Its gonna be a nice pool!! :banana::banana::banana:

Like we had in Moscow instead of Dom Sovetov:

http://www.msk-guide.ru/img/91/2153.jpg

if they do cancel it they should turn it into a park and the main foundation into a swimming pool after filling it in a bit and in the winter an ice skating place

I believe the construction will start (definately) but not this year. But from 2010 on when USA will recover...

http://www.personalloansmadeeasy.co.uk/loans-uk-info/credit_crunch.jpg

:lol:

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=31253

Chicago Spire
January 26, 2009
The Chicago Spire has seen its share of ups and downs. Beanie Babies mogul Ty Warner reportedly agreed in September to buy the 10,293-square-foot penthouse, which had an asking price of $40 million. Sales at the project, acclaimed for its soaring height and twisting design, accounted for 58% of all new downtown condos sold in 2008 as of October, according to Chicago-based real estate consulting firm Appraisal Research Counselors.

But work on the 150-story tower has ground to a halt amid a slowing economy and financial disputes with contractors and architects. Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, claiming he is owed $11.3 million for his work on the Spire, is among those who filed liens in October against Dublin, Ireland-based developer Shelbourne. And the completion date has been pushed back a year, to 2012.

Given the setbacks, observers might confuse the massive hole in the ground at the Spire's development site with a grave. But a project spokeswoman says the tower isn't dead. "People are still coming in and writing checks," she says. "The world has come to a standstill . . . but the Spire is in good position to weather this."

not the worst news :)

hear this guy's interview (MCL companie's dan mclean)

qPBn-rmifvo

^^ Damn... I could ask him so many questions...
Great find mate!

Do you by any chance know when that video was taken?

From above
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYEB-mqPddI/AAAAAAABEaQ/RvraKOr_vOM/s800/P1220321.JPG


higer res
2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

Obligatory ice in core shot
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYEBx0_Mf4I/AAAAAAABEaE/vr0feg5gb9o/s800/P1220327_5_6.jpg

Fresh snow
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYEBnvYRtyI/AAAAAAABEZI/x5a1jDp1HqI/s720/P1220336_4_5.jpg

Shadows
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYEBqx4qiMI/AAAAAAABEZU/k3vS-MXXfoU/s800/P1220346_7_8.jpg

Still proud
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYEBrhv9UvI/AAAAAAABEZg/9C9fGDglK6Y/s800/P1220352.JPG

Someone maintains a lonely vigil
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYEBtbnD4KI/AAAAAAABEZs/EZRy0aJBYXE/s800/P1220371.JPG

Panasonic DMZ TZ4 (http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/tz5_tz4_tz15_tz11/index.html) - Picasa (http://picasaweb.google.com/) - Autostitch (http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~mbrown/autostitch/autostitch.html) - Photomatix HDR (http://www.hdrsoft.com/)

how sad :(

seeing this lonely picture makes me cry... hopefully the sell fast so they can resume construction

Aww. :(

Looks like someone drives down the ramp at least daily. Still no evidence of any activity around the trailer (or port-a-potty!!)

I wonder if theres a lot of snow accumulated at the bottom?

I wonder how many more pages of nothingness we have to go through before construction starts.

When will construction start again!!

^^NOBODY KNOWS

How long will the contruction outlast, without taking care and damage? The winter seems pretty hard...

sums up the project doesn't it?

I wonder how many more pages of nothingness we have to go through before construction starts.

Many if I keep answering your useless posts! :)

I know!! They are waiting for this thread to reach 2,000,000 page views!! If it doesn't, the project will be cancelled.:nuts:

only a hole :(

I wonder how many more pages of nothingness we have to go through before construction starts.

I wonder how many more pages of nonsense we have to hear from you. :ohno:

it canceled?

no, it is not cancelled...just on hold

Posted in New York Times -

So, Spire won't start up again until they can find loans...


CHICAGO — Back in 2006, at the height of the real estate boom, two projects here stood out as harbingers of a bright future for residential development.
Skip to next paragraph
Enlarge This Image
William Zbaren for The New York Times

Construction has stopped at Waterview Tower, center with crane on top, a mixed-use hotel and condominium building in the Loop in Chicago.

The first and most significant was the Spire, a twisting lakefront condominium tower designed by the renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. At 150 stories, it was to be the tallest building in North America. (The current tallest, the Sears Tower, is also in Chicago.) The developer of the Spire is Garrett Kelleher of Shelbourne Development, a firm with offices in Chicago and Dublin as well as several other cities.

The second project was Waterview Tower, a 90-story mixed-use hotel and condominium building in the Loop, the central business district. It also was to be among the 10 tallest buildings in the city. The developer is Teng & Associates, a local firm.

Both projects got off to fast starts in terms of sales and construction, but both have now ground to a halt amid the many mechanics’ liens filed by subcontractors as the developers struggle to find additional financing.

At the padlocked lakefront site of the Spire, a seven-story-deep hole is ringed with 34 massive caissons that go down to bedrock.

The Waterview site on Wacker Drive, meanwhile, is even more unsettling. Workers had completed the first 26 floors of the building before they stopped work for good late last summer.

Taken together, the two are the most visible signs of the financing squeeze that has all but paralyzed the real estate market here over the last six months.

“If I’d known in July of 2006 that the world would be where it is today, I would have done a lot of things differently,” Mr. Kelleher said.

Both Mr. Kelleher and Teng ran into trouble because of a practice that, while unconventional, had become more accepted in the later years of the boom. In their haste to start building, the developers used money from their own pockets to finance the early stages of construction rather than go through the lengthy process of securing a traditional construction loan. The expectation was that further financing would easily be obtained at a later date.

Jim Loewenberg, a co-chief executive of the Magellan Development Group, the developer of the multibuilding Lakeshore East mixed-use residential project directly across the Chicago River from the Spire, said neither Mr. Kelleher nor Teng & Associates necessarily did anything wrong.

“I think that developers inherently are risk-takers and in many cases begin their projects before every t is crossed and every i is dotted,” he said. “So they lead themselves down a path, and sometimes it works out wonderfully and sometimes it doesn’t.”

Mr. Kelleher said: “It was about getting started. I needed to demonstrate that I was committed to the project.”

So far, Mr. Kelleher has invested about $250 million in the Spire; $180 million was cash from his own holdings and $70 million was in the form of two loans from the Anglo Irish Bank in Dublin.

When construction started, the plan, while aggressive, made sense. Total condominium sales were estimated at $3.4 billion, against total costs of $2.3 billion.

The project initially did well, selling just over 30 percent of its 1,194 units in the first eight months, at prices ranging from $750,000 to just under $40 million. The latter — for the 10,000-square-foot penthouse — is the highest price ever paid for a condominium in downtown Chicago. The contracts extend until the fourth quarter of 2013, and deposits are held in escrow until then.

Also significant was the fact that more than half of the sales were to individuals or entities outside the United States. “We launched in January” of 2008, Mr. Kelleher said, “and went to Beijing, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, London and a number of other markets.”

In late September, Mr. Kelleher announced the penthouse sale — to Ty Warner, founder of the company that makes Beanie Baby toys. Since then, “things have slowed down,” he said.

Mr. Kelleher estimates it will take about $1.75 billion to complete the Spire and says he has had conversations with numerous financial institutions, both in the United States and around the world, over the last 18 months. “There’s no financing available to build the Spire today,” said Mr. Kelleher. “It’s a matter of waiting. And that’s what the plan is.”

Specifically, Mr. Kelleher is waiting for next fall, when the city will learn whether it will be the site of the 2016 Olympics. “If Chicago lands the Olympics, it will certainly be a boost to the local economy,” Mr. Kelleher said.

The situation is similar at Waterview Tower. Executives at Teng & Associates declined numerous requests for interviews, but reports about the project’s troubles circulated widely last fall.

The $500 million mixed-use project began construction using internal financing from Teng and a $20 million bridge loan issued by the Chicago-based LaSalle Bank, which is now a division of Bank of America.

The plan called for 200 hotel condominium units as well as 233 residential condominiums on its upper floors. About 40 percent of the hotel units and 67 percent of the residential condominiums were sold, the latter for an average of $800 a square foot.

“Waterview had some of the best prices out there in terms of what you actually got, and sold very well,” said James Kinney, president of Rubloff Residential Properties, a large downtown brokerage firm.

