After Mr. Levinson posted his tidbit of info, I decided to do a bit of digging ;)

This is what I've found out... Remember, this info is subject to change.

-It appears that a submission will be made to the city for the maximum roof height to be at 1,200'

-The maximum ornamental roof height is to be at 1265'. This would account for screen wall at top of building where two warped surfaces come close together.

-These measurements are being taken from the hotel entrance which will be officially listed at 0'.

I hope that this helps.

Also of note, this would make this taller than the Empire State Building if it's constructed to this height. Excluding the anteanna of course.

wow!
sweet!

This tower looks better with each new render. I hope they get this thing built.

WOW!!!:eek: You guys in Chicago are so lucky - so many supertalls being built or proposed at the moment.

Thanks shivtim! I thought so.

The render Ryan81 made really gives you a sence of good things to come on the great city of Chicago! Now if only Waterview was in the render :P

Ah, beautiful. We might not have the most buildings, but our buildings are really tall by any standard. Waldorf=Astoria taller than ESB? Bring it on.

:omg: pretty fuckin' amazing tower :eek2:

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

:dance:

After Mr. Levinson posted his tidbit of info, I decided to do a bit of digging ;)

This is what I've found out... Remember, this info is subject to change.

-It appears that a submission will be made to the city for the maximum roof height to be at 1,200'

-The maximum ornamental roof height is to be at 1265'. This would account for screen wall at top of building where two warped surfaces come close together.

-These measurements are being taken from the hotel entrance which will be officially listed at 0'.

I hope that this helps.

Also of note, this would make this taller than the Empire State Building if it's constructed to this height. Excluding the anteanna of course.http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/smiley/attachment-15.php.gif

thats a great render!!!!

WOW!!!:eek: You guys in Chicago are so lucky - so many supertalls being built or proposed at the moment.

i'm sure more supertalls will come in the near future :)

great render...
only 400 feet smaller then the similar tower in shanghi, good!!

"only 400 ft" ^^, 400 feet are much :)

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/9044/chicagowaincrease1265qc6.gif

:nuts:

The letter confirming the height, from ssp.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=3136468&postcount=585

Kind of interesting how the new generation of supertalls alternate with the ones from decades ago based on roof height.

Yes...yes.....it is all part of a master plan... hahaha. But that would be bad because no more supertalls would be built.
Oh well....keep them coming.:cheers::cheers:

"only 400 ft" ^^, 400 feet are much :)

For you, not for me, especially when the spire is only other 400 feet taller than the financial center in shanghai.:)

I think this along with the Spire, Trump, and Waterview will create the best riverfront in the world!

I think this along with the Spire, Trump, and Waterview will create the best riverfront in the world!

Yes, absolutely

Original image (shown cropped) by Secondcity1 posted on March 23, 2007 here: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=411382&page=13

http://aycu19.webshots.com/image/32578/2004667168590221837_rs.jpg

Altered future skyline - locations and heights approximate:

http://aycu28.webshots.com/image/32787/2000739566169724904_rs.jpg

A closer representation of actual locations and heights created by inserting sketchup models into Google Earth and capturing a screenshot:

http://aycu17.webshots.com/image/31416/2002482197827795020_rs.jpg

One more for good measure:

http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/34929/2005279126873297837_rs.jpg

I really appreciate those renders. great job.

It should be mentioned that with the World Cup being played in Brazil in 2014, the chances for Chicago to get the 2016 Olympics is very good. Rio was considered a forerunner in the competition... now that they will have to focus on the World Cup, that leaves Chicago all alone at the top!!

Hotel occupancy levels are already very high, now, with the onset of the Olympics, we will see even more development!!!

Thanks for sharing, ryan. They look amazing.

That is AWESOME!!:dance:

Agreed, very beautiful renderings ryan81.

Has the City of Chicago accpted the design proposal and the project as a whole yet or is it still under review? By the way fantastic renders Ryan!

Has the City of Chicago accpted the design proposal and the project as a whole yet or is it still under review? By the way fantastic renders Ryan!

As the title indicates, this project is still proposed.

That last render is amazing :shocked:

i really hope it gets approved,it would be one more amazing building for an even more amazing city *thumbs up* :)

mmmmm prrrrreeeettttyyyyyy. :drool:

hornbagtastic, those renders from ryan81 are absolutely stunning. Chicago already has one the top skylines in my view, but with the Spire, Mandarin Oriental, Waldorf and Trump/Waterview just takes it to another level. roll on 4th Dec, shall be staying in Wicker Park for 4 days avec camera and lots of beans from the Bank of Jimbo. Bodiddly!

come on chicago... approve this... build it... and enjoy it :banana::lol:

http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/images/47293.gif
This version by John Hinds recently appeared on SkyscraperPage.com (http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=65855)

Do you think they intended to make the building twist to make it blend in more nicely due to the Chicago Spire that a block or so away? I'm kind of falling in love with the whole "twisting move" thats been going on around the world. It's just so different. People in the 30's who where building the Empire State would have never imagined a building that twists from it's base up. What an incredible time we all live in!

