155 North Wacker - 638'/48 fl (Com) [Archive]

i_am_hydrogen

January 15th, 2007, 06:39 AM

Height: 638 ft
Floor count: 48
Location: North Wacker and West Randolph
Construction end: 2008
Architect: Goettsch Partners, Inc.
Developer: John Buck Company

Website (http://www.gpchicago.com/users/folder.asp?FolderID=764&SubCat=corporate+%2B+commercial)

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/8219/155nwackerqs9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1935_1_Wacker1.jpg

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1935_2_Wacker2.jpg

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1935_3_Wacker3.jpg

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1935_4_Wacker4.jpg

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1935_5_Wacker5.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6927/19353155northwackerduskdv2.jpg

urban_addict

January 15th, 2007, 06:41 AM

BUILD IT!

megatower

January 15th, 2007, 08:44 AM

it's to much of a box building to me

BVictor1

January 15th, 2007, 11:14 AM

I am not at all impressed with this tower. It's boaring and conservative. I wish that developers will start to think outside of the 50-story box. Especially developers who have access to lots of capital. As I said in other threads, I believe that developers should start building like 30 floors of apartments or condos above their office developments. Not only will this add significant height to a tower to make it more prominent, but it will help to create that 24-hourdowntown that the mayor would like. If i'm an office worker, and I'm pulling an all-nighter, it would be easier to just go upstairs to the crash pad or something.

But that's just me. I guess that I am difficult to please:)

megatower

January 15th, 2007, 03:55 PM

that's the same way i feel BVictor1

Flubnut

January 15th, 2007, 05:58 PM

I'm guessing that developers would love to build over 50 stories (for ego), but it seems that 50 is the sweet spot in terms of costs/sq ft of rentable space. Profit will usually win over ego, especially when the bankers get invited to fund things.

Chi649

January 15th, 2007, 06:35 PM

geoff_diamond

January 15th, 2007, 07:20 PM

Who cares. It's not ugly and that's all that matters. I say build this shit - Wacker has some nasty gaps to fill in.

The Urban Politician

January 15th, 2007, 07:38 PM

Great architecture doth not necessarily a great financial district maketh.

It's not always about the design, it's about keeping the clients happy.

ZZ-II

January 15th, 2007, 08:58 PM

beautiful tower, i love its design

dropdeaded209

January 16th, 2007, 12:25 AM

who's the architect?

mohammed wong

January 16th, 2007, 05:33 AM

whats at 155 north wacker right now?

i think its looks great!

i do want to see some non glassy towers go up,
im afraid i will get cut by the glass and bleed to death :)

is everywhere turning into dallas?
what is the next new material that we can turn to?

i_am_hydrogen

January 16th, 2007, 06:08 AM

Buck doesn't stop
Developer seeks OK for third tower on Wacker

December 15, 2006
BY DAVID ROEDER AND FRAN SPIELMAN Staff Reporters
Developer John Buck, the leading force in the transformation of Wacker Drive into the city's hottest office destination, is at it again.

Buck has requested city approval to build a 50-story building at 155 N. Wacker, the northeast corner of Wacker and Randolph.

It would be Buck's third new development on Wacker and follow design and financial formulas he used in earlier efforts at 1 N. and 111 S. Wacker.

Both were built to the specifications of legal, accounting or financial services firms that typically want the prestige of new, technologically updated office space. They sign as anchors, and Buck leases out the balance of the space, selling the building after it's filled with creditworthy tenants.

The zoning application contains plans for a 1.1-million-square-foot building with 177 parking spaces. It would replace a 10-story building at 155 N. Wacker and a low-rise at 312 W. Randolph. Its height is listed as 644 feet.

The development site would go right up to one of the quirkier buildings still in the Loop, the tiny Showmen's League of America home at 300 W. Randolph, decorated with sculptures of elephants. Buck is known to covet the site.

The new building will be the work of Goettsch Partners Inc., the architectural firm that produced the other Wacker buildings for Buck.

Asked if the Showmen's League site is part of the plan, Steven Nilles, partner at the Goettsch firm, said, "Not yet." He said the final design is still under review.

Buck executives could not be reached. Asked about a construction timetable, Nilles would say only, "We have been given a directive to proceed" with the work.

A building started next year could be completed in 2009.

Sources have said the law firm Skadden Arps Meagher & Flom, currently at 333 W. Wacker, has agreed to lease about 175,000 square feet in the building. Buck has been seeking other sizable tenants.

The 111 S. Wacker was notable for receiving a "gold" rating for its environmental attributes under the LEED program sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council. It was the first building not designed for a single tenant that earned the rating, and Nilles said he'll try again for the designation at 155 N. Wacker.

droeder@suntimes.com

i_am_hydrogen

January 16th, 2007, 06:11 AM

whats at 155 north wacker right now?

This, I think:
http://prechicago.com/images/featuredbldg.jpg

wickedestcity

January 16th, 2007, 09:35 AM

it could be alot worse

Chi649

January 17th, 2007, 02:54 AM

^^ absolutely

CHIsentinel

January 17th, 2007, 02:59 AM

This, I think:
http://prechicago.com/images/featuredbldg.jpg

I think it's actually an empty lot right now, no?

