INDIANAPOLIS | JW Marriott | 373' | 34 fl | T/O

[Indy Rock]

Pictures of the brick anybody? Thank you.

[cailes]

I was wondering the same thing. I have class tomorrow, and should get out while its still light out, so I will try and snap a picture.

[SwimINindy]

Yes! if anyone has pictures, please share, i've been meaning to get downtown to check out that wall, but haven't had enough time to make it around downtown recently.

[SwimINindy]

double post.

[cailes]

Well, i got a picture of it last night. It wasnt great though, because it was raining, and I had my camera pointed out the window as I rolled by. Looking at the photos afterward, they arent flattering images, but they DO show the bricks, if anyone is really hard up on seeing it. They have started up by West Street putting them on the building. When I rounded the bend on Maryland, I couldnt see anything and wondered what you were all talking about haha

So if anyone is interested, I can post the pic

[ablerock]

Well, i got a picture of it last night. It wasnt great though, because it was raining, and I had my camera pointed out the window as I rolled by. Looking at the photos afterward, they arent flattering images, but they DO show the bricks, if anyone is really hard up on seeing it. They have started up by West Street putting them on the building. When I rounded the bend on Maryland, I couldnt see anything and wondered what you were all talking about haha

So if anyone is interested, I can post the pic

Quit being a tease and post the damn thing! ;-)

I went by on my lunch break as well, but it was raining.

[cailes]

here ya go. Like I said, its a terrible photo.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3994944015_7e6bf3eecc.jpg

Another at the washington/maryland turn around
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/3994944057_fe2a703cc6.jpg

[GarfieldPark]

I just hope that there is some type of interface along that whole brick wall - so you can have something interesting to see when you are walking alongside it. Unfortunately it sure doesn't look like it so far. It looks like a brick wall -- with a few openings for doorways and parking garage entrances. I don't see any window openings along that entire block. That would really be horrible -- and then, to make things worse -- after making it along that whole block -- if you're going east - you then cross West Street and can walk along another entire block that is the first floor of the Government Center Parking Garage. Really bad. I hope there is at least something positive that can come out of the first floor of the JW Marriott complex along Maryland Street -- but so far, it doesn't look too good in my opinion. The absolute worst is when there are those flat, steel doors that only open from the inside that are emergency exits. I sure hope that isn't what will be along Maryland Street. That would be the worst to the Nth degree.

[Baba O'Riley]

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab271/davidmerle22790/HPIM1541.jpg

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab271/davidmerle22790/HPIM1543.jpg

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab271/davidmerle22790/HPIM1544.jpg

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab271/davidmerle22790/HPIM1546.jpg

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab271/davidmerle22790/HPIM1548.jpg

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab271/davidmerle22790/HPIM1549.jpg

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab271/davidmerle22790/HPIM1550.jpg

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab271/davidmerle22790/HPIM1551.jpg

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab271/davidmerle22790/HPIM1552.jpg

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab271/davidmerle22790/HPIM1555.jpg

[GarfieldPark]

Baba: Welcome to the forum - and thanks very much for the photos. Nice collection from all kinds of angles around the new complex. Too bad the weather was so cloudy and foggy - but hopefully there will be more pictures, on nicer days.

[ablerock]

The absolute worst is when there are those flat, steel doors that only open from the inside that are emergency exits. I sure hope that isn't what will be along Maryland Street. That would be the worst to the Nth degree.

Dude, I hate to break it to you, but Maryland Street is a lost cause. :-) It's been completely ruined by every hotel that's been built in the last decade or so. No one's going to want to walk along it.

The only hope for that area is the proper development of the lawn on the Washington Street side of the state parking garage.

We discussed this a while back: with the Cultural Trail potentially heading straight across Washington, the right development on that lawn could make Washington St. into a fairly legitimate, interesting, active pedestrian entrance into the city for the lodgers at the JW Marriott complex. Maryland's going to be for cars only, and that's really too bad.

[OSUBucks#1]

The more pictures I see of this project...the more disappointed I become. The blank walls at the base just are unappealing and don't seem to tie into the rest of the tower at all. It's like the Region's Bank tower...the base and the tower are completely removed from one another. I know HOK isn't great, but I really expected more from them on this hotel. Yes, it will be a nice addition to the skyline in terms of massing, but the design is just lacking. I am so frustrated with the quality of the new architecture going in the downtown region. When will we see something well designed for downtown? I cannot think of one new project in the downtown region that is a well designed building. It doesn't speak very highly for the architecture community of Indianapolis or for the city to not demand better designs.

[EddieB317]

Recent Pictures of the JW Marriott from 10/13/2009.


http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPJorPQ3I/AAAAAAAADiA/hDQwGkbXbb8/s720/photo.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPJtLUf7I/AAAAAAAADiE/ECYk9UftCG4/s640/photo%202.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPJ4UO_VI/AAAAAAAADiI/M3c9f4-FmRg/s720/photo%203.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPJ0fPK_I/AAAAAAAADiM/2JRbkiwpKIE/s720/photo%204.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPKNpZYfI/AAAAAAAADiQ/hNyAzgK-imA/s640/photo%205.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPRU4WtgI/AAAAAAAADiU/Ha49WYzpce8/s640/photo.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPRUNodhI/AAAAAAAADiY/WfDRPs1BpmQ/s720/photo%202.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPRt9IcYI/AAAAAAAADic/iALBpzjDP7U/s640/photo%203.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPRlk8GPI/AAAAAAAADig/RaPceoEgjk0/s640/photo%204.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPRma0zqI/AAAAAAAADik/h5UoLLmbeIA/s640/photo%205.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPapt_g1I/AAAAAAAADio/cpOvrMYfvV0/s640/photo.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPapfBqLI/AAAAAAAADis/syEOmPd3s7k/s640/photo%202.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPar7ZU0I/AAAAAAAADiw/lurho-BP6Ro/s720/photo%203.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPa-HWqRI/AAAAAAAADi0/VYzqq7kwB-k/s720/photo%204.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPi_iLaRI/AAAAAAAADi8/vBFW3d7kW5k/s720/photo.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPjEadixI/AAAAAAAADjA/LlNfQQ9lhAc/s640/photo%202.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPjAO0p1I/AAAAAAAADjI/HI9NQVWaR8I/s720/photo%204.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/StYPja-AmcI/AAAAAAAADjM/A70g3VioIeo/s640/photo%205.jpg

[cailes]

Photos are not showing up...

[EddieB317]

Photos are not showing up...
Should be fixed now. Sorry about that.

[ablerock]

Should be fixed now. Sorry about that.

Thanks man! Nice all-around perspective. I love the way the sky relfects in the second shot from the top.

[CorrND]

Nice set. You can see in some of the pictures how amazing the facade is when there's spotty cloud cover. I noticed the same thing driving down Washington the other day and it's quite striking. This facade is a chameleon.

[cwilson758]

Taken Saturday:

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs218.snc1/8521_1235505617465_1523967601_656611_3246660_n.jpg

I am pleased with the impact that this is having from this angle. Obvioulsy I am already wishing that we had another tower in the Conrad area of this pic of at least 400 feet(Perhaps a Penn Centre?) as it would really look good. BUT, all in all, considering we passed on a 650' footer, this does do a lot for this angle and really helps to bulk the skyline and give more than one money shot for our skyline.


I counted the floors and looks like we are getting close to the top.

[IndyTypeGuy]

What is the 650 footer we passed on?

[unvrsty07]

intercontinental hotel at pan am plaza

[IndyYeah]

intercontinental hotel at pan am plaza

The Browning proposal, that was at PanAm Plaza with the garage under it from what I remember

[IndyYeah]

Even the 650 footer at the present JW site would have been a great look in my opinion.

[SMSC1]

FYI, Tower elevator core is topped out.

[IndyYeah]

Is the rest of the building going to go as high as the elevator core, or will the elevator stick out at a higher level?