^^ i thought i read somewhere that that was the reason they made the twist. it was to compliment the chicago spire.

I think the twist will fade from popularity and seem a bit dated in a few years. I don't think the Spire will seem dated, though.

^^^^ Don't think so. Its the evolution of design that is made possible thanks to new technologies and construction techniques. And I think it is extremely beautiful: the CS is the point of perfection, this one is its little brother.

I have no doubt that the CS will be not just emulated but improved upon.

http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/images/47293.gif
This version by John Hinds recently appeared on SkyscraperPage.com (http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=65855)

Nice design.

I hope they use glass like they did on Comast in Philly.

That would be a skyscraper wet dream. I wonder if we'll see some new, updated renders anytime soon.

what is the timeline for when it can go from proposed to APPROVED??? anytime soon?

BUILD IT!!!

I wonder if we'll see some new, updated renders anytime soon.

Ask and thou shall receive. Posted and procured by our resident super-sleuth, BVictor:
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/147/65572661ze2.jpg

wholly smokes that needs to get built.:banana:

That is just awesome!

This needs to be built. it would be a HUGE lost for chicago :banana:

yeah, another perfect supertall for Chicago!

This is easily my second favorite project. Bvictor said he has more and will post them when he returns to town. I cant wait!

Holy Jesus Juice!!! That render is absolutely stunning. I love this project 2x more now. This tower definately needs to get built. :banana:

Dang!!! :dance:

Absolutely beautiful!, the facade looks stunning..

:drool:

It' probably just a dream, I'm going to wake up and find that Waldorf, Spire, Trump, Waterview, Architectonica and Acqua were just products of my immagination....

beautiful.....

or even worse, you wake up and youre encased in a fluid-filled sac like in the matrix

Yet another supertall for chi-town :okay:

or even worse, you wake up and youre encased in a fluid-filled sac like in the matrix

Hahahah! :lol::lol::lol: Nice one.

^ ultimate nightmare

Does anyone know the status of this project. Has this project come before the city planning committee?

still proposed

good news is that once its approved (I cant see why it wouldnt be) the funding will be there. it would be nice to have some inside info on the approval process.

good news is that once its approved (I cant see why it wouldnt be) the funding will be there. it would be nice to have some inside info on the approval process.

Can you shed any light on the funding process? Thanks

still proposed

ZZ...you must come to Chicago.

Can you shed any light on the funding process? Thanks

I'm just assuming the money will be there because its a Hilton project. they have money.

^^

They still have to sell units though

^^

They still have to sell units though

yea I know, but this project has more money behind it then others. I would think. then again, I could just be talking out of be behind. :lol:

ZZ...you must come to Chicago.

I'd love to come to chicago but i've no money :(

I'd love to come to chicago but i've no money :(

can i come with you when you got money :D

why not :)

Several additional renderings...

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/12/577334.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/12/577336.jpg

Nice, some public space.

Nice but what's that transparent box thing?

Several additional renderings...



nice! thanks for these. by several did you only mean 2? I'm really greedy.

Could use a bit more greenery in the open space. No need to turn it into a stone/concrete dead zone.

Nice but what's that transparent box thing?

Entrance pavillion to the ballroom.

beautiful, I hope it's only a question of time...

Entrance pavillion to the ballroom.

Ahh thanks.

Does anyone know the architect of this project?

Here is the apartment tower that will be just next to this building. (The ghost tower in the renders on the 1st page)

THIS IS NOT THE WALDORF=ASTORIA TOWER

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/12/577384.jpg
https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/12/577386.jpg

^^ Not too special....but combined with all the glass of Astoria and the Chicago Spire I am sure will look gleamy, shinny, and stunning :)

First class building

Amazing design. Fits very well in Chicago skyline.

Does anyone know the architect of this project?

DeStefano + Partners for Walforf=Astoria and SCB for the apartment tower.

Could use a bit more greenery in the open space. No need to turn it into a stone/concrete dead zone.

Well, there will be a small landscaped pocket park directly between W=A and the rental building directly behine the ballroom entry pavillion.

The hardscape plaza that you see in the images that I posted is already existing, and I agree with you that it needs work, but this developer doesn't own that land, so we'll see what happens. The neighborhood group is trying to being the developers of the rental tower and W=A together for a master landscaping plan.

I'm sorry, but this building just does not look right for me. It doesn't look classy at all. This is meant to be a Waldorf=Astoria. WTF! I've stayed in Best Westerns better than this junkheap.

I've stayed in Best Westerns better than this junkheap."Junkheap" is rather overstating it. I know it's all about perceptions based on a few renders, but this building looks classy and sleek.

