CHICAGO | General Developments

[Via Chicago]

But economic prosperity is a step that people need to take for themselves because that's life. You can dislike it, but I didn't design the world.


Actually, government has incredible power and sway regarding the shape and economic vitality of a city, and people's lives in general. Maybe we can start by ending the corporate trough of public TIF funds for shiny status symbols in the center of the richest part of the city and instead re-orient the program towards its original intent.

[tjp]

If you're interested in the CHA, maybe try "Blueprint for Failure," which was written by the same guy--D. Bradford Hunt--who just published the book about urban planning in Chicago that's been getting good reviews around here. It's a really good analysis of how liberal utopianism, fiscal conservatism and racism combined to make for the mess that was/is the CHA.




Excellent book, and excellent breakdown, Oshkeoto.

[the urban politician]

Maybe we can start by ending the corporate trough of public TIF funds for shiny status symbols in the center of the richest part of the city and instead re-orient the program towards its original intent.

^ Couldn't agree more. Today's corporate welfare is an enormous perversion of the system that has to stop.

[oshkeoto]

I think the issue, TUP, is that I find it bizarre to say that the responsibility for economic development in depressed black neighborhoods lies so overwhelmingly with the people who live there, 1) because of the enormous debt owed to those neighborhoods and those people because of what happened to them, sanctioned by government; and 2) more broadly because urban economies, from land use to education to police to services, as you well know, are so incredibly regulated by government. In many cases, over-regulated--on that we agree.

In some sense, of course, economic prosperity can only come from entrepreneurship from within the community. But the government's role is to create the conditions in which that entrepreneurship is possible, and in which it has the best chance of success, balanced against other quality of life issues. Given the two realities I outlined above--and the fact that, at the moment, there are many things in addition to over-regulation that are inhibiting market success--it seems to me that the government still has a lot to do. Crime, obviously, is a huge one; I'd add improving transportation and the flow of credit, fostering social and business connections, education, and trying to break down income and racial segregation to that list. There's been some really interesting research published over the last few years about the extent to which the lack of social connections between the North and South sides--and the fear and ignorance (in both directions!) that lack fosters--is a cause of lack of economic development in many South Side neighborhoods. I think that's really underappreciated as a root cause.

And I apologize if this is considered off-topic--it seems to me to be at the heart of "development in Chicago," but obviously I'll cut it out if

[the urban politician]

I think the issue, TUP, is that I find it bizarre to say that the responsibility for economic development in depressed black neighborhoods lies so overwhelmingly with the people who live there, 1) because of the enormous debt owed to those neighborhoods and those people because of what happened to them, sanctioned by government; and 2) more broadly because urban economies, from land use to education to police to services, as you well know, are so incredibly regulated by government. In many cases, over-regulated--on that we agree.

In some sense, of course, economic prosperity can only come from entrepreneurship from within the community. But the government's role is to create the conditions in which that entrepreneurship is possible, and in which it has the best chance of success, balanced against other quality of life issues. Given the two realities I outlined above--and the fact that, at the moment, there are many things in addition to over-regulation that are inhibiting market success--it seems to me that the government still has a lot to do. Crime, obviously, is a huge one; I'd add improving transportation and the flow of credit, fostering social and business connections, education, and trying to break down income and racial segregation to that list. There's been some really interesting research published over the last few years about the extent to which the lack of social connections between the North and South sides--and the fear and ignorance (in both directions!) that lack fosters--is a cause of lack of economic development in many South Side neighborhoods. I think that's really underappreciated as a root cause.

And I apologize if this is considered off-topic--it seems to me to be at the heart of "development in Chicago," but obviously I'll cut it out if

^ And my argument is that nobody is going to reach out a helping hand to a community if that community shows no personal responsibility. You don't make a loan to somebody if somebody doesn't intend to pay it back. You don't rent an apartment to somebody if that person is trying to live there for free. You can't have it both ways: you can't sit there and wait for prosperity to rain down on you. Yes, Government can set up some incentives, and yes, Govt has a duty to protect its citizens from gangs and crime. But what is missing from this dialogue over and over again is the personal responsibility that these communities need to take. Change your character. Prove that you are a good investment!

[oshkeoto]

I think you need to conceptually separate the policy environment that makes investment onerous from the supposed moral deficiencies shared by all the hundreds of thousands of black people who live on the South Side. Which, in your telling, sound remarkably similar to the accusations white people in Chicago (and elsewhere) made during those many years when they were, in your words, "screwing black people big time."

I know there are, in fact, people in those communities who will not pay rent, or whatever, if they think they can get away with it. I also know there are many people who gave loans to people whose income they had to falsify in order to get them approved; and who sold mortgages as investments without any interest in whether or not they were safe; and who, in fact, certified mortgages as safe investments basically as the result of cronyism and bribery. Most of those people were white, and we're in the middle of the worst recession in nearly a century because of it. Yet no one is blaming the irresponsibility of white people for that.

This, though, is certainly off topic, so I'll leave it at that.

[the urban politician]

^ Actually, millions of people are blaming bankers for what they did. Not sure what you mean. Ever heard of the 'occupy' movements all over the country?

Anyhow, I agree that we should end this discussion as it has gone off topic, although it does have relevance in regards to the plight of much of Chicago's south and west sides..

[ardecila]

I'm not a genius or anything, but I'm informed enough to understand that white people screwed black people in America big time, and they did so for a VERY long time. It took on various forms, including redlining real estate, segregation, banks refusing to issue loans, etc etc.

But economic prosperity is a step that people need to take for themselves because that's life. You can dislike it, but I didn't design the world.

Except not. Blacks and whites in the North were on a very similar track economically until the 1950s; both groups benefited from stable industrial jobs and formed stable, thriving communities with comparable rates of crime and violence.