[EddieB317]

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95pz7L7wI/AAAAAAAADkU/doqyXWKxi2s/s640/photo%208.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95qiM1ZyI/AAAAAAAADkc/69QOhFxI9Z0/s512/photo%2011.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95rVD_WZI/AAAAAAAADkk/HHSWkEXAlHM/s640/photo%2013.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95sLEV3lI/AAAAAAAADks/nuC0B0OClD4/s640/photo%2015.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95scrKuWI/AAAAAAAADkw/d2S2DSvs1OU/s640/photo%2016.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95s8k3kVI/AAAAAAAADk0/SobyoFKzQxE/s640/photo%2017.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95ttOjW7I/AAAAAAAADk8/jt3fCE8KQB0/s640/photo%2019.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95u8SprJI/AAAAAAAADlI/BwyN275oXF4/s512/photo%2022.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95wQzgniI/AAAAAAAADlU/GWOCvHQgvM0/s640/photo%2025.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95wmoCNOI/AAAAAAAADlY/TEgoRv7ii0E/s512/photo%2026.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95xA29xBI/AAAAAAAADlc/xqzUGx8dmd4/s640/photo%2027.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95xlnb52I/AAAAAAAADlg/lQpXf9KR_3Y/s512/photo%2028.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95yJLSmTI/AAAAAAAADlk/SnFAqQC6ZQY/s640/photo%2029.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St9508tFQgI/AAAAAAAADl8/M4lFcUQL_rY/s640/photo%2035.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95zUYypaI/AAAAAAAADls/kK68QchRLso/s640/photo%2031.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95zq5hFBI/AAAAAAAADlw/omKEgbNdeLI/s640/photo%2032.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St950J8FoxI/AAAAAAAADl0/uM7vGTiAqvM/s512/photo%2033.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St950oWaYXI/AAAAAAAADl4/jtOF9Vh4n7w/s512/photo%2034.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St953mzDWxI/AAAAAAAADmU/zdoJzaiC24Y/s640/photo%2041.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St9530lFjJI/AAAAAAAADmY/zVpeyeCDEGI/s640/photo%2042.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St954n_8UGI/AAAAAAAADmg/XQDertbVkxo/s512/photo%2044.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95407ClFI/AAAAAAAADmk/rADOouN6YPM/s640/photo%2045.jpg

[hoosier]

It may not interact well with the surrounding environment at the street level but it sure does add much needed bulk to the skyline.

[EddieB317]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SuhcarVSE8I/AAAAAAAADoI/1s824_jXjpY/s576/photo%2025.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/Suhcajia9KI/AAAAAAAADoM/oF-6AIQ89tA/s576/photo%2024.jpg

The brown facade on the convention hall facing the ball park looks good, and compliments the Eiteljorg very nicely.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SuhcazCXvGI/AAAAAAAADoQ/RPg6kHLR0xY/s576/photo%2023.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/Suhca438J8I/AAAAAAAADoU/HkZwXBIIH6E/s720/photo%2022.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/Suhca3gn4sI/AAAAAAAADoY/MU_cGN3dWGM/s576/photo%2021.jpg

[cailes]

Is that blue glass along Maryland? I think I recall seeing that in some renderings. Just wondering if thats what the picture shows

[EddieB317]

Is that blue glass along Maryland? I think I recall seeing that in some renderings. Just wondering if thats what the picture shows

Yes, there will be blue glass on both the east and the west corners of the building that face Maryland. The east has its glass. ^^ The west corner does not have its glass yet, but if you look at some of the pictures I took from white river state park you can see exactly where the glass will be installed.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/St95wQzgniI/AAAAAAAADlU/GWOCvHQgvM0/s640/photo%2025.jpg

[runway whore]

I come in on New York street some mornings just to see the progress... this building is absolutely to long....it is like 3 1/2 chase towers or 2 One America's or half a lucas oil......I would of loved to see some division, break some of that blue up...the scale is to las vegas like.. i was excited to see something rising in indianapolis for a change that had some effect on the skyline... but lord...i wanted a stream not an ocean...

[cwilson758]

I agree about it being too "Vegas" in scale and that it would have been so much better had it been sliced in half and stacked. When driving in from the east, it blocks a lot of the skyline's density from that angle. Looking from the north, it does lengthen the skyline and the NE vantage across the River is good.

[ragerunner1]

For better or worse it is being developed more like a Vegas or Orlando style hotel. Large floor areas so that convention goers can block of entire floor(s) with lots of rooms for their attendees. This makes it nice for a company since it allows them to put their employees on one or two floors.

While I don't dislike this project it would have been nice to see more architectural detail in the exterior tower design to mitigate it visual impact.

[EddieB317]

It is very hard to convince a developer to build upward in a city like Indianapolis where there is plenty of room for a large footprint. I would like to see an actual tower go up in Indy, but I think we have to exhaust the plethora of surface parking before the economics will really cause builders to reach skyward.

[IndyYeah]

I am still surprised that they are hitting 375' with this thing. Even though I feel that I am in 1985 when I see it, I feel that at least it beats the last couple towers in height and also visually.

[SMSC1]

Last tower floor forming system being set now

http://www.oxblue.com/pro/

[GarfieldPark]

It almost looks like there is going to be some type of set back for that top floor -- at least that's the way it looks right now on the north end of the building. Maybe they'll extend the floor to the end, like all of the other floors -- but this floor seems like it is being built differently from the way the other 33 floors were constructed. Am I just imagining this SMSC1? or is something different occurring up there? I think the top floor, with a slight set back would look good, to give a little bit of a crown - instead of just the blue slab straight up -- all the way to the very top. Anyway --- congrats for getting all the way to the top. Its always interesting to look back at the early pages of this thread -- to remember when this thing was just a cement hole in the ground -- or a couple of floors tall.

[EddieB317]

Last tower floor forming system being set now

http://www.oxblue.com/pro/

I had problems with that address... try this one.

JWMarriott Camera (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjwm.tourneestudios.com%2Fcamera.php&h=d34e61dafa06dfe2cb956eb4d5fd838b)

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvHyGObQxYI/AAAAAAAADxo/igTEJr6JFKg/s800/JW%20Marriott%20Indianapolis-20091103-130345.jpg

[cailes]

For all the bagging on this place going on the past couple pages, I really like seeing it. I drive from Broad Ripple downtown three times a week for school and come across Michigan to IUPUI and seeing this above everything else is pretty neat.

As long as they keep the glass clean, this will be a fixture for years to come.

Also, if IUPUI eventually goes forward with a high rise close to the river like what we see in that site plan, then it will stretch things that much further west

[GarfieldPark]

I wonder how much it would cost to build a Green Roof / Park on top of that parking garage? It would be a nice way to connect the JWMarriott complex with the Indianapolis Marriott. As much as there is going to be a great view of downtown from the JWM, the view down below will be pretty bad, looking down on the roof of the State Parking Garage. Just a random thought.

[EddieB317]

cc

[ak72]

I wonder how much it would cost to build a Green Roof / Park on top of that parking garage? It would be a nice way to connect the JWMarriott complex with the Indianapolis Marriott. As much as there is going to be a great view of downtown from the JWM, the view down below will be pretty bad, looking down on the roof of the State Parking Garage. Just a random thought.

I really like this idea!

[GarfieldPark]

Kind of like the escalators on the sides of the Pompidou Center in Paris. It has a nice public space on top of it with restaurants and a gorgeous view of the City of Paris. Would be pretty cool!

[GarfieldPark]

Yeah -- maybe if they ever build something on that grassy lot to the north of the State Parking Garage, they could include some type of addition that would be designed to connect to and integrate with the (potential) roof-top greenspace on top of the parking garage. It would be a nice extra perk for guests in the 2,240 guest rooms in the Marriott Place complex -- and while they're add it - maybe Marriott and the City / Convention Authority (which I know is just rolling in the dough) could do a public / private partnership and help build the green space / park together - and allow it to be more of a public space - geared to the tens of thousands of weekly guests visiting the adjacent Convention Center. Escalators could be installed to bring people to the top from the various connecting walkways that link into the garage from the West, South and East (the connecting walkways to the South and west are still to be built - probably within the next few months). I'm sure it would look a whole lot better than the acre or two of asphalt and cars that you currently see when looking down on the space.

[GarfieldPark]

Somehow my two posts above got inverted. I wrote the one numbered "793" before the one numbered "792", but somehow they showed up in the other order. The part about the escalators and the Pompidou Center will make more sense if it is read in the right order.