I'm sorry, but this building just does not look right for me. It doesn't look classy at all. This is meant to be a Waldorf=Astoria. WTF! I've stayed in Best Westerns better than this junkheap.

are you kidding me??? WHERE??!! please state the location of the Best Western that ever looked better than this proposal???? we are all curious as to how you could make such a statement

With each new render update I like this building more and more. My initial pet peeve was that it looked too much like the SWFC but not anymore really.

very impressive design ! I love that curtain wall !

I'm sorry, but this building just does not look right for me. It doesn't look classy at all. This is meant to be a Waldorf=Astoria. WTF! I've stayed in Best Westerns better than this junkheap.

:wtf: :lol: thats a bit much

Happy Holidays

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R2aBF5mXdBI/AAAAAAAARzA/xjL4XWxuFVc/P1160350.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh3.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R2aBGZmXdCI/AAAAAAAARzM/TepmuNYTMRE/P1160352.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R2aBG5mXdDI/AAAAAAAARzY/x5cSwsG3ApM/P1160355.JPG?imgmax=640

is that soil testing ?? :banana:

is that soil testing ?? :banana:
Yes.

[QUOTE=harryc;17160220]Happy Holidays

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R2aBF5mXdBI/AAAAAAAARzA/xjL4XWxuFVc/P1160350.JPG?imgmax=800


this deserves a dancing banana :banana:

^^ At SSP, BVictor1 astutely noted that the soil testing rig is positioned on the north side of the lot which is the location of the rental tower.

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/12/577384.jpg

^^ At SSP, BVictor1 astutely noted that the soil testing rig is positioned on the north side of the lot which is the location of the rental tower.


I read that these are 2 separate projects - I had assumed they would be one.

I'm getting very excited about this project especially seeing the soil testing rigs parked in the lot! It's like the first time we saw the soil rigs at the chicago Spire site. Kudos to you Harry for being brave/crazy enough to walk outside in this crappy weather we've been having. :cheers:

I'm sorry, but this building just does not look right for me. It doesn't look classy at all. This is meant to be a Waldorf=Astoria. WTF! I've stayed in Best Westerns better than this junkheap.

Well...as a citizen of the fair city of chicago I welcome this junkheap! May we have many more!

http://aycu38.webshots.com/image/36317/2004903117024980034_fs.jpg

http://aycu25.webshots.com/image/37384/2004933489495186420_fs.jpg

whoawhoa whoa whoawhoa *borat style

is that some sort of permit for the W=A?

whoawhoa whoa whoawhoa *borat style

is that some sort of permit for the W=A?

No 319 E Illinois - the neighbor - a paultry 50 story condo

Emporis (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=318167)

whoawhoa whoa whoawhoa *borat style

is that some sort of permit for the W=A?

It's just public notice that the developer has filed a PD with the city. The rental tower is being built under current zoning for that part of the property. W=A needs an increase in the height.

Happy Holidays

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R2aBF5mXdBI/AAAAAAAARzA/xjL4XWxuFVc/P1160350.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh3.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R2aBGZmXdCI/AAAAAAAARzM/TepmuNYTMRE/P1160352.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R2aBG5mXdDI/AAAAAAAARzY/x5cSwsG3ApM/P1160355.JPG?imgmax=640

is this the site for Waldorf=Astoria ?

is this the site for Waldorf=Astoria ?

No this is the site for the "small" condo tower next door.

ok

All i care about is that it doesn't have a spire.


God i hate spires.

^^ I know how you feel buddy. I feel spires are being utilized on too many under construction and even proposed buildings lately. it's nice to see that this will not have a tacky extension of that sort.

Does anybody have an idea as to when this project will go before the city for approval?

It's been a while since i've heard anything on this building. Any word? is it still likely to get approved?

Love the design..

The building looks great!!

I want this tower almost more than the spire. APPROVE IT!!! any word yet?

I want this tower almost more than the spire. APPROVE IT!!! any word yet?

No, not yet. I believe they are waiting for the market to become favorable again. Or at least thats what makes sense in my mind. I love this project and I truly believe this one will go but not for another couple years at the least. I could be wrong though.

Shanghai WFC anyone? Without the square hole?

great building though. Build it

Shanghai WFC anyone? Without the square hole?

great building though. Build it

No. It twists, so the entire structure is completely different and it's shorter so it pairs perfectly with the spire.
Try again.

It wasn't scheduled to start until 2009 in any case.