Flubnut

January 17th, 2007, 04:01 AM

Nope. This building still stands, there are lights in many of the offices, and a Potbelly's anchors the corner. It'll be interesting to see this big boy come down.

mohammed wong

January 17th, 2007, 07:49 AM

^
why?
doesnt seem like a throwaway building,
but seems to be in the same class as the ymca building in newyork that was just sacrificed. previously tall building now much smaller compared to its neighbors, and much nicer have been thoughtlessly destroyed, like the one that was on the north east corner of block 37, or the dr. schol's (spelling?)
building on the near north side that was razed for a ho hum glass building

i take no pleasure in the taking of a building before its time.

glass building architecture is becoming the new oppression,
makes me wonder why architecture of tall buildings sways so much in one direction all the time?

i like the building, but there has to be a point where
a new style emerges and new material.

Flubnut

January 17th, 2007, 11:47 PM

Here's a better picture of the current building

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/2162/155nwacker001011706zs6.jpg

GuitarAce

January 18th, 2007, 12:06 AM

I don't know what all the fuss is about. I actually like it. It may just be a glorified box, but I think it's nicely done. I see plenty to look at. It really has some nice verticle elements.

I don't mind seeing buildings like this. They certainly add density, and at 644' this one has its ups as well.

Nothing wrong with a good box. :banana:

Chi649

January 18th, 2007, 03:48 AM

^^ This is a nice building. However:
* We already have enough similar buildings in the proposed area
* There is limited opportunity to build in the loop, I believe every new building there should be special
* The location near the bend of the river will make this building more visible

Chi_Coruscant

January 18th, 2007, 06:43 AM

Well, the tower isn't exactly eye-catching or stunning. I think it is much better to plop down this tower on the vacant lot on the west side of Franklin St between Washington St and Randolph St. The lot was owned by Crown family and has been sitting for 5 years, maybe longer.

ardecila

January 18th, 2007, 09:27 AM

Yes, except that John Buck wants to build a house on all the colored squares marked "Wacker Drive". Once he has a house on all of them, he can build a hotel and charge even higher rents. :lol:

But yes, the intersection of Randolph/Franklin needs a new building on the NE/SW corners, which have been vacant or parking lots for at least 12 years, probably more. Also a new building on the NW corner of Washington/Franklin, which used to have the old Merc building.

Retrograde

February 22nd, 2007, 07:15 AM

More scaffolding is going up at 155 North Wacker.

February 21, 2007

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/7865/dsc0646copycc2.jpg

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/337/dsc0645copysn8.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/8186/dsc0641copyxq1.jpg

ricardo

February 26th, 2007, 05:23 AM

has anyone seen the book on goettsch partners designs. The book contains
alot of new buildings beeing proposed for the city, including this one with differents designs. There are alot of suprises inside. You can get it any book store. Trust me you do not want to miss this book.

i_am_hydrogen

March 5th, 2007, 08:04 PM

From SSP:

Demolition has begun at the 155 N. Wacker site. Work crews on Saturday were tearing into the rear of one of the mid-block buildings, dirrectly east of the yellow brick shit box.

Retrograde

March 9th, 2007, 07:48 AM

March 8, 2007

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4676/dsc0177copyip5.jpg

spyguy

March 10th, 2007, 02:00 AM

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=24176

Law firm signs lease at proposed Loop tower
Skadden would take 15% of Buck's 155 N. Wacker

John Buck Co. says it has signed a lease with Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP for a new 46-story office tower that the Chicago development firm has proposed for a site at 155 N. Wacker Drive.

The giant New York law firm has agreed to take about 165,000 square feet in the 1.1-million-square-foot tower, which is scheduled to be completed by July 1, 2009, Buck says in a statement.

But Skadden’s Chicago office would take just 15% of the proposed tower, creating a significant leasing challenge for Buck, which in recent years also developed UBS Tower at 1 N. Wacker Drive and 111 S. Wacker Drive.

“The continued leasing success of (those buildings) confirms our belief that there is a strong market demand for A+ buildings in this . . . location,” says John O’Donnell, a principal with Buck.

But many experts like Buck's chances, and say existing towers will eventually feel the impact, as tenants defect to the new tower.

"It's going to compound the giant sucking sound out of the second- and third-generation Class A buildings," says Richard Schuham, executive vice-president with Studley Inc., a tenant rep firm.

Attorney Marian Wexler, the head of Skadden's local real estate practice, cites the “state-of-the-art facilities” and “enhanced technology” as reasons for making the move to 155 N. Wacker from 333 W. Wacker Drive.

Drew Nieman, also a principal with Buck, handled the negotiations with Skadden, which was advised by Elaine Melonides, managing director with Chicago-based Jones Lang LaSalle.

Negotiations began about five months ago.

Scaffolding already is being put up around the existing, 10-story office building at 155 N. Wacker, which would be torn down to make way for the new skyscraper.

Construction is expected to begin this summer. Buck confirms that construction financing will be provided by a syndicate led by Bank of America, LaSalle Bank and German financial institution Helaba. Sources have previously said the construction loans will total $290 million.

The project is a joint venture that includes an investment fund managed by Buck, Morgan Stanley’s Prime Property Fund and Chicago-based Brijus Properties. Brijus sold the site to Buck.

