a piece of shit and this is why I always had reservations about this tower.

geoff: They're so full of shit! There's no way that's real copper!!! Even dull copper would have a sheen to it and some reflective quality - no matter how diffuse. Also, copper is an incredibly expensive material to skin a building in - I just don't see it happening in a very run-of-the-mill tower.

Relax......

Relax......

:bash:

Relax!? Really? How worked up can I be sitting in front of a monitor tapping away on a keyboard. You do realize that I wasn't actually yelling those things as I was typing them, no?

Been thinking about this building -- it's going to have a facade that's all glass and copper (or something) and not a bit of exposed concrete (painted or otherwise), even though it's poured-in-place concrete construction.

Interesting how they constructed the walls behind the psuedo-copper with cement blocks -- don't see why it won't work, and it must be cheaper or faster to build than using poured-in-place walls. Just seems unusual on a 40+ story tower.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1342/632385898_8140588937.jpg

Taken today:
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6330/pvwesttodayda8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^ Thanks hydrogen, nice shot from da perch

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1259/747496253_4ee3e549cc_o.jpg

7-8-07

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7315/dsc08169ej9.jpg


http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/5407/dsc08168fi3.jpg


http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/6739/dsc08170hg2.jpg

7-21-07

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/614/dsc08324wg6.jpg


http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/6825/dsc08325bm6.jpg


http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/996/dsc08327yx9.jpg

Does anyone know about debris falling from the highrise construction. I think it was Monday afternoon.

Does anyone know about debris falling from the highrise construction. I think it was Monday afternoon.The Trib had a small article on it:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-070813debrisaug13,1,7797633.story

^^


Thanks

^^ You're welcome :)

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/Picture022-1.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/Picture037.jpg

August 17, 2007

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/9596/dsc0676ni6.jpg

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2056/dsc0671dt5.jpg

I still hate the building, but, hot damn that glazing is sexxxxxxy.

Uh... I guess all opinions are valid but, How can you hate this lean, clean and sleek building and say that the Cityfront plaza-Fairbanks is a "nice little bit of filler"?

8-18-07

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/1607/dsc08456cq3.jpg


http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8816/dsc08462tb4.jpg

I still hate the building, but, hot damn that glazing is sexxxxxxy.

^ No offense, but I think I have disagreed with pretty much every opinion you've expressed today (except the part about Macy's tanking)

Streetersville is turning out to be about 100 times more architecturally interesting than River North.

I guess more street activity = bad architecture

Less street activity = good architecture.

When will the big park at the base of the tower be completed? HAs it even started yet?

When will the big park at the base of the tower be completed? HAs it even started yet?

^ Looks like they're working on the park, as well as the townhomes, from this pic posted by Retrograde:

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6158/dsc0197pt8.jpg

Uh... I guess all opinions are valid but, How can you hate this lean, clean and sleek building and say that the Cityfront plaza-Fairbanks is a "nice little bit of filler"?
I despise the "copper" cladding and the base of this tower. That's pretty much my biggest complaint. The Fairbanks, on the other hand, is refreshing in its massing (even if could stand to be ten stories taller) and its detailing. Of course, this is just my opinion.

^ Looks like they're working on the park, as well as the townhomes, from this pic posted by Retrograde:

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6158/dsc0197pt8.jpg

^^
townhomes, what townhomes???????????

Taken today:
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/1182/pvwest91aoncb7.jpg

http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/1756/pvwest913eh7.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/4903/pvwest914aw6.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6297/pvwest91basegu3.jpg

The yellow balconies have arrived. I think this whole complex (two towers and the little park in the middle) is going to be very nice. I'm starting to like it a lot.

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/6884/p1010901ck7.jpg

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/7653/p1010904yh2.jpg

[QUOTE=Chiman;16231334]The yellow balconies have arrived. I think this whole complex (two towers and the little park in the middle) is going to be very nice. I'm starting to like it a lot.

^^Such a really nice looking building with some character and this is the first post in 30 days...:lol:

Nice pictures Chiman....Thank You.

