[Chicago2020]

Daley weighs ambitious plan to promote 'green'
Proposal's hurdles include tight budgets, spotty record for earlier efforts
By David Greising, Tribune chief business correspondent Tribune staff reporter Michael Hawthorne contributed to this report
November 6, 2007

"Wind turbines on Sears Tower and a "green" roof on the Merchandise Mart are two high-profile concepts on the drawing board as part of a wide-ranging, environmentally friendly development plan under consideration by the city."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-tue_goinggreen_1106nov06,0,7766837.story?coll=chi_tab04_layout

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^ Maybe if they put Wind Turbines on the roof of the Sears they will count towards the structural height and Petronas can be moved to where they belong on the world's tallest buildings list... That would be sweet revenge...

[Alliance]

Actually, the real issue is getting CTBUH to change the official definition.

Wind turbines on Sears would be DISASTEROUS. Want a real project? Pur a green roof on McCormick and give us an energy efficient CTA.

[VivaLFuego]

OK, thanks for the info.

I believe the building that was north of that site was an old theatre, which had a terrible facelift that destroyed its facade.

Also, speaking of bad facelifts ... I asked around about the Moana building around the corner from here, which you mentioned has scaffold surrounding it. Here's the sad story I was told: The Poetry Mag. deal with Ronan has fallen through, and a plastic surgeon has bought the historic building instead. He intends to perform a little plastic surgery on the facade too, and cannot be persuaded otherwise. The terracotta will be torn off and replaced, I think, with limestone. ??? Sounds stupid, I know, but I'm just relaying what gossip I heard. Of course, the city is nowhere to be found on this one.

WTF? That Terracotta on the Moana was in excellent condition. I hope someone salvages it and it's just not just chiseled to dust and dumped in a fill.

[spyguy]

http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/usc/WWW_USC.nsf/vw-dynamic-arrays/38225720D2D340EA8625738B005F9939?openDocument

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, KROC CENTER PROJECT APPROVED FOR FINAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE

According to an official statement released by The Salvation Army’s Central Territorial Headquarters, which oversees the organization’s work in 11 Midwestern states and is located in Des Plaines, Ill., The Salvation Army in Chicago, Ill., has been approved for the final development phase to create a Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center (RJKCCC). Chicago is one of seven communities in the Midwest to be approved to move into this final phase which includes ensuring that the key goals of mission and ministry, financial stability, community collaboration and involvement, and design and construction of the centers are brought to fruition.

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Alderman Carrie Austin and Lt. Colonel David Grindle, who oversees The Salvation Army’s work in the Chicagoland area, were some of the people who participated in making the official announcement that the RJKCCC will be built on a currently vacant 33-acre parcel of land in the city’s West Pullman neighborhood. More than 250,000 people live within a three-mile radius of the site. The project represents the largest single investment by a social service organization in the history of the City of Chicago.

The 220,000-square-foot Kroc Center will be a state-of-the-art ministry, community and social service facility in one of Chicago’s most underserved areas. It will provide thousands of people of all ages with new opportunities. It will become an anchor for the community and a beacon of hope.

“There has never been anything like it in Chicago,” says Lt. Colonel David Grindle. “It will redefine people’s notions of what a community center can be. The array of sports, educational, arts and supportive programs has never been offered under one roof. Both the programs and the building have been designed to enrich the mind, body and spirit, to provide hope, to transform lives.

The Chicago center was approved for $109.8 million, a portion of Joan Kroc’s, McDonalds’ Founder Ray Kroc widow, $1.5 billion-plus gift to The Salvation Army for the exclusive purpose of developing, constructing and operating several world-class recreational, educational and ministry centers. In order for the center to be built The Salvation Army in Chicago must now raise an additional $50 million to complete the building and establish an endowment large enough to guarantee accessibility to the Kroc Center for every child and adult, today and for generations to come. This ensures the community’s involvement and support that Joan Kroc envisioned for each Kroc Center.