Housing policy allowed those whites to escape the city and switch from renting to homeownership through massive Federal subsidies; this combined with a booming economy allowed many whites to reach a whole new level of wealth as their homes appreciated. That same policy prevented blacks from buying houses at all, outside of absurdly usurious contract deals.

When industrial jobs began to move out, whites had the resources (due in large part to home equity) to invest in education and adapt to the newly-forming service economy. Blacks did not.

I think it's pretty ridiculous to place the entire onus for the plight of the black community on some kind of massive character flaws.

[the urban politician]

^ Yes, black people got screwed. I get it. What are we disagreeing on? But what are we going to do right now about this? You don't rise up in this world by asking for something, you do so by taking it (and no, that doesn't necessarily mean violently). Prosperity was stolen, now take it back. That's why I have my signature. Besides, plenty of black Americans already subscribe to this reasoning, judging by the large number who have left Chicago for greener pastures in the suburbs and good jobs in the South.

In Chicago Riverwalk and OHare news (http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130613/BLOGS02/130619874/city-getting-400-million-for-riverwalk-ohare-facility):

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced that his old buddies in the Obama administration have signaled approval of nearly $400 million in federal loans — $292 million for construction of an intermodal facility at O'Hare International Airport (renderings below) and $99 million for work on the downtown riverwalk on six blocks from State Street west to Lake Street.

[SamInTheLoop]

Oh right, just a little tugging of the ol bootstraps is all it takes to escape decades long entrenched and institutional poverty, segregation, and economic decline. If they just pull a little harder Im sure that will fix it all!


I know. Some people, when they see instances of public corruption, evidence of negative unintended consequences of well intended (or perhaps not in some cases) public policies, or crony capitalism, throw in the towel and go for the 'all government needs to do is get out of the way', 'let freedom ring' etc tack on socioeconomic matters. Uh, yeah........because we all know how well that works for economic policy....(see US, last 25 years)....

[oshkeoto]

millions of people are blaming bankers

Right--bankers. Not white people, since most bankers are white. Not people who live in the same neighborhood as bankers. Just bankers. And really, just bankers who actually did something reckless or wrong. I don't think very many people are angry at their local bank branch. And, in fact, I would suggest that generally speaking, to the extent that there is negative feeling even towards the limited demographic of bankers, precious little has been done about it.

So I would suggest, even if you don't want to read anything, you consider the parallel and put the blame for irresponsible behavior on irresponsible people, not on the whole neighborhood--or side of the city, or race--among which they happen to reside.

[oshkeoto]

You don't rise up in this world by asking for something, you do so by taking it (and no, that doesn't necessarily mean violently). Prosperity was stolen, now take it back.

The question is, TUP, if white people rose up economically by "taking" government subsidies that were denied to blacks, why is it illegitimate for black people to do the same thing now? Why are special economic development programs run or funded by the government targeted at black neighborhoods signs of personal irresponsibility, but the incredible wealth built up by the middle-class welfare that is the home mortgage deduction and Fannie Mae--wealth that's being used right now as capital for businesses, for education, etc.--why is *that* wealth all well and good?

I should point out that I don't actually have much of a problem with those versions of middle-class welfare--they've been incredibly successful, as I said, at building wealth. (Wealth from a government program, TUP!) I just object to the idea that government assistance for the middle class is great, but government assistance to the poor or black, or both, is the height of irresponsibility.

[SamInTheLoop]

^^ There's been outright fraud for sure, but actually in the big picture not the crux of the problem. Deregulation, failure to enforce regulation, regulatory capture, related super-outsized political influence of elites vs. middle class and poor, increasingly complex finance, much of which has no or negligible social utility, and relatedly, finance taking a far outsized share of economic output and profits (which has had an incredibly deleterious impact on both the macroeconomy at large and the health and stability of society's lower, lower-middle, and middle classes - and even to some extent portions of the upper-middle class), as well as woefully inadequate investment in capital - human capital, infrastructure, basic science and technology (and, no, please don't cite Apple's investment in their 6th iteration of whatever as a compelling counterexample of technological investment) , etc are just some of the factors that have been more important......

[ardecila]

This discussion is getting off-topic, but can I ask that it be shunted into a separate thread in Midwest or City Discussions? I think it's important... I always wanted to start a Family Properties thread but never got around to it. Thanks.


Anyway, TUP, I've suggested a few times that we get rid of the mortgage interest deduction, and I remember you protesting violently. I'm sure you benefit from this tax break, but it is a subsidy all the same. Why is it in America's best interest to support a shrinking middle class and a very well-off upper crust while denying proper support to the poorest groups?

I agree that government support should seek to minimize adverse effects and encourage personal responsibility. I agree that solutions pitched by inner-city politicians like Rush are often bone-headed. I don't agree that the best way to help these communities is to pull government out of that equation while it continues to support wealthier groups.

[wierdaaron]

GEMS School

http://i.imgur.com/UwTsmWll.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/UwTsmWl.jpg)

Click for larger.

Notice the scaffolding and plywood around the edge of the stairs and upper street level.

(I couldn't remember if this project was General or Highrise, so mods can move if I did it wrong).

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

Except not. Blacks and whites in the North were on a very similar track economically until the 1950s; both groups benefited from stable industrial jobs and formed stable, thriving communities with comparable rates of crime and violence.

Housing policy allowed those whites to escape the city and switch from renting to homeownership through massive Federal subsidies; this combined with a booming economy allowed many whites to reach a whole new level of wealth as their homes appreciated. That same policy prevented blacks from buying houses at all, outside of absurdly usurious contract deals.

When industrial jobs began to move out, whites had the resources (due in large part to home equity) to invest in education and adapt to the newly-forming service economy. Blacks did not.

I think it's pretty ridiculous to place the entire onus for the plight of the black community on some kind of massive character flaws.