[GarfieldPark]

Here's a link to some pictures of the Pompidou Center. Something like this - as "ugly" as some people may say that it is - couldn't really hurt the already ugly State parking Garage that sits across from the NW section of the Convention Center. Perhaps an escalator like this on the side could actually improve the looks of it. It would definitely make it look much more interesting.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=65814

[EddieB317]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvRoBSgDr3I/AAAAAAAADy0/SakraMHU3E0/s640/P1010193.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvRoK-OPcFI/AAAAAAAADzE/IBKn2Qz_G9Q/s640/P1010196.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvRoOEfeFGI/AAAAAAAADzI/ZymD2InZf9E/s640/P1010197.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvRoRWDEKHI/AAAAAAAADzQ/TUZ201rRIV8/s640/P1010198.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvRoa2TsxMI/AAAAAAAADzc/LwftnoL2L4w/s640/P1010201.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvRoeNOQkxI/AAAAAAAADzk/09LwopOswsk/s640/P1010202.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvRohIg1_aI/AAAAAAAADzo/MBrikhHoeJk/s640/P1010203.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvRoqebe-bI/AAAAAAAADz0/fz8Kzjnaaj4/s640/P1010206.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvRo7i3r5KI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/04nP1BgDe_g/s640/P1010211.JPG

[indyfiend]

Looked pretty good in the blimp shots during the game!

[SpiderMonkey]

What is with the pattern of the brick? There is light brick and dark brick and I don't see any sense of what is going on with it. It looks really odd to me right now.

[SpiderMonkey]

Here is what I am talking about. Anyone have any ideas?

[QUOTE=EddieB317;45797867]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvRoK-OPcFI/AAAAAAAADzE/IBKn2Qz_G9Q/s640/P1010196.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvRoOEfeFGI/AAAAAAAADzI/ZymD2InZf9E/s640/P1010197.JPG

[ablerock]

^^
What is with the pattern of the brick? There is light brick and dark brick and I don't see any sense of what is going on with it. It looks really odd to me right now.

It's funny, it looked just like that in the renderings and I thought it was a glitch from a PDF. I'm not sure about it. I definitely don't like the beige-colored brick mixed with the blue of the windows. It makes them look very plastic. I'm not sure what's worse, the pattern or the huge blank facade it's being put on.

Whatever, I'm done complaining about this building!

[IndyYeah]

^^


It's funny, it looked just like that in the renderings and I thought it was a glitch from a PDF. I'm not sure about it. I definitely don't like the beige-colored brick mixed with the blue of the windows. It makes them look very plastic. I'm not sure what's worse, the pattern or the huge blank facade it's being put on.

Whatever, I'm done complaining about this building!

I think that the brick is to compliment the Eiteljorg museum.

[ablerock]

I think that the brick is to compliment the Eiteljorg museum.

Perhaps, but you can't even see it from the Eiteljorg or the majority of WRSP. It's on the other side of the building.

Why does everything have to be all matchy-matchy anyway? :-)

[EddieB317]

I can't wait to see the Colts go to another super bowl and have a gigantic white horse shoe hanging from the side of this giant blue wall!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvmqV2v74DI/AAAAAAAAD4o/R8eZaq-aOwE/s720/JW%20Marriott%20Indianapolis-20091110-125439.jpg

Almost there
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/Svmsrla3z1I/AAAAAAAAD4s/deynLCkEXgw/s800/Roof%20line.jpg

[SMSC1]

Someone asked about the set back. That fills in with steel to support the curtainwall. The structural set back will not be visible in the completed exterior.

[SMSC1]

I can't wait to see the Colts go to another super bowl and have a gigantic white horse shoe hanging from the side of this giant blue wall!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvmqV2v74DI/AAAAAAAAD4o/R8eZaq-aOwE/s720/JW%20Marriott%20Indianapolis-20091110-125439.jpg

Almost there
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/Svmsrla3z1I/AAAAAAAAD4s/deynLCkEXgw/s800/Roof%20line.jpg


That horseshoe idea is a great one!

[EddieB317]

This building is going to be so stunningly different at different times of the day.


7:07am 09/11/2009

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvxLdkQDTzI/AAAAAAAAD5M/hq10_8lq-Mc/s640/7%20am%20dec%2012%202009.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjwm.tourneestudios.com%2Fcamera.php&h=d34e61dafa06dfe2cb956eb4d5fd838b)

[ak72]

This building is going to be so stunningly different at different times of the day.


7:07am 09/11/2009

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SvxLdkQDTzI/AAAAAAAAD5M/hq10_8lq-Mc/s640/7%20am%20dec%2012%202009.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjwm.tourneestudios.com%2Fcamera.php&h=d34e61dafa06dfe2cb956eb4d5fd838b)

Absolutely beautiful!

[EddieB317]

So what is the procedure on this site for changing a thread name... specifically changing from U/C to T/O? (as this thread should be changed to soon)

[CorrND]

I think changes can't be done by thread originators. All thread title changes have to go through a moderator. Wu Gambino is the one to contact.

[Sunday_Bloody_Sundae]

When will this building officialy be T/O? And what qualifies as T/O? It looks like most of the structural work is done and now they are just installing the rest of the curtain wall.

I am in love with this building. I don't care what anyone says about it, I think this was just what we needed. I love its placement because this land did not have a high potential for redevelopment and now it has far exceeded my expectations. It is 1000 times better than what was there before. It makes downtown have a "layered effect" from the eastside and gives the west end of downtown character that wasn't there before. I love the contrast between this building and the steam plant. The best view of this building is heading west on Washington from Angie's List all the way to the Simon Building.

[IndyYeah]

Do the corners fill in? I was thinking that the top would box out the corners.

[CorrND]

Do the corners fill in? I was thinking that the top would box out the corners.
Look up 7 posts:

Someone asked about the set back. That fills in with steel to support the curtainwall. The structural set back will not be visible in the completed exterior.

[cavanroo]

for photos of indy check out http://www.carlvanrooy.com

[philaustin06]

for photos of indy check out http://www.carlvanrooy.com


DUDE. we all know you take amazing pictures of indy. Stop hijacking these threads to post your website. its not necessary to post your link on every development discussion in indianapolis. ridiculous.

[IndyYeah]

Look up 7 posts:

Thanks, I was not really sure if that was about the same thing. I stand corrected, I appreciate the information.

[runway whore]

November 19, 2009 from Eagles Nest
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/IMG_0565.jpg

[randella]

looks like las vegas has taken over the west side of downtown! an isolated highrise with no pedestrian friendly aspects. awful.

[pattyco7]

looks like las vegas has taken over the west side of downtown! an isolated highrise with no pedestrian friendly aspects. awful.

and to add injury to insults: I understand sky walks will be built to connect the hotel to the stadium and convention center. Reminds me of the Jetsons. So sad........

[cavanroo]

DUDE. we all know you take amazing pictures of indy. Stop hijacking these threads to post your website. its not necessary to post your link on every development discussion in indianapolis. ridiculous.

It's called promotion, you shouldn't let such small things bother you so much.

[cwilson758]

fyi, skybridge is being installed at this moment across West Street

[quigley]

The tower is beautiful, but I really hate this project with a passion.

However, it beats the suburban mess that was there.

[Sunday_Bloody_Sundae]

Hopefully there will be some future IUPUI developments and development on the other side of the river and down by KY AVE so that this tower doesnt always stick out like a sore thumb.

[cailes]

From his site. Go check em out.
http://nopromiseofsafety.com/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3758021635_4503a4b08c_b.jpg

[mmheidelberger]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/4145461893_5b51e527b8.jpg

[Round Rock]

I have a question: In studying the original sight plan "the one with the different colored footprints of the buildings", it shows a pedestrian bridge "in dashed lines" going from the plaza area in front of the new Fairfield Inn curing over Washington Street and coming down in the park about a hundred feet or so into it. I had seen a news clip on this early in the year and the White River Park director was talking about it and how exciting it was that they were going to build this bridge into the park as a true link to the park itself from the hotel.
Now in studying the plaza pictures of how it is supposed to look when completed, one of the pictures in particular shows this large red swooping sculpture. Now if you look at the site plan for the pedestrian bridge and study where that sculpture is, it looks like the bridge is now NOT part of the overall plan. Does anyone know about this pedestrian bridge and if it is still planned?

[IndyYeah]

What is the bridge that Cory was talking about on the previous page#820?

[Round Rock]

That is the skybridge that goes from the hotel to the parking garage over West street to connect to another one to be built to go to the actual convention center over Maryland.