Last April, Teng announced that the Export-Import Bank of China would be providing the $400 million needed to complete the project. The loan was facilitated by Beijing Construction, a Chinese firm that was expected to take over as the building’s general contractor. The deal, however, eventually fell apart.

“It’s not really too hard to determine why the bank got cold feet,” said Zac Henson, chief executive of Beijing Construction’s United States division. “The economic news over the summer got worse and worse and never really got better.”

According to Mr. Henson, the bank has yet to formally cancel the loan, but he conceded that at the moment the bank’s appetite for the project was “questionable.”

Steven DeGraff, a lawyer who specializes in real estate workouts, says there are few good options in the current environment. “It may be cheaper to tear it down,” he said, “or it may be cheaper just to leave it in its current state.”

In the meantime, there are many more condominiums in the pipeline in Chicago.

The city added 4,600 new condo units in the downtown area in 2008, with another 4,700 units scheduled to be completed this year. The rate at which these new units are being occupied is lagging, however.

“Absorption last year was terrible — probably around 1,000 units,” said Gail Lissner, vice president of the Chicago-based Appraisal Research Counselors, which tracks downtown condo sales. “It’s going to take some time to work through this inventory.”

The upside, she adds, is that only 500 new units are expected in 2010 and fewer than that in the following years. “Any project that is not out of the ground now is going to have a very difficult time getting financing,” she said.

Prices, meanwhile, are down anywhere from 5 to 25 percent, depending on location and amenities. “The more generic, the more negotiable,” Mr. Kinney said. “If you want a two-bedroom two-bathroom plain-vanilla condo in downtown Chicago, I can get you a very good deal.”

^^ whatever it takes to complete this super building.

Calatrava seems be having a bad year. His condo in NYC died. It was much shorter then this beast but the apartment price where about the same. All I have to say is no one in there right mind is going to pay 40 million dollars for a apartment, if they do there a little crazy.

Someone already did^^^

^^^^ I know, you don't think that crazy? Ty Warner paid 40 million dollar for something he's only seen picture of. And right now his 40 mill investment is nothing more then a seven story hole in the floor. Sounds like a waste of good money to me. Lets see if he gets his money back if it isn't finished. All I'm saying is, he should of waited to this thing was at less 100 feet past ground level.

It's not like he's already paid $40 million. I'm sure hes only paid a tiny fraction of that. Do you pay for the entire house all at once when you buy it?

From above
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYo5ntIfzII/AAAAAAABFNs/IfA65fqtaBc/s800/P1230873.JPG


higer res
2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

Obligatory ice in core shot.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYo5bEPJcFI/AAAAAAABFNg/1XFacm5B-cc/s800/P1230878_79_80.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYo5FPbngII/AAAAAAABFMw/ErBekqh4uQQ/s800/P1230844_5_6.jpg

Hard to catch the full depth of the patterns in the snow without a polarized filter. Much more pronounced when seen through my polarized glasses.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYo5GkMI1aI/AAAAAAABFM8/qb9JEcA34Hc/s800/P1230883_4_5.jpg


http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYo5IBjNpjI/AAAAAAABFNI/B-X5G7iyWkI/s800/P1230886_7_8.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYo5JXVI_BI/AAAAAAABFNU/bzzMpKwtMqs/s800/P1230898_899_900.jpg

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Well I feel that this is good news. I was feeling for the longest time that nothing was being done and that the lack of funding was a reflection on the financial well being of the projects, but the developers are actively seeking funding and the projects themselves still seem to be sound business decisions. It may not happen for some time; however, it is nice to know they are being realistic about their timetable and just waiting the economy out. I really hope Chicago gets the Olympics in 2016, but if we don't then I hope the projects are not negatively affected because Chicago isn't "the" city to build in. Also does anyone know know what happens to the money in escrow if they are constructing the Spire but not finished in 2013.

im starting to think this project will never go on.

You can give a good use to the hole, burying your former president there... The deeper the better!

A couple of days hence, NURBN's proposal for an artificial lake — an aqueous inversion of Jakob Tigges' Tempelhof Mountain, really — in Berlin reminded us of one expensive hole on Chicago's lakefront, the one dug for the construction of the Chicago Spire. Because of the economic downturn and the developer's secrecy about a date for the resumption of major work on the building, some have wondered if the hole will remain unfilled, in which case, count another one in a growing list of cancelled prestige projects. No doubt many will see this gaping abyss as a delicious commentary on the excesses of this decade.

But what to do with the hole? Blair Kamin, the Chicago Tribune's architecture critic, has the obvious but probably best idea. Last year, he wrote:

Might the hole, 76 feet deep by 110 feet wide, be filled with water and become the world's deepest swimming pool? Perhaps demonic sports federation directors would threaten to send losers in Olympic swimming races there, forcing them to backstroke in circles for the rest of their lives.

By Pruned

It gives out a soviet look with all this snow and ice on the concrete and rust , its quite nice!

Anyway, this thread needs :lock::lock::lock::lock::lock:

:lock: MODERATORS! Please lock this thread! There's no useful information been posted in its just becoming a Bitch and Bash session. :lock:

Why should it be locked? I enjoy looking at the updates from harryc and the news articles that are actually related to the Spire. With the exception of the occasional few asking "when will construction resume?", this thread seems productive to me.

I hope the developer will find the loans soon so we can see real progress on Chicago Spire site. I really want this beautiful tower to be built.

Why should it be locked? I enjoy looking at the updates from harryc and the news articles that are actually related to the Spire. With the exception of the occasional few asking "when will construction resume?", this thread seems productive to me.
All the updates do is show how much snow Chicago has since there haven't been any changes on the site. I agree seeing the articles is nice but they could be mailed to the moderators for posting. There have been no productive posts added in a long time and I'm sick of seeing questions about when will it be done? It looks like a swimming pool. And the many other stupid things people have added here. It's just a waste of our time to check the thread and read that BS. If people were little more sensible and didn't post junk there would ever be a need to lock a thread but people just don't think before they post rubbish. :ohno:

All the updates do is show how much snow Chicago has since there haven't been any changes on the site. I agree seeing the articles is nice but they could be mailed to the moderators for posting. There have been no productive posts added in a long time and I'm sick of seeing questions about when will it be done? It looks like a swimming pool. And the many other stupid things people have added here. It's just a waste of our time to check the thread and read that BS. If people were little more sensible and didn't post junk there would ever be a need to lock a thread but people just don't think before they post rubbish. :ohno:
I agree with you, this thread is just filled with pages after pages of no real news. Please :lock:

amazing with over 2 Million views.

Give it a rest you all. Threads should only be locked in the most extreme of circumstances.

I think this bit from the article is most telling: Specifically, Mr. Kelleher is waiting for next fall, when the city will learn whether it will be the site of the 2016 Olympics. “If Chicago lands the Olympics, it will certainly be a boost to the local economy,” Mr. Kelleher said.

It seems that decision on the Olympics is going to be the deal maker here.....or deal breaker if it goes elsewhere.

From above
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SZbPrrFkMmI/AAAAAAABGKc/iOmbqJldQbQ/s800/P1250177.JPG
higer res 2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SZbPa2DyE1I/AAAAAAABGKQ/CxVGHvUTnd4/s800/P1250184_2_3.jpg

Starting to thaw
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SZbPWElQWTI/AAAAAAABGKE/slwEZfW6HJM/s800/P1250186.JPG


Panasonic DMZ TZ4 (http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/tz5_tz4_tz15_tz11/index.html) - Picasa (http://picasaweb.google.com/) - Autostitch (http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~mbrown/autostitch/autostitch.html) - Photomatix HDR (http://www.hdrsoft.com/)

Someone's been driving around out there.

Someone's been driving around out there. They removed the Dumpster that was over next to the ramp.

They removed the Dumpster that was over next to the ramp.

Exciting.... I wish we had news on this thing!

For how long will the structure resist the weather influences without any protection?
I mean, would it be possible to continue building it after e.g. 2 years without any repairing or even rebuilding ?

For how long will the structure resist the weather influences without any protection?
I mean, would it be possible to continue building it after e.g. 2 years without any repairing or even rebuilding ?
I would think everything would be fine to continue the project if it was left like it is for five years or more. Nothing that is exposed to the elements is actually part of the final building, the core will be built-in side of the famous "hole" everyone talks about the and all the cassions and membrane walls are all buried so they're not even exposed to the elements. The only reason rework might be required is if the design changes.