:tup:

And Clarence Thomas? Really, TUP? He's one of the most incompetent Supreme Court justices we've ever had. Do you know anything about him or was he the first self-loathing black man you could think of? Hey, I've got some "role models" for the black community I'm sure you'd like even more:

http://ionetheurbandaily.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/django-samuel-l-jackson-stephen-uncle-ruckus.jpg

[emathias]

This discussion is getting off-topic, but can I ask that it be shunted into a separate thread in Midwest or City Discussions? I think it's important... I always wanted to start a Family Properties thread but never got around to it. Thanks.
...

I went to see Randall Robinson talk about reparations at a South Side church about a dozen years ago. My father, my brother and I were the only white people in attendance (although there were a few white members of the press present). I'd been to similar South Side churches before, but my dad seemed surprised at how friendly everyone was.

I'd followed Robinson in the press before we went and I felt that he considerably toned down his speech either because we were there or because the press was there (or both), which was a bit of a disappointment - but it was still quite interesting.

I often explain to people who criticize Chicago for its segregation that the current level of segregation in Chicago is an artifact of the past that is slowly diffusing, but I am somewhat embarrassed that I don't have any close friends here who are African-American (especially since I have an aunt who used to be a professor at Morehouse/Spelman). It would seem odd to me to intentionally seek out friends based on race, but my normal circles of interest just don't create a lot of cross-racial interaction which is at least partially caused by the level of segregation here. I have usually had AA coworkers, but I rarely make close friends with any of my coworkers, regardless of race (I like to keep work at work), so that doesn't really help.

I think integration does help a lot because it mitigates a lot of the issues that segregation - even ostensibly innocuous "self-segregation" - enables, but most integration in the Northern and the Western U.S. is either the result of people moving to entirely new areas post-Civil Rights Era, or gentrification of existing neighborhoods which usually means that the racial integration comes with a move toward economic segregation.

[urbanpln]

I often explain to people who criticize Chicago for its segregation that the current level of segregation in Chicago is an artifact of the past that is slowly diffusing, but I am somewhat embarrassed that I don't have any close friends here who are African-American (especially since I have an aunt who used to be a professor at Morehouse/Spelman). It would seem odd to me to intentionally seek out friends based on race, but my normal circles of interest just don't create a lot of cross-racial interaction which is at least partially caused by the level of segregation here. I have usually had AA coworkers, but I rarely make close friends with any of my coworkers, regardless of race (I like to keep work at work), so that doesn't really help.

I think integration does help a lot because it mitigates a lot of the issues that segregation - even ostensibly innocuous "self-segregation" - enables, but most integration in the Northern and the Western U.S. is either the result of people moving to entirely new areas post-Civil Rights Era, or gentrification of existing neighborhoods which usually means that the racial integration comes with a move toward economic segregation.

Well Said! That was one of the most rational summaries I heard on this topic. Thank you for your clear insight.

[oshkeoto]

Everyone, I'm putting my response in a new thread in City Discussions.

[ChiTownCity]

^^^ http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=206087

[J_M_Tungsten]

Getting back to development news, more progress for the west loop: http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/6f0f4fae26670fe8f7e8ec2345e26146.jpg
The photo above, more great renderings, and the story here: http://blog.chicagoarchitecture.info/2013/06/15/more-west-loop-infill-another-residential-block-to-replace-a-surface-parking-lot/

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

Parking access through the alley; residences and retail wrap around the podium; parking ratio is 0.70; and, the design is pretty nice. This sounds great.

[marothisu]

In case anybody cares, I put most of the new construction building permits issued by the city into a map. This goes back to sometime in April (don't remember which date..mid April). It should be current up until 6/14/2013

I tried to color code everything with the pins but a few may be off (I'm pretty sure a few are). I tried to do like Blue = SIngle Family Home, Red = Multi Unit, Purple = Retail, etc but I believe I may have a few schools as purple or something.

http://goo.gl/maps/WzhEj

[LouisVanDerWright]

This view of that new building is particularly appealing:

http://blog.chicagoarchitecture.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Page-16.jpgchicagoarchitecture.info

I like the use of color to make this design pop.

[Rizzo]

I'm happy they lined the street facades with residences and not a hideous parking podium. This should be required of all projects in the city.

[denizen467]

Would there have been a zoning requirement that compelled them to set back the first floor into an arcade? It's a bit hard (though not impossible) to think they would have done this voluntarily, even though it's much appreciated.

[harryc]

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-88iTejtEIvU/Ub0SGSmgZ3I/AAAAAAABwtc/hvbMDk9q62w/w958-h719-no/P1210102.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BE4aGppFYw4/Ub0SJAOo3oI/AAAAAAABwtk/XG2iIPP0sXw/w958-h725-no/P1210110_1_2_tonemapped.jpg

From N Canal.

[J_M_Tungsten]

Eerie situations!

[harryc]

Counterweights
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WjNH9FhpKSQ/Ub0iGJd13DI/AAAAAAABwt0/9okw5d40EI0/w957-h661-no/P1200460.JPG

Watch your step
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cTlzRHUlJb0/Ub0iHuVIZxI/AAAAAAABwt8/qONdhBwrIfg/w958-h719-no/P1200461.JPG

Mind the gap
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mApy5-WlXwc/Ub0iJ9nqllI/AAAAAAABwuE/4jBppLrOquY/w958-h719-no/P1200950.JPG

[harryc]

New curb cut
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mLoARiswW_U/Ub0sSBCvqyI/AAAAAAABwuU/W3E4Tn1i7Aw/w958-h719-no/P1210312.JPG

Trumpish
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xxue9G1Tksk/Ub0sVv5boRI/AAAAAAABwuc/9kEeiWVy-98/w958-h719-no/P1210317.JPG

Not so bad without the gold trim
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QlLA2YCisl4/Ub0sYecvrYI/AAAAAAABwuk/ynAkzXSWFxw/w958-h780-no/P1210319.JPG

[harryc]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LzXl2uUD8Ww/Ub0t6Gww2oI/AAAAAAABwu0/SdIiIB6RJS0/w958-h719-no/P1200182.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4oBTbJ1OATg/Ub0t8Xgx0_I/AAAAAAABwu8/fM97Q-xqfuY/w655-h873-no/P1210302.JPG

N Side
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-78nSkaP4a4M/Ub0t_U0MvyI/AAAAAAABwvE/izZAl2gPvQ4/w958-h719-no/P1210306.JPG

[Rizzo]

The bridge is testing my patience. Span installation seemed long ago

That last photo is great. Garbage modern entrance gone, and the ornate terra cotta and bronze entrances restored. Looks superb.

