Height: 335 ft?
Floor count: 29
Location: West Kinzie and North Well
Neighborhood: River North
Construction end: 2011
Architect: Valerio Dewalt Train
Developer: SA Lynd Development Partners

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/4952/161kinzie2sq9kr8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/1374/envchicago1me8.jpg
http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/3203/345nwells1va4.jpg http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/580/345nwells2id0.jpg http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/729/345nwells3xy0.jpg

Another River North surface parking lot bites the dust...

Update from SSP:

Aug 20

Getting ready
http://lh6.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6fOwRM78I/AAAAAAAAvtU/FMqBvUHJAqA/P1010833.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6fQpCaEuI/AAAAAAAAvtg/RK1jvQCFOg0/P1010834.JPG?imgmax=800

Belling bits - no signs of rock grinders or associated equipment.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6fR3AC89I/AAAAAAAAvts/zFYaGucd-wc/P1010839.JPG?imgmax=800

Aug 21
http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6g2cJblMI/AAAAAAAAvuI/1v0FPupflHo/P1010891.JPG?imgmax=720

http://lh5.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6g4N4ixLI/AAAAAAAAvuU/gbxbeNDiOmg/P1010893.JPG?imgmax=640 http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6g6ElI6xI/AAAAAAAAvug/F4FfGKgHmhk/P1010912.JPG?imgmax=640

Gotta have just the right size on hand
http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6g7bmg2iI/AAAAAAAAvus/PMvM-2kla2I/P1010913.JPG?imgmax=800

Safety first
http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6g84_eoyI/AAAAAAAAvu4/SH_qdlqkJAI/P1010981.JPG?imgmax=800

The drill
http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6g-WJDJxI/AAAAAAAAvvE/vIWjpRKxIKo/P1010983.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh6.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6hIW02UCI/AAAAAAAAvwE/Oza-bIrKCfc/P1020004.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh6.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6hAXoCG5I/AAAAAAAAvvQ/mx7M2nu70Rw/P1010985.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6hCEbJspI/AAAAAAAAvvc/Fo4lWSJpTa8/P1010988.JPG?imgmax=640

http://lh5.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6hEUpZqnI/AAAAAAAAvvs/a9KA9Bp5Phs/P1010992.JPG?imgmax=800


Holes w Rebar
one w caisson top
http://lh4.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6hGQ5IjWI/AAAAAAAAvv4/6pY0CvU6744/P1020002.JPG?imgmax=800
onw without caisson top
http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6hLjQ-_WI/AAAAAAAAvwc/OSyy-CcoDio/P1020016.JPG?imgmax=720

300 N LaSalle provides a nice backdrop
http://lh3.ggpht.com/harry.r.carmichael/SK6hJtc2zyI/AAAAAAAAvwQ/Quyl9k0-VzY/P1020005.JPG?imgmax=720

From an old Crain's article (http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=26700):

The project would comprise 263 apartments, 25,000 square feet of retail space and 213 parking spots.

Ok, I'm not completely familiar with EVERY street yet... so it is directly north of 300 N. LaSalle?

Ok, I'm not completely familiar with EVERY street yet... so it is directly north of 300 N. LaSalle?

Yes, it is north of 300 but west by a city lot. go to google map and type in 171 west kinzie....the map is off even though the address is 161.

pretty brave developer.

Ok, I'm not completely familiar with EVERY street yet... so it is directly north of 300 N. LaSalle?

It's just east of the Merchandise Mart Brown Line stop. If you look at the rendering, you'll see a little slice of the Mart on the right edge.

Man, how I love the gritty perspective to highrise construction that HarryC brings to this forum. Many, many thanks Harry. :cheers:

I'm glad they're moving forward with this one. Hydrogen, I'm not sure if those specs are still true. I think there are a couple less units now but they've drastically reduced the amount of parking.

pretty brave developer.

How so?

not meant to be a slam, just anyone who has the guts to build a residential tower - even a rental- in this current economic market has some major cahonas.

^ Surely you don't think he is starting this project without some sort of financing agreement?

I'm glad they're moving forward with this one.

I just hope it doesn't block my views from 300 N. Lasalle...!

In all seriousness, this project may not be that tall, but the design is very intriguing. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Wonderful design.

I saw this from the train last Friday and thought... WOW, they're actually going through with this? That's great though, and I do like the design.

In this market I'm so glad to see new construction.

I keep walking down the street and on the train and the express buses and look out at all the new development, buildings and craines all over the city. It's so fun and exciting to watch them all being built. I think back to the 90's when there was a 8 year period where NOTHING got built. I'm so afraid of going back to that dark place!