I am surprised that trailer still on that site. I seen many construction sites when projects are on hold or canceled, they usually take everything out of that sites. Any specific reason why that trailer still sitting on the Chicago Spire site?

^^My guess is they're trying to keep it so this can be restarted at a moments notice.

For how long will the structure resist the weather influences without any protection?
I mean, would it be possible to continue building it after e.g. 2 years without any repairing or even rebuilding ?

That hotel in N Korea was restarted and it sat for 15 years, didn't it? Although parts of it looked like a ruin, probably due to inferior concrete.

^^ Could be the same for CS can't it?

I'm just wondering what CS would look like now if it wasn't on hold for a second.

^^ Possibly almost done with underground parking garage and core might go up by one floor by now.

From above
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SZ4HIhZfZlI/AAAAAAABGtQ/mkvgL6ofJbA/s800/P1260063.JPG


higer res
2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SZ4G8VChDSI/AAAAAAABGss/sa8jUroa9Og/s800/P1260069_70_71.jpg


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SZ4G3rW-vYI/AAAAAAABGsg/n6u67XHuIgw/s800/P1260112_3_4.jpg

Cthulu has risen from the dank dark hole.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SZ4INv1FTJI/AAAAAAABGtw/cNn-QyjDbqM/s912/P1260082.JPG

Panasonic DMZ TZ4 (http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/tz5_tz4_tz15_tz11/index.html) - Picasa (http://picasaweb.google.com/) - Autostitch (http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~mbrown/autostitch/autostitch.html) - Photomatix HDR (http://www.hdrsoft.com/)

Is it just me or are there a lot more tire tracks around the foundation than from the last update???

i hope it gets built...its hot!

Now it's a sad sight.:ohno:

This is probably the only project that is frozen and on hold at the same time.:) The ice status seems unchanged.:)
I’ll be impressed if the tower's construction revives in the spring.

Why is this project On Hold?

Why is this project On Hold?

recession? economic drama? anyone?

Why is this project On Hold?

Its really really really cold outside and no one wants to work.

^^LOL I wish....

Why is this project On Hold?

There was some concern among astrophysicists that it could throw off the balance of the planet and send us careening into the sun. Of course there are taller buildings in other places of the planet but the issue is that it is so flat around Chicago and there are already so many skyscrapers in a concentrated area. :nuts:

Eric

From above
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SaWTCDP3lRI/AAAAAAABHD0/EwcPVAB2C3E/s800/P1270096_4_5.jpg


higer res
2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SaWTF-N--rI/AAAAAAABHEE/bwH_njkOzeg/s800/P1270102_0_1.jpg

Anyone have any idea what this flag is for/from ? not sure it is associated with the spire site.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SaWS6c4iahI/AAAAAAABHDo/YKpUKsT2yLM/s800/P1270107.JPG

Panasonic DMZ TZ4 (http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/tz5_tz4_tz15_tz11/index.html) - Picasa (http://picasaweb.google.com/) - Autostitch (http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~mbrown/autostitch/autostitch.html) - Photomatix HDR (http://www.hdrsoft.com/)

end of ice age, beginning or new era (nothing yet but...)

The flag is propably some joke, because the spire hole is on it :P

Why is this project On Hold?


Money

It looks like an empty shell...

The site appears to be very muddy. I don't remember it looking like that last winter...

Well things don't look to swell for the Irish banking industry right now, I expect that this tower will be on hold for a long while... which is too bad, this tower was set to redefine the skyline of Chicago! Such a great city, and it would look amazing with this tower.....

i want it built and i want it now! this angers me rotten!

It'll get built eventually. This recession will end... hopefully soon but probably not for a while. I'll be glad when it is back online for sure.

guys, I got it, I've figured it out! The reason we haven't seen any construction in so long is not because of the economy, it;s that they've secretly been building the spire underground! Soon the spire will ascend out of the hole, fully completed! I know it, it has to be true! :nuts:

The hole in the ground finally made someone crack *QUICK call the funny farm!!!!!



*stands at the fence and stares at the hole feverishly waiting for the spire to push out of the ground*

It'll get built eventually. This recession will end... hopefully soon but probably not for a while.

Of course the recession will end. But will the developer survive the recession? Probably not.

From above
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SbFsuUOgBbI/AAAAAAABHnk/7pX4nEh2heM/s800/P1270569.JPG


higer res
2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

The Hole
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SbFsq5jmG6I/AAAAAAABHnY/t5k6SdUV2zU/s800/P1270582_3_4.jpg

The park
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SbFsosnpYgI/AAAAAAABHnM/rwSio699jBU/s800/P1270577.JPG


Panasonic DMZ TZ4 (http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/tz5_tz4_tz15_tz11/index.html) - Picasa (http://picasaweb.google.com/) - Autostitch (http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~mbrown/autostitch/autostitch.html) - Photomatix HDR (http://www.hdrsoft.com/)

I guess they will put a diving board on it in the Summer, and have a very deep swimming pool. :lol:

^^ That's a good idea...:lol:

hahaha lolz, at least a good humour keeps the thead going. HAHA

It seems something calling itself the Chicago Spire is taking construction bids:

Courtesy of http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/page.pl?id=2166
Chicago: Chicago Spire, 400 E. North Water St., 115-story residential tower, March 2010, $2.2 billion.


It has a lower floor count, that may be a typo, but if isn't then they have somehow reduced height without reducing cost.

^^ It also has a very unrealistic completion date! Even if they were working today there is no way it would be completed in a year! Considering the listing as two obvious mistakes makes you wonder if it's valid. :ohno:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/h5forem/CS-city.jpg

awesome render :cheers:

looks a litte short how far in the background is it?

this thread is depressing... i hope things get moving again soon!

I miss those chi spire photos, lets post some HD chicago spire photos.

From above
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Sbo6L1x8eAI/AAAAAAABIHo/2-ykGVt1ops/s800/P1280637.JPG
higer res
2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

Not spring yet - the spotsare snow.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Sbo57xL2F3I/AAAAAAABIHA/XithfoMQuH0/s800/P1280644_5_6.jpg

The optimist club at work.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Sbo50zoxwqI/AAAAAAABIG0/4DQ1oZjSOXA/s800/P1280627.JPG

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Sad pictures. :(

I can't help noticing that everytime you took pictures of Chicago Spire site, that elevated freeway always look so empty... Have that freeway had traffic jams? I think it is ridiculous to have freeway with 4 or more lanes even not many people use it.

It is a pity that the best supertall project going on in the US had been cancelled. :cry:

^^ It is not canceled. It is on hold, it might get build eventually when economy gets better.

Well, that is what I wanted to say.
Sorry.

Sad pictures. :(

I can't help noticing that everytime you took pictures of Chicago Spire site, that elevated freeway always look so empty... Have that freeway had traffic jams? I think it is ridiculous to have freeway with 4 or more lanes even not many people use it.

Lately my shots have been from lunchtime, when LSD (Lake Shore Drive) is generally not as busy. Whenever I drive on it it seems quite busy.

Sad pictures. :(

I can't help noticing that everytime you took pictures of Chicago Spire site, that elevated freeway always look so empty... Have that freeway had traffic jams? I think it is ridiculous to have freeway with 4 or more lanes even not many people use it.


"I agree! It only encourages big SUV drivers to pump up evil gas in the environment! One lane should be way enough! And another one by bicycles of course."


What the fuck were you on about!? Traffic comes and goes dude... Constant jam would be sooo much better for sure, right? :bash:

Sad pictures. :(

I can't help noticing that everytime you took pictures of Chicago Spire site, that elevated freeway always look so empty... Have that freeway had traffic jams? I think it is ridiculous to have freeway with 4 or more lanes even not many people use it.

Not to mention that harryc said he times his photos sometimes to limit the number of cars in the picture. Something about a stoplight being around the corner. If you notice in the picture there is a bunch of cars that had just passed the bridge.

Lately my shots have been from lunchtime, when LSD (Lake Shore Drive) is generally not as busy. Whenever I drive on it it seems quite busy.

Ahh I see

"I agree! It only encourages big SUV drivers to pump up evil gas in the environment! One lane should be way enough! And another one by bicycles of course."


What the fuck were you on about!? Traffic comes on goes dude... Constant jam would be sooo much better for sure, right? :bash:

LOL! I never say anything that I support freeway or something like that. Just saying from my observation. :)

Not to mention that harryc said he times his photos sometimes to limit the number of cars in the picture. Something about a stoplight being around the corner. If you notice in the picture there is a bunch of cars that had just passed the bridge.