[ardecila]

The IBM Building renovation is pretty sensitive IMO. I love how that canopy just hovers between columns with only a minimal structural connection. Looks like you could remove it at any time pretty easily to return to the original configuration.

[harryc]

I've seen worse.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aZwEYPcXMDU/Ub2osoFi_lI/AAAAAAABwvU/AkjcJ4ewCnU/w958-h719-no/P1200920.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s7djj9ActLU/Ub2ouLMO58I/AAAAAAABwvc/aXwK3t4ltok/w484-h363-no/P1200918.JPGhttps://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bHICkAGtvNA/Ub2ow0VuTuI/AAAAAAABwvk/fcDA3Qfit2A/w484-h363-no/P1200919.JPG
6/10

[harryc]

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CFudcPWRMyc/Ub2qQ8kW89I/AAAAAAABwv0/IgheYVrWKMQ/w958-h719-no/P1210241.JPG

past the gate actually.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cWvkEqLKo4g/Ub2qSON204I/AAAAAAABwv8/xhIrVS84m0k/w1277-h615-no/P1210247.JPG

The afterthought walkway support - this was emblematic of NMH planning for us.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TtQMzIoFNDY/Ub2qT55RQfI/AAAAAAABwwE/ybcDd6f1AIQ/w958-h558-no/P1210248.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P8uxr_BU9fY/Ub2qU1FH-3I/AAAAAAABwwM/-JO5H8ohr1U/w958-h719-no/P1210253.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gXmOsu6Alt8/Ub2q9aF9tVI/AAAAAAABwwU/LxNadDaeGGM/w958-h719-no/P1210256.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wEKiqD9w-SM/Ub2q-U7mCWI/AAAAAAABwwc/vaPJz8TWgkI/w958-h719-no/P1210261.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JzeTqNGMPoA/Ub2q_fPKOlI/AAAAAAABwwk/0RpEFZpCamg/w1278-h599-no/P1210272.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hMzQLpMEyZs/Ub2rA-0SF9I/AAAAAAABwws/m3Jw4c0pqFo/w1278-h959-no/P1210276.JPG

[Rizzo]

I've seen worse.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aZwEYPcXMDU/Ub2osoFi_lI/AAAAAAABwvU/AkjcJ4ewCnU/w958-h719-no/P1200920.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s7djj9ActLU/Ub2ouLMO58I/AAAAAAABwvc/aXwK3t4ltok/w484-h363-no/P1200918.JPGhttps://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bHICkAGtvNA/Ub2ow0VuTuI/AAAAAAABwvk/fcDA3Qfit2A/w484-h363-no/P1200919.JPG
6/10

That garage isn't bad at all. I'm not going to be ignorant of the fact that hospitals do need garages. So if they build them, at least make them really nice. Some of the garages in the loop are horribly unattractive. They aren't going away soon and I wish something could be done to improve their appearance.

[PerryPendleton]

I'm happy they lined the street facades with residences and not a hideous parking podium. This should be required of all projects in the city.

this

[Via Chicago]

The bridge is testing my patience. Span installation seemed long ago


Im really at a loss for how this project is taking an entire year.

[VivaLFuego]

Im really at a loss for how this project is taking an entire year.

The active railroad.

[Rizzo]

Interesting since they are running trains over it. I was thinking more of the road deck itself. They haven't built the sidewalks yet. I was thinking those would have been some unitized assembly as well, but apparently not.

[Link N. Parker]

Getting back to development news, more progress for the west loop: http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/6f0f4fae26670fe8f7e8ec2345e26146.jpg
The photo above, more great renderings, and the story here: http://blog.chicagoarchitecture.info/2013/06/15/more-west-loop-infill-another-residential-block-to-replace-a-surface-parking-lot/

FANTASTIC!! Love it!!!

The area west of the Loop is getting more and more amazing every day!!

[marothisu]

Looks like the AMLI Clark & Polk apartments were approved for construction yesterday (I think these are AMLI Clark & Polk at least):

https://data.cityofchicago.org/Buildings/Building-Permits/ydr8-5enu/307232
https://data.cityofchicago.org/Buildings/Building-Permits/ydr8-5enu/307264

[wierdaaron]

Looks like the AMLI Clark & Polk apartments were approved for construction yesterday (I think these are AMLI Clark & Polk at least):

https://data.cityofchicago.org/Buildings/Building-Permits/ydr8-5enu/307232
https://data.cityofchicago.org/Buildings/Building-Permits/ydr8-5enu/307264
That project has been under construction for months now. The pilings are in the ground and they just started pouring concrete.

[Beta_Magellan]

Not sure if this belongs here (or has been discussed recently), but highway electronic billboards have been plugging along. The Crains article is registration-only (http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130615/ISSUE01/306159984/), but for those of you without it the key points of it are:

• $15 million in city revenue this year and $150 million over the next twenty

• Concern about light pollution (which is also the overriding theme in the comments)

• The GA recently passed a bill that would allow the signs to bypass Highway Beautification Act review

• Private advertisers (i. e. those other than JCDecaux) call the plan uncompetitive

I’d likely be more neutral about electronic signage if there wasn’t a layer of classic Chicago sleaze over every step towards approval of the signs.