Well, Roeder is at it again. After he completely missed the ball on the Waterview Tower predicament last week, he now (and without mention of Waterview securing its 300MM financing in his article this Wed.) proceeds to inartfully pontificate about the likelihood that this project will never happen and devotes worthless column space to purported contradictory statements by the developers and how unusual it is there are no complainers about the height of this project. I mean, what an utter lack of journalism here. I used to find Roeder's weekly column an exciting and interesting source for new projects and updates on the status of other ones. Of late, however, the quality of his articles has gone way down and they are frequently retarded with weak opinions and irrelevant rhetoric. Its to the point now where I don't even want to read them anymore. Off to the Trib. now!! Anyway, I sure hope to hell that this gets built as I think this is a fine project and anyone would be a fool to not want this built here.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/roeder/896613,CST-FIN-roeder16.article

From what I've heard there's little opposition to this tower, can't imagine it wouldn't be built unless any other reason, the crunch or financing issues being examples.

I hear there trying to build waldorf astoria in every major city in the world. question is are they going to build a new waldorf astoria in nyc. I don't believe they we'll any way I luv the design of this tower let hope they build it.

^^ Isn't that the Mandarin approach, look how well that went, they canceled half of them, however, i would love to see this built in Chicago

^^^ Aren't they building one of those in Chicago too. I'm sure the Hilton's have enough money that they can Trump Tower the world. But I'm sure they'll only be able to build the one we'll see.

I think i hear the Chi Town Mandarin was on hold.

SideKick - Site Prep
http://lh6.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SAa2cENr0LI/AAAAAAAAiAs/C5bRsHBkfvc/P1300624.JPG?imgmax=640

http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SAa2dUNr0MI/AAAAAAAAiA4/OYPh-BQU0FU/2008_04_16d.JPG?imgmax=800

Looks like things may be getting underway with this big guy! I'm in love with the design and I really hope all goes well and this baby rises next to the Chicago Spire! Thanks for the shots Harry.

Looks like things may be getting underway with this big guy! I'm in love with the design and I really hope all goes well and this baby rises next to the Chicago Spire! Thanks for the shots Harry.

This is actually the site for the little brother or sidekick... but yes a good sign.

little brother?
what is that?

His brother.....

http://i28.tinypic.com/1znmn11.jpg

how tall will the building next to Waldorf=Astoria be?

^576ft/57 floors. A local community group (SOAR) is lobbying to have the parking podium re-designed:
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j22/aliendroid/buildingimage1.jpg

His brother.....

http://i28.tinypic.com/1znmn11.jpg

nice pic. where did that come from? have any more?

what's up with the "=" in waldorf=astoria?

I love the design :)

thats a good question. I know the building was built, owned and named after William Waldorf Astor. Who was rivals with his brother who died on the titanic. I don't know whats up with the name change.

what's up with the "=" in waldorf=astoria?

It's the official, trademarked name of the hotel company.

Wasn't the original W=A in NYC (where the ESB is now) originally two separate hotels that literally 'merged' into one?

Mike

Source:http://www.bestchicagocondos.com/blog/waldorf-astoria-still-moving-forward/


Waldorf-Astoria Still Moving Forward

April 18, 2008 - With so much recent talk about the hotel condo trend and the current Chicago real estate market, some news about the proposed Waldorf-Astoria has surfaced. Although the project isn’t anywhere near the point of groundbreaking, it seems to be hanging on in hopes of a market turn around. It also isn’t being deluged by protesting neighborhood groups who might oppose a 100 story high-rise, and according to the Sun Times it is expected to be approved by the City Planning Commission this summer.

Speculation given as to why nobody seems to be opposed to this tower ranges from the fact that the location is southerly enough that the tall structure won’t interfere with views from existing buildings to apathy born of the belief that the high-rise won’t be built anyway. And finally, some say the DeStefano and Partners design incorporates a few of the flattering Chicago Spire architectural elements. In any case, this project even has the support of the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents.

The Waldorf-Astoria is being developed in a partnership by Michael Reschke, who controls the Waldorf Hotel aspect of the project, and Christopher Carley, who controls the main stake in the development. In the Sun Times article, Reschke commented that he’d be willing to alter the development and switch to two shorter towers so that the hotel could go up first if the condos didn’t sell well. This was news to partner Carley, who then stated that those changes hadn’t been talked about, the site is too small for two buildings and he has the final say in the project anyway. So this is another wait and see proposal for Chicago Condos in Streeterville.

^^ I don't want 2 shorter towers!!

yes me to a 100+ storey building is what we need :)

2 shorter towers would only be filler, the skyline definitely needs another supertall

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/page.pl?id=2166

Chicago: Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and Residence Tower, E North Water St. and North Park Dr., 2-acre mixed-use development, November 2009, $500 million.

:banana:

so its a go ahead ?

Is that for the rental tower or the whole thing?

$500 million sounds way to much to just be the smaller tower.

It's the Waldorf=Astoria tower- that's why it says "Waldorf=Astoria" tower.

great looking building. residential or office??

great looking building. residential or office??