That made a lot of senses now. Thanks! :)

i dont know, i just dont like the design :( it looks like a candle hahah =/
i think the top of the buildng its what i dont like bout it, or the way it rolls all the way up..
i love this city, but id prefer another design for the spire..

^^ u would certainly prefer current design if u look at the dodgy previous design.

From above
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/ScLcArGyNKI/AAAAAAABIu4/KXpTsNF_VB4/s800/P1290613.JPG


higer res
2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

The thaw comes slowly
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/ScLbuFZGNPI/AAAAAAABIuU/qLwNQ2gfzic/s800/P1290619_7_8.jpg



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From SSP

I received an email newsletter from Shelbourne Development on the Spire and have copied the most important parts of the email below. The email expresses confidence that the Spire will get built....granted, it would be poor salesmanship to exude anything but confidence; but still - the email shows that Shelbourne is still actively marketing the Spire and has at least some hope that it will get built.

There was also some less substantive information in the email, part of which talked about how Chicago may get the 2016 Olympics. I'm thinking that Shelbourne may be holding out on the hope that Chicago gets the Olympics, which would spur a new wave of international investors to buy a unit in the Spire....

Also, do you think that if Chicago does win the Olympics, that the city and/or USOC might help provide capital/assistance in getting the Spire financed? I would imagine that they would have an interest in the Spire being built, as it would provide for a profound icon and legacy for Chicago and their 2016 Olympics. I think that the $75 million in TIF funds that 29 South LaSalle is requesting would be better spent on getting the Spire built, don't you think? :)


"THE CHICAGO SPIRE PROJECT
Dates: Currently, the project completion dates remain unaffected as time allowances for unanticipated events were included in the original schedule. We are currently working with some of the world's top financial institutions to secure project financing for the next phase of construction. The Chicago Spire will be in position to be afforded the first credit when it becomes available and we have every reason to believe that this will become reality in short order.

Earnest Money: Buyers' Earnest Money deposits are held at Bank of America in segregated interest-bearing accounts assigned to each individual Buyer. The accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), are held harmless from any developer debt and are unable to be accessed for construction costs.

Construction Status: Approximately 70% of our construction materials' procurement is bid out. Chicago Spire LLC's land assembly agreements with the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District are engrossed and fully approved by the City's Department of Law. A significant body of construction work has been completed to date including:
Foundation and substructure works by Case Foundation Company;
Ramps to serve the site, to and from Lake Shore Drive completed by Lorig Construction; and
Utility relocation work (substantially completed).

Construction/Liens: We announced recently that due to the global credit crisis, a slowdown in the rate of project construction would be necessary. Shelbourne Development has been working closely with our contractors, advisors and design professionals over the past two years as this project has come to fruition, and while there have been some lien filings, we can assure you that everyone has been extremely well paid.


An investment in the last remaining undeveloped parcel of land on Lake Shore Drive represents an investment in the future of one of the leading cities in the world today and Shelbourne remains committed to realizing this vision."

^^
That's good news... at least now we know they're most likely going to restart the construction in a year or two

YES finally some good news!!!!!!!!:banana::banana::)

It will get built. I mean... If Obama doesn't bail the Spire out, there really won't be a thing left to expect from him! :lol:

Anyway... A glimmer of hope finally...

...yes, it IS in his home state, after all. Right now, it looms large as a symbol of the recession.

Great news ! This project deserves to exist for our eyes ! Hope to see construction resumes as soon as possible...

Great News. This tower will be back on track. :yes:

The Spire lives! Hopefully this is only the beginning, as the credit market turns around things should get more optimistic. I admit that I was worried about this one, but how could you possibly not build such an amazing building? The Chicago Spire is one of the few supertall skyscrapers out there that is really pushing the design envelope.

On a side note, the Illinois legislature also passed the 250 million in reserve funds for the 2016 Olympics, which were requested by the International Olympic Association. That’s huge! If Chicago gets the Olympics, the Spire will almost surely go forward. :)

WOW! That's great news!!! I knew they won't give up on The Spires! :)

This will take more than they evaluated in the planning ..and we'll have to see if they save the project as they mention

Im curious if they'll manage to finish this before the olympics even if they restart work.... but anyway this is really good news.

that doesn't mean anything. developers/ realtors will say anything you want to hear. The supposed "work" that has been done is all pre construction stuff, i don't think it amounts to much

That flag (posted two pages behind) looks like a prank: I like it! It's the new logo of a project that looks dead... till work resumes again one day.

Im curious if they'll manage to finish this before the olympics even if they restart work.... but anyway this is really good news.
That wouldn't even be a challenge. This building doesn't have all the political problems FT and the other buildings have the former WTC site do. It should be completed in about three years after construction resumes.
that doesn't mean anything. developers/ realtors will say anything you want to hear. The supposed "work" that has been done is all pre construction stuff, i don't think it amounts to much
Actually considering all the caissons to support the structure and the garage are completed a reasonable amount of work has been completed. Yes, the ramps and utility work were pre-construction but a lot of the other work was actually part of the construction process for the tower. Once work resumes things will start happening very quickly because of what has already been done.

Actually considering all the caissons to support the structure and the garage are completed a reasonable amount of work has been completed. Yes, the ramps and utility work were pre-construction but a lot of the other work was actually part of the construction process for the tower. Once work resumes things will start happening very quickly because of what has already been done.

That's what I'm saying, they already did a lot of work on this thing. It would be pointless the throw it all away. They could build something less, but there would be a lot of wasted materials. If Shelbourne just can’t finish it, I hope the Spire project would be picked up by another developer.

impressive building! the final version is the best by far. -but would the spire still be built if it were equal or less to the sears tower in height? i think it needs the height to get away with the unique design.

i cant help but think it looks like a giant unicorn horn in the midst of one of americas best skylines...it just doesnt fit. it will be cool, sure, but im afraid it will overdominate the chicago skyline.

am i alone on this one?

Found this on SSP, possible good news! Scroll down to the bold.

http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE52M08Z20090323

RPT-FEATURE-Global recession stalls skyscraper construction
Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:03am EDT
(This story is part of a Reuters series on infrastructure)

By Andrew Stern

CHICAGO, March 23 (Reuters) - There is a gaping hole where one of the world's tallest buildings is supposed to go up.

The planned 150-story Chicago Spire would be 2,000 feet tall (610 m) if it gets built atop its completed foundation, ranking the tower the tallest in the Western Hemisphere and the sixth-tallest among the world's planned skyscrapers.

The Spire was supposed to be finished by 2012 and the Irish developer staged a global marketing campaign. Buyers snapped up a third of its 1,194 luxury condominiums priced between $750,000 and $40 million. Ty Warner, creator of the Beanie Baby toys, opted for the top-priced penthouse.

But after digging a 76-foot-deep (23 m) hole and sinking caissons, construction on the twisting Spire -- inspired, its famed architect Santiago Calatrava said, by swirling smoke from a Native American campfire -- was stalled in January by the credit crisis that is stifling construction worldwide.

Chicago has long been a showcase for tall towers since the steel-framed skyscraper was invented, its history full of developers whose ambitions sometimes crashed on the rocks of economic slowdowns, said John Norquist, president of non-profit group The Congress for the New Urbanism.

For people living in the hundreds of new condominiums near the planned Spire, the unbuilt site "starts to look like a blight," Norquist said.

"When everybody's feeling buoyant and they all think they're going to be billionaires overnight, that's when these 'biggest' plans come about. If you get them going before the bust hits, they get built right away. Otherwise you've got to wait and sometimes they don't get built at all," he said.

Globally, work has been halted on 142, or 11 percent, of 1,324 skyscraper projects, including 29 of 301 U.S. projects, according to Emporis GmbH, a German company that tracks development. Work is stalled on the five tallest buildings on five continents, including the Spire -- Emporis refers to these landmark buildings as "Babel" projects.

Work was stopped on the kilometer-tall (.6 mile) Nakheel Tower in Dubai, one of scores of construction projects idled in the former Gulf Arab boom town. A January HSBC report said $75 billion worth of projects in the United Arab Emirates were suspended or canceled. Contractors complain of not being paid.

Other tall towers on hold are Moscow's Russia Tower and the Gran Torre Costanera office building in Santiago, Chile.