[cwilson758]

Question, what in the hell is going on with the miss-matched bricks around the ballroom? Seriously. It looks AWFUL, as if they ran out of the first color and had to get an immediate "fix." It looks TERRIBLE.

[SpiderMonkey]

Question, what in the hell is going on with the miss-matched bricks around the ballroom? Seriously. It looks AWFUL, as if they ran out of the first color and had to get an immediate "fix." It looks TERRIBLE.



I agree. I brought it up about a month ago and I was hoping that it would start to come together to make sense eventually, but it doesn't. It looks really bad. It just appears so random. I don't get it at all.

[EddieB317]

Topping off planned for JW Marriott hotel
IBJ StaffNovember 28, 2009

The developers of downtown’s 1,005-room JW Marriott convention hotel are planning a topping-off ceremony Dec. 1. The event will include hard-hat tours and remarks from Mayor Greg Ballard and Bruce White of hotel developer White Lodging, which is partnering with REI Investments on the project.

Construction is on schedule for the 34-story hotel, which includes 104,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. It’s being built at West and Washington streets. It is expected to open in February 2011 and will be the largest JW Marriott in the world.

The $450 million project also features a Courtyard by Marriott, SpringHill Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites. The new hotels and the existing Marriott Indianapolis Downtown hotel a block away from the new complex will be marketed together as Marriott Place. They will have a total of 2,200 rooms.•

http://www.ibj.com/ext/resources/IBJ-Print/113009/otb-real-estate-1col.jpg

[cavanroo]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4151163298_1b9b81d45d.jpg
Carl Van Rooy Photography (http://www.carlvanrooy.com)

[SwimINindy]

Does anyone else take issue with the ass crack effect the core creates on the riverside of the tower ??? Granted it wont be as much of a problem in the late afternoon with the sun glaring down, but the morning day and even night i have a problem with this, theres going to be a massive dark streak running down the building at where there are no lights ... it just seems weird does it not ?

Came across this photo on flickr from http://www.flickr.com/photos/merlin3d/ , and figured it demonstrated the issue well.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/4100677106_75b81c1e1e_b.jpg

[EddieB317]

Does anyone else take issue with the ass crack effect the core creates on the riverside of the tower ??? Granted it wont be as much of a problem in the late afternoon with the sun glaring down, but the morning day and even night i have a problem with this, theres going to be a massive dark streak running down the building at where there are no lights ... it just seems weird does it not ?

Yeah, it doesn't look very good and it seems like it would have been easy enough and cheap enough to paint the concrete a dark color so that at least during the day it would not be so visible.

[EddieB317]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SxaBHm_TrzI/AAAAAAAAEAY/rkcwH-wxKx0/s640/photo%202.jpg http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SxaBHlPBhxI/AAAAAAAAEAU/wmDBhMwgxvE/s640/photo.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SxaBHv2tGII/AAAAAAAAEAc/HMsaPbdzILI/photo%203.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SxaBH5n1JPI/AAAAAAAAEAk/pmnqYleAVsM/photo%205.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SxaBgosT9lI/AAAAAAAAEA4/I3wg2BRDwQs/photo%204.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SxaBgdjtSQI/AAAAAAAAEAw/awXowN2g43w/photo%202.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SxaBgAZdwpI/AAAAAAAAEAs/L02Ihw4-VMs/photo.jpg

[cwilson758]

on the news piece for the topping-out ceremony the views from this sucker are fantastic. Really shows off our compact, dense downtown!

[EddieB317]

^^^^^^^^

WTHR Topping out Video with views from the top. (http://www.wthr.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=4346942&at1=News&h1=JW Marriott topped out&flvUri=&partnerclipid=)

You might need to disable pop ups to view... Actual hotel footage starts at 40 seconds.

[SMSC1]

Does anyone else take issue with the ass crack effect the core creates on the riverside of the tower ??? Granted it wont be as much of a problem in the late afternoon with the sun glaring down, but the morning day and even night i have a problem with this, theres going to be a massive dark streak running down the building at where there are no lights ... it just seems weird does it not ?

Came across this photo on flickr from http://www.flickr.com/photos/merlin3d/ , and figured it demonstrated the issue well.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/4100677106_75b81c1e1e_b.jpg

If you look at the downtown existing Marriott with the window treatment in place, you'll see that they are in all different stages of open vs closed at any given time. Once that occurs on the JW, it will help "some" to break up that telegraphing core wall. An operating hotel never looks as good as the renderings because you can't control the guests lighting and curtain preferences.


BTW ^^^^ Great pics EddieB317, esp with the flags.

[Sunday_Bloody_Sundae]

Thanks a lot....now every time I look at this building, my eyes automatically look for its pantyline.

[EddieB317]

The JW MArriott construction cam (http://jwm.tourneestudios.com/camera.php) is now blocked by snow....

[EddieB317]

High wind today, no cranes... no visible progress... slowly but surely though.

[SMSC1]

High wind today, no cranes... no visible progress... slowly but surely though.


North crane is done and ready to come down to clear the way for Fairfield Inn opening.

[EddieB317]

North crane is done and ready to come down to clear the way for Fairfield Inn opening.

:banana2: Nice!

[cailes]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/4176025782_76f0087868.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4176024298_b3301d3259.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4175259847_5f4d5289a0.jpg

[cailes]

A couple others worth showing
http://hustonstreetracing.com/gallery2/images/jw_de09_5.jpg

http://hustonstreetracing.com/gallery2/images/jw_de09_3.jpg

[ablerock]

Those are sick flix man. Good job. :-)

[cailes]

Aside from the ever present lens flare due to street lights being spaced EVERYWHERE I tried to photograph, I was pretty happy with them.

[ablerock]

What kind of camera do you use?

[EddieB317]

The north crane is coming down.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SyW3_hqGoHI/AAAAAAAAEQo/sId6CTkx3Eg/s512/photo%205.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SyW3_R12nUI/AAAAAAAAEQg/rcqbVGsCfIc/s640/photo%203.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SyW3_u-5R4I/AAAAAAAAEQk/c5vWKaAyXoU/s640/photo%204.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SyW3_CN0IFI/AAAAAAAAEQY/W55dHbZWyHk/s640/photo.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SyW3_Vivs4I/AAAAAAAAEQc/OESxDQ6wvAQ/s640/photo%202.jpg (http://jwm.tourneestudios.com/camera.php)

[quigley]

I really don't care for that beige blank wall. I think a dark gray could have went better with the glass...

[Sunday_Bloody_Sundae]

I really don't care for that beige blank wall. I think a dark gray could have went better with the glass...
Haven't you heard? Beige is the official color of the Indianapolis skyline! :bash:

[UrbanOasis]

I know one of the managers at the new hotel complex and thought you may be interested in the current dates projected for opening the hotels. They are now starting to hire staff for the new hotels as well.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott – Opens February 3, 2010
TGI Fridays (connected to the Fairfield Inn & Suites) – Opens February 3. 2010
Courtyard by Marriott – Opens February 26, 2010
Spring Hill Suites by Marriott – Opens February 26, 2010
JW Marriott – Opens February 2011

[IndyYeah]

I have a question. I have not really paid alot of attention to the connection points of the hotels to the convention center. What will these be by the opening of JW? The reason being the temperatures outside and if any other connection points to downtown that people may be convenienced by? Especially at Super Bowl time.

[GarfieldPark]

IndyYeah: Go to the Skyscrapercity Indianapolis thread entitled "Indiana Convention Center Expansion". Go to the first post on the first page. There are pictures of the plans for the project. In the series of photos, toward the end - there is a site plan for the full center (including the existing part of the CC along with the new, under construction part). On that picture you can see where the skywalk will cross Maryland Street - I'm estimating approx. 100 yards east of the corner of West St. and Maryland St.

The skywalk across West Street is already up. It crosses West St. approx. 15 yards north of the intersection of West and Maryland Streets. People using the skywalks going between the JWMarriott complex and the CC will go through a corner of the State Parking garage.

These skywalks will not provide much additional linkage for people wanting to go places indoors in Indianapolis. I guess what it does do is get people a block or so further to the west indoors if they are trying to get to White River St. Park -- if they are coming from the Convention Center. They'd have to go through the skywalks (through the Parking garage) - and into the Marriott complex. They could then come out of the hotel complex and be near Washington St, a little west of West Street. They will still need to cross Washington St at street level. A cool, open air pedestrian bridge over Washington St would have been nice -- but at least for now, it is not planned to happen.