325 rooms in a five-star hotel and 300 luxury condominiums

wauw, its a nice shape, good design, it has everything.

and good project.

whats the status on this project?

whats the status on this project?

Site prep and remediation is well under way for the rental tower. The main site is still a surface (car prking) lot.

June 04 - W=A site is to the left.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SE5bH3fYsPI/AAAAAAAAo9M/UE6-ZIwqvwA/P1380440.JPG?imgmax=800

May 23 - granite pavingstones being reclaimed.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SE5bB0NeoJI/AAAAAAAAo80/XZOax2YYNzM/P1370040.JPG?imgmax=800

June 2 - watery mush - from about 3 ft down.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SE5bEm1iPYI/AAAAAAAAo9A/_viIKzgFPCQ/P1380129.JPG?imgmax=800

good news. I hope they will start soon :)

I always get excited when this thread gets bumped. I'm waiting for the article or picture showing they have broken ground.

Looks right for Chicago, even though the design is less than original.

What building IS completely original, with no precedent?

i really do hope this gets built, it will give the city 4 100+ story skyscrapers

Think this one stands a pretty good chance and I too hope to see it next to newcomers Trump/Waterview (hurry up on that one)/Chicago Spire as well as the countless other giants in Chi Town.

Looks right for Chicago, even though the design is less than original.

there is no building even close to this design in chicago. less then original? :dunno:

looks good, will compliment the Chicago spire nicely

Site prep and remediation is well under way for the rental tower. The main site is still a surface (car prking) lot.

June 04 - W=A site is to the left.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SE5bH3fYsPI/AAAAAAAAo9M/UE6-ZIwqvwA/P1380440.JPG?imgmax=800

May 23 - granite pavingstones being reclaimed.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SE5bB0NeoJI/AAAAAAAAo80/XZOax2YYNzM/P1370040.JPG?imgmax=800

June 2 - watery mush - from about 3 ft down.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SE5bEm1iPYI/AAAAAAAAo9A/_viIKzgFPCQ/P1380129.JPG?imgmax=800

I don't think that's Waldorf=Astoria. I believe that's 465 North Park Drive (http://chicagoarchitecture.info/Building/3169/465_North_Park_Drive.php). I'm pretty sure W=A is supposed to go on that untouched parking lot behind the construction you see.

harry said already that the prep.-work is not for the Astoria Tower ;)

"Site prep and remediation is well under way for the rental tower. The main site is still a surface (car prking) lot."

I don't think that's Waldorf=Astoria. I believe that's 465 North Park Drive (http://chicagoarchitecture.info/Building/3169/465_North_Park_Drive.php). I'm pretty sure W=A is supposed to go on that untouched parking lot behind the construction you see.

Yes this is for the rental tower - the main W=A building will be in the Southern 2/3 of this surface lot ( to the left in these photos ). The lot to the West ( back and right - out of frame) is soon to be developed also. The parked cars are on a road/ramp that will border both W=A sites. The favored hang out of the West Indie and African cabbies.

harry said already that the prep.-work is not for the Astoria Tower ;)

"Site prep and remediation is well under way for the rental tower. The main site is still a surface (car prking) lot."
Ah, sorry about that. I misread it.

Screw Children's Museum's in Grant Park, and CTA funding, get this puppy APPROVED!!!! ASAP It would put the icing on the cake for me during this so called "boom." My definite favorite.

Approved this afternoon at Plan Commission.
...

Great News If true! Any articles or a source?

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i've been waiting to hear that. :cheers:

Wait its approved???!!! so when can we see a ground breaking on the actual tower?

They are just words, nothing official. Let's wait for some news..

http://www.suntimes.com/business/1016297,CST-FIN-central20a.article

New developments
June 20, 2008

In a flurry of activity, the Chicago Plan Commission endorsed these new projects Thursday:

* A 107-story building combining condominiums with a Waldorf-Astoria hotel at the northeast corner of North Water and New streets near the Sheraton Chicago hotel.

awesome!

The first rendering suggests the glass on the ''sexy" curved side will be quite generic.

congrats chicago, already very soon chicago will have 3 towers with over 100 floors :)

finally. can't wait for also this beauty to go up. it will compliment the spire perfectly, and the skyline will be even more amazing.
Great!

Great News If true! Any articles or a source?

Well, I was there and spoke in favor of the project.

I hope my word is enough...

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4323%3A%3Enu%3D3244%3E36%3B%3E27%3B%3EWSNRCG%3D32336%3A%3B4799%3B%3Cnu0mrj

The first rendering suggests the glass on the ''sexy" curved side will be quite generic.