^ I'm with you on this. It's great that in the middle of economic cardiac arrest there is still construction and progress. Even with this market, there are many solid developers looking to take advantage of this situation (costs are dropping due to less demand). Yes, there will be a large inventory of condos, but many projects that wouldn't even have a chance anywhere else in this entire country are still being confidently pursued by developers. This project is relatively small, but it's location and design are what matters most to me. Hopefully, other developments will replace parking lots and unsalvagable older buildings in river north once the market rebounds in the next cycle.

http://www.globest.com/news/1250_1250/chicago/173982-1.html

Lynd Begins Construction on 29-Story Apts
By Cari Brokamp

Lynd Development Partners, based in San Antonio, broke ground last month on 161 W. Kinzie, a 300,000-sf, 29-story apartment building. The development will offer 249 units for lease, ranging in size from studios to two bedrooms, with an expected delivery of early 2010. The apartment building, to be known as EnV, is being constructed in the River North neighborhood.

...The building will also offer 129 parking spaces and 27,000 sf of retail and office space.

Love this building's location! It's perfect for students and design professionals! Hasn't this building been in the works for sometime?

the valerio building in the south loop was a better design but suffered from really cheap materials. let's hope this development group isn't reluctant to break open their checkbook when the time comes.

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/template.MAXIMIZE/news/industry/?javax.portlet.tpst=08c2aa13f2fe3d4dc1b6751ae1de75dd_ws_MX&javax.portlet.prp_08c2aa13f2fe3d4dc1b6751ae1de75dd_viewID=news_view&javax.portlet.prp_08c2aa13f2fe3d4dc1b6751ae1de75dd_newsLang=en&javax.portlet.prp_08c2aa13f2fe3d4dc1b6751ae1de75dd_ndmHsc=v2*A1220007600000*B1222563198000*DgroupByDate*G6*J2*M31050*N1008957&javax.portlet.prp_08c2aa13f2fe3d4dc1b6751ae1de75dd_newsId=20080923006024&beanID=383539599&viewID=news_view&javax.portlet.begCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken&javax.portlet.endCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken

Green Concept High-Rise Apartments Unveiled in Chicago’s River North;
EnV at 161 W. Kinzie to Offer Luxury Services, Social Atmosphere

San Antonio, Texas-based Lynd Development Partners unveiled the name and plans today for a 29-story, 249-unit luxury apartment development at 161 W. Kinzie in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Scheduled for spring 2010 occupancy, EnV (pronounced “envy”) will incorporate environmentally responsible design and building practices its developers expect will result in one of the city’s first LEED-certified rental properties.

“We’re proud to enter Chicago’s expanding rental market with an environmentally conscious building in an incomparable River North location, close to the city’s finest business, shopping, entertainment, transportation and recreation centers,” said David Lynd, Lynd Development Partners Chief Operating Officer. “The name EnV reflects our vision of creating an atmosphere that non-residents will envy, and also highlights the building’s environmental aspects.

“Given the current real estate market, renting makes sense,” he continued. “We intend to set the standard for the upper-end rental property submarket with a unique, edgy building with a boutique feel and social atmosphere – unlike anything else in the area.”

EnV will be marketed to graduate students, urban professionals, the newly single and others desiring an in-town residence. Amenities will include:

* Fully equipped fitness center
* Resident lounge with kitchen, movie room, internet café and coffee bar
* Rooftop deck and pool
* Wine storage lockers
* Dog run

Additionally, Lynd Development Partners plans to incorporate cutting-edge technology, including:

* A virtual concierge
* Convenient methods to make rent payments and order many other services online and via the building’s website
* V-Connect, which is an amenity system from Apple Computer that will allow residents to integrate their security and other preferences via iPod or iPhone
* Shop24, a 150-item automated convenience store that accepts cash, credit or debit cards.

“We’re excited to be the first rental building in the United States to offer both V-Connect and Shop24,” said Lynd.

Monthly rental prices are expected to start at $1,500 for studios, and up to $4,800 for each of two penthouses.

The site, bordered by Wells Street on the west and Kinzie Street on the north, also provides for 27,000 square feet of Class-A retail and office space.

“’Green’ concepts, modern technology and forward thinking will differentiate EnV from other rental buildings in Chicago,” concluded Lynd.

^^ Good stuff! Sounds like a really nice place.