The tower is being designed by Chicago-based Goettsch Partners.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/6331/155nwackerwo3.gif

Chitowner245

March 10th, 2007, 02:11 AM

It's ok, but relatively uninspiring. The height and glass will be nice additions to the area though.

geoff_diamond

March 10th, 2007, 08:41 PM

Uhh... 111 S. Wacker redux anyone? Gosh that lobby looks familiar :).

spyguy

April 11th, 2007, 01:17 AM

April 19 Plan Commission Agenda

A proposed Business Planned Development submitted by JBC/155 Development LLC for
the property generally located at 155 North Wacker Drive. The applicant proposes to
construct a 660-foot office tower to contain approximately 1,100,000 square feet of office
space, ground floor retail and 177 below-grade parking spaces. (42nd Ward)

trvlr70

April 11th, 2007, 05:00 PM

I just can't seem to get excited about this building. It is simply filler to me. Perhaps the current boom is making me laxadasical about anything less than stellar.

Chitowner245

April 11th, 2007, 09:29 PM

^ Regardless of the boom, if it's fantastic, people notice it and love it. This building couldn't be more blah and look like a few other buildings in the city. No one is getting too excited about this and nor should they. It's not great architecture, and in this city people notice that and recognize their due accord to kind of ignore it.

24gotham

April 11th, 2007, 11:48 PM

I worked on the seventh floor of the current 155 N Wacker in 1999-2000, and trust me when I say that loosing this one, is no loss at all. The building is much older than the exterior would proport, but was badly re-skinned in the 1950's removing any aspect of what was once a charming structure from an earlier part of the 20th century.

The company I worked for was located there stricktly for the Wacker Drive address, as this was the lowest rent sh*t-hole on Wacker. The new building, while not ground breaking, is a nice addition to the Wacker Drive Streetwall, and I welcome its arrival. I like how the lobby is focused on Randolph as well as Wacker.

Retrograde

May 22nd, 2007, 07:16 AM

May 21, 2007

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/1893/dsc0220cl6.jpg

spyguy

June 13th, 2007, 02:16 AM

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=25319

The Commission also signed off on a proposal for the city to acquire three properties just east of an office tower that the John Buck Co. plans at 155 N. Wacker Drive. The city and developer plan to raze the three low-rise buildings on the parcels to make way for a park.

spyguy

June 13th, 2007, 10:42 PM

http://chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=25322

Second tenant signs lease at 155 N. Wacker
By Alby Gallun

The John Buck Co. has landed a second tenant for its planned 46-story office tower at 155 N. Wacker Drive, luring Bridge Finance Group LLC there from its current home at the Sears Tower.

Bridge, a specialty finance firm, has signed a lease for 82,700 square feet on the top three floors of the new Buck high-rise, joining law firm Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP, which agreed in March to lease as much as 185,000 square feet.

Chicago-based Buck is demolishing an existing building on the site and plans to begin construction of the 1.1-million-square-foot tower next month.

Bridge currently occupies about 30,000 square feet at the Sears Tower but needs extra space to accommodate projected rapid growth, says President and CEO Randy Abrahams. Founded by Mr. Abrahams three years ago, the firm employs 96 people, about half of whom work in Chicago.

Chicagoago

June 13th, 2007, 11:04 PM

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/8219/155nwackerqs9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

DAMN - how did I miss this??? I work at Two North Riverside (until they lay me off next week, haha) and my vantage of this property is almost EXACTLY what you see in the rendering, except from 20 stories up.

I've been staring at them tear down the old building for weeks now, and had NO clue what was going in there. How did I miss this thread?????

It's pretty comical watching the little bobcats and whatnot race all over inside that building slowly eating it from the top down. It's cool to watch it all happen from a birds eye view.

I know a lot of people are saying it's bland, but I honestly like this tower. Between the old 155 N. Wacker, the General Growth building, and that other one near Lake on Wacker - this area REALLY needs this building to make it more "loopy". I'm excited about this building - 95% of the cities in our country would be ecstatic to get a 660' tall building like this....

Retrograde

June 14th, 2007, 06:44 AM

June 12, 2007

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4546/dsc0518copyse6.jpg
^ not much left

Retrograde

June 15th, 2007, 05:50 AM

June 14, 2007

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/716/dsc0009bw1.jpg

Retrograde

June 20th, 2007, 03:15 AM

June 19, 2007

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/183/dsc0237yj9.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/2612/dsc0238qi1.jpg

Retrograde

June 29th, 2007, 05:30 AM

June 28, 2007

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4610/dsc0099rr7.jpg

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8783/dsc0087hj2.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/2758/dsc0078ln1.jpg

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1816/dsc0165nc5.jpg

BorisMolotov

June 29th, 2007, 06:54 AM

Well that demolition was fast. Is this going to be a steel-structure w/ concrete core or is it going to be concrete all around? I would assume steel, b/c its an office building, but I wanted to make sure.

spyguy

July 6th, 2007, 08:07 PM

http://www.aiachicago.org/events.asp

Design Exposed: Goettsch Partners

Wednesday, July 25, 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm

Partner Steve Nilles, AIA will present some of the firm’s recent high-rise and mixed-use projects in the U.S. and Asia that integrate advanced design and engineering concepts. Select Chicago assignments will include 111 South Wacker and UBS Tower, as well as the in-progress 155 N. Wacker and the vertical addition to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois headquarters. An office tour will follow.