If it's anything like the image sent from BVictor I think it would be an absolute beauty. Normally it would be boring but imo there is something about seeing that glass going straight up the entire face of the building with that nice curve and nothing to snag your eye with that really makes this building amazing. That is something you don't see too much of anymore. So simple, yet elegant and definately world class. Congrats Chicago!:banana:
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/147/65572661ze2.jpg

Wow I am sooo excited for this project to start! :cheers:

Wow I am sooo excited for this project to start! :cheers:

As am I, however I don't think we'll see groundbreak until early 2010 probably:

"The plan commission action sends each proposal to the City Council for final approval. Construction will depend on financing and sales."
http://www.suntimes.com/business/1016297,CST-FIN-central20a.article

goood for chicago; congratulation

WHEWWWWWW! This is such an amazing relief. I was hopin and prayin for this tower for way too long, and now, i can relax. A great day all around. well, except the sox lost.

My Sketchup model for Waldorf Astoria Tower. Its unfinished yet. I will add texture.

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=237bd6f20f9b6423324ac9180804bd76&prevstart=0

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/2100/200806212104216m41sev6.jpghttp://img58.imageshack.us/img58/4115/200806212112037m2sff6.jpg

Almost unbelievable. 107 floors in 386 meter :eek:

not that special ^^ :). remember: John Hancock has 100fl at 344m

Wow
another great addition to chicagos beautiful skyline
does anyone have like a map or photo showing exactly where this tower would be in relation to CS and just the entire skyline?
thanks

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2130/2289566777_0fe3596be6_o.gif

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6238/waldorf4dm5.jpg

http://aycu02.webshots.com/image/39721/2002042782130852814_rs.jpg

The ranking of Trump and Waldorf need to be reversed in the diagram.

No matter how much people here might hate spires, they count, and the spire on Trump Tower will count making it about 100' taller than Waldorf.

These aren't my rules, that's just the way it is.

^^

I think that he's going by the structures' roof heights, something that is more easily recognized by the public.

Mike

why there is this sign of equality betwen Waldorf and Astoria. SHould it be Waldorf-Astoria?

not that special ^^ :). remember: John Hancock has 100fl at 344m

well its actual quite special, its going to be taller the John Hancock!!!!!

why there is this sign of equality betwen Waldorf and Astoria. SHould it be Waldorf-Astoria?
I think it's something like a double hyphen, not an equals sign.
(correct me if I'm wrong about this)

^^Waldorf=Astoria is the official name of the company.

BTW that question was asked and answered for thousand times.

well its actual quite special, its going to be taller the John Hancock!!!!!

i meant the floors ^^

^^Waldorf=Astoria is the official name of the company.

BTW that question was asked and answered for thousand times.

maybe it is time for waldorf to change the name - the "=" looks cheap and is confusing.

maybe it is time for waldorf to change the name - the "=" looks cheap and is confusing.

rubbish, it's an iconic name and won't be changed :bash:

maybe it is time for waldorf to change the name - the "=" looks cheap and is confusing.

WHAT??? It's confusing only to those that don't have any knowledge of history.
:nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:

OMG come on, Waldorf=Astoria is steeped in history, that name NEEDS to stay exactly as it is. It seems that in the very beginning there was only one hyphen, hence 'meet me at the hyphen' informs that you are meting at Waldorf=Astoria. I wonder when the dual hyphen or equals sign came to be used. I remember always being dual hyphen.

From their website...

On March 24, 1893, millionaire William Waldorf Astor opened the 13-story Waldorf Hotel on the site, which had formerly boasted his mansion, at Fifth Avenue at 33rd Street. Built by renowned architect Henry Hardenbergh, The Waldorf was the embodiment of Astor's vision of a grand hotel, complete with electricity throughout and private bathrooms in many guest chambers - two of a long list of Waldorf firsts. Four years later, The Waldorf was joined by the 17-story Astoria Hotel, erected on an adjacent site by Waldorf's cousin, John Jacob Astor IV. The corridor built to connect the two buildings became an enduring symbol of the combined Waldorf and Astoria hotels - it is represented by the "=" in The Waldorf=Astoria

This is just a small excerpt. Rest of the story can be found here... http://waldorfastoria.hilton.com/en/wa/hotels/information.jhtml;jsessionid=4HY5T4KKLY3WICSGBJBN2EQ?ctyhocn=NYCWAWA&key=FAQ_history

The lot for W=A tower ( note lot for 465 N park in background )
http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SGfjs83I3DI/AAAAAAAArHo/SBEC6ErMdhE/2008_06_13A.JPG?imgmax=800

The local cuisine .....
http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SGfkRGU3vkI/AAAAAAAArH0/epc9OqSrVbk/P1400468.JPG?imgmax=720

.... and the patrons
http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SGfkS27dbVI/AAAAAAAArIA/sLYiXz0ZpaA/P1400471.JPG?imgmax=720


What to expect ( 465 N Park - June 20 )
Radiation testing
http://lh5.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SGfkVDD583I/AAAAAAAArIM/x8Pm7sZpzC8/P1400916.JPG?imgmax=800

sifting out the cool old granite paving stones.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SGfkY-n2opI/AAAAAAAArIc/PFedat18xlQ/P1410957.JPG?imgmax=720

This wall continues on into the W=A site
http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SGfkbKkkriI/AAAAAAAArIo/JcZOQTwm3i4/P1410964.JPG?imgmax=800

I wish they'd give me those old granite paving stones.