Taken today:
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/9305/park600db8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5869/dscc20046ae9.jpg

What is that u/c building behind Parkview West? They're going up all over the place!

600 North Lake Shore Drive (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=16489891)

The sales office is in my office building, so I went in yesterday to see the gorgeous model that they have on display and I asked the rep. there about the other tower east of this one, specifically about the height and she said that originally it was to be shorter, but the developer has increased the height to about the same height as this one (450'-500'). Not sure how it will work timewise with the current condo market but time will tell (no renderings yet btw).

Interesting. I always felt the second tower was much too short for the location. I wonder how the arrival of the Peshtigo will impact the timetable for this one.

^^True, I used to think the same thing - as for the Peshtigo, I just think it's great that hopefully within the next 2-4 years, there will two massive high-rises going up right next to each other, and that aren't part of the same development.

The singled BEST thing about this whole development is the park - personally i think that is so wonderful to have this brand new park right in the heard of a city's downtown area that is not part of an original planned development but that was spared from over-development so that everyone can enjoy it. And it's pretty HUGE, it's almost a full city block long and a full block wide, which I think is really incredible. :) :) :)

All valid points. The park will be a great asset in the future.

Although now that I think about, I'm a little worried about this second tower being about the same height. I don't particularly like the high concentration of twin towers going up in Streeterville (plus all the existing ones), so I hope the design of the second tower is a lot different from Parkview West.

All valid points. The park will be a great asset in the future.

Although now that I think about, I'm a little worried about this second tower being about the same height. I don't particularly like the high concentration of twin towers going up in Streeterville (plus all the existing ones), so I hope the design of the second tower is a lot different from Parkview West.

park good.

more height good.

:yes:

The sales office is in my office building, so I went in yesterday to see the gorgeous model that they have on display and I asked the rep. there about the other tower east of this one, specifically about the height and she said that originally it was to be shorter, but the developer has increased the height to about the same height as this one (450'-500'). Not sure how it will work timewise with the current condo market but time will tell (no renderings yet btw).

CHIsentinel.....I take it from your post that you work in the North Pier Building (River East Art Center). What floor are you on?

Are you guys talking about Parkview East, or a different building?

December 19, 2007

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/788/dsc0095ds0.jpg

Looking good to me! I Like Streeter I in the background and can't wait for Streeter II.

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/4866/2008januarypics096ai4.jpg

^Nice hint of David Hovey in those balconies.

Taken today:
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/5314/pvwest223fj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

24 Feb:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/224-49.jpg

Wish they could market this without the gaudy sign -- at least the "copper" finally looks like copper in direct sunlight!

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/8349/march08031lj8.jpg

I really don't like those garish advertisements either. Can't see them here (from today):
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/9914/dsc03348xy7.jpg
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/4918/dsc03344tp7.jpg

Taken on 4/2:
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/6615/pv600lsdpr1.jpg

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/7928/pvwest42yi1.jpg

nice picture.....of 600 lake shore drive.

Cool pictures!

Taken today:
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/6451/pvwest5131pk3.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/5233/pvwest5132mr4.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/1593/pvwest5133my6.jpg

I'll add another to the pile:
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8714/pvwest516xh4.jpg

Taken on 5-22:
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/5355/pvwest5223mc4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

great pic hydro. clouds are kickass.

this building turned out better then I expected.

nice picture.....of 600 lake shore drive.

that building sucks. what a waste of a great spot.

yeah, you're probably right. two of this soulless variety of Miami-wannabee design with the cutesy David Hovey balcony nod would be much better suited on a site just down the block from 860-880 lakeshore drive. i stand corrected.

Flickr.com - patrickherek

July 7
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2650344752_9fd02cd42f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2650309304_c785e2dd47_b.jpg

Many thanks Reinsdorf for the extensive coverage of the current construction scene. Nice photography too. :cheers:

The park is being finished (and will be a nice addition to the community, IMO).

Notice the demo of the construction sheds where the east tower should be built. Any chance that could happen soon? What about Peshtigo next door??