Limited to 50 participants.

This event is sponsored by Design KC
Learning units: 1 LU/HSW
Location: 224 S. Michigan Ave., Floor 17
Member price: 0 Non-member price: $15.00

PrintersRowChemist

July 28th, 2007, 04:06 PM

Ground breaking was this past Thursday.

The anchor tenant, Skadden, is scheduled to tenant in 24 months.

geoff_diamond

July 28th, 2007, 05:23 PM

I will be so glad when the Franklin corridor finally fills in a bit. It's the part of the Loop that bothers me most!

Retrograde

August 18th, 2007, 11:20 PM

August 17, 2007

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/2708/dsc0753np0.jpg

Retrograde

September 15th, 2007, 04:17 AM

September 11, 2007

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9600/dsc0078fx1.jpg

Retrograde

September 15th, 2007, 04:17 AM

September 14, 2007

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9716/dsc0057kx9.jpg

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/7319/untitled1kx2.jpg

Retrograde

September 26th, 2007, 08:37 AM

September 25, 2007

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/1857/69605423ec1.jpg

i_am_hydrogen

September 26th, 2007, 07:47 PM

I'm not sure if anyone posted this rendering from the official website (http://www.gpchicago.com/users/folder.asp?FolderID=764&SubCat=corporate+%2B+commercial). It gives a nice perspective on how this building will fit in:
http://www.gpchicago.com/users/FolderData/%7BC88D9D15-3AFD-48A6-86FB-CB4FDB107816%7D/155web5.jpg

Chicagophotoshop

September 26th, 2007, 07:58 PM

^^ I like it.

Steely Dan

September 26th, 2007, 08:13 PM

It gives a nice perspective on how this building will fit in:

it'll fit in all right, all the way to not even being noticeable.

i wish some ballsy office developer would break N/S wacker out of its 50 story doldrums.

Chicagophotoshop

September 26th, 2007, 08:47 PM

^^ o cheer up debbie downer. it will fill in the gaps. but I'm also up for more height anytime. bring it!

dropdeaded209

September 26th, 2007, 09:22 PM

slightly off-topic, but from the angle of that picture, waterview is going to look fantastic in the skyline

le_brew

September 26th, 2007, 09:38 PM

. ..and the fact that all the development has been on the east side of wacker. . .Sears Tower blocks out most of these buildings in the skyline when viewed from the south.

ardecila

September 26th, 2007, 11:05 PM

it'll fit in all right, all the way to not even being noticeable.

i wish some ballsy office developer would break N/S wacker out of its 50 story doldrums.

I like it. It reminds me of those old 50s photos of 6th Avenue that you see, with monolithic modernist office towers for blocks on end.

The relative uniformity in height along Wacker 1) conveys a sense of corporate power and 2) is immediately offset by the extreme height of Sears Tower.

spyguy

October 2nd, 2007, 11:01 PM

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/1731/155nwacker2rx3.jpg
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/2268/155nwacker4gw9.jpg

The Urban Politician

October 3rd, 2007, 04:49 AM

I really love the grandiose lobbies of office towers. You never get that with residential, except for perhaps the Spire

Retrograde

October 4th, 2007, 07:06 AM

October 3, 2007

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/4974/72457297cf3.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/9301/dsc0142na8.jpg

harryc

October 4th, 2007, 04:45 PM

Pouring cement down a hole

http://lh6.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RwPXmD6-kGI/AAAAAAAAJi4/s5hxthTmCWU/P1050356.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh4.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RwPXoj6-kLI/AAAAAAAAJjg/SNHrPrpnsrQ/P1050383.JPG?imgmax=800

Pouring stuff down a hole

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RwPXmz6-kHI/AAAAAAAAJjA/KbxWFxTczPg/P1050361.JPG?imgmax=912

Testing thingy for bottom of caisson. ( http://www.loadtest2005.net/loadtest-usa/about/ocell/ )

http://lh3.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RwPXnT6-kII/AAAAAAAAJjI/tLms6BQEnnc/P1050367.JPG?imgmax=800

I beam in ground ( 85' )

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RwPXnz6-kJI/AAAAAAAAJjQ/GafrhfIn_tc/P1050372.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh3.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RwPXoT6-kKI/AAAAAAAAJjY/HJfLSoiLOSU/P1050373.JPG?imgmax=800

View from above ( lighting is crap if the sun is out )
[ full set - zoomable http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/155NWackerHeli ]
http://lh6.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RwPXAD6-kFI/AAAAAAAAJiw/UctjueuUUU0/2007-10-03auto.JPG?imgmax=720

Didn't see any grinding bits yet.

harryc

October 17th, 2007, 05:08 AM

View from above

http://lh6.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RxVr3j6-nEI/AAAAAAAAKao/6ov58oIr1TM/2007-10-16a.JPG?imgmax=800

Well used caisson top

http://lh3.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RxVsvz6-nHI/AAAAAAAAKbA/YdA2paDQb6Q/P1070098.JPG?imgmax=640