Glad to see this tower approved and prep work starting. Go Chicago.

whats the need for Radiation testing

whats the need for Radiation testing

Thorium - old site for a watch factory I think. Very common in this area, the site just to the north had extensive contamination and remediation.

Reflecting pool

http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SMHrdX4ZEWI/AAAAAAAAxSc/1cr80ViiJ0E/s720/P1040228_29_30.jpg

Harryc, it looks like you guys got a whole lot of rain. How much did you get? Also, what is the status of this project? I know it is approved by the city, but are they just preparing the site and holding off construction until the economy recovers?

when was it approved ?

Harryc, it looks like you guys got a whole lot of rain. How much did you get? Also, what is the status of this project? I know it is approved by the city, but are they just preparing the site and holding off construction until the economy recovers?

Not that much - drainage is a real problem when you are a foot or so above the water table.

AFAIK the project is approved, the smaller residential tower has just finished site prep ( stuff on the left ). The W=A site itself is still being used as a surface lot.

The first rendering suggests the glass on the ''sexy" curved side will be quite generic.

I think the cladding looks quite nice in the rendering - I cant decide whether its generic looking, but I would LOVE to see something like this built in Los Angeles!! Our tallest is the library tower which is roughly the same height as the Waterview when it gets completed. Even more so, we need to catch up on the density side as well. Im VERY happy to see all of these proposals popping up in whats pratically our own backyard, during a time when all of these gigantic structures are getting built all over the world (it seems everywhere but here in the USA lately!) - At least we have the spire, and the top occupied floor isnt too much lower than the Burj Dubai - I believe the CS top occupied floor is at 586 meters versus the Burj at 624 meters.

It will be years before LA wakes up (if ever) and dusts off the plans for the 151 story CA Sky Tower!! :banana:

When you take into account the size of our economy in LA, we have an awfully nuetered skyline! :ohno:

The look and shape of this building is really hard to imagine. I have no idea what it would really look like. It's super tall though, so I'm all for it.

maybe it is time for waldorf to change the name - the "=" looks cheap and is confusing.

It's more about history... than looking good.

The - was put there when the two hotel became one. The Waldorf hotel and the Astoria hotel.

This is one hell of a sexy beast for the Windy City, Chicago is already out of this world, can't imagine how good it will look with TT, CS, and now this!

Chicago is like NY , they have paved the way for this City to be a skyscraper City since it's infantry , so it's like a tradition for the Chicago to continue with more and more skyscrapers to be built in the future with beautiful skylines...

This tower will make an excellent addition to the Chicago skyline and will complement the Chicago Spire as well.

Ready to start with the foundations. I think the moment is bad now.
But soon the economy will be much better and then i think they are ready to
start.

Ready to start with the foundations. I think the moment is bad now.
But soon the economy will be much better and then i think they are ready to
start.

By the time it's finished, the economy will be stronger. Now is a good time to build with interest rates low.

Ready to start with the foundations. I think the moment is bad now.
But soon the economy will be much better and then i think they are ready to
start.

Site needs a bit of site prep first, ready for foundations next door, but the main site is still a functioning parking lot.

This one will be beautiful! And a perfect complement to the spire. :cheers:

It's modern! It's sleek! It soars! This is another fine trophy for Chicago, which arguably has the VERY best skyline in the whole world!!!!

:pepper::pepper::carrot::carrot::banana::banana::cucumber::cucumber::righton::righton:

Baltimore won't get a supertall until probably the next 30-40 years..Chicagoans should appreciate this beauty!

Why are a ton of people suddenly talking about this again? Perhaps I'm incorrect, but isn't thing thing a long, long way from even getting close to happening? I don't believe it has even been made official...

^^ I guess we can only hope.

Why are a ton of people suddenly talking about this again? Perhaps I'm incorrect, but isn't thing thing a long, long way from even getting close to happening? I don't believe it has even been made official...

It all started with Harryc posting an update picture. Just one comment can bring in all the people who subscribe to a thread and kick off a whole new round of conversation.

It's modern! It's sleek! It soars! This is another fine trophy for Chicago, which arguably has the VERY best skyline in the whole world!!!!

:pepper::pepper::carrot::carrot::banana::banana::cucumber::cucumber::righton::righton:


TOTALLY agree with you.:yes: And please, go on with the Waterview Tower.....although....who needs the Waterview with a building like this? :jk:

Chicago!!!:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

when is it going to be finished? Why does it resemble the SWFC so much?

when is it going to be finished? Why does it resemble the SWFC so much?


it's going to be finished sometime after it is started. they're brothers.