Update by Mr Harryc

Nov 24
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/STDDt280C8I/AAAAAAAA_Qg/xOgjNki9dec/s800/P1160550_1_2.jpg

Nov 26
Pumps for raising the slip form
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/STDD90ysV4I/AAAAAAAA_Rc/OcPLHH7wUPQ/s800/P1160846.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/STDD_cu1LDI/AAAAAAAA_Ro/K3JLC111e4M/s800/P1160847_8_9.jpg

Brand New (adjustable) forms
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/STDDzK9RFhI/AAAAAAAA_RQ/SIX--NoKib4/s800/P1160825.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/STDEAw16UvI/AAAAAAAA_R0/ux7G0EqS0HA/s800/P1160858.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/STDECoRLLaI/AAAAAAAA_SA/yS-0e52YCp4/s800/P1160859.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/STDDwSNas7I/AAAAAAAA_Q4/DRYcxPqlYZw/s800/P1160817.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/STDEGyPdoaI/AAAAAAAA_So/inxhfeC0ywc/s800/P1160863.JPG

Some old forms
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/STDEEV9IMcI/AAAAAAAA_SM/lEMGdZe9_Xo/s800/P1160860.JPG

View from the Merchandise Mart stop.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/STDEIFhhPrI/AAAAAAAA_S0/lLeLfVBBjuE/s800/2008_11_26B.jpg
Full Size (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/161_W_Kinzie2008q4#5273930806851616434)

What I love in particular about this project is that it is just starting, it's dense, it's glassy, it came out of nowhere, and most of all....we will continue to watch it go up while everything else in this boom comes to a depressing end.

Wow. I take the Brown Line every day and totally missed that the foundation is going up.

God, I don't want the building to end!!! What will I stare at after these buildings are complete? Watertower and just pretend it's still going up?

I'm suddenly excited about this one. I didn't really remember that VDT was behind this one until I checked back at the first page. They are sort of hit-or-miss for me, but their good stuff is great, and this will hopefully fall into that category once completed. The rents (1500/month for a studio!) hopefully reflect a substantial investment in design, construction, materials, etc. that should provide for a nice end result.

^ Suddenly excited?

I've been excited since day 1.

This thing popped up out of nowhere! While the boom plummets before our very eyes, this tower haughtily begins its rise, mocking the doom and gloom around it. I LOVE it.

http://www.mchughconstruction.com/news/press_releases.cfm

McHugh in the News:
McHugh Building Apartment Tower at 161 W. Kinzie St.

December 10, 2008

James McHugh Construction Co. has begun construction of EnV, a new luxury apartment tower at 161 W. Kinzie St. in Chicago's River North neighborhood

San Antonio, Texas-based developer Lynd Development Partners is making its first move into the Chicago market with the tower, which was designed by Chicago architects Valerio Dewalt Train. Completion is slated for early 2010.

The 300,000-square-foot, 249-unit building will be constructed of post-tensioned concrete, a departure from the cast-in-place concrete construction typical of most apartment towers. By using post-tensioned concrete, the design team was able to eliminate the need for columns around the exterior and reduce the number of structural columns in the building to 18, instead of the typical 24 to 28 required for a cast-in-place structure of this size.

EnV will be one of the city's first LEED certified rental buildings, featuring environmentally sensitive design and construction. Green features will include high efficiency mechanical systems; a green roof; carpeting made with recycled fibers; low VOC paint; and recycled building materials.

The building will offer unusual design elements such as exposed structural columns and cantilevered balconies that extend out from the building at its corners with full-height glass on three sides. EnV's window wall exterior will feature an entirely smooth surface, with dark blue glass, no mullions and painted aluminum cover at each floor slab. McHugh will be installing eight different types of glass on the building, including 1 ¼ -inch-thick glass along the El tracks to block noise.

Building amenities will include a rooftop deck and pool, dog run, fire pit, full kitchen and wine storage lockers. High-tech features will include an automated, 24-hour convenience store, virtual concierge, and V-Connect, which allows residents to integrate security and other preferences via iPods or iPhones. Inside, units will feature luxury finishes, including granite counters, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and European-style cabinets.

The first three floors of the building will hold 27,000 square feet of retail space, along with a 129-space parking garage.

McHugh's experience with congested city sites will be key to keeping the project running smoothly, said Project Manager Dave Riordan, with Chicago Transit Authority Brown Line El tracks only eight feet from the property line. A busy El stop and the Merchandise Mart, one of Chicago's largest buildings, also adjoin the site, making logistics and access a key issue.

WMA Consulting Engineers is performing design services for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing and McHugh is performing design-build for the fire protection systems. It also is self-performing concrete work and handling interior build-outs for all residences.