Shoring up the neighbor

http://lh3.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RxVstz6-nGI/AAAAAAAAKa4/p8Zfde63Lq0/P1060362.JPG?imgmax=512

http://lh4.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RxVsyD6-nII/AAAAAAAAKbI/eXyBF3AGxOI/P1070111.JPG?imgmax=512

X marks the spot ( hit it on the first try )

http://lh4.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RxVs1D6-nJI/AAAAAAAAKbU/D7YFmxoX5tU/P1070120.JPG?imgmax=512

Chicago

http://lh4.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/RxVsrD6-nFI/AAAAAAAAKaw/dTfGQXNoaPo/P1060355.JPG?imgmax=512

Chicagoago

October 19th, 2007, 10:56 PM

I just got a new job at 191 N. Wacker on the 25th floor. Start a week from Monday.

I'll be able to look out our office and see this thing rise....nice. Although it'll block my view after awhile.

Really though, from just north of the USB until Lake Street, Franklin is a huge letdown on the west side of the street. It literally just has nothing big. I do like the views you can get though looking south from around Lake or Randolph since you have the 2.5 block view without anything in the way. Really though, the east side isn't anything special except for the one black and white building that's tall. Is that he old SBC building? I'm trying to remember from walking by it on the way home for 2 years.

Now that I'm google mapping it....the area between Lake and Randolph has pretty much nothing from Wells all the way to the river. 191 N. Wacker and the black tower on the river are it.....

Chicago3rd

October 20th, 2007, 01:18 AM

Delete double post please

Chicago3rd

October 20th, 2007, 01:19 AM

http://WilBSnodgrassiii.smugmug.com/photos/210128496-L.jpg
Sorry about the glare from behind, but they are gutting the floor we are moving up to.

spyguy

November 15th, 2007, 01:40 AM

http://chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=27121

Marsh & McLennan narrows downtown office choices
By Thomas A. Corfman

Marsh & McLennan Cos. has narrowed its search for new downtown offices to three choices, including a new Wacker Drive skyscraper under construction by developer John Buck Co., where it might take as much as 350,000 square feet.

Retrograde

November 15th, 2007, 05:16 AM

November 14, 2007

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8168/dsc0012at1.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8186/84126966xb5.jpg

Chicagophotoshop

November 15th, 2007, 10:36 PM

^^I saw this from the street today. caissons done. time to go UP!!

Chicagoago

December 14th, 2007, 10:17 PM

They put the tower cranes up on Monday

Retrograde

December 24th, 2007, 01:15 AM

December 19, 2007

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/5603/155nwackerrd1.jpg

Retrograde

January 22nd, 2008, 04:10 AM

January 15, 2008

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/1951/dsc0041hq1.jpg

Buyckske Ruben

February 8th, 2008, 12:05 PM

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1935_4_Wacker4.jpg

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1935_2_Wacker2.jpg

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1935_5_Wacker5.jpg

Buyckske Ruben

February 8th, 2008, 12:12 PM

11-01-2008

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R4gpYZmXkwI/AAAAAAAAU-U/DF0LtkiNTjc/2008_10_10c.JPG?imgmax=720

27-01-2008

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R5zxP-Bp6KI/AAAAAAAAWvk/on0BrPUBpB8/2008_01_25d.jpg?imgmax=720

30-01-2008

http://lh6.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R6FFB-Bp8bI/AAAAAAAAXjs/Hdudqef0XA0/2008_01_30b.jpg?imgmax=720

Source: http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/155NWackerHeli/photo#5161482548075426226

from: Harry

Buyckske Ruben

February 8th, 2008, 12:13 PM

http://www.gpchicago.com/users/FolderData/{C88D9D15-3AFD-48A6-86FB-CB4FDB107816}/155web4.jpg

from the same building compagnie...but other project
111 South Wacker

http://www.todaysfacilitymanager.com/images/tfmapr07p39.jpg

http://www.todaysfacilitymanager.com/images/tfmapr07p38b.jpg

http://www.practicalenvironmentalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/111southwacker.jpg

geoff_diamond

February 8th, 2008, 09:08 PM

A couple more renderings (courtesy of WAN).

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/5786/19352155northwackerlobbzz1.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6927/19353155northwackerduskdv2.jpg

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4434/19355155northwackerstreqq6.jpg

The Urban Politician

February 9th, 2008, 05:05 AM

It's a nice, solid office tower. My only qualm is the fact that the lobby doesn't face Wacker. Why not treat Wacker like the premier avenue of commerce that it has become, instead of placing a blank wall (and perhaps a garage door?) in its path?

supt11cj

February 20th, 2008, 11:25 PM

Structural steel shows up tomorrow at 9am - 10am, built up box columns for the south side.

Reinsdorf Sucks

March 15th, 2008, 01:57 AM

I didn't even know this building existed until I walked by the site today.
The core looks about 3 or 4 floors above ground level.
There are steel columns around the perimeter, reaching to street level.
The eastern half of the building has the two sub-level parking floors complete,
I saw them moving some massive steel beams to the west side, probably
getting ready to finish the parking levels.

Chicago3rd

March 19th, 2008, 08:45 PM

Second City

March 19th, 2008, 09:48 PM

That's an awesome picture!