When completed, the Kroc Center will offer an array of activities and services for people of all ages that have never before been available in a single Chicago facility. Proposed programs and ministries include opportunities for worship, educational classes, sports, arts and support programs. Recreational features will include a 5,000-seat indoor sports complex, an outdoor stadium, basketball and tennis courts, an aquatic center and a water park, a state of the art fitness center, a climbing wall, basketball courts and more. Outdoor recreational facilities will include a 2,000-seat sports stadium, a golf training center with driving range and putting greens, baseball diamonds, batting cages, tennis courts and an outdoor running track.

The Family Life and Education Center will offer an array of classes and educational workshops for people of all ages, including job training, GED preparation, computer literacy, financial planning, parenting, nutrition and culinary arts.

The Kroc Center’s Academy of the Arts will include a performing arts center; an outdoor amphitheater; a media center with recording video production studios; as well as studios for instrument, vocal and art instruction. The Family Life and Education Center will offer after-school programs for children.

Murphy/Jahn’s innovative design for the Kroc Center is unlike anything seen before in this community. Jahn’s concept calls for a transparent structure to be built largely of glass walls that will offer breathtaking views during the daytime and at night. It will be an environmentally-friendly green building with energy efficient heating and cooling systems, topped by a green roof with solar collectors and skylights.

“When it opens, this facility will serve people of all ages—from children to seniors,” said Grindle. “And, everyone who supports it will have an unprecedented opportunity to transform lives and make a visible impact on a community, to make a real difference for generations to come.”

[spyguy]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-1106krocnov08,1,2287951.story

Salvation Army announces West Pullman center plan

By Blair Kamin and Mary Owen
November 6, 2007

Two years after it was forced to scrap plans for a community center next to the Robert Taylor Homes, the Salvation Army on Tuesday unveiled a design by noted Chicago architect Helmut Jahn for a West Pullman community center that would have an indoor water park, an outdoor amphitheater and a 200-foot-tall light tower that would announce the center's presence to drivers on nearby I-57.

--------
Click the above link to read the rest of the article and see the Trib's video, which contains model shots and renderings.

Edit: CBS also has some additional views in their video
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/salvation.army.center.2.492574.html

[BWChicago]

OK, thanks for the info.

I believe the building that was north of that site was an old theatre, which had a terrible facelift that destroyed its facade.

We're talking about this place (http://www.cookcountyassessor.com/filings/searchflat//ParcelImage.asp?pin=17092050070000) and later this place (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&oe=utf-8&q=Clark+%26+Superior,+Chicago,+IL&ll=41.896414,-87.631084&spn=0.001074,0.003795&t=h&z=19&om=1&layer=c&cbll=41.89587,-87.631205&cbp=2,416.5877956419989,,0,-8.48121648107855), right? That wasn't a theatre, it was just a blues club carved out of store space. Famous Dave's, presumably unrelated to the BBQ sauce. It also served as Issac Hayes' restaurant for a time. Incidentally, however, the liquor store on the SW corner of Clark and Chicago was a theatre.

I believe, based on the building department's permit page, that the demolished building was 745 N Clark, a single-story hot dog stand (Mister G's) with an indistinct brick facade. No great loss, certainly, unless you're looking for a hot dog or sandwich.

[Chicago Shawn]

Wind turbines on Sears would be DISASTEROUS. Want a real project? Pur a green roof on McCormick and give us an energy efficient CTA.


If it's Bill Becker's design you will not even see the turbines on Sears. Each turbine is the size of about two oil drums stacked on top of eachother. There is one on display in the Daley Center lobby. Agree on the CTA point.

[honte]

Thank you, Dorothy Tillman, for forcing this amazing Salvation Army development to the far South Side - where it cannot revive the center city, won't be accessible by train, will be far harder to fundraise, and therefore will have a much harder time reaching its potential.

I am so glad she is gone.

[honte]

That wasn't a theatre, it was just a blues club carved out of store space. Famous Dave's, presumably unrelated to the BBQ sauce. It also served as Issac Hayes' restaurant for a time. Incidentally, however, the liquor store on the SW corner of Clark and Chicago was a theatre.