[marothisu]

That project has been under construction for months now. The pilings are in the ground and they just started pouring concrete.


I know that, but the original building permit was probably just for the foundation work. This is for the rest of it.

[LouisVanDerWright]

Just drove by the site again today and it looks like construction is going full bore on the awesome JGMA NEIU building on the Kennedy. The whole site is torn up and there are half a dozen different pieces of equipment sifting through the dirt and doing what looks to be preliminary foundation work. This building must have a basement because it looks like they are excavating the entire site. Wonder if there is a parking garage below this building? It would make sense considering the site is very small and ground level space is probably at a premium for the school.

[Via Chicago]

The active railroad.

It seems to me like that was the fastest portion of the construction....replacing the rails coincided with the removal/replacement of the structure itself which really only ate up 2-3 weeks. Just kind of strange that they can swap out the entire bridge in that span of time, but it takes another 6 months or so just to lay down a road bed and put up railings? Im sure theres more going on behind the scenes but there was definitely a flurry of activity when they were on the clock for the CTA, and then it sort of went back to watching paint dry.

[J_M_Tungsten]

Today
Just spotted this one getting under way on the vacant lot directly across from 1225 Wells. Can't find a rendering, but I believe it was a 4-6 story residential building with ground floor retail and no parking podium. Very excited for this one!
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/A0DBE545-E21D-4ADE-86B8-CE03EEEEB5A0-472-0000002C8990F432.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/AA449E37-4073-40C9-B94E-9FDFC9EF5EFA-472-0000002C8EF3CB3A.jpg

http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/F2FE0030-6AE0-4254-A7BB-FA06E638DA66-472-0000002C9209614C.jpg
Sorry for the poor image quality, guys. I dropped my phone a while back and these damn purple dots keep showing up on my pics. I try to post when I have my good camera, but that isn't often lately.

[J_M_Tungsten]

Found the rendering and story here:
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/EAF02524-691C-4749-B4CB-4A753B22D741-472-0000002E4429A5E5.jpg
http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20121121/CRED03/121129967?template=mobile

[PerryPendleton]

Found the rendering and story here:
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/EAF02524-691C-4749-B4CB-4A753B22D741-472-0000002E4429A5E5.jpg
http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20121121/CRED03/121129967?template=mobile

Thank goodness - that prime lot in old town needs this!

[george]

6-18

1601 W Division

http://imageshack.us/a/img854/872/m4o3.jpg

[intrepidDesign]

Catalyst rising
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/q514/intrepidDesign/catalyst01_zps65363a6a.jpg (http://s1161.photobucket.com/user/intrepidDesign/media/catalyst01_zps65363a6a.jpg.html)

Madison and Racine moving dirt around
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/q514/intrepidDesign/racineMadison_zps8eb5fe43.jpg (http://s1161.photobucket.com/user/intrepidDesign/media/racineMadison_zps8eb5fe43.jpg.html)

Soho House coming along
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/q514/intrepidDesign/soho_zpsd6df0095.jpg (http://s1161.photobucket.com/user/intrepidDesign/media/soho_zpsd6df0095.jpg.html)

[tintinex]

This sounds like good news

McPier now seeks better architecture for DePaul event center

Reilly said the new pitch is aimed at also getting top-drawer architects who have never designed sports facilities, but would be willing to team with firms that have.

..."While I don't agree with the neighbors who just don't want [us] to build, I do agree with them that the typical arena has blank walls," Reilly said. "We don't want a blank wall...."

http://www.wbez.org/blogs/lee-bey/2013-06/mcpier-now-seeks-better-architecture-depaul-event-center-107737?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bey+%28WBEZ+Blogs+%7C+Lee+Bey%27s+Beyond+the+Boat+Tour%29

[ardecila]

This is awesome, and shaping up to be like the Barclays Center. I'm sure something good will come of this. I'm crossing my fingers for SHoP.

[Link N. Parker]

I dont know if I am posting this in the correct forum or not, but Curbed has a lead on two pretty amazing buildings, one in River North, and one on Division Street across from where the new Target is going in:

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2013/06/19/west-coast-developer-gets-involved-in-two-apt-tower-plans.php#reader_comments

[pip]

Im sorry but this is one of the ugliest buildings I have seen

http://imageshack.us/a/img854/872/m4o3.jpg

[tjp]

I dont know if I am posting this in the correct forum or not, but Curbed has a lead on two pretty amazing buildings, one in River North, and one on Division Street across from where the new Target is going in:

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2013/06/19/west-coast-developer-gets-involved-in-two-apt-tower-plans.php#reader_comments

SO HAPPY to see another River North parking lot bite the dust.

Also - and way less exciting, New York and Co., which is closing its State Street store and being replaced by The limited, is opening a new store on the street--likely 212 South State. Cool to see established retail tenants moving further down State.

[untitledreality]

1601 West Division is looking fantastic. I can't wait to see how quickly it hits 90%+ occupancy.

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

This is awesome, and shaping up to be like the Barclays Center. I'm sure something good will come of this. I'm crossing my fingers for SHoP.

I know! I've been dreaming about hearing those words from city officials.

Im sorry but this is one of the ugliest buildings I have seen

Could not disagree more. I think it looks fabulous.

[marothisu]

Could not disagree more. I think it looks fabulous.


I like it too. It will be interesting to see what it looks like in say 20-30 years. It looks out of place, but it's still cool. The first thought that comes to mind now in that shot is "digital."