MASSIVE JOB LOSSES

The U.S. economic downturn has probably been felt most acutely in the construction industry. Some 2 million American construction workers are unemployed and the industry's 21.4 percent jobless rate is the highest of any sector.

"Every month we see massive job loss in the construction industry and every month it gets worse ... The construction industry is in a near depression," said Terry O'Sullivan, head of the Laborers' International Union of North America.

The recently passed U.S. economic stimulus bill was expected to funnel $150 billion into building and repairing infrastructure, which the union said would employ 700,000 workers, for a while. The stimulus funding is viewed as only a downpayment on the $2.2 trillion engineers say is needed to rebuild the nation's infrastructure. Fewer workers are needed to perform maintenance than build from scratch, laborers say.

"If there's no buildings going up, what do you do?" said James Connolly, a Laborers' union manager. "Prepare yourself because it's going to get worse before it gets better."

Construction workers are accustomed to boom-and-bust cycles but this downturn appears deeper and longer. The impact of lost wages of $35 to $40 an hour ripples through the economy.

"People out of work, people lose their homes, people lose their hospitalization, people lose all their benefits," said Tom Villanova, president of the Chicago and Cook County Building Trades, which covers 100,000 construction workers.

"It's as bad as I've ever seen it, and I've been around for 30 years," he said.

Dublin-based Shelbourne Development Group has so far failed to get financing for the $1 billion Chicago Spire. Now, construction unions are negotiating to invest their pension funds to kickstart the project. The Spire would provide 1 million paydays for ironworkers, carpenters and others.

But construction loans are hard to come by. Delinquency rates in Chicago on such loans have risen for 10 consecutive quarters to 15 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Many projects never got off the ground, while other developers have scaled back or suspended work altogether. The residential market has a glut of unsold and foreclosed homes -- at least 7,000 in the Chicago area alone, Villanova said.

In downtown Chicago, canceled contracts on condominiums in the latest quarter outnumbered meager sales, which were off sharply from nearly 3,800 sales in all of 2007, according to Appraisal Research Counselors, a real estate firm. Prospective buyers surrendered downpayments of $10,000 or more, scared off by falling prices and the bleak job market.

"I've been out of work since December," with few prospects, said sprinkler system installer Jeff Switalski, 40.

He said the number of unionized installers in Chicago has tripled to around 1,500 since he started in 1995, when the city began a building boom.

Locally, all eyes are on whether Chicago wins the 2016 Summer Olympics, which would be a huge construction project.

"Maybe if every town, every city, in the United States had an Olympics, that would be the only thing that would save us," Switalski said.

(Editing by Doina Chiacu and Michael Conlon)

Wow thats good news, i hope they can resume the work again.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-biz-afl-cio-chicago-spire-march23,0,7040270.story

AFL-CIO could help fund Spire construction

By Mary Ellen Podmolik
5:29 PM CDT, March 23, 2009

A deep-pocketed AFL-CIO pension fund is meeting with Chicago Spire developer Shelbourne Development Group Tuesday in Chicago to advance discussions that could have the pension fund help pay for construction of the stalled skyscraper.

Discussions between the AFL-CIO Investment Trusts and Irish developer Garrett Kelleher began in January but the talks are in the "embryonic stage," said Tom Villanova, president of the Chicago and Cook County Building Trades Council, which represents 24 trades locally.

Just put that baby back on the track...I'll give my allowance for this month to help...:lol:

Lot's of encouraging news lately. :happy:

The union cash sounds like Shelbourne's last resort. But if buildings like Trump, Marina City, and the Empire State Building were all built with some pension money, I don't see why the Spire couldn’t be too. The Spire would certainly give them the most bang for their buck, in an economy like this. It's far enough along where the unions could almost jump right in. Sounds like a good deal, Kelleher has to be somewhat relieved with this proposal. :)

:banana:

Sounds encouraging, but I bet those pension funds have taken a beating lately as well.:hm:

the building looks sexy.. :banana:

^^ hope ur a female.

another article:

http://cbs2chicago.com/business/chicago.spire.construction.2.966280.html

New Life May Be Breathed Into Chicago Spire
Construction Of Soaring Apartment Tower Has Been Delayed
CHICAGO (CBS) ―


The ill-fated Chicago Spire could rise from the dust, after being only an enormous hole in the ground for the past several months.

A major union says its pension fund could help pay for construction of the building.

There were big plans for the giant residential tower at 400 N. Lake Shore Dr. It would have surpassed the Sears Tower – soon to be renamed the Willis Tower – as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and was supposed to be one of the tallest buildings in the world.

But the site has been empty for months, except for a broad, round hole that was dug for the foundation. The plan began to unwind after celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava filed a lien on the project, claiming the developer hadn't paid him $11.34 million he was owed for his work.

Also, the Chicago architectural firm Perkins & Will, hired as a local overseer of the design, filed its own lien, claiming it is owed $4.85 million.

Meanwhile, the spire's developer, Shelbourne Development Ltd., acknowledged slowing the pace of the work last fall because turmoil in financial markets limited access to credit.

But now, the Chicago Tribune reports on its Web site that the AFL-CIO's Housing Investment Trusts are meeting with Shelbourne on Tuesday for preliminary discussions. It could be a win-win for both sides, with the developer getting the building, and the union securing jobs.

Plans for the Spire were first announced in 2005. The soaring spiral design of the building by the celebrity architect has won fans. Calatrava in published reports has compared the structure to a smoke spiral rising from a campfire along the Chicago River.

But unlike the John Hancock Center and Sears Tower, which would both be dwarfed by the building, the Chicago Spire does not have plans for any public restaurants or observatories. The building would be open only to residents, and that group is a select few. The condos in the building are priced from $750,000 to $15 million each.

Lot's of encouraging news lately. :happy:
Very encouraging indeed!:cheers:

this deserves a dancing banana :banana:

Now i'm waiting for some equipment on the site in the next few months...:banana:

YAY!!!! Finally!!! I am little surprised that they would start construction again much earlier than I expected. I thought they might start again sometime in 2010 but I am glad I am wrong about it! :)

^^ nothing is certain yet.

my apologies in advance,
this is a little off topic but still relevent.
the spire has 1194 units for sale so does this make it the worlds denses residential building. or is there a building with more units? (im thinking something in china or beijing if there is)
i dont include commercial or hotel buildings because there populations vary. and residential building have a more stable permanent population.

but, pension fund??? meaning bad news for the elderlys?

but, pension fund??? meaning bad news for the elderlys?

How is this bad for the pension fund holders? Most bets are that this building will be profitable if it is built.

Am giving a military SALUTE to Chicago Spire's welcome-back.

I'm keeping my fingers, arms and legs crossed for this great project :):)

but, pension fund??? meaning bad news for the elderlys?

elderly pension funds are not going to be involved in this. if your more than 10 years from retirement (like me i am a member of the teamsters union) then those funds will be used to finance this building and given enough time to recoup there investment.

U/C !!! U/C!!!!!!!!

The good news is that someone still wants this tower to be built.
But nowhere is it mentioned that money have began flowing into the project."YET"
So still on hold, until proven otherwise. By harryc most likely. I swear it I think this guy is camping over the construction site.:)

:cheers: pal.

I 'm not sure if I would put my pension into this. At least not before I saw a thorough calculation of costs and profits.

From above
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/ScwLLcAWWbI/AAAAAAABJE8/kw9cPSROgZQ/s800/P1300826.JPG
higer res 2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

Slowly we melt.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/ScwK5jFKwvI/AAAAAAABJEw/QdPILlDJM1U/s800/P1300835_6_7.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/ScwKzvxqXWI/AAAAAAABJEY/D3ADUxzjlLg/s720/P1300832_3_4.jpg

assaulted by nature - spring growth at the edge of the secant wall.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/ScwK2o_cLkI/AAAAAAABJEk/qxLmKOHrF_8/s800/P1300825_3_4.jpg

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Encouraging. Might I suggest it grow some (poss internal) wind turbines and apply for massive stimulus funds.

Lovely design. Let's hope it gets underway after the financial crisis.

I 'm not sure if I would put my pension into this. At least not before I saw a thorough calculation of costs and profits.

Well, no supertall has ever been built in the USA and not eventually turned a profit. It seems that if you can muster up the money to build it then it will, even if takes time, be profitable.