Momo1435

March 25th, 2008, 09:18 PM

Great update Chicago3rd!

But judging from your reflection on the other building you must be huge! ;)

Jibba

March 29th, 2008, 09:45 AM

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/5766/dsc04543hv0.jpg
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6571/dsc04545qm3.jpg

Chicagophotoshop

April 1st, 2008, 06:19 AM

I really like this tower.

Chicagophotoshop

April 21st, 2008, 01:05 AM

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/jlew24asu/DSC_0010-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/jlew24asu/DSC_0011-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/jlew24asu/DSC_0012-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/jlew24asu/DSC_0013.jpg

trvlr70

April 21st, 2008, 09:59 PM

http://WilBSnodgrassiii.smugmug.com/photos/267794134_PqEc5-L.jpg

http://WilBSnodgrassiii.smugmug.com/photos/267794148_ACgGG-XL.jpg

155 N Wacker, Watertower Place, Trump
http://WilBSnodgrassiii.smugmug.com/photos/267794158_47YUd-XL.jpg

I'm always just amazed by how fabulous 150 North Wacker still looks....especially in consideration that it was begun in 1968. The lobby is also very nice as well.

msu2001la

May 22nd, 2008, 08:40 PM

This building has gotten quite a bit taller since these last shots. They are really cranking away on it now.

Northsider

June 13th, 2008, 08:07 AM

Chicago3rd, what floor you on? I assume you are in the Boeing Building?

Anybody want updated photos? I can get some next week if anyone is interested. The building is up to floor 16 now.

Chicagophotoshop

June 13th, 2008, 03:56 PM

I really need to take a picture of this building. there is so nice progress since these pics.

nrioq

June 13th, 2008, 08:26 PM

^^ That would be much appreciated.

Chicagophotoshop

June 13th, 2008, 09:31 PM

they are on about the 18th floor.

Second City

June 14th, 2008, 01:45 AM

Yes, we want some pictures!

Northsider

June 15th, 2008, 05:36 AM

I'll get some on Monday then, I'm on the 11th floor of the Boeing Building.

Chicagoago

June 17th, 2008, 09:40 PM

InTheValley

June 17th, 2008, 09:56 PM

I'm on the 26th floor of the building next to 155, and the core is well beyond our windows here on 26.

Destroyed our amazing views out the break room :(

i was expecting this to take a lot longer to grow and block the view, but the past 15 floors seemed to have gone up in a matter of just a few weeks.

^^Sorry about your loss of view at break :ohno: but at least you get a front row view of a great new building on Wacker (south). I wish that they would rip up that junk across the street from you on the west side.

Thanks for the update:cheers:

Northsider

June 20th, 2008, 03:02 AM

Not the best picture, but I took this wednesday

http://i26.tinypic.com/rbip0l.jpg

Reinsdorf Sucks

June 20th, 2008, 03:32 AM

Good enough for me! Thanks.

ardecila

June 20th, 2008, 07:10 AM

I wish that they would rip up that junk across the street from you on the west side.

What junk are you talking about? I love that little brick loft building across the street! Or are you talking about General Growth?

InTheValley

June 20th, 2008, 02:58 PM

What junk are you talking about? I love that little brick loft building across the street! Or are you talking about General Growth?

It is at the south west corner. Not the brick ones across the street.....maybe it is called general growth, not sure of the name.

Northsider

June 20th, 2008, 05:30 PM

It is at the south west corner. Not the brick ones across the street.....maybe it is called general growth, not sure of the name.

http://i26.tinypic.com/8yxe1y.jpg

InTheValley

June 20th, 2008, 11:44 PM

^^^^^^^^:ohno:

BOOM! you got it. I use to walk by this place a lot when I traded at the Merc and I could never understand why such an ugly piece of s... like that could occupy such a great location on the river. Someone will come along and build on top of it eventually.

Northsider

June 22nd, 2008, 05:21 PM

Well, remember what used to be at the Trump Tower site... maybe someday something grander will replace this one.

Reinsdorf Sucks

June 22nd, 2008, 10:13 PM

This is from Retrograde on the Trump Tower thread. June 17
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/6750/hotelviewxy2.jpg

msu2001la

June 23rd, 2008, 10:56 PM

What junk are you talking about? I love that little brick loft building across the street! Or are you talking about General Growth?

I work in that little brick loft building across the street. It's a really cool space.

msu2001la

June 30th, 2008, 10:34 PM

I noticed the other day that this building is up to the 22nd or 23rd floor. It's over half way.

ardecila

July 1st, 2008, 05:52 AM

supt11cj

July 2nd, 2008, 05:48 PM

Well, halfway would be 24 floors, but the lobby is double-height, so perhaps it's at 24.5? Whatever, it's certainly close to halfway-done.

The stee and core teams are really flying - there was a time when we were wondering if 155 North Wacker would surpass 300 North LaSalle. Obviously, that hasn't happened, but I'm pretty sure it WILL surpass 353 North Clark.

I'm waiting for glass installation to start any day now.

You are correct, current erecting L26 & L27, and the core is currently at the 30th floor. Windows are stocked throught the 11th floor, and should start late the week of the 7th.