OK, thanks for the correction. I never had an occasion to enter the joint myself; wasn't too concerned due to the already-mutilated facade. If it's just a hot dog joint that came down, all the better.

[wrabbit]

Thank you, Dorothy Tillman, for forcing this amazing Salvation Army development to the far South Side - where it cannot revive the center city, won't be accessible by train, will be far harder to fundraise, and therefore will have a much harder time reaching its potential.

I am so glad she is gone.

Yeah - a very bad & misguided political calculation on Tillman's part.

[NSawyer]

I'm glad that Tillman was so foolish as to reject this incredible project. Yes fundraising will be difficult but for the same reason this is the best location; this is a much neglected part of Chicago that desperately needs this center.

[simcityaustin]

There's an article in the Tribune about Electronic Arts, which is closing its' downtown office that employed around 250 people. It's to bad cause those are jobs we should be attracting, not losing.

Anyone know why they chose the Chicago office to close?

[mcfinley]

Each of Electronic Arts offices are in charge of their own projects. Chicago was in charge of "Fight Night" and a couple other titles which I can't remember. I guess the Chicago office and one in Chelsea England couldn't turn a profit, so they were the first to get cut in a company restructure. It really is a shame. Midway games is also on the verge of bankruptcy, and will probably close or sell off their intellectual rights if it can't pull a major profit out of Unreal3. More on the EA shutdown in the link.

http://www.mercurynews.com/businessheadlines/ci_7393022

[Mr Downtown]

this is a much neglected part of Chicago that desperately needs this center.

Exactly. The Bronzeville area is well on its way to revival, but most Northsiders are completely oblivious to Roseland and its considerable challenges. Chicago is quietly consigning the poor to the periphery of the city, in the manner of a European or South American city. If you think Woodlawn and Garfield Park were bad in the 90s, wait until you see Bensenville and Harvey--with no central city to help shore things up--in the 10s.

[Busy Bee]

Bensenville I doubt. Harvey? Harvey has been a dangerous and impoverished community for years. Who knows if it gets worse or better.

[BorisMolotov]

I just played a football game there... I feel bad-ass now.

[honte]

I'm glad that Tillman was so foolish as to reject this incredible project. Yes fundraising will be difficult but for the same reason this is the best location; this is a much neglected part of Chicago that desperately needs this center.


Well, of course I care for that part of the city too, and I am very happy to see a great development go down there. Without question, the far South Side needs investment, and is just as deserving as any other part of Chicago.

But the reality of it is, 1) This is still not the most logical place to have such a facility, and 2) we should be very thankful that the Salvation Army was committed to Chicago strongly so that they didn't just find a more receptive city altogether.

[Busy Bee]

^Well, this new Salvation Army project isn't the only one they have going up. They seem to be in the middle of a nationwide building program for these centers, all of them named after McDonald's man and his old lady. So they would still have built in Chicago even if the latest site had hypothetically fallen through.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kroc_Center (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kroc_Center)

[Abner]

Well, of course I care for that part of the city too, and I am very happy to see a great development go down there. Without question, the far South Side needs investment, and is just as deserving as any other part of Chicago.

But the reality of it is, 1) This is still not the most logical place to have such a facility, and 2) we should be very thankful that the Salvation Army was committed to Chicago strongly so that they didn't just find a more receptive city altogether.

It's a community center. Why shouldn't it be located in the middle of its target community?

[honte]

^ Is that the middle of their target community? I doubt it. I think their first choice was closer to the middle of their target community, which presumably includes at least West Siders too. Plus, they claim it is a regional draw, and transit access is critical for that to succeed.

[BVictor1]

Grant Park Advisory Council and Grant Park Conservancy public meeting


Monday, November 12, 2007 - 6:30 p.m.


Daley Bicentennial Plaza - 337 E. Randolph just east of Columbus Drive.