[caliboy28]

As someone who travels frequently to particpate in tradeshows (and was just in Indy the past few days for one), these skywalks are a blessing - especially when you are leaving your room running 10 minutes late for the show, wheeling a cart with two boxes and carrying another stuffed with papers and don't want to battle the 15 degree temps and 20mph winds. I'm just very glad it wasn't raining or snowing while I was in town. I know many people detest the skywalks because of the belief they take people away from street level, but the people who use them are using them for a reason, and probably wouldn't be inclined to interact with "the street" anyway ( I know I sure wouldn't have been stopping along the way anywhere). Point is, people (for the most part) don't really use the skywalks unless they need to. Had I not had tons of stuff to lug around or if it were nicer weather, I doubt I would have used them myself.

[IndyYeah]

Thanks. So do you think these walks are enough? Will people feel much easier about their time in Indy-the JW, and convention center with these. Or will people possibly be wanting more during inclement whether?

[cavanroo]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/4201802579_b593144c25.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanrooy/4201802579/)

[NaptownBoy]

^^Throw in some neon signs and palm trees, and you would swear that was in Las Vegas

[cavanroo]

^^Throw in some neon signs and palm trees, and you would swear that was in Las Vegas

I say they just tear down the parking garage and put a Bellagio style fountain in front of it.

[ddeichma]

^^^^HAHA, now theres an idea

[ragerunner1]

Maybe its a good thing it looks different than the typical midwest designed hotel. Diversity can be good. I personally like the different architectural style this tower brings to Indy.

[Sunday_Bloody_Sundae]

I like this building as well. I think it makes our skyline look larger. Its nice to have some actual height outside of the cluster around Ohio/Market streets. This makes a huge impact from the West and adds some appeal from directly South on I70. Now, from the zoo, you can look up out of the Sahara or Amazon and see a skyscraper nearby as well- which I believe is nice. It makes the zoo feel like it is downtown and not so separated.

[TampaMike]

I know one of the managers at the new hotel complex and thought you may be interested in the current dates projected for opening the hotels. They are now starting to hire staff for the new hotels as well.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott – Opens February 3, 2010
TGI Fridays (connected to the Fairfield Inn & Suites) – Opens February 3. 2010
Courtyard by Marriott – Opens February 26, 2010
Spring Hill Suites by Marriott – Opens February 26, 2010
JW Marriott – Opens February 2011
Why will it be another year before the JW Marriott opens?

[GarfieldPark]

They're still finishing putting the glass up on the top two floors. Then they have to finish all of the interior work -- the electrical, plumbing, tiling, carpeting, installing bathroom fixtures, all of the interior trim, kitchen equipment to serve the conference center and ballroom, finish the restaurants, finish the lower level lobby and office areas, etc., etc. Even though they have been working on many of these things on the lower floors as the upper floors were still being built, it will take a long time to finish it all.

I agree it seems like a long time - considering from the outside it looks pretty close to being done -- but I don't doubt the construction manager when he explained (earlier in this thread) all the things that need to be completed before the JWMarriott will be ready to open in early 2011.

[SMSC1]

I have a question. I have not really paid alot of attention to the connection points of the hotels to the convention center. What will these be by the opening of JW? The reason being the temperatures outside and if any other connection points to downtown that people may be convenienced by? Especially at Super Bowl time.

As G.P. mentioned, one bridge has been erected, had to pick a weekend with no Colts game or major convention center shows. The bridge over Maryland has been bid out and procurement work will begin in early 10, with the bridges done and ready to go when the JW opens.

[EddieB317]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SzPVyGSlplI/AAAAAAAAERk/fQR9-36YNSk/s640/photo%202.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/SzPVyvinUZI/AAAAAAAAERw/7PhABh7lzmY/s640/photo%205.jpg

[k2h]

Who says a foot bridge can't be fun, exciting, and inspiring? Check out this connecting bridge i came across in London.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x320/kehughes1/England-December2009009.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x320/kehughes1/England-December2009010.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x320/kehughes1/England-December2009011.jpg

[socrates#1fan]

What is so exciting and inspirational about this?

[aavmarine]

I thought alot of the floors were suppose to be open up in enough time for the Final 4, while still under construction. But not officially open up until 2011.

[k2h]

What is so exciting and inspirational about this?

Maybe i'm just too easily impressed by unique design and architecture? I thought the foot bridge was pretty great...enough so that i took a detour to take photos and post them to share with you.

The intention of the post was to show how the design of a simple foot bridge on a side street in London is much more intriguing than the design of a typical foot bridge on a main street in Indianapolis. In a City that loves to tout it's numerous skywalks as part of it's national marketing package, it would seem reasonable that the design of its skywalks might be something other than a square box over the roadway that is usually less than notable.

[GarfieldPark]

I agree ^^ Our skywalks are pretty plain and ugly. The worst, in my opinion, is the one running from the Hyatt to the parking garage to the south. It was probably one of the earliest ones built -- back in about 1976.

AAvmarine: As far as the rooms opening in time for the Final Four --- the only ones that will be open are the ones in the three smaller hotels. That will be about 620 rooms in those three hotels. None of the rooms in the JWMarriott tower will be open -- not even the ones on the lower floors - that may be "finished" earlier than the ones in the upper floors. They won't have the lobby and offices done -- so they won't have people staying in those rooms.

[Sunday_Bloody_Sundae]

Is it just me or are the top few floors of the curtainwall taking forever to be installed? Maybe its the weather.

[Sunday_Bloody_Sundae]

I agree ^^ Our skywalks are pretty plain and ugly. The worst, in my opinion, is the one running from the Hyatt to the parking garage to the south. It was probably one of the earliest ones built -- back in about 1976.

There is a Gerbil tube that crosses Michigan Street at IUPUI that is the worst. It connects a parking garage to a cancer research center. I love the stereotypical 80's tubes like the one over capital by Methodist that is tented black curved glass. I wish our entire city could be traveled indoors....Then we would have an influx of people who hate the weather... and people would stop bitching about how they wish it was spring and let the seasons be. Maybe that is what we should become known for. Don't we already have the most skywalks in the nation. Maybe we should make the entire city walkable without going outdoors.....I however like the snow.

[GarfieldPark]

Minneapolis has a much larger area of its downtown connected with skywalks. You can probably go for two miles or more --- from the Target Center to the Convention Center - with many additional blocks connected as well.

[cwilson758]

GarfieldPark and I attended a convention in MSP this year and I was amazed at how far you can go in dt MSP via the skywalk system. HOWEVER, around IDS I found it to get very confusing trying to navigate to the Convention Center...especially if you don't have your barings.


Concerning JW, it does seem to be taking forever to get the top curtain installed; however, I do like the lights at night and hope that some sort of lighting is in the plans for this.

[EddieB317]

Concerning JW, it does seem to be taking forever to get the top curtain installed; however, I do like the lights at night and hope that some sort of lighting is in the plans for this.

They did have to install different beams on the top floor to catch part of the curtain wall. They also have been using a boom arm two floors up to install the wall, there are no more floors to go up. Since the method is a little different it could be slowing them down a little, maybe... Just a thought.

[GarfieldPark]

Yes Cory ^^ I agree... the skywalk system in Mnpls was not easy to use. There were so many turns - it was often difficult to tell which way you were going - and whether or not you were heading in the right direction to get where you wanted to go. Much easier to just stay on the sidewalks along Nicollet Mall -- however - that was April -- if it were January and -4 degrees -- I'd probably take the meandering route through the skywalks as much as possible.

[cailes]

Indianapolis is no walk in the park as well. I hope that when the super bowl time comes and we have a lot of new visitors to the city, there are larger and more clearly defined signs pointing people where they need to go.

[GarfieldPark]

I'm sure you're right Cailes. ^^ For anyone that lives in the local community - they have the skywalks figured out easily -- but for someone new to town or visiting, it undoubtedly is not the easiest thing to figure out how to get around using the skywalks. If someone told you to go through Circle Centre to get from the Embassy Suites to the Convention Center, it wouldn't be the easiest thing to figure out which way to turn and where to go once you got inside the Mall - and, while there are a few signs, for the most part you won't see them.