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/5721/parkviewparkdj7.jpg

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/483/parkviewdemozc4.jpg

I spy a yellow piller, didn't know they were going to do that. But... I guess I quick look at the render would have helped me notice.

Nice view, Chiman. Please continue to share your photos as this project further develops. With the River East Art Center on one side to provide a consistent streetwall, this will be a great location for a park. If only the surface lot directly to the north could be developed...

Some renderings of the park posted earlier in the thread by spyguy:
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/2883/83920441ki2.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9894/27203531ua7.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/566/22766462kd5.jpg

That surface lot is currently parking for the Rehab Institute of Chicago and owned by Northwestern Memorial. It's one of the sites submitted for possible development into a parking garage (800 to 1200 spaces) to support the new Children's Memorial Hospital being built on Chicago next to the new Prentice Women's Hosptial.

Of the three sites being considered for a parking structure, this site on McClurg btwn Grand and Ohio is way too nice a location for that purpose. I hope something more appropriate gets done here.

More progress

http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/1761/aug08bigcamera090vt8.jpg

^^That's some nice lookin' turf!

The park looks intriguing, but I am afraid that it might turn into a dog park!

^^That's some nice lookin' turf!

I know, at first look I thought it was a render! :lol:

I like the park, but is it really needed there? I live at 600 N Fairbanks and I can walk three blocks and be on the beach or the park next to Ohio St. beach. Why do we need this green space in such a great, dense area? I'd rather fill it up with a couple nice buildings or some retail, there is plenty of access to green space in this neighborhood already.

I like the park, but is it really needed there? I live at 600 N Fairbanks and I can walk three blocks and be on the beach or the park next to Ohio St. beach. Why do we need this green space in such a great, dense area? I'd rather fill it up with a couple nice buildings or some retail, there is plenty of access to green space in this neighborhood already.

IMHO, I think that with all the buildings going up in the neighborhood at about 50 stories (like Streeter and Streeter Place), the open space will be definitely appreciated. I also think it's too bad that that it did not include the parking lot at Peshtigo as well.

Green roofs are taking root in American cities
Other cities push to take Chicago's crown

By Lisa Anderson | Chicago Tribune correspondent
September 19, 2008

Photos of Parkview West (now known as ParkView Condominiums) by Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-09/42292542.jpg

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-09/42292548.jpg

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-09/42292606.jpg

NEW YORK — When asphalt-weary American city dwellers yearn for a bit of greenery these days, more and more of them head for the roof.

The concept of planted green roofs, which gained early popularity in Chicago, is beginning to take root in New York and other cities.

Construction of green roofs grew 30 percent in North America last year, according to the third annual Green Roof Market Industry Survey by the Toronto-based non-profit group Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. For the third time, Chicago topped the list of U.S. and Canadian cities in terms of square footage installed in one year. Although it polls only members of its group, the Green Roofs survey estimates it reflects about 60 percent of all green roof industry activity in the U.S. and Canada.

Due to cost, green roofs appear primarily on public and commercial buildings, such as the new Bank of America tower in Manhattan or the Apple Store on Chicago's Michigan Avenue. But they also are beginning to sprout on single family homes and other private dwellings.

Among Chicago's other high-profile buildings with green roofs are City Hall, Millennium Park, the Chicago Center for Green Technology, and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/green/chi-green_roofssep19,0,8529.story

NewHomeNotebook has posted a number of videos of ParkView:

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1F8DA45277E97317

Taken today:
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/9316/pvwest115mi4.jpg

http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/5953/pvwestetal115cl2.jpg

If only those balconies could have been aluminum rather than "caution" yellow

Taken today:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3355680610_f7c39ab6f3_o.jpg

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3008/parkviewwest.jpg

If only those balconies could have been aluminum rather than "caution" yellow

Are you kidding me? I *love* the yellow colors. Adds a great highlight to the building.

I've noticed this from the express bus a few times, and honestly I really like this tower. I love the yellow. It makes it stand apart and have a more bold statement than some of the other blah buildings nearby.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/4048589176_13189d2497_o.jpg