[denizen467]

Just drove by the site again today and it looks like construction is going full bore on the awesome JGMA NEIU building on the Kennedy. The whole site is torn up and there are half a dozen different pieces of equipment sifting through the dirt and doing what looks to be preliminary foundation work.
And mysteriously, the big abstract metal sculpture in front of a Lincoln Park manse (Armitage & Burling) that seemed to have a twin in the NEIU render is now being disassembled. The masonry wall in front of the house is being taken apart and the sculpture has already been half removed. Maybe this landowner really was just safekeeping (or enjoying the benefit of) the sculpture until the construction of the NEIU building. After all, as mentioned a while back there was a cornerstone on that house bearing the logo of Novak Construction, and Novak Construction happens to be located next to the NEIU site. I have no idea what the precise connection is, or whether the mansion is Mr Novak's or something, but it's all too much of a coincidence. FYI Google Maps got a shot of the sculpture (aerial view, not street view).

-------------------

The Wicker Park Citgo is completely fenced off, with a colorful sign advertising the upcoming condo and its website: hermitagesixteen11.com (http://hermitagesixteen11.com)

[the urban politician]

And mysteriously, the big abstract metal sculpture in front of a Lincoln Park manse (Armitage & Burling) that seemed to have a twin in the NEIU render is now being disassembled. The masonry wall in front of the house is being taken apart and the sculpture has already been half removed. Maybe this landowner really was just safekeeping (or enjoying the benefit of) the sculpture until the construction of the NEIU building. After all, as mentioned a while back there was a cornerstone on that house bearing the logo of Novak Construction, and Novak Construction happens to be located next to the NEIU site. I have no idea what the precise connection is, or whether the mansion is Mr Novak's or something, but it's all too much of a coincidence. FYI Google Maps got a shot of the sculpture (aerial view, not street view).

-------------------

The Wicker Park Citgo is completely fenced off, with a colorful sign advertising the upcoming condo and its website: hermitagesixteen11.com (http://hermitagesixteen11.com)

^ I believe that was Mr. Novak's house. I like how he played the city on that one, and anything that ruffles the feathers of snotty Lincoln Parkers always gives me a bit of joy...

[the urban politician]

The Wicker Park Citgo is completely fenced off, with a colorful sign advertising the upcoming condo and its website: hermitagesixteen11.com (http://hermitagesixteen11.com)

^ Wow, I absolutely love it when gas stations get replaced by stuff like this.

[LouisVanDerWright]

^ I believe that was Mr. Novak's house. I like how he played the city on that one, and anything that ruffles the feathers of snotty Lincoln Parkers always gives me a bit of joy...

This is correct, Novak lives in that house. I think it is interesting that the statue is finally moving now that construction has started on the NEIU building.

[XIII]

This is correct, Novak lives in that house. I think it is interesting that the statue is finally moving now that construction has started on the NEIU building.

The statue isn't moving because of NEIU. The city is telling him to get rid of it for various reasons. The NEIU move was originally a compromise worked out to allow him to keep the brick wall barricading him from the city.

Complete article here complete here:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/iteam&id=9128785

[Link N. Parker]

And mysteriously, the big abstract metal sculpture in front of a Lincoln Park manse (Armitage & Burling) that seemed to have a twin in the NEIU render is now being disassembled. The masonry wall in front of the house is being taken apart and the sculpture has already been half removed. Maybe this landowner really was just safekeeping (or enjoying the benefit of) the sculpture until the construction of the NEIU building. After all, as mentioned a while back there was a cornerstone on that house bearing the logo of Novak Construction, and Novak Construction happens to be located next to the NEIU site. I have no idea what the precise connection is, or whether the mansion is Mr Novak's or something, but it's all too much of a coincidence. FYI Google Maps got a shot of the sculpture (aerial view, not street view).

-------------------

The Wicker Park Citgo is completely fenced off, with a colorful sign advertising the upcoming condo and its website: hermitagesixteen11.com (http://hermitagesixteen11.com)

Fantastic!! Im glad to see the gas station go away as well.

[george]

And mysteriously, the big abstract metal sculpture in front of a Lincoln Park manse (Armitage & Burling) that seemed to have a twin in the NEIU render is now being disassembled. The masonry wall in front of the house is being taken apart and the sculpture has already been half removed. Maybe this landowner really was just safekeeping (or enjoying the benefit of) the sculpture until the construction of the NEIU building. After all, as mentioned a while back there was a cornerstone on that house bearing the logo of Novak Construction, and Novak Construction happens to be located next to the NEIU site. I have no idea what the precise connection is, or whether the mansion is Mr Novak's or something, but it's all too much of a coincidence. FYI Google Maps got a shot of the sculpture (aerial view, not street view).

-------------------

The Wicker Park Citgo is completely fenced off, with a colorful sign advertising the upcoming condo and its website: hermitagesixteen11.com (http://hermitagesixteen11.com)

6-11

I happened by that 'monstrosity' sculpture last week at Armitage & Burling. Never understood why the owner put it there. Temporary holding spot would have made sense. City should make him move it, completely out of context there. I asked one of the crew what they were doing, he said they were moving it over. Didn't say to where or how much over...


http://imageshack.us/a/img577/5760/bluesb.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img713/3124/bluesculp.jpg

[the urban politician]

^ Wait, so it's not being removed? Awesome!

I love this Novak guy.

[prelude91]

^ Wait, so it's not being removed? Awesome!

I love this Novak guy.

He is a friend of my Father; his sculpture was slightly hanging over the sidewalk, so it is being moved towards the house to remain completely on his property.

[joeg1985]

I love this sculpture. It adds some much needed interest to that street.

[george]

Wonder if it's grounded?^

[Baronvonellis]

I love the sculpture. It looks cool. It matches the bright blue old Victorians on Armitage. I think his house is ugly. For such a wealthy guy it's really plain, it looks like Chicago common brick, and the hanging balcony is tacky. He could have built a nicer looking house.

