CHICAGO | Wolf Point | 950ft | 80 fl | 750ft | 60 fl | 525ft | 50 fl | Pro

[trvlr70]

I'm just so grateful that an eyesore of a parking lot will finally bite the dust.

However, I'm slightly disappointed about the safe choice of architect.

[Kngkyle]

Wolf Point might get 3-building complex
DEVELOPMENT | Hotel, offices, residential for downtown site

July 31, 2007
BY DAVID ROEDER droeder@suntimes.com
The Kennedy family and two development firms, working with renowned architect Cesar Pelli, are crafting a plan to turn downtown's Wolf Point into a residential, hotel and office complex.



http://www.suntimes.com/business/490...wolf31.article

[fredcalif]

Good for Chicago, it keep growing up.

The skyline will be even better by 2010. Chicago will be number one for a long time.

I can't wait to see it in a few years

[Chicagophotoshop]

hell yea. you are so right. but this particular project might be longer then 2010. I would say construction might start around that time. for some reason, any decisions on wolf point seem to drag.

[simulcra]

Originally Posted by cbotnyse

it is the point where the Chicago River branches off to the north and south, from the main branch.

The nearest streets would be near Kinzie and Franklin. (correct me if I'm wrong)

It is actually where the "town" of Chicago started in the days of Fort Dearborn.

Somebody please post it on Google Earth, or a map. Some would say its the center of the city.

err, Fort Dearborn (and consequently early Chicago) was near the mouth of the river, not at wolf point.

[cbotnyse]

Originally Posted by simulcra

err, Fort Dearborn (and consequently early Chicago) was near the mouth of the river, not at wolf point.

actually, they were considered 2 different things. Fort Dearborn was referred to as that, and the "town" was at Wolf Point. its just technical.

[paytonc]

Originally Posted by Chicagophotoshop

for some reason, any decisions on wolf point seem to drag.

"Patient capital." When your fabulously wealthy family has owned the land for 62 years and already earns income off it, what's another three?

A cluster of towers, possibly phased, is less risky than one big one, which is how I remember the old proposal.

[Lukecuj]

Given Hines track record lately with office towers in Chicago, the office portion of this project could very well be the first one out of the gate.

All in all great news. I hope these buildings are positioned so they completely block the apparrel center view from the South Branch of the river.

[PrintersRowBoiler]

Does this mean the end of the Holiday Inn / Sun Times building? One of the articles says that there is 4 acres of land. Obviously the parking garage would have to go. What's left is a small area for 3 high rises including setbacks from each other. Also, I would assume that a public plaza along the river and generous building setback would be required.

[cbotnyse]

Originally Posted by PrintersRowBoiler

Does this mean the end of the Holiday Inn / Sun Times building? One of the articles says that there is 4 acres of land. Obviously the parking garage would have to go. What's left is a small area for 3 high rises including setbacks from each other. Also, I would assume that a public plaza along the river and generous building setback would be required.

I believe that is the law now, not sure.

[Chiman]

The view from the site:

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr

[Azn_chi_boi]

*Wish that the roof is at least taller than the 80 stories Aon at 1136'*

Prime location!

[Dale]

Given the office component, I wouldn't be surprised to see 14 foot ceilings.

[DCCliff]

Originally Posted by cbotnyse

actually, they were considered 2 different things. Fort Dearborn was referred to as that, and the "town" was at Wolf Point. its just technical.

While Chicago's acknowledged 1st settler duSable's home was on the north river bank near the fort site, it was a bit isolated. Mark Beaubien's tavern was very near Wolf Point and was a sort of village commercial and social center for regional fur trappers and others before there really was a much of a permanent village (1830-34). So, you could say this was the very first center of town - - very important historically. I hope this good news brings a development that does justice to the site!

[edsg25]

Originally Posted by DCCliff

While Chicago's acknowledged 1st settler duSable's home was on the north river bank near the fort site, it was a bit isolated. Mark Beaubien's tavern was very near Wolf Point and was a sort of village commercial and social center for regional fur trappers and others before there really was a much of a permanent village (1830-34). So, you could say this was the very first center of town - - very important historically. I hope this good news brings a development that does justice to the site!

with a site this prominent, it would be a crime not to!!

[spyguy]

That whole area of the river is finally coming together.

[Chi649]

As if the architectural cruises weren't already spectacular. Just imagine 7 years from now

[edsg25]

Originally Posted by spyguy

That whole area of the river is finally coming together.

now is the time to excelerate on the ground what is happening in the air. the river walk simply must step up the pace. Not only will it enahance this extraordianary urban corridor, it will become an asset unto itself for both Chicagoans and tourists who will be able to stroll in this special, special setting.

If we do it right, there will come a time, not too far off, when the times Americans think of the "river walk", they will think Chicago, not San Antonio.

[cbotnyse]

Originally Posted by edsg25

now is the time to excelerate on the ground what is happening in the air. the river walk simply must step up the pace. Not only will it enahance this extraordianary urban corridor, it will become an asset unto itself for both Chicagoans and tourists who will be able to stroll in this special, special setting.

If we do it right, there will come a time, not too far off, when the times Americans think of the "river walk", they will think Chicago, not San Antonio.

It will happen. Daley is all for it. And I live on the river, so believe me, I want it to happen more than anyone. I think it will. I think it will be done before 2016.

[brett7three]

Originally Posted by cbotnyse

It will happen. Daley is all for it. And I live on the river, so believe me, I want it to happen more than anyone. I think it will. I think it will be done before 2016.

It will certainly be done before the Olympics, and I wouldn't be surprised if another proposal for a Spire-esque supertall (perhaps in the same height range) goes to U/C well before 2016.

Look to "Closing the Gate of the Chicago River". IOW: Watch LSE across the river from the Spire.