:cheers:

http://www.thechicago77.com/2009/04/the-chicago-77-announces-plan-to-buy-the-spire/

^^
Happy April fools' day!

Board Meeting at Dunkin Donuts?
Raising of funds by donation?
Utilizing school kids?
Supply of 9.8 billion donuts in exchange for naming rights?

:lol:

couldn't resist :lol:

From above
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SdXot9iztqI/AAAAAAABJcU/mH2DE-uzAL8/s800/P1310660.JPG

higer res2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

It's cold down there - Ice survives in the shadows of the core.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SdXonKk2OTI/AAAAAAABJcI/YlThBIlqA_8/s800/P1310667.JPG

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UGLY

UGLY

And what do you consider to be beautiful?

UGLY

If this is the completed project then it is ugly for a hole, but still long way to go.

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT , 150 fls IS A LOT...

UGLYIronically, right!?

From above
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SdXot9iztqI/AAAAAAABJcU/mH2DE-uzAL8/s800/P1310660.JPG

higer res2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

It's cold down there - Ice survives in the shadows of the core.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SdXonKk2OTI/AAAAAAABJcI/YlThBIlqA_8/s800/P1310667.JPG

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Mmm Thanks, the ice is very insistent yet

If this is the completed project then it is ugly for a hole, but still long way to go.The rumour is that that's not the completed project.

does anyone remember the foot print of the spire?

^^What about it?

just curios.

From above
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Sd6MM0eqHbI/AAAAAAABJ9w/o3CDOEH2UtE/s800/P1320565.JPG


higer res 2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

Ice all gone
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Sd6MPAT8PZI/AAAAAAABJ98/28eJxh4hoJU/s800/P1320564.JPG

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does anyone remember the foot print of the spire?

Overlay done by BVic on SSP
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Sd6Nt8GVXgI/AAAAAAABJ-c/ulaCLqGvtQc/BVic_spireoverlayze9.jpg

I hope Chicago Spire will not have severe mold and rust problems when they start construction again.

I'm currently selling my condo, and I received marketing emails once in a while from my @properties agent; well, this is what I received today... :cheers:

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg108/dancingwithnacos4/album%20nuevo/cofferDam.jpg

THE CHICAGO SPIRE PROJECT

Dates: Currently, the project completion dates remain unaffected as time allowances for unanticipated events were included in the original schedule. We are currently working with some of the world's top financial institutions to secure project financing for the next phase of construction. The Chicago Spire will be in position to be afforded the first credit when it becomes available and we have every reason to believe that this will become reality in short order.

Earnest Money: Buyers' Earnest Money deposits are held at Bank of America in segregated interest-bearing accounts assigned to each individual Buyer. The accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), are held harmless from any developer debt and are unable to be accessed for construction costs.

Construction Status: Approximately 70% of our construction materials' procurement is bid out. A significant body of construction work has been completed to date including:

* Foundation and substructure works by Case Foundation Company;
* Ramps to serve the site, to and from Lake Shore Drive completed by Lorig Construction; and
* Utility relocation work (substantially completed).


Construction/Liens: We announced recently that due to the global credit crisis, a slowdown in the rate of project construction would be necessary.


Shelbourne Development has been working closely with our contractors, advisors and design professionals over the past two years as this project has come to fruition, and while there have been some lien filings, we can assure you that everyone has been extremely well paid.

An investment in the last remaining undeveloped parcel of land on Lake Shore Drive represents an investment in the future of one of the leading cities in the world today and Shelbourne remains committed to realizing this vision.
Chicagoans and visitors to the city can discover for themselves the truly impressive nature of this development by scheduling a private appointment to tour the 20,000 sq. ft. Calatrava-designed Marketing Suite located near the building site. Contact your @properties agent to schedule an appointment and see for yourself this magnificent addition to the Chicago skyline..

The Chicago Spire by Santiago Calatrava.
The most significant residential development in the world.
Exclusively marketed by Savills (L&P) Inc and @properties, Chicago, Illinois.

just curios.They were dugged and covered. They are hard to see on recent photos. I think they are four in numbers in angles tangented to the hole.

They were dugged and covered. They are hard to see on recent photos. I think they are four in numbers in angles tangented to the hole.

Trying again - originallyhttp://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Sd6Nt8GVXgI/AAAAAAABJ-c/ulaCLqGvtQc/BVic_spireoverlayze9.jpg

Link (http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Sd6Nt8GVXgI/AAAAAAABJ-c/ulaCLqGvtQc/BVic_spireoverlayze9.jpg)
done by BVic on SSP ( all 7 outer pairs are in )

Are there any news on when construction will resume?

god, still on hold:ohno:i hope it will start again, srsly awesome project.
also that hole looks funny lol.

My goodness! This ugly talk is getting more ugly. Why do we have to get ugly with things here?

Tampa, I read in an ArchRecord and posted a while ago that people are getting sued left and right over this unfortunately. I think it was the January issue that talked about it. But I think Calatrava alone is seeking like 12 million and then it all starts rolling from there. I can't remember the reasons why either...probably delays of something or delays in payments. Also, keep in mind that this project also started construction with around 33% sold and at the peak of the markets. So the answer to your question is probably both are reasons.

I hope Chicago Spire will not have severe mold and rust problems when they start construction again.

Good point, although judging by the corrugated metal there...I'm guessing its not a structural element of the building (someone please step in if I'm wrong!!!)

this entire project didn't seem very feasiable to begin with.

I hope it starts up again but with the currenty market conditions and financial crisis, I can only hope.

But seriously, I really hope nobody ever try to pull something like this in an North American city ever again, at least not in the next 30 years. The population desnity just does not warrant it.

this entire project didn't seem very feasiable to begin with.

I hope it starts up again but with the currenty market conditions and financial crisis, I can only hope.

But seriously, I really hope nobody ever try to pull something like this in an North American city ever again, at least not in the next 30 years. The population desnity just does not warrant it.

That's completely ridiculous! Why the heck are you on a skyscraper support forum if your talking like that?! This project is by no means dead. Something big will get built there sooner or later, by this developer or another. :ohno:

this entire project didn't seem very feasiable to begin with.

I hope it starts up again but with the currenty market conditions and financial crisis, I can only hope.

But seriously, I really hope nobody ever try to pull something like this in an North American city ever again, at least not in the next 30 years. The population desnity just does not warrant it.
Do you think any of the super tall buildings being built are feasible from a strictly economic basis? This one is certainly a lot more feasible than many being built overseas. The population density of downtown Chicago is very high, considerably higher than many of the areas where super tall buildings are being built! It makes perfect sense where it's being built. With the prices of land in many urban areas the only way to recover the land cost is to build tall.

Do you think any of the super tall buildings being built are feasible from a strictly economic basis? This one is certainly a lot more feasible than many being built overseas. The population density of downtown Chicago is very high, considerably higher than many of the areas where super tall buildings are being built! It makes perfect sense where it's being built. With the prices of land in many urban areas the only way to recover the land cost is to build tall.

Answer to your question; super tall buildings, no. Super tall condos, yes I think that usually is the case.

I guess we'll see.

It started so it'll most likely raise. But in what form, and when.

but again, we'll see.


Although, it'll be very nice to have it built indeed.

That's completely ridiculous! Why the heck are you on a skyscraper support forum if your talking like that?! This project is by no means dead. Something big will get built there sooner or later, by this developer or another. :ohno:

sorry I hurt your feelings...

I heard that the Chicago-spire`s workers will be getting back to site very soon. The hope is for sure as negotiation with AFL-CIO is on the way.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2009-03/45758305.jpg

Good point, although judging by the corrugated metal there...I'm guessing its not a structural element of the building (someone please step in if I'm wrong!!!) I don`t think so. That technical question can best be answered by those who know much about the project in detail.

I heard that the Chicago-spire`s workers will be getting back to site very soon. The hope is for sure as negotiation with AFL-CIO is on the way.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2009-03/45758305.jpg

Where did you heard it from?

^^ from his neighbours??

From above
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SeaVmB3U5DI/AAAAAAABKKQ/Gmn4dFg9_YU/s800/P1330510.JPG


higer res 2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

Little spire.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SeaVcL3jovI/AAAAAAABKJ0/XNySk4V9KpA/s640/P1330503.JPG

Weathering the storm.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SeaVe6NkrAI/AAAAAAABKKE/9jpXcfr3xZg/s800/P1330514_2_3.jpg

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why does that highway look closed?

why does that highway look closed?
IIRC, there's a stoplight just out of the shot.