Daley Bicentennial Plaza new park construction and the rebuilding of the East Monroe Street Garage.

We want to hear your ideas and suggestions about what you would like to see created in the new park and get input about garage construction.

In a 99-year concession sale and lease, Morgan Stanley and Laz Parking ( garage operators) have leased four Grant Park garages for $563 million. This is the first such undertaking of a public parking system in the country. One of the garages, the East Monroe Garage, at Daley Bicentennial Plaza, has to be rebuilt in the very near future. Unfortunately, as can be determined so far, the entire park on top of it has to be removed. This means that the greenspace directly east of Millennium Park, from Randolph to Monroe and from the Cancer Survivor's Garden to Columbus Drive has to be removed to rebuild the garage underneath. Should this be done in phases or all at once? We are still trying to determine if any of the many large, beautiful honey locust trees, at the very east and west ends of the property, can be saved.

The positive aspect of rebuilding the underground garage is that it also affords an incredible opportunity to create a whole new, interesting, and world-class park space on the other side of the BP Bridge from Millennium Park. The timing of this opportunity is great in that so many international projects are coming to fruition in and around Grant Park and being financed through public/private partnerships during one of Chicago's greatest renaissances.

The $563 million Grant Park garage concession sale and lease was broken down as follows:

$122 million will go toward Chicago Park District park improvements in many neighborhoods throughout the city.

$35 million will be used to rebuild the Daley Bicentennial Plaza park greenspcae when the East Monroe Garage is rebuilt in the near future. This new garage is estimated to cost over $60 million and will be paid for by the lessee.

$120 million will be reserved to generate income to replace the income lost from the garages when operated by the Chicago Park District.

$278 million will pay off all of the debt associated with all of the public garages.

$8 million was/will be used for fees.

Please come out and give us your input and ideas about what could be built at Daley Bicentennial Plaza over the garage.

Grant Park continues to be Chicago's ever-improving front yard to the world as a downtown, lively outdoor civic center in a botanic garden setting. It is also financing well over $125 million in neighborhood park improvements in many neighborhoods throughout the city and that does not include the millions of dollars in new property tax revenue generated by all of the new residential construction around the park.

Thank you very much for your interest and participation.

[wrabbit]

^^ Interesting that they are soliciting new ideas for Daley Bi - aren't peddling the Children's Museum.

[Chicago2020]

How about an outdoor garden maze???

http://www.photohype.com/Europe/Kabul%20Garden%20Maze%209.jpg
http://www.photohype.com/Europe/Kabul%20Garden%20Maze%209.jpg

[Dan in Chicago]

I am very excited to see the Jahn Salvation Army community center, I have high hopes for this! So, now that 600 N. Fairbanks is nearly complete what other projects does Jahn ahve in the pipline in Chicago? I know there is the U of C Library expansion and chiller plant. I also thought the was some mention awhile ago about a possible residential highrise somewhere (maybe the South Loop)? Anybody remember that or know any more info on it or anyother Jahn projects for Chicago?

Helmut Jahn's chiller plant has been under construction for a few months. I'll check on the status next time I'm in the area. Work hasn't started on the library expansion yet; I think it's supposed to next year. There's also a plan for a ~7-story Helmut Jahn office building in Downers Grove, but I don't know the status of that.

[harryc]

"Because of the architectural significance of our building, the Condominium Association holds a common law copyright on the use of the Association name and building image. This means that under Federal and Illinois law, advertisers, movie makers and others cannot use the Association name or image without first obtaining express written permission from the Association . ."

Full article
http://arcchicago.blogspot.com/2007/11/stop-taking-pictures-of-marina-city.html

[wrabbit]

^^ Yeah - the Marina City condo board is really out of control. There is no such legal animal as a "common-law copyright" for the board on the building image - a disingenuous & silly attempt to shut down condo-owner websites critical of the board, perhaps. (BTW, I've no affiliation of any kind with Marina City, other than that I like & admire it as a building). But I can think of no better way short of a lawsuit to shut down these small-headed shenanigans than to shine public attention on them.