Today:
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/7748/dsc071406619390bt2.jpg
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/930/dsc071436134889qh9.jpg
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/3337/dsc071446629746jk2.jpg
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/1117/dsc071526168337fi7.jpg
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/9624/dsc071536641181ea2.jpg

Three floors of retail
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/369/xy6cefa301f3d64806bf74ccl8.jpg
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/2058/xy4e0a542281b44d7fa00eejp0.jpg
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6533/xycabfd2a198f54064b0a4enb1.jpg
http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/8343/xya571aa5748e64d5d99cf8bt9.jpg

Anyone else laugh at the portrayal of the el tracks on Wells? ^^^

That said, I love the street level interaction of this building. Definitely a nice addition.

Lol, Yes, the renderings are very euphemistic. The base is just one more reason I'm hooked on this project.

new news? Anyone got some updated construction pics?

Still going strong, but nothing to see except concrete.
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/9838/env.jpg

that whole strech from Merch Mart to Mich Ave is SO much different on the blocks on either side of Kinzie. From when I moved here in 2001 to now it's night and day.

It appears that work has started on the 13th or 14th floor. Does anyone know if anything is going to be done to the stretch of Carroll Ave between Wells and LaSalle? I wonder if it's going to be repaved or improved in any way. The road surface looks pretty rough.

While they're at it, the sidewalk on the south side, in front of the antique shops, also needs major work.

Taken on 4/28:
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6888/env428.jpg

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/1117/dsc071526168337fi7.jpg

What a cool building in the background! What building is that?

^300 N. LaSalle. There's a thread for that building here under the "Chicago High-rise Development" section.

It looks like they've finished the 18th floor. This one is shooting up quickly.

Interesting project. Lousy name. :)

yeah it is! EnV is going to be a great infill building. I can't wait to see what the building looks like with glass up. Hopefully as good as the renders but, as we all know, it's open season when it comes to that...

http://chicagoismynewblog.wordpress.com

June 5th 2009

http://www.izipik.com/images/200906/06/m3zukchr2gytk2ziai-12.jpg

http://www.izipik.com/images/200906/06/gsu6x1kb28bjikbbvp-13.jpg

^ Please visit the forums more often, Tylow. Great shots all around

I'm doing an Internship at UIC, but forgot my camera in wisconsin. Got it back yesterday :)

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6582/envchicago4e.jpg

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6582/envchicago4e.jpg

Spyguy,

what the hell would I do with out your in put on everything?. I would probably do nothing but hit myself on the head with a hammer all day long :bash: Thank You for the updates :applause::bow:

Good find, spyguy. Looks like the finish on this one is set to be very generic-contemporary, but the proportions are right, and it's in a part of town that needs a nice solid, sleek apartment tower. I'm happily and eagerly awaiting the finished product.

I'm kinda glad this thing isn't taller. It's an excellent piece of infill, but with taller towers looming around it, the merch mart, and some places on the train, etc. to get great views in this area - I think it fits in nicely. That picture above explains what I'm thinking - if it were taller it would just block out some of the nice buildings in the distance. It works well for density and height from this vantage.

It looks like the 24th floor is being poured. We're getting closer.

Taken today:
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/3710/env724.jpg (http://img444.imageshack.us/i/env724.jpg/)

Crane's coming down, so this one's safely in the T/O stage. Unfortunately, not a single pane of glass to be found anywhere. Maybe accounting forgot to submit the order?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3866288648_e498069334_b.jpg

Larger image at Flickr (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3866288648_1629c9a4b0_o.jpg).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/3866288728_c90f5f0d55_b.jpg

Larger image at Flickr (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/3866288728_ee99051210_o.jpg).

Joe Zekas' photos, taken two days ago. No shortage of green trim here.

Taken on 10/10:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/4001443549_d8de80a47a_o.jpg

:master: I wish my night pictures of Chicago turned out that great!

Photos by harryc:

Oct 13
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Std8gxNel8I/AAAAAAABbzw/RUZSoWuq2kY/s800/P1570950.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Std8hFnTLCI/AAAAAAABbz4/29Ui2mhazxE/s800/P1570952.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/Std8hrUyMFI/AAAAAAABb0A/W2GzbV94LV4/s800/P1570957.JPG

The glass looks fantastic. I love the design. Can't wait to see the final product.

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/7207/img4664d.jpg

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/6585/img4683a.jpg

The glass looks fantastic. I love the design. Can't wait to see the final product.