I hope construction resumes as soon as possible. Design of the Chicago Spire is one of the most distinctive worldwide !

why does that highway look closed?

Cars, people, and other fast moving things muck up my HDR shots. There is a well defined pulse to the traffic and I just wait a few beats until both sides are idle at the same time.

^^ from his neighbours??Yes! He is one of those trusted pals of mine who's an insider in AFL-CIO.

I wonder how much sales will pick up if financing is somehow secured...

http://chicagoismynewblog.wordpress.com/

I wonder how much sales will pick up if financing is somehow secured...

http://chicagoismynewblog.wordpress.com/I am banking on that, it's going to be high.

I still have a faith in this project.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1036/3352428643_d237c8da9d_b.jpg

^^ Same here.

me too, but i hope they go back to the design with the 1500ft roof and the 500ft spire.

me too, but i hope they go back to the design with the 1500ft roof and the 500ft spire.
:ohno: Spires are nothing but a cheaters way to make the building taller! They serve no real purpose in most cases but rather are just an ornament stuck on top. The I personally think the building's height should only be counted to the roof and spires and antennas shouldn't be counted in any case. The press and design of the spire is a very good design and will be a signature of Chicago's skyline for a long time.

me too, but i hope they go back to the design with the 1500ft roof and the 500ft spire.

Why?:lol:

:ohno: Spires are nothing but a cheaters way to make the building taller! They serve no real purpose in most cases but rather are just an ornament stuck on top. The I personally think the building's height should only be counted to the roof and spires and antennas shouldn't be counted in any case. The press and design of the spire is a very good design and will be a signature of Chicago's skyline for a long time.

When people would read somewhere that the Petronas towers were the tallest in the world, I'd show them a scale drawing of the Sears tower next to them. They were so obviously much smaller with a stick on top that went a couple meters above the Sears roof that noone could defend that claim.
A stick is a stick, whether a spire or an antenna.
The best thing about the BD is that it put an end to all these Richard measuring contests by being the tallest no matter how you measure it.

When people would read somewhere that the Petronas towers were the tallest in the world, I'd show them a scale drawing of the Sears tower next to them. They were so obviously much smaller with a stick on top that went a couple meters above the Sears roof that noone could defend that claim.
A stick is a stick, whether a spire or an antenna.
The best thing about the BD is that it put an end to all these Richard measuring contests by being the tallest no matter how you measure it.
Of course if you look at the highest occupied floor BD is an awful lot shorter! An awful lot of that building is not designed to be occupied. Whereas this building is almost all occupied, a significant difference.

someone remind me exactly how tall the current spire design is again... lik 200m shorter right>?

Of course if you look at the highest occupied floor BD is an awful lot shorter! An awful lot of that building is not designed to be occupied. Whereas this building is almost all occupied, a significant difference.

True. The 2680' BD will only have occupied floors to 1450'. What's the highest on the current Chitown Spire design?

True. The 2680' BD will only have occupied floors to 1450'. What's the highest on the current Chitown Spire design?

The duplex penthouse will be on levels 141 and 142.

This is a link to a panoramic view from what will be the 140th floor, 2 floors below the top penthouse level.

http://www.thechicagospire.com/building/panoramas/140/

This is a diagram of the different floor/panorama levels, you can see how close the top the highest occupied floor/penthouse is.

http://www.thechicagospire.com/building/panoramas/

It looks a lot higher than the Sears Tower roof, which means that the Spire's highest occupied floor will be higher than the BD's.

The tower won't resume construction for atleast 14 months, if it does happen at all.

The tower won't resume construction for atleast 14 months, if it does happen at all.

Can I borrow your crystal ball? I want to know what the lottery numbers are going to be tonight.

True. The 2680' BD will only have occupied floors to 1450'. What's the highest on the current Chitown Spire design?

Though it is an interesting point - one that shows that CS might very well have the highest *residential* floors in the world, the BD does have higher occupiable floors.

You can gauge from the panoramas that the 140s is about even with Sears' antennas so ~1.707 feet. The 160s in BD are past 611 meters so that is already at least 2,000'+.

Sorry for just replying recently and not catching the last few pages of this thread since I recently was out of town but that seems to be the case. This building will surely have the highest *residences* in the world when it's completed... surely a wonderful thing!

Since we're on height, one other bit of food for thought is % of used ratio (not really "unused" but just not occupiable) of each building. I'm just guessing so please don't take the numbers as truth.

CS Highest floor = 1,750' (Lv 142) of 2,000' = 87.5% occupied.
BD Highest floor = 2,050' (Lv 162-M3) of 2,680' = ~77% occupied.

A bit of a difference but hey, different uses and structure so just an interesting thought.

The tower won't resume construction for atleast 14 months, if it does happen at all.
Where do you get this information? Is it published somewhere or did you just dreaming it up?

You could probably see Detroit from the top!

Though it is an interesting point - one that shows that CS might very well have the highest *residential* floors in the world, the BD does have higher occupiable floors.

You can gauge from the panoramas that the 140s is about even with Sears' antennas so ~1.707 feet. The 160s in BD are past 611 meters so that is already at least 2,000'+.

Sorry for just replying recently and not catching the last few pages of this thread since I recently was out of town but that seems to be the case. This building will surely have the highest *residences* in the world when it's completed... surely a wonderful thing!

Since we're on height, one other bit of food for thought is % of used ratio (not really "unused" but just not occupiable) of each building. I'm just guessing so please don't take the numbers as truth.

CS Highest floor = 1,750' (Lv 142) of 2,000' = 87.5% occupied.
BD Highest floor = 2,050' (Lv 162-M3) of 2,680' = ~77% occupied.

A bit of a difference but hey, different uses and structure so just an interesting thought.

Depends on what you consider occupiable. You could put a desk in a mechanical room and call it an office, or call an obsevation deck occupied, but the BD won't have any regularly "occupied" floors above 124 or so.

Depends on what you consider occupiable. You could put a desk in a mechanical room and call it an office, or call an obsevation deck occupied, but the BD won't have any regularly "occupied" floors above 124 or so.

That's not even close to being true, you know.

The duplex penthouse will be on levels 141 and 142.

This is a link to a panoramic view from what will be the 140th floor, 2 floors below the top penthouse level.

http://www.thechicagospire.com/building/panoramas/140/

This is a diagram of the different floor/panorama levels, you can see how close the top the highest occupied floor/penthouse is.

http://www.thechicagospire.com/building/panoramas/

It looks a lot higher than the Sears Tower roof, which means that the Spire's highest occupied floor will be higher than the BD's.

bump

Depends on what you consider occupiable. You could put a desk in a mechanical room and call it an office, or call an obsevation deck occupied, but the BD won't have any regularly "occupied" floors above 124 or so.

That's not true. It has regular office floors up to something like the 158th floor.
In fact the BD has about 200 floors if you count the unoccupied ones (similar to the way the ESB has over 100 floors)

Hi all.

The highest level occupied by tenants in the BD is 154 and its floor is at 574.5 meters.

http://f.imagehost.org/0841/Burj_Dubai_08_08_5.jpg (http://f.imagehost.org/view/0841/Burj_Dubai_08_08_5)

The highest residential level in the BD is 108 and its floor is at 375.3 meters.

http://f.imagehost.org/0142/Burj_Dubai_08_08_7.jpg (http://f.imagehost.org/view/0142/Burj_Dubai_08_08_7)

The CS will have residential levels higher than the BD but not the highest occupied level. Of course the BD's highest named level, roof, and pinnacle are much higher yet ...

Don't get me wrong - the CS is one of my favorite structures with an excellent design. It has photog coverage that is second only to the BD {Tokyo Skytree is getting good too). I have over 3500 shots of the CS foundation work thanks to HarryC and others which start at the first shovelfull (backhoe) of dirt moved for site prep.

The CS is on hold now but I can't wait for it to resume and once completed take its place in the Chicago skyline.