[aavmarine]

Since moving from Indy to N.C., I check up on the cam site once a week. Reading the above statements, Im wondering like you guys on why it is taking so long to finish the top floors too. It's to bad they couldn't go up another 10-20 more floors.

[SMSC1]

They did have to install different beams on the top floor to catch part of the curtain wall. They also have been using a boom arm two floors up to install the wall, there are no more floors to go up. Since the method is a little different it could be slowing them down a little, maybe... Just a thought.

That, the weather, and that the top floor is 2x as tall as the others, it takes 2laps around to enclose it, so it looks slower.

By the way, the underground parking garage, Fairfield Inn, Courtyard and Springhill Suites passed their respective life safety tests, and are blessed by Marriott and the AHJs for occupancy. Opening dates look good as published.

In fact, the Marriott Life Safety inspector, who personally tests every Marriott property in the world prior to opening, said the Ctyd/Sh test was the BEST executed process he has ever witnessed. There were ZERO fire alarm/ smoke control functionality punch list or adjustment items required. A very rare perfect bill of health. Congrats to all those guys.

[EddieB317]

The final full sized row on the curtain wall has started! (http://jwm.tourneestudios.com/camera.php)

Does any one know how long until the second crane is coming down?

[EddieB317]

Hotels spark expansion of downtown skywalk system (http://www.ibj.com/hotels-spark-expansion-of-downtown-skywalk-system/PARAMS/article/15789)
IBJ- Cory Schouten January 16, 2010

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_weBy68KZy-I/S1Xl3XGDugI/AAAAAAAAEcA/Ffqwdrq5sMk/walkways-map.gif

"Guests of the new Marriott Place hotel complex will be able to walk as much as three-fourths of a mile to the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Circle Centre mall and even the Statehouse without ever stepping outside.

That’s because the 1,600-room, four-hotel project will add two walkways that connect to an extensive network of skywalks and underground pedestrian paths.

The walkways are the first new spans for the city’s skywalk system in almost a decade, since the 615-room Indianapolis Marriott Downtown opened in 2001 with a convention-center connector.

With the new spans, the system will connect 12 hotels with more than 4,700 rooms—the most of any downtown in the United States, according to Marriott. Other cities like Minneapolis have large skywalk systems, but they are designed more for the convenience of downtown office workers, not as convention amenities.



The first new span will connect the $425 million JW Marriott-anchored hotel complex to a state-owned parking garage over West Street, and the second will connect the garage to the convention center over Maryland Street.

The hotel developers are splitting the cost of the skywalks with the state since the connectors will bring in new customers for the parking garage, said Jeremy Stevenson, vice president of development for locally based REI Investments, which is developing the complex in partnership with Merrillville-based White Lodging."

[IndyYeah]

I have always believed that connectors are a great way around during inclement weather. Especially conventions, and trade shows, and will be a major boost for the Super Bowl. At least the city will be leading in something construction wise.

[Sunday_Bloody_Sundae]

It would be nice if the skywalk system could grow large enough to connect all of the major buildings downtown, or atleast somehow connect to Conseco.

[cwilson758]

if Penn Centre ever happens, your wish might be able to happen...

[MilwaukeeMark]

It would be nice if the skywalk system could grow large enough to connect all of the major buildings downtown, or atleast somehow connect to Conseco.

Are you nuts? Do you want to be the next Charlotte with their Overstreet Mall? Skywalks may be useful if you're looking to escape the cold during that one random day during your walk downtown... but people use them regardless of weather. That said, it completely removes pedestrian traffic from the street. Result? Deprivation from the rich vibrancy of your city and cut off access to any retail tenant not willing to fork over the ridiculous rental prices charged for dedicated access points.

Very few cities actually make it work... St. Paul is the only one that comes to mind but at what cost? Something like 90% of their shops are on the second floor! Ever walk around their downtown? There are literally huge banks of blank walls. It's hilariously disgusting for a city-lover such as myself.

Seattle is the only city with skywalk-sense. They passed an ordinance in the 80's that "prohibits any skybridge that blocks a vista
or reduces street traffic -- in effect, all skywalks." (source (http://www.utahstories.com/graphics/Preserving%20Life%20on%20the%20Street%5B1%5D.pdf)). I've never been to downtown Seattle but I LOVE them for this. Banning pedestrian freeways? Awesome.

So please, please, please don't start a new push to revitalize a decades-old failed attempt to steal thunder from suburban shopping malls by instituting a giant network of tubes above the city streets. It's absurd.

[Round Rock]

if Penn Centre ever happens, your wish might be able to happen...

It is interesting you mention this. I was on the plan flying to Indy from Austin, TX and was sitting next to someone, and honestly I cannot remember where he worked, either ICVA or planning commission or something like that. And this guy was extremely knowledgeable of many other things going on in Indy. I was talking to him about all the developments going on up in Indianapolis and how it was sad the the economy screwed up some pipeline development like "Penn Centre". Well we talked a while and then he got on the discussion of how things were connected. "skywalks" He said there is a preliminary plan to eventually connect Penn Centre to the rest of the system.

He had mentioned that there "could" be a skywalk from Penn Center across Georgia through the CSX building and over the railroad tracks to Ralston Square. He mentioned going over Georgia Street fairly close in front of Conseco isn't classified as a "protected view" like Meridian and Market Streets, so doing a skywalk shouldn't be hindered by that. Then the skywalk would connect to Ralston Square and from there go over the Meridian Street bridge, just like the cross walk will do over Capital Avenue bridge from the Crown Plaza to the Convention Center Expansion. Then from the top of the Meridian street bridge it will go into the train shed of Union Station where the old food court and stage were on the second floor and work its way to through the crown plaza to to the convention center.

He did mention the key stumbling block is the CSX building. Either it has to be significantly renovated or a new structure goes there first. And also Ralston Square needs to get off the ground. I just wanted to bring this up since I had this conversation about 6 weeks ago on the plane. Who knows if this will happen but someone somewhere has been thinking of this for several months apparently.

[EddieB317]

Ralston is going in the parking lot just under the existing railroad bridge on the north east corner of south and meridian, correct? 10 story 50+ unit leed cert. Does any one know any other news on this? (or a link)

[pattyco7]

It would be nice if the skywalk system could grow large enough to connect all of the major buildings downtown, or atleast somehow connect to Conseco.

Skywalks are for WIMPS! Go out and endure the elements.

[pattyco7]

I have always believed that connectors are a great way around during inclement weather. Especially conventions, and trade shows, and will be a major boost for the Super Bowl. At least the city will be leading in something construction wise.

As I stated before. Skywalks are for WIMPS. Once it gets built people are going to use it year round regardless of the weather. And this will greatly reduce pedestrian traffic. It's no wonder why our downtown streets are lifeless and empty.

Just my 3 cents worth. Sorry if I offended anyone.

[pattyco7]

There's just not enough 'hustle and bustle' in our downtown streets because everything is indoors. I would say the the majority of our downtown retail is inside Circle Center Mall, not on the streets of downtown Indy.

And now to add injury to insults: Expanding the downtown Skywalks making our sidewalks empty of people.

[IndyYeah]

There's just not enough 'hustle and bustle' in our downtown streets because everything is indoors. I would say the the majority of our downtown retail is inside Circle Center Mall, not on the streets of downtown Indy.

And now to add injury to insults: Expanding the downtown Skywalks making our sidewalks empty of people.

No, I don't get offended. I still think that for inclement weather the skywalks are great. However, I also think that differing things to do downtown are what keeps the street traffic alive. I am sure that there are things for people to do that Indianapolis is not offering. Also, a few more signs pointing those things out, even towards Fountain Square would help! The skywalk system is not the only reason for lack of people filling up the sidewalks and storefronts. Naptown was used and still is used for a reason. After the economy picks up, I am sure that more excuses will be used for the lack of businesses opening. The neat businesses will be somewhere else and certain Indy people will have another excuse in the wings for this happening. I venture to alot of downtowns in this country large and small, I believe Indy can add more to the areas of downtown and off the edges of downtown. By my statements, I am sure the shots will come since I am in Northwest Indiana, however I venture to Indianapolis quite alot and spend alot of money in Indianapolis. Roll up the sidewalks, and Naptown were given for a reason. The city has come along way, but still more excitement can happen, and skywalks are just a portion of the problem.