We will beat 353 N Clark, that is what we are track to do!!!!

supt11cj

July 2nd, 2008, 05:48 PM

InTheValley

July 9th, 2008, 08:20 PM

the core is at 31 and they just finished floor 27.

Reinsdorf Sucks

July 14th, 2008, 02:06 AM

flickr.com - patrickherek

July 7
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2650360968_285d2672a7_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2650264506_458ea491eb_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2649432025_c99a883da4_b.jpg

Northsider

July 16th, 2008, 08:14 PM

They are starting to put some of the windows on.

InTheValley

July 22nd, 2008, 04:27 PM

July 9th, I posted that they are at the 31st floor for the core and 27th floor for the floors. Yesterday, two weeks after that posting I noticed that they are at 36 on the core and 31 on the flooring.

Chicagophotoshop

July 22nd, 2008, 05:04 PM

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/jlew24asu/SNC12043-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/jlew24asu/SNC12044-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/jlew24asu/SNC12045-1.jpg

i_am_hydrogen

July 27th, 2008, 08:25 AM

Taken today:
http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/4089/155nwackerkp7.jpg

Frumie

July 27th, 2008, 05:18 PM

You possess a photograhper's eye for which we are the grateful beneficiaries. Many thanks. :cheers:

i_am_hydrogen

July 29th, 2008, 05:00 AM

Thanks, a lot, Frumie.

Chicagophotoshop

July 29th, 2008, 05:51 AM

Thanks, a lot, Frumie.

he was talking to me :tyty:

:jk:

Frumie

July 29th, 2008, 05:18 PM

he was talking to me :tyty:
:jk:
I always look forward to your work. Keep 'em comin'
:cheers:

Chicagoago

August 13th, 2008, 08:58 PM

A few weeks ago I was looking down into the top from our lunchroom on the 26th floor. Within days the buiding was even with us, and is now pusing up beyond my view point from inside.

I can't believe how fast this thing is going up. My boss went on maternity leave this spring, and she said when she walked around the corner from the train last month on her first day back her eyes almost fell out of her head. It went from a hole in the ground to 30 floors in just a matter of 3 months.

Reinsdorf Sucks

August 14th, 2008, 03:37 AM

^^ Hahaha! That would be a very pleasant surprise in my opinion.

flickr.com - jgamezjr

August 11
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/2757792671_c06c325813_b.jpg

msu2001la

August 18th, 2008, 05:36 PM

There's lots of glass going up on the building now. It looks pretty nice.

Chicagoago

August 28th, 2008, 07:05 PM

Just went to our lunchroom and looked at the floor #'s on the service elevator which is right across from our office (I'm on the 26th floor). Looks like they've got it completed up through the 44th floor.

I was talking with a friend who is one of the project manager accountants for this building, and she said last week they've finalized the topping off party and it's scheduled for the next 2 weeks.

That sure went up fast. Just this spring it was a hole.

bjkeys321

August 29th, 2008, 06:27 AM

A tower like this would look good in Milwaukee

Reinsdorf Sucks

September 15th, 2008, 05:43 AM

flickr.com - locusolus

September 12
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/2854687374_0804df7e4a_b.jpg

DRH

September 16th, 2008, 10:05 PM

Topped out today! Nice lunch for the workers, too.

Second City

September 17th, 2008, 02:02 AM

Damn this one is already T/O!!! Wow. :cheers:

shivtim

October 28th, 2008, 07:24 AM

10/26/08

http://photos-955.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v356/170/46/5606955/n5606955_36134177_9342.jpg

Northsider

November 4th, 2008, 01:14 AM

http://i37.tinypic.com/28tj0ok.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/28moe4h.jpg

wrabbit

December 16th, 2008, 03:43 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/3118767416_e602d3e9d0_b.jpg

spyguy

December 23rd, 2008, 01:57 AM

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=32366

Ernst & Young to leave Sears Tower for 155 N. Wacker
By Alby Gallun, Dec. 22, 2008

...The accounting firm has signed a lease for nearly 204,000 square feet in the high-rise under construction at 155 N. Wacker Drive, according to Chicago-based John Buck. Ernst & Young, the area’s second-largest accounting firm, with nearly 1,800 professionals here, will be the largest tenant in the 46-story building, occupying floors 19 through 26.

The lease is a coup for John Buck, which has signed up tenants for more than 72% of the 1.1-million-square-foot tower. The developer also is in advanced negotiations with four more tenants that would occupy about 50,000 square feet in the building, says John Buck Principal Drew Nieman.

i_am_hydrogen

December 23rd, 2008, 05:53 PM

The Sears Tower takes yet another hit; its vacancy rate was around 22 percent in 2006.

Reinsdorf Sucks

December 24th, 2008, 08:30 PM

Why are people leaving? I mean are there any obvious reasons?

Flubnut

December 24th, 2008, 10:23 PM

The Sears still has some 'snob appeal', if you want to call it that, but not like it used to. I'm guessing it's showing its age, especially compared to the recent generation of new curtain-walled buildings. I know from a co-worker that the top floors sway enough in bad weather that many people can't stay...or they'd hurl all over their desks. Then there are the double-decker elevators, which many don't like (we have them in Aon, and I don't think they're any slower, but others think differently.) I think the terrorism fears have subsided a bit, but I'm sure it's still a factor.