[SamInTheLoop]

Someone mentioned the amateurish-feeling That's Our Bag store finally closing (for real this time) at the 200 N Michigan building, that seems headed for demolition in the not distant future, to make way for the John Buck residential or residential/hotel tower. I noticed the other day that there are now signs in one of the Roosevelt Collection spaces for a That's Our Bag opening soon (way to go McCaffery on landing that gem!) McCaffery is really disappointing so far this year on further signed leases and tenant announcements at Roosevelt Collection - they should have had at least as many announced as they did last fall in the initial tenant announcement. So far this entire year (which we're nearly halfway thru!), they've literally had just a trickle of two or three additional, one-at-a-time announcements. Very sub-par. I knew they were terrible at design for their developments, and poor community members when it comes to bait-n-switching neighbors out of public parkland, however I had no idea they were this bad at retail leasing as well....

[SamInTheLoop]

This may or may not have a connection to previous post.

A (re)developer of a certain mixed-use project somewhere around downtown Chicago recently and (presumably) inadvertantly posted a leasing plan of the retail (believe to be first floor) component of said development on their website. Spaces were color-coded, however there was no key visible. Reasonably safe to assume colors may have some bearing as to the status of leases (for example, in preliminary discussion, in advanced negotiation, signed lease, etc or similar). Some of the retailer names that were penciled into spaces include:

Banana Republic, Sur La Table, Victoria's Secret, Haberdash, Lululemon, Loft, Anthropologie, J Crew, Lucky Brand, Arami GO, Grahamwich, a frozen yogurt shop, Park Tavern, Massage Envy, The Children's Place, Sunglass Hut

Also, Blackfinn American Grille, which was announced with some fanfare late last year, is nowhere to be seen......this would seem to indicate that this restaurant chain has bailed.....

Oops.

[emathias]

...
Also, Blackfinn American Grille, which was announced with some fanfare late last year, is nowhere to be seen......this would seem to indicate that this restaurant chain has bailed.....
...

They're opening a location on the SE corner of Kinzie and Clark according to signs in the windows there.

The rest of those names seem like a stretch without the tower and more development nearby. I can't see anyone driving to that development to shop at those brands.

[Justin_Chicago]

It is official

Google plans move its Chicago office to the Fulton Market-area of the West Loop starting in 2016, Jim Lecinski, the head of the company's Chicago office and its vice president for U.S. sales and service, announced Thursday.

The Mountain View, Calif.,-based company will move from 150,000 square feet of leased space on Kinzie Street in River North to about 200,000 square feet in the under construction Fulton Market Cold Storage building at 1000 W. Fulton St.

Sterling Bay Cos., a fast-growing Chicago-based real estate developer, is in the process of converting the building for offices, which will be located amid some of the city's most cutting-edge restaurants.

"It's one block north of that fabulous new, $40 million green line 'L' stop," Lecinski said.

When asked whether 50,000 more square feet was all that the company needed, Lecinski said, "The configuration is different. The mechanical stack and the elevator banks are right smack in the middle, so we have to work in a racetrack here. It's a much more open floor plan there."

Google has had an office in Chicago since 2000, making it one of the company's earliest locations. The company employs about 500 people here, about half of whom work in sales and marketing, Lecinski said. The employment figure does not include workers in Google's Motorola Mobility unit, which operates independently, he said.


http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-google-west-loop-20130620,0,6140941.story

[wierdaaron]

Banana Republic, Sur La Table, Victoria's Secret, Haberdash, Lululemon, Loft, Anthropologie, J Crew, Lucky Brand, Arami GO, Grahamwich, a frozen yogurt shop, Park Tavern, Massage Envy, The Children's Place, Sunglass Hut

Those don't look like any of the names I've seen thrown around for RC in the past, but most of the ones I've heard of have already been announced (H&M, White House Black Market), so maybe you excluded those. If that is what you're talking about. Grahamwich is interesting, though.

[patrick84]

This may or may not have a connection to previous post.

Some of the retailer names that were penciled into spaces include:

Banana Republic, Sur La Table, Victoria's Secret, Haberdash, Lululemon, Loft, Anthropologie, J Crew, Lucky Brand, Arami GO, Grahamwich, a frozen yogurt shop, Park Tavern, Massage Envy, The Children's Place, Sunglass Hut


Oops.

I can only speak for one of the clothing line retailers on that list, but it's definitely not going to set-up shop in RC. The brand has been looking at opening a Men's only retail shop in line with other stores in the company on the State Street corridor.
I am wondering if this schematic was for the revamp/releasing of Block 37?

[SamInTheLoop]

^ ^^ I was being facetious, it of course is indeed RC.

Again, my guess is that they would not have indicated these names in specific spaces had they not been involved in at least some level of discussion with said retailers, not sure if it was even necessarily at the LOI level. I wouldn't necessarily expect all of them to eventually open at RC, but we'll see....

However, I will say that given the names and locations of those tenants that have already been announced (I did not list those, as we know about them), including the few that have come out in recent months, were exactly as currently planned, also given the absence of BlackFinn, which although not reported in the media yet has apparently backed-out (I've suspected as much for the last couple months), this particular version of the leasing plan - which I actually have in possession - is in all likelihood fairly current.

At any rate, we will see which of these new retailers are actually formally announced as tenants this summer.

Also, as for the already publicly announced tenants, a majority (although not all yet) are now in interior build-out, with probably 2-3 in a quite advanced stage (have no idea if there will be some soft openings in the coming weeks, but if they wanted to, by the appearance of progress, they certainly could.

[marothisu]

Demolition on the building at State & Pearson started yesterday. This comes a few days after the two buildings next to it were demolished (State & Chestnut). State & Pearson will make way for a new 9 story Loyola Business School building while State & Chestnut will become a 35 story rental tower.

[Rizzo]

I'll post some pics of the State and Pearson demos.

[patrick84]

^ ^^ I was being facetious, it of course is indeed RC.