[VivaLFuego]

^ That is preposterous.

(Edit: do yourselves a favor and click through the links of Lynn Becker's post.....there is an incredible promotional video with lots of construction footage of MC and it's surroundings)

[the urban politician]

I have a somewhat inebriated (I just came back from Uno's--yes we have one in my neighborhood in Queens--having eaten some Chicago-style deep dish and washed it down with 2 pints of amber ale) question for my Chicago compadres:

Given the tremendous amount of jobs in the Illinois Medical District, as well as the fairly good L and expressway access, has there been a housing boom in that area? If not, why not? I recall that some townhome communities have been built, but it has always seemed to me that this area was a bit underdeveloped. What's the scoop on this one?

[forumly_chgoman]

^^^^The Ike, disconnection from the loop & other areas consequent on past mentioned. General urban renewal in the 1960's and the concomitant disenfranchisement of those who remained.


Gentrification...if it is a good thing is coming...its just it takes a while to snake its way west past ashland and south


well that is my half, 3/4 granached / pinot noired up answer

[honte]

^ I wouldn't call it a "Boom," but yes, there has been substantial development around the IMD area. People have been fixing up Tri-Taylor flats for a long while now, but we've reached a point where most of the older properties have been renovated. Tri-Taylor overall feels much, much more alive than it used to ... and full of hideous 3- and 4-flats.

There also is a major new townhouse and SFR community launching past Western. I do not expect great things from it, and some of the old industrial buildings they are demolishing are outstanding. However, the ABLA, Rockwell Gardens, and this industrial district to the west (plus the long shadow cast by the IMD and its consumptive land policy) have been the factors holding this area back - and now they are gone. People are starting to fix up this area (in certain quantities), all the way to Douglas Park, from my observations and talking to people in the neighborhood. And, of course, the Little Village area has been a very tight and well-loved section of the city for a long while, so there is some hope of a greater West Side coherence in the future.

The Heart of Chicago neighborhood to the south is also very stable at the moment, with a healthy mix of affordable units and a few condo conversions / rehabs happening along the way. To the north, the United Center area is starting to see new development too.

There is so much land available in all of these communities, with housing projects gone and industrial land, plus vacant lots, don't expect to see anything ultra-dense or especially urban over there. However, I do think in a few years they will feel much more like a unified neighborhood.

[the urban politician]

^ Thanks. Are a lot of healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, etc etc) buying these houses?

[honte]

^ Yes, I do believe so, especially in Tri-Taylor. I have met a few nurses who occupy new flats along Harrison Street over there. A new SFR in the nice parts of Little Italy can cost over $1 Million, so most people wanting to live in the area will probably be looking a bit north or west, or go for townhouses in one of the icky mega-developments happening around.

[spyguy]

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?article_id=28802

New Wrigley neighbor?
Investor pitches retail, residences across street from Friendly Confines

By Virginia Groark

A little-known real estate investor who's spent the last 13 years buying properties on Addison Street across from Wrigley Field says he now aims to put a big retail and residential development on that block.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4620/og111207maw4.gif

[spyguy]

This project went through a lot of changes over the years. At one point I saw a drawing of a ~20 story building on the site. Then it was reduced to about 11 or 12 floors and now it's probably just a midrise.

[Busy Bee]

^And i might get harassed for saying so, but in this location, directly across from Wrigley, I'm actually glad something as tall as 20 floors is not happening. Wrigley needs to dominate that corner. I would say something under 80 feet would be much more preferable to maintain the classic Wrigley feel in the area. now 2 or 3 blocks away... be my guest bring on the 20 story buildings.

[Mr Man]

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?article_id=28802

New Wrigley neighbor?
Investor pitches retail, residences across street from Friendly Confines

By Virginia Groark

A little-known real estate investor who's spent the last 13 years buying properties on Addison Street across from Wrigley Field says he now aims to put a big retail and residential development on that block.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4620/og111207maw4.gif


There is some decent bars in that block. I hope he does not buy any more land beyond the parking losts he already owns. I would love to see that McDonalds redeveloped into an entertainment center though.