Ultimately, I think the larger/richer tenants (i.e. law firms, consulting firms, etc.) just want the newest greatest most up-to-date buildings. I haven't been inside the Sears, and I'm sure it varies from floor-to-floor, but I'm sure much of it feels "dated" back to the 70's.

urban_addict

December 25th, 2008, 08:58 AM

I used to work in the Sears Tower as a tower messenger and I can see why some tenants would want to leave. E&Y occupied a great amount of space on the lower, larger floors so i don't understand why they would leave. But on the top floors there are few things I liked besides the view. It took forever to travel up to the floors (elevator banks and double elevators), they swayed badly in high winds (enough for a you to notice just while walking) and it also took a little time to get used to the high altitude. Of course only the smaller companies were at the top of the building.

The sky lobbies of the building (floors 33,34,66,67) were beautiful and offered not only transfers between elevators but a beautiful view of the city. They really should put a Starbucks on the 66th floor lobby cause it would be much more practical!!

spyguy

December 31st, 2008, 08:15 PM

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=32438

2 tenants scrap plans to move into new towers
By Eddie Baeb, Dec. 31, 2008

Sources say Chicago-based business lender Bridge Finance Group LLC will no longer move into the top three levels of John Buck Co.’s new tower at 155 N. Wacker Drive.

Jibba

January 10th, 2009, 06:39 AM

http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/5751/dsc064997274620eg1.jpg
http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/3531/dsc065007302225or3.jpg
http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/6272/dsc065027331017jj4.jpg

Entryway (hard to tell from my pictures, but the "stone", or whatever the brown material is, is identical to that used in 111 S. Wacker [Deloitte]):
http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/7816/dsc065057341692lc9.jpg
http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/7019/dsc065067356144os8.jpg

harryc

January 18th, 2009, 01:19 AM

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXJXFoyMdBI/AAAAAAABDAM/G01hBRTW8PY/s800/P1200840_1_2.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXJXG9P8I7I/AAAAAAABDAo/FxBSNBi74PI/s720/P1200897.JPG

Lobby looks promising.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXJXIX6HeGI/AAAAAAABDA0/U_3pBmh0cQM/s800/P1200899.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXJXJgRQ-TI/AAAAAAABDBA/7tXEipd7W7A/s800/P1200907.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXJXLEa4rTI/AAAAAAABDBM/1--MBF1h9rQ/s720/P1200908.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXJXNwmm4sI/AAAAAAABDBY/gHyXzjTjhBA/s720/P1200944_2_3.jpg

Jibba

January 19th, 2009, 06:49 PM

^Great angle on that last shot. More than a little reminiscent of 300 N. in that photo.

Broderick Teaming Co

January 19th, 2009, 10:21 PM

nice shots Harry!! We just brought in some elevator counterweights today. Gotta find out how much more we have to go.........

Jibba

January 21st, 2009, 07:45 AM

Today:
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/975/dsc071256098588qm8.jpg
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/6509/dsc07136b6597857qf4.jpg

Jibba

May 16th, 2009, 05:33 AM

^Damn, what a view. Nice shot.

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4320/dsc09716.jpg
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/6558/dsc09705n.jpg
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5827/dsc09706.jpg
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/6214/dsc09719v.jpg

Flubnut

May 18th, 2009, 06:32 PM

Every time I look a that ceiling, I think of my ol Rubik's Snake...

i_am_hydrogen

May 23rd, 2009, 08:07 AM

Taken today:
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/1451/kinziebridge21000xq.jpg

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/6571/westview300nls.jpg

wrabbit

May 24th, 2009, 06:15 AM

5/23

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/3558536946_e123ab2d6f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3558537604_6f3edbc9a1_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3557722551_a08499cf0e_b.jpg

wrabbit

May 27th, 2009, 12:45 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3567358409_d617c1fc4f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3567443495_db4baffd33_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3314/3568274274_712e3833ab_b.jpg

Tylow

June 6th, 2009, 01:45 AM

http://www.izipik.com/images/200906/06/guhb8hmwpasmmyk41a-7.jpg

spyguy

June 20th, 2009, 07:42 PM

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/8018/71283759.jpg

chrome13

June 23rd, 2009, 12:39 AM

The demo started today.

More decent, pleasantly scaled buildings lost. The ugly parking garages and one story Walgreens in the immediate area remain standing.

Chicagoago

June 24th, 2009, 12:39 AM

^ My friend works for the developer. They were suppose to take down that Walgreens and put up a big tower on that parking lot/walgreens, but of course that's been put on hold. It was suppose to be a development with 151, the new building, and then the pocket park and for course Franklin in the middle.

I've been watching them take down that building on the corner the past few days, since I work directly next to 155 N. Wacker.

I do like the lobby a lot though, I've walked through a few times checking it out, and I saw today there were a lot of people in the building going up/down. I'm assuming someone has moved in and it's open for business.

They really got that lobby and outside walkway finished up QUICK.

Walking along Wacker, I notice that 155 and my building, 191, really accent each other nicely. The lobbys are similar, it's attractive from Wacker and the sidewalks are quite wide. Pull in 333 W. Wacker and it's 3 buildings in a row with the tinted glass and silver linings between floors.