Oy... *hangs head in shame*

I'd be rather impressed if they managed to land all those seemingly high-end tenants, didn't really think the demand was reaching that far south and west yet.

[Tom In Chicago]

One of the GEMS schools is under construction. . . caisson drilling on site as of yesterday. . .

. . .

[Chicago Shawn]

^ Wow, I absolutely love it when gas stations get replaced by stuff like this.

Agreed. Its a solid development to begin with, and replacing a gas station on a good pedestrian street is icing on the cake. Its a condo project; I checked out the real estate listing and 8 of the 17 units are sold already, including the "custom penthouse". This one is likely a done deal and will go forward soon enough.

[PerryPendleton]

Agreed. Its a solid development to begin with, and replacing a gas station on a good pedestrian street is icing on the cake. Its a condo project; I checked out the real estate listing and 8 of the 17 units are sold already, including the "custom penthouse". This one is likely a done deal and will go forward soon enough.

Those lots further east on Ashland and North need some action!

Also - the Jewel Osco Parking Lot on Milwaukee needs to be filled. It drives me mad. I imagine a complex that contains a parking garage that the Jewel will share.

[spyguy]

Demolition on the building at State & Pearson started yesterday. This comes a few days after the two buildings next to it were demolished (State & Chestnut). State & Pearson will make way for a new 9 story Loyola Business School building while State & Chestnut will become a 35 story rental tower.

Yes, Loyola has some good pictures (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.565677956809377.1073741828.114173905293120&type=3) of the demolition. Rather sad in a way.

[J_M_Tungsten]

I hope this project further promotes development south in that massive parking lot off of Chicago.
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/C824EBE2-8D77-438A-97B3-666562EC4B8E-2824-00000170EDA68363.jpg

[PerryPendleton]

I hope this project further promotes development south in that massive parking lot off of Chicago.
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/C824EBE2-8D77-438A-97B3-666562EC4B8E-2824-00000170EDA68363.jpg

THOSE LOTS ON CHICAGO BETWEEN STATE AND DEARBORN INFURIATE ME.

Almost as much as the lots on LaSalle and Wells by the McDonalds.

[marothisu]

The building they're currently demolishing is definitely better than the other two already demolished. Although it's not amazing by any standard still.

As far as the State/Chicago lot, we've already talked about this. The main one is owned by the Archdiocese and they'll probably just hold onto it (I hope they sell it soon though). They have done a nice job in keeping it up but it's such prime real estate it's not even funny. There's a lot that borders Dearborn and I don't think they own THAT one..

It's just kind of funny to me how in the middle of a city's core, there's a massive parking lot right outside of a train stop. Just kind of think about that one. It's not a commuter lot, and they kind of "battle" each other in a way.

More development in the area certainly will push land prices up and maybe offer a little more incentive for the people holding onto the lands to sell to developers.

[george]

6-21

Divvy bike-sharing system at 1372 N Milwaukee Ave. Another is located near 1800 W Division.

http://imageshack.us/a/img607/7582/o3nw.jpg

[george]

6-21

Viva Plaza (Amber Building) at Chicago & Marshfield. New windows & rehab underway.

http://amberbldg.com/

http://imageshack.us/a/img825/6702/i552.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img839/6448/og3r.jpg

[pip]

Yes, Loyola has some good pictures (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.565677956809377.1073741828.114173905293120&type=3) of the demolition. Rather sad in a way.

They aren't tearing down that building to the left right? Just that portion that is being demolished now in the pic?

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/944132_565678280142678_1665769197_n.jpg

[i_am_hydrogen]

^Yes, that building is coming down to make way for the new business school. What Loyola should've done is tear down its existing business school instead of razing that building on State and Chestnut.

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/511af7caf92ea124170394ff/Newcastle1Curbed.jpg

[i_am_hydrogen]

For some reason, I can't post this shot in the Rush University thread, so here it goes:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/8808925839_7cd9273b10_b.jpg

[The Lurker]

^ Sick shot of a sick building:cool:

[the urban politician]

What Loyola should've done is tear down its existing business school instead of razing that building on State and Chestnut.

^ What purpose would that have served? Loyola plans to repurpose its existing business school as a library. I don't think the building that is being demo'd could have served that role

[Tom In Chicago]

GEMS construction in full swing on a Saturday morning. . .

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/150922870/large.jpg

. . .

[george]

6-11

Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo
The pond ecology, living shoreline keeps water clean and provides shelter for frogs, fish, insects and birds. I get all that but the water quality 'looks' like a stagnant cesspool and these shots were taken in early June. I actually preferred the larger pond footprint before the rehab, as well as the water quality 'looked' better. The natural plants, design and the boardwalk are much improved. It's just the look of the algae/ seaweed choked water that scares me, just me.

http://imageshack.us/a/img703/3417/lpp1.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img40/4224/lpp2e.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img196/2898/lpp4.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img197/1961/lpp3.jpg

[wierdaaron]

Can one of you building geniuses figure out what this might mean? I snapped it this morning on the fence around the small grass lot on Polk between Dearborn and Federal.

http://i.imgur.com/yXpdXgV.jpg?1 (http://imgur.com/yXpdXgV)

I've always thought that lot had potential, but I'd hate to see it turn into something stupid.

[emathias]

Can one of you building geniuses figure out what this might mean? I snapped it this morning on the fence around the small grass lot on Polk between Dearborn and Federal.

http://i.imgur.com/yXpdXgV.jpg?1 (http://imgur.com/yXpdXgV)

I've always thought that lot had potential, but I'd hate to see it turn into something stupid.

A lot of midrises are DX-12. DX means downtown mixed-use - can be residential or commercial or both, 12 refers to the density allowed, in theory the number is a multiple of the surface square footage allowed, although there are plenty of "adjustments" and credits available for different things. it's probably most used for mid-rises.