I think you have to fail middle school geometry to confuse SWFC and this project.

the top down cross sections reveal the truth

Why does it resemble the SWFC so much?

because my Granfather sendt an e-mail to the architect that he creates a similar design for the Waldorf=Astoria tower!

lol

Why are a ton of people suddenly talking about this again? Perhaps I'm incorrect, but isn't thing thing a long, long way from even getting close to happening? I don't believe it has even been made official...

made official in what way? it's been approved by the Chicago Plan Commission, zoning and city council.

All they need to do is start marketing units which will possibly happen next year.

it's going to be finished sometime after it is started. they're brothers.

excellent. what a mature and helpful answer.

made official in what way? it's been approved by the Chicago Plan Commission, zoning and city council.

All they need to do is start marketing units which will possibly happen next year.

i think thats what where waiting for, for them to start marketing units. which like you said maybe next year. i just cant wait, then Chicago will have 4 towers with 100+ floors

did they already start construction?

sorry i actually meant "when are they gonna start construction".

Via www.worldarchitecturenews.com


Twisting development offers new symbol for the Chicago’s skyline

A city of skyscrapers and host to the world’s tallest building for 24 years, The Sears Tower, until Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers stole that crown in 1998, Chicago is a city that strives for vertical elegance in design. And in 2009 this battle will endure with the groundbreaking of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and Residential Tower.

The tower, designed by DeStefano & Partners, is contrived to compliment and not overshadow the Chicago skyline. Despite reaching 1,100ft high with over 100 floors when complete, the tower will take second standing to the mighty Sears Towers, respectfully holding back and allowing the Chicago landmark its stature.

The design itself presents a simple structure of glass and steel, which will taper smoothly into the sky asymmetrically, creating the illusion of a twisting figure. The shaft of the tower will rise from the slender base to what appears to be a wider scalpel shaped summit, giving the construction a winding, rotating impression, as if it has drilled itself graciously into Chicago’s landscape. The building was designed to adhere to the current trend in Chicagoan architecture where taller thinner buildings are favoured to shorter buildings providing the same square footage, because the slender fabrications block fewer views.

Included in the €450million tower will be 325 hotel rooms, 367 condominium residences and an 11,000 sq ft ballroom accompanied by a variety of smaller conference suites. The base of the building will also contain a variety of banquet facilities, meeting rooms, and restaurants, along with a private car parking garage capable of holding 772 vehicles, all of which will be located underground to maximize open space at the foot of the tower for the local population. The tower is set to take three years to construct with completion in 2012.

David Schiavone with Niki May Young


New Renders:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/2949627332_75834e8fe0_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2949627358_df9816cc96_o.jpg

Amazing new renders, amazing design!! ^^

:cheers:

Very beautiful, but a little too similar to Swfc IMO

Wow, just wonderful.

:angel: I hope this finds a way, I hope this finds a way :angel:

Very beautiful, but a little too similar to Swfc IMO

all it needs is the trapezium hole at the top :lol:

You gotta love Chicago for keeping building such elegant and classy buildings. (Trump, Spire, Waldorf=Astoria)

I hope the constructions starts A.S.A.P.

chicago spire is a must for this, they go together like 2 peas in a pod

chicago spire is a must for this, they go together like 2 peas in a pod


yes they do, but the chances are slim of the spire.:bash:

amazing new renders!!!! stunning

It looks fantastic!
Congrats Chicago! :cheers:

question is will it get built in this market?

wow! the quality of the rendering is AMAZING!! hope it gets built!:banana:

The renders look amazing! The design is very good, though it's very very similar to the SWFC, but that's ok since there isn't any other building in Chicago with a similar "twisting" design .
If build it'll definetily provide a great addition to Chicago's skyline, and IMO with CS will become the new focal point in Chicago's skyline.
The only problem i see in getting this built is the current financial crisis and economic recession America is experiencing, which means that financing by banks might not be guaranteed.

Sorry but thats almost a exact copy of SWFC :bash:.

For the rest very nice designed!


The tower is set to take three years to construct with completion in 2012. I dont no they will buildt it???

1,100 ft or 1,265ft?
The article says 1,100ft

Sorry but thats almost a exact copy of SWFC :bash:.

You know there has been skyscrapers that followed the same concept before SWFC.

nice tower...very much like the SWFC without the void at the top

Before too many people say this is a copy of SWFC
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/2383/waldorfastoriapr7.jpg

Before too many people say this is a copy of SWFC
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/2383/waldorfastoriapr7.jpg

but it looks, just a bit similar don't you think?...but thats not bad...it doesn't have that dodgy gap at the top! so it BETTER!!!:)