[Sunday_Bloody_Sundae]

The facade of this building is almost done except fot the strips on the sides, the little pimples of plywood that dot the building (maybe 6-7), and the skywalk. YAY! this building is one of my favorites. I like that there is something big and shiney on that side of town, it was getting a little too monotonous. Now, if only we can get something to replace GM, we might have a chance of getting downtown spread to the other side of the river!

[GarfieldPark]

I saw the Cardinal sculpture along Washington Street today -- in front of the Marriott Courtyard or Suites or whatever the hotel is that faces Washington - just south of the Eiteljorg. It looks pretty good. Definitely adds to the view as you are looking west toward White River State Park. Kind of looks like a giant, red Nike "swoosh" as you are looking west while driving south on West Street.

[cailes]

I thought it was going to be a smoother looking structure instead of a bolted together looking piece. I like it, I just had a different expectation.

[SMSC1]

I thought it was going to be a smoother looking structure instead of a bolted together looking piece. I like it, I just had a different expectation.

That's just the inner structure piece. Look again in a few hours. :)

[ablerock]

That's just the inner structure piece. Look again in a few hours. :)

Thanks for all the info SMSC1, it's been much appreciated.

[aavmarine]

Its interesting that downtown might already be thinking of a bigger hotel going in. It probable wouldn't be a couple more years, but it is a start. He is the article I found on IBJ.com:

ICVA chief: Downtown Indianapolis will need another big hotel


The 1,000-room J.W. Marriott isn’t even finished and support already is emerging for a second downtown hotel that would rival it in size.

One of the most vocal advocates is Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association Executive Director Don Welsh, who is confident demand will be strong enough in five years to warrant another large hotel.

Five years from now, the city will have hosted NCAA men’s Final Four basketball tournaments in 2010 and 2015, and a Super Bowl in 2012. In addition, the Indiana Convention Center is expected to draw more visitors once the expansion is completed in February 2011.

“I realize it’s a pretty bullish statement, but it’s time to start thinking about another 1,000-room hotel,” Welsh said. “Our success in booking business will drive it.”

Welsh’s optimism could be expected. As the city’s top tourism cheerleader, his job is to champion Indianapolis as an attractive location for meetings and conventions. And a larger convention center should improve the city’s status as an appealing destination.

Even so, the ICVA is getting more aggressive in its marketing efforts to ensure the additional meeting space is occupied as much as possible. An extra $1.5 million the association is receiving from the city will help it hire four additional salespeople and promote Indianapolis in more cities.

The J.W. Marriott, rising near the Indiana Convention Center expansion, might not contain Indianapolis’ rising convention trade. (IBJ Photo/ Perry Reichanadter)Another $5.4 million was donated to the ICVA last month by the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation. The grant is earmarked for convention and tourism marketing.

The convention center’s $275 million expansion adds 420,000 square feet to the mix. Including Lucas Oil Stadium, the ICVA will have 1.2 million square feet of convention space, 65 percent more than it had in the convention center and RCA Dome. That will push the city rank in convention space to 16th from 32nd.

So, will the additional convention space tempt another developer to build a complement to the J.W. Marriott? Possibly, said Mark Eble, a hotel consultant and regional vice president for Philadelphia-based PKF Consulting Corp.

“It’s not flawed logic,” he said of Welsh’s vision. “The big ‘if’ is that developers will certainly wait until they see the absorption of the J.W. before they put the shovels in the ground.”

Downtown Indianapolis boasts nearly 5,500 hotel rooms. Adding 1,600, including 600 from three smaller hotels that will accompany the J.W. Marriott as part of the Marriott Place project, will increase the total almost 30 percent.

The downtown hotel occupancy rate in 2009 grew to 67.4 percent from 62.8 percent the previous year, a particularly strong increase given the severity of the recession. Nationally, the rate fell 8.6 points to 55.1 percent, according to Nashville, Tenn.-based Smith Travel Research.

Hospitality consultants agree the influx of rooms from the J.W. Marriott will keep Indianapolis’ downtown occupancy rate from growing for several years. How quickly the city can absorb the additional hotel rooms depends upon the timing of an economic recovery and ICVA’s success in luring more conventions.

What’s clear to Tim Worthington, owner of Indianapolis-based hospitality consultancy The Worthington Group, is the uncertainty in the downtown market.

The expanded Indiana Convention Center will host more activity, but developers will track hotel absorption carefully before building another hotel. (IBJ Photo/ Perry Reichanadter)“I know what the hotel market is in this town right now, and it’s tough,” Worthington said. “Everyone is nervous about the J.W. coming in.”

The ICVA last year hosted 37 “citywide” conventions, those in which demand for hotel rooms were greater than the downtown capacity. This year, 35 are scheduled. However, despite two fewer large conventions, room nights booked for 2010 total 330,572, a slight increase of less than 1 percent from last year.

To help the market absorb the Marriott rooms, Welsh estimates his organization ultimately will need to host 65 to 75 large conventions annually.

Whether the additional meetings attract enough visitors to justify a second, large hotel remains to be seen. But at least one hotelier would welcome new competition.

Greg Tinsley, general manager of the Conrad Indianapolis, said it should be embraced rather than feared.

“If there is a necessity for additional hotel rooms, that means that [Welsh] and his team were successful in acquiring additional business to the city,” Tinsley said. “Everyone benefits from it.”

Construction of the J.W. Marriott and the commercial credit crunch put the brakes on several hotel projects proposed for downtown.

Just three years ago, plans for as many as 10 hotels would have added almost 2,300 rooms. A project by south-side developer J. Greg Allen would have brought a 240-room Le Meridien hotel and a 150-room Aloft hotel to surface parking lots along Pennsylvania Street, for instance.

But the projects didn’t have the benefit of private financing. White Lodging, which, along with locally based REI Investments, is developing the J.W. Marriott, owned by Bruce White. His father, Dean White, is the billionaire owner of Merrillville-based Whiteco Industries.

“They didn’t have to go to the markets [for funding],” said John Livengood, president of the Indiana Restaurant & Hospitality Association. “It’s almost a gift to the state of Indiana, in a way.”•


I don't know if you are able to see it. You might have to sign up. Heres the link:

http://www.ibj.com/article?articleId=16338

[SMSC1]

The final full sized row on the curtain wall has started! (http://jwm.tourneestudios.com/camera.php)

Does any one know how long until the second crane is coming down?


Right now.

[GarfieldPark]

Looks like the cardinal is pretty much done. I drove by there last night. It'll be good when they get some lighting on it - so you can see it at night. It looks good. Reminds me a little of the big red Circular piece in front of the IU Art Museum in Bloomington. It seems to have about the same type of shiny red steel.

[cwilson758]

I was wondering when the "need for another 1,000 room" hotel was going to pop up. Every time we have built a large hotel, before them damn thing opens they are already saying we need another... Could be a great opportunity for Allen to get Penn Centre some leverage

[GarfieldPark]

As far as another mega hotel (AAVMARINE"S post above^) ---- I'd really like to see something like that go in on the Pan Am Plaza block. It would be perfectly located between the Convention Center and Circle Centre. It should be a complete mixed-use development: A well designed, 800 or so room hotel -- with a mix of entertainment uses built into a complex of lower height structures (3 - 6 stories) surrounding a central plaza that still maintains the open view toward the Union Station Clock Tower - and continues to commemmorate in some way the Pan Am Games that were hosted in Indy in 1987. Underground parking for 1200 or so vehicles would be part of the complex -- they could probably re-use much of the existing underground parking structure - although the support structures would need to be re-done with extra strength, particularly in areas that would have the largest buildings built above them.

It should also have other well designed "openings" to other streetfront areas - so it is not built in an inwardly focused way. Shops, restaurants and bars should open up both to the central inner plaza area as well as outward to the surrounding streets. The Hotel and Entertainment complex would be connected directly to the Convention Center - and also to Circle Centre -- possibly through the existing parking garage on the NW corner of Illinois and Georgia. Although the skywalks would help move people at the second or third floor level - the design of the complex would be very open with softly steeped stairways and escalators that easily bring people up and down to the different levels. Good access should be provided to help link directly to the entertainment blocks to the East - (Wholesale District) where Ike & Jonesy's, Claddagh, Blu, Kilroy's, etc. are located - to keep a good flow between the existing entertainment areas and this new, expanded entertainment district.