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/7207/img4664d.jpg

Hey 'efo,' you have any more pictures of the green roof at EnV? Even though it's not really green yet...

http://chicagoismynewblog.wordpress.com

They spent yesterday spreading out all that dirt, so there's not much new to see. It's basically those 3 bushes, surrounded by dirt, all covering 2/3rds of the roof. There is a small area on the north end that looks to be something different. I'll snap a quick pic from higher up today.

Crappy cell phone shot, in the rain, but since you asked:
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6892/envgreenroof1520394.jpg

10-27

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4512/env4.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4678/env2.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/7758/env1b.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/732/env3s.jpg

11-02

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/772/env1.jpg

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/4678/env2.jpg

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/4512/env4.jpg

Update from SSP:

12-19

EnV

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/772/env1.jpg

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/4678/env2.jpg

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5442/env3.jpg

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/4512/env4.jpg

Nice!

The cladding process has been excruciatingly slow on this project.

Couldn't possibly be any slower than 550 St. Clair was!

MoMo also took forever.

Slow but well worth it already.

http://chicagoismynewblog.wordpress.com

MoMo also took forever.

Very true. And at least 550 and EnV don't seem to have substituted Saran Wrap for actual glass, unlike some other tower(s) that I know.

Still moving slow, but looking good:

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/772/env1.jpg

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/4678/env2.jpg

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/5442/env3.jpg

I really like that contrast in color between the columns/facade in the 2nd pic.

it looks pretty nice that facade, but oh my god it so slow on progress!! :ohno:

I am taking a tour of this site tomorrow and will try to take some pictures.

Forgot the camera. Got to tour the inside of the building. They're progressing nicely with finishing touches being completed on the lower residential floors (7-12) and they're still building out the upper floors. The interiors of the units are very nice and modern; however, they are fairly small given the price quoted on their website. I must say, the top floor that's full of resident amenities is pretty nice. There's a nice wading pool on the top with an outdoor deck/patio, workout room, and party room that opens onto the pool. Nice building, just expensive to live in.

Almost to the top. Still a bit confused by the "teleporter" balconies, but they look cool.

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/8264/env031910.jpg

Update by george at SSP

3-19-10

EnV

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/4512/env4.jpg

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/7647/env5.jpg

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9382/env6.jpg

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/9581/env2i.jpg

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/7366/env0.jpg

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/814/mlkn3jy7.jpg
mtnsk8tr / flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/13084685@N02/4600808526/)

its really nice design... now only if they can double the height

like the blue croos & blue shield building did

The leasing staff is telling us (http://tinyurl.com/2dwus52) that floors 7 through 18 will be ready for occupancy June 16.

Man, the cladding really makes this building. Usually when I say that it is not a good thing, but in this case it is!

http://i45.tinypic.com/2hzqv5i.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4781024755_e8c8383edf_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/iamhydrogen/4781024755/)

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/3807/p1010764.jpg
http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/3015/p1010757.jpg
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/3429/p1010755r.jpg
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/3411/p1010756z.jpg
http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/7995/p1010754z.jpg
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/7489/p1010752.jpg
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/3118/p1010750b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4848997596_f94206c0f3_z.jpg

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/5465/4921852559b0db645bc9b.jpg
rhammel72/ flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28131563@N03/4921852559/in/photostream/)

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/1025/p1010824b.jpg
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/1217/p1010842d.jpg
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/5840/p1010843p.jpg
http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/7100/p1010844t.jpg

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20101115/CRED02/101119937/big-rent-hikes-foreseen-for-downtown-apartments

Big rent hikes foreseen for downtown apartments
By: Alby Gallun November 15, 2010

Rents at EnV, Lynd's first Chicago project, are slightly higher than the company's initial projections, he says. The 29-story building at 161 W. Kinzie St., which opened in July, is about 40% occupied and is averaging about four to eight leases a week.
“By the time spring rolls around,” Mr. Lynd says, “we'll be full.”

All photos from EnV's Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=192107&id=135100696374) page
http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/1882/14873145513699137413510.jpg
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6718/75838455136656374135100.jpg
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3559/73894455135951374135100.jpghttp://img253.imageshack.us/img253/9698/15007745513567637413510.jpg
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http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4760842157_ffc130bbc5_z.jpg

Woah. That camera angle kicks serious booty.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4764295103_e23e154b86_z.jpg

Such a good looking building... the color of the glass is really nice.

It turned out to be a really nice building.

I'm curious, where did the height come from? Emporis lists the building as having 28 floors and being 308' tall.