:cheers:

From above
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SfG2sjzlDZI/AAAAAAABKuU/CTEYnaI-IxE/s800/P1340560.JPG

higer res 2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

The park - with Navy Pier in the background
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SfG2pjp7mqI/AAAAAAABKtk/N5RBU9Pyc8c/s800/P1340579.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SfG2qdVUr2I/AAAAAAABKtw/_FTBHDfharU/s800/P1340584_5_6.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SfG2o2ERQlI/AAAAAAABKtY/u_SPdR2dFNY/s800/P1340591_2_3.jpg

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Version A:
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/2074/spire3op.gif

i like this version

Version A:
i like this version
? :ohno: In my opinion it's certainly not as functional as the one now planned. It's just a decent looking building with a stupid looking spire stuck on top to make everyone think it's taller than actually is, much like Freedom Tower!

? :ohno: In my opinion it's certainly not as functional as the one now planned. It's just a decent looking building with a stupid looking spire stuck on top to make everyone think it's taller than actually is, much like Freedom Tower!

imagine that, a building called the spire that has a spire. :bash:

^^or a building that doesn't have a spire, but IS one

Version A:
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/2074/spire3op.gif

i like this version

I am sorry but :puke:

Version A:
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/2074/spire3op.gif

i like this version

oh god no :ohno::ohno::ohno:

^^ yes, this is soooo damn ugly! Really love the design how it is now!

Ok! Enough.What did you guyz have in mind about the building when you are doubting the engineering behind this? Anything is possible with Americans.

Ok! Enough.What did you guyz have in mind about the building when you are doubting the engineering behind this? Anything is possible with Americans.
?? I don't see any discussion about engineering, all I see is a discussion about the design of the structure! That has absolutely nothing to do with engineering. :ohno:

?? I don't see any discussion about engineering, all I see is a discussion about the design of the structure! That has absolutely nothing to do with engineering. :ohno:What?design or engineering - what I am saying is that the first require the second.Which many think here can not be realised by any construction firm available yet. Maybe you didn't grasp the term very well.

However, there is every possibility that what has been done so far is outstanding enough to prove the design can be constructed by Americans.

What?design or engineering - what I am saying is that the first require the second.Which many think here can not be realised by any construction firm available yet. Maybe you didn't grasp the term very well.

However, there is every possibility that what has been done so far is outstanding enough to prove the design can be constructed by Americans.

I believe that he grasped the term quite readily, design and engineering are two completely different things. The past few posts have been in discussion of the DESIGN of the tower, specifically that of an earlier render. While at an earlier date people might have been discussing the ENGINEERING of the tower, that discussion seems to be quite finished.

If you are referencing an earlier discussion, please make that clear instead of snapping at people who don't understand what your prattling on about.


Anyways, that old render IS godawful. I like the current design much better.

I believe that he grasped the term quite readily, design and engineering are two completely different things. The past few posts have been in discussion of the DESIGN of the tower, specifically that of an earlier render. While at an earlier date people might have been discussing the ENGINEERING of the tower, that discussion seems to be quite finished.

If you are referencing an earlier discussion, please make that clear instead of snapping at people who don't understand what your prattling on about.


Anyways, that old render IS godawful. I like the current design much better.
Thanks for explaining to friendsofthecity the differences between design and engineering. Obviously he doesn't realize there's a significant difference. As you noted the ongoing discussion was just about designed and had nothing to do with engineering.

I remember a bunch of people liked the first version back in the day.

such a heated debate. never thought such a silly comment would spark all that. but i like the new rendering too. i think it a more modern simplistic design without the spire. the spire addition is really more reminiscent of NYC and not Chicago. so try not to :bash:

I couldn't get a very good sense based on the articles - unless I missed something, but does anyone have an idea as to when we would hear if this proposal to use pension funds could go through??

I couldn't get a very good sense based on the articles - unless I missed something, but does anyone have an idea as to when we would hear if this proposal to use pension funds could go through??

this project is definitely not a proposal ;)

this project is definitely not a proposal ;)
He didn't ask if the project with a proposal! He asked what the status of the proposal for using union funds was. Completely different question. :ohno:

Thank you, Msradell. I have faced such misunderstood case here before.

I think the appropriation of funding may likely not come from a single source at the end.

That's completely ridiculous! Why the heck are you on a skyscraper support forum if your talking like that?! This project is by no means dead. Something big will get built there sooner or later, by this developer or another. :ohno:


nonsense :bash:

Im sorry, i dont want to search 361 pages back to find out... Just a question: Why is the project on hold ?

Im sorry, i dont want to search 361 pages back to find out... Just a question: Why is the project on hold ?
For this same reason every other major project that is on hold is, lack of financing!

Yeah - the money dried up.

Money can't dry up. The financial crisis is the major cause. Meanwhile, change will come 'cause it's the only constant thing in life.

From above
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SfolPHR0WrI/AAAAAAABLDk/6DKl_LBEu_U/s800/P1340997.JPG
higer res2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

Fill eroding out, the overhang is the fill that was spread to cap the site, the lower smoother area was the level of the site when the secant and slurry walls were put in.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SfolJsyzpxI/AAAAAAABLDY/8ZR7hQ3hlq8/s800/P1340991.JPG


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Thank you for those images, HarryC. It's obvious that place will be revived one day.

Money can't dry up. The financial crisis is the major cause.

You're not too good with figures of speech are you?

You're not too good with figures of speech are you?Of course! I am. But, it's absolutely inadequately used by him.

My hope is that as the economy get better(better forecast for four months time) we are going to see more attention given to abandon projects all over states

the time will come, that's sure. "when" is the question :)

but i've the feeling something will move forward this year

the time will come, that's sure. "when" is the question :)

but i've the feeling something will move forward this year
The prediction is that the economy will revive back in four months time(possibly in the month of August)

the time will come, that's sure. "when" is the question :)

but i've the feeling something will move forward this year

I think you are right. I heard an interview with Trump who said that he is going to invest heavily into real estate since it has the best ever value today and will go up soon. :banana:

Donald Trump has always been consistent on investing in real estate during this financial crisis. I expect Warren Buffet to look into this area rather than investing in BYD,a Chinese automaker.There's nothing wrong if he buys into Chicago Sphire at this time(my observation).

From above
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SgNlYKiJ-dI/AAAAAAABLcw/el-fCjeAFoQ/s800/P1360455.JPG
higer res - 2007 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli) - 2008 Q1 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli2008q1) - 2008 Q2 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q2) - 2008 Q3 & 4 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2008q3) - 2009 series (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/400NLSDCSHeli_2009#)

Maintenance work ?
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SgNlLONCrNI/AAAAAAABLeA/I96HgICxSQA/s800/P1360435.JPG
orange fencing repaired (sometime in the last 2 weeks)
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SgNlRcHfHqI/AAAAAAABLco/QDGGjLNoVnk/s800/P1360462.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SgNlNbDcu8I/AAAAAAABLcY/k2_JHDFyByU/s800/P1360444.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SgNlPsUnIZI/AAAAAAABLcg/s8GZ6giTVGo/s800/P1360460.JPG

Panasonic DMZ TZ4 (http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/tz5_tz4_tz15_tz11/index.html) - Picasa (http://picasaweb.google.com/) - Autostitch (http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~mbrown/autostitch/autostitch.html) - Photomatix HDR (http://www.hdrsoft.com/)

Fencing repaired, people on site...that cant be a bad thing can it?

^^That just to prevent trespassers from falling down that "empty swimming pool.":lol:

Fencing repaired, people on site...that cant be a bad thing can it?

i wouldn't give much on it...that doesn't say anything at the moment

Fencing repaired, people on site...that cant be a bad thing can it?
Well I wouldn't consider a good news either. If they are repairing it it means it will be coming down in the near future and it needs to come down for construction to resume.

Well I wouldn't consider a good news either. If they are repairing it it means it will be coming down in the near future and it needs to come down for construction to resume.I quite agree with your last sentence. That means hope is on the way. This project is inexcusably important to Chicagoans as well as all Americans. And, that must see the light of the day, when people like Warren Buffet, Donald Trumps,etc are there with positive investment acumens.

^^That just to prevent trespassers from falling down that "empty swimming pool.":lol:

I was refering to the orange "fencing" around the radiation areas, which are in the park. The steel fence around the pit appears quite sturdy.

^^That just to prevent trespassers from falling down that "empty swimming pool.":lol:Am not going to laugh with you because I don't see the swimming pool you're talking about. For a point of correction the hole is not a swimming pool.

It's sarcasm, obviously. No good deed goes unpunished around here, it seems.

It's sarcasm, obviously. No good deed goes unpunished around here, it seems.
Quite understand that he's been sarcastic about the hole.

^Try more fiber in your diet.