Entertainment uses would be restaurants, bars, night-clubs, a little classy - artsy shopping, maybe some type of small theater-type venue / cabaret-type thing, etc. Basically places geared toward convention folks in town for a few days. Maybe add some residential into the mix -- either apartments / condos above the commercial areas (third - sixth floor units) and/or higher end condos on the upper floors of the hotel project -- similar to what was being considered with the 40+ story Inter-Continental proposal for the site a few years ago.

Something like that would be a good way to more thoroughly utilize that prime block. If the convention business grows in proportion to the increase in size of the convention center (about 40 - 45%) --- it is a good bet there will be a need for more hotel rooms. This location seems to be the most prime spot for a new hotel. There are some complicated ownership issues relating to the site - but I believe they could be worked out within a few years - in time to start a big project like this around 2012, 2013 or so. Maybe a couple of our Indiana based businesses: Simon Property Group and White Properties - could work together to make the perfect combined high-end hotel / commercial / retail / residential mixed use project - all on this one block. ----- Just dreaming big.

[EddieB317]

The second crane is on its way down!

[IndyYeah]

Too bad that Browning(I think it was) could not get the Pan Am 500-600 footer up instead of the JW. That was one of the few buildings that they would have been involved in that I like. I would like to see at least another 300 footer go up, but feel that is years away.

[aavmarine]

Too bad that Browning(I think it was) could not get the Pan Am 500-600 footer up instead of the JW. That was one of the few buildings that they would have been involved in that I like. I would like to see at least another 300 footer go up, but feel that is years away.

I remember that hotel. To me, I just don't think anything will ever go there that is higher than Pan Am Plaza. The reason would be because of the sight from inside the stadium. outside of the retractable windows. I think the city would rather have a view of the entire city and not just one big ass hotel. JMO thou....

[IndyYeah]

I remember that hotel. To me, I just don't think anything will ever go there that is higher than Pan Am Plaza. The reason would be because of the sight from inside the stadium. outside of the retractable windows. I think the city would rather have a view of the entire city and not just one big ass hotel. JMO thou....

Yeah, I agree as well. In that area, there has been talk of some european type setting I think we seem to bring up every 6 months or so. As far as a hotel, I would not think anything higher than the Pan Am. Hey, will that thing stay or get knocked down in the future? My attention kinda goes when we discuss that area lately, since concrete plans don't seem to stay put. Hope when this recession ends, some plans do take hold downtown..

[cjfjapan]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/Indianapolis%20Valentines%20Day%202010/DSC_0431.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/Indianapolis%20Valentines%20Day%202010/DSC_0428.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/Indianapolis%20Valentines%20Day%202010/DSC_0426.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/Indianapolis%20Valentines%20Day%202010/DSC_0417.jpg

[ablerock]

I was at White River State Park yesterday. The west side of the complex looks horrible from the park. It's really a shame the powers that be didn't consider the negative effect of having a FRIGGING GIGANTIC BEIGE LOADING DOCK across from the park jewel of downtown. Really, really frustrating. Walking across the bridge from the Zoo and you just see this big honking ugly loading dock. It's like welcome to Indy, here's the ugly ass of this building.

Hopefully that second tower will happen sooner than later.

I'm really thankful for the project and it's going to be a great asset for the city financially. It just sucks that such an obvious visual blunder goes without comment by the powers that be.

[CorrND]

That sucks about the loading dock. If this site were a blank slate to begin with, I think we might have seen a better layout, with central loading zones for visitors and trucks. I'm sure their first decision was to reuse the main Courtyard building, which sucked up most of the center of the site and nixed a lot of layout options right off the bat.

[EddieB317]

I was at White River State Park yesterday. The west side of the complex looks horrible from the park. It's really a shame the powers that be didn't consider the negative effect of having a FRIGGING GIGANTIC BEIGE LOADING DOCK across from the park jewel of downtown. Really, really frustrating. Walking across the bridge from the Zoo and you just see this big honking ugly loading dock. It's like welcome to Indy, here's the ugly ass of this building.

Hopefully they will at least think to soften the view of ugly docks from the park with trees and landscaping...

[ablerock]

Hopefully they will at least think to soften the view of ugly docks from the park with trees and landscaping...

They'd need 100' trees. Nothing but a building is going to cover it up. :-)

[cailes]

Last fall I walked around this area and took some photos (which are not online at the moment) and when the leaves are on the trees, it doesnt look as bad as it does right now. The trees along the curved portion of Washington help knock down some of it.

Im not defending the poor design, just stating that its not AS obvious in the warm months

[ablerock]

Last fall I walked around this area and took some photos (which are not online at the moment) and when the leaves are on the trees, it doesnt look as bad as it does right now. The trees along the curved portion of Washington help knock down some of it.

Im not defending the poor design, just stating that its not AS obvious in the warm months

I certainly hope you're right. This is one thing I'd love to be wrong about. :-)

[IndyYeah]

Why can't developers in Indianapolis get one construction project right? If it's not bland, it is EIFS, if it isn't EIFS, it has a hydrant right at the front of the building. Hell, they could not even get the Indiana National Bank tower right in 1970. For that tower we lost the Knights building. For once maybe when the next tower comes afloat,the powers that be can get it all right. Gosh, I just wish the next one would look F'ING great!

[aavmarine]

Does anyone see anything wrong with the pictures above? The last picture for sure.I see three different color (darker) windows on the side and two darker windows on the front of the building. Its also on the cam.

http://www.oxblue.com/pro/

I hope they see this too.

[dtIndydweller]

^^ I dont think what you are actually seeing is glass. I think its plywood painted blue to cover up where windows that broke during installation were once in place. They are probably waiting for the new replacement windows to come in but just wanted to give the place a more polished look. That would be my guess. I do realize that some panals are still bare plywood. Whatever is going on, I'm sure it's not permanent.

[MilwaukeeMark]

Well from an outside perspective, I think you're being just a tad nitpicky about that giant beige wall. Yes, it's ugly and yes, it's obtrusive... but it's really not anything that's going to completely detract from a visitor's impression of the city for Pete's sake! This building looks freaking fantastic and you should be proud to have it. I like it quite a bit and I'm sure I'm not alone. Infill will happen in time... just be patient. :)

Congratulations!

[GarfieldPark]

Appreciate the positive comments. I'm sure, over the next ten months -- it'll begin to look better. They still have all of the white construction trailers up -- and they're still finishing up the brick trim work and view-blocking walls that will help hide some of the views to the loading dock areas. The trees at WRSP will continue to grow - and new ones will be planted alongside Washington St - next to the hotels -- so eventually it will undoubtedly look better. We are very fortunate to have over 1600 new hotel rooms opening in our downtown because of this project. I can remember when there used to be just a little Howard Johnson's hotel on this spot -- in the midst of a run-down industrial area alongside the River. Overall, its an amazing improvement that has happened over the past 25 years, or so.

[ablerock]

Well from an outside perspective, I think you're being just a tad nitpicky about that giant beige wall. Yes, it's ugly and yes, it's obtrusive... but it's really not anything that's going to completely detract from a visitor's impression of the city for Pete's sake! This building looks freaking fantastic and you should be proud to have it. I like it quite a bit and I'm sure I'm not alone. Infill will happen in time... just be patient. :)

Congratulations!

Thanks, but have you seen it in real life?

[ragerunner1]

I will agree that the base facing the park could have been done better, but, I really think this building is a good addition to Indy and its downtown. Its architectual design is unique to most of the buildings in the downtown area and its fills in the hole between the park and the core.

[cwilson758]

I'm sad to see the cranes gones from the skyline...

[IndyYeah]

Can you imagine what we would be saying if that first design would have been dealt to the city? You know what the whole thing looks quite well now - wall and all...

[GarfieldPark]

They've started adding the entrance "canopy" on the east side of the JW. Canopy might not be the right word because its about 350 feet long and sticks out about 40 feet or so. It adds quite a bit to that side of the building --- breaks up the "extremeness" of the huge blue wall.

The skywalk connecting the JW to the parking garage looks like it is pretty close to being complete. I like it. It has a "light" feeling to it. It is largely "clear" looking with some slightly opaque, light blue panels along the bottom and top of the walkway. It looks pretty good --- for a skywalk.