[nomarandlee]

The article has a gallery of the banks as well to take a look. Glad to see this initiative going through, very worthwhile effort.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/644497,CST-FIN-bank11.article

City seeks landmark status for 13 banks
ARCHITECTURE | Designation would protect unique buildings

November 11, 2007
BY DAVID ROEDER droeder@suntimes.com

Chicagoans know them as foursquare dependable anchors of old commercial streets and also the most ambitious architecture in their neighborhoods, except maybe for the churches..........


HISTORY IN THE BANK
City planners are proposing landmark designation for these former neighborhood banks:

Calumet National Bank, 9117 S. Commercial. Organized in 1883, it was the first bank in South Chicago.
Chicago City Bank and Trust Co., 815 W. 63rd St.; completed 1930. The first-floor banking hall has 28-foot ceilings and original marble and bronze finishes.
Cosmopolitan State Bank, 801 N. Clark. The two-story building completed in 1920 "modernized" classical design standards such as columns, pilasters and a frieze.
Hyde Park-Kenwood National Bank, 1525 E. 53rd St. The 10-story Art Deco building completed in 1929 used to be the largest Chicago bank property outside downtown.
Kimbell Trust & Savings Bank, 3600 W. Fullerton. The extensively ornamented 1925 building housed a bank for only seven years until it closed in the Depression.
Marquette Park State Bank, 6314 S. Western. The 1925 building includes a rotunda with a high domed ceiling and a skylight.
Marshfield Trust and Savings Bank, 3325 N. Lincoln. Built in 1925.
Mid-City Trust and Savings Bank, 801 W. Madison. The now vacant building was completed in 1912, with remodeling in 1928.
North Federal Savings and Loan, 100 W. North. Completed in 1961, the youngest building in this group rejects masonry in favor of glass curtain walls and spare details.
Pioneer Trust and Savings Bank, 4000 W. North; completed 1926. Features include an elaborate first-floor hall and friezes showing men at work.
Sheridan Trust and Savings Bank Building, 4753 N. Broadway. A rare neighborhood "skyscraper" for its era, the 12-story terra cotta building was long occupied by Uptown Bank.
Stock Yards National Bank, 4150 S. Halsted. Built just east of the Union Stock Yard Gate in 1935, the building mimics Philadelphia's Independence Hall.
Swedish American State Bank, 5400 N. Clark. The highly decorated 1913 building includes a keystone that incorporates Chicago's municipal "Y" symbol.
In addition, the following have already received landmark designation or are in the hearings process for getting one: Laramie State Bank, 5200 W. Chicago; West Town State Bank, 2400 W. Madison; Logan Square Trust and Savings, 3061 W. Logan; Home Bank and Trust Co., 1200 N. Ashland; Noel State Bank, 1601 N. Milwaukee. Source: City's Department of Planning and Development

[nomarandlee]

This project went through a lot of changes over the years. At one point I saw a drawing of a ~20 story building on the site. Then it was reduced to about 11 or 12 floors and now it's probably just a midrise.

cripes, weekend Crains :irked:

I did a serach and this is the only other thing I could find on it....

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=steven+Schultz%2BWrigley+Field&spell=1

Jim Ludwig mentioned he attended a meeting with the Alderman and several neighboring branches earlier in the week about a potential large structure on Addison Street, just east of Clark Street. Steve Schultz, the developer, has proposed a mixed use building that would have 3-stories for large retail (e.g. Domenick’s, Best Buy, etc.) and restaurants, and would have 4 stories of parking and another 5 more stories of apartments. John Becvar repeated something that Charlie Schmidt, President of Hawthorne Neighbors, had said at the meeting. That is no traffic study would be needed because the results would be known in advance - - there is no impact because there is already complete gridlock that adding 500 cars would not make the existing gridlock any worse. Jim cautioned this proposal has not gone any further and would be a “Planned Development” before any more work is done.

Don't know if the Crains article mentioned that but I would sure like to know. Seriously what goes here is very important and shouldn't be schlock. From just what I can read of the above I can't say I like the sound of it much even though I would like to see more density in the area. I wish someone would work on the empty lots west of the stadium before moving in south of Addison. Why in the heck the hood would need a big box store like something akin to Best Buy I can't even fathom.

[the urban politician]

Great news about the pursuit to landmark 13 banks. I'm especially happy to know that they plan to landmark the former MB Financial Bank offices on West Madison. Given the amount of shitty development (as well as meaningless demolition) occurring along Halsted in the west loop it's good that at least the city is stepping in to preserve a noteworty historic building.

I have long hoped that that building wouldn't see the wrecking ball, and being that WLCO doesn't have the foggiest clue about how a city is supposed to look or function (I wouldn't be surprised if they opposed the landmarking because they would rather see a parking lot there instead to 'ease' their parking crunch), I wasn't expecting that this thing would be saved.

[Marcu]

cripes, weekend Crains :irked:

I did a serach and this is the only other thing I could find on it....



Don't know if the Crains article mentioned that but I would sure like to know. Seriously what goes here is very important and shouldn't be schlock. From just what I can read of the above I can't say I like the sound of it much even though I would like to see more density in the area. I wish someone would work on the empty lots west of the stadium before moving in south of Addison. Why in the heck the hood would need a big box store like something akin to Best Buy I can't even fathom.

I serously doubt that Best Buy would want to locate there especially considering they have a location just south of there in Lincoln Park. It'll probably be an Urban Outfitters or an Old Navy or something.

[Dan in Chicago]

Big news for Chicagoland infrastructure: the southern extension of Interstate 355 (Veterans Memorial Tollway) opened yesterday, connecting what used to be the North-South Tollway with Interstate 80 in New Lenox. There are plans to extend it further toward Peotone and to link up with an Illiana Expressway, creating an outer beltway from I-65 in Indiana all the way to Long Grove. (Plans for a Lake County extension seem to have stalled.)

http://www.illinoistollway.com

[VivaLFuego]

Noticed that the ugly Burger King/Taco Fresco on the SW corner of LaSalle/North is closed. Of course, now an eyesore is even worse. Anyone know of any plans for this site? Were they closed for lack of business, or does the owner have some plans? It's a big enough site to support something of a decent size (perhaps 6-8 stories), and has an excellent location.

[brian_b]

Big news for Chicagoland infrastructure: the southern extension of Interstate 355 (Veterans Memorial Tollway) opened yesterday, connecting what used to be the North-South Tollway with Interstate 80 in New Lenox. There are plans to extend it further toward Peotone and to link up with an Illiana Expressway, creating an outer beltway from I-65 in Indiana all the way to Long Grove. (Plans for a Lake County extension seem to have stalled.)

http://www.illinoistollway.com

Well, I guess as long as it's a toll road and all the landowners are fairly compensated...

[aaron38]

I did some sluthing today with some downtown Palatine projects because I had some concerns, and the results aren't that great.

One project, a 47 unit 4 story condo building, has actually stalled out in the middle of construction. They did the foundation work and started building up the half basement parking garage level, then just stopped. That was several months ago now. There's just the first 8 feet built, and no sign of any workers.

I called the developer, and they said sales have stalled at 20%. They denied that construction was on hold, but it obviously is. I hope it doesn't crash and burn, becuase we'd be left with an eyesore if they can't get the sales to finish it off. If you look at the link, they've built up as high as the little pink trees.
http://www.rfranczak.com/pages/the_heritage_of_palatine/219.php


2nd is the Focus Development 109 unit project that was supposed to break ground in Aug. No sign of any demo yet, and their sales office also reports sales stalled at 20%.
http://www.focusdevelopment.com/property_detailed.php?property_id=37&menu_id=1


I just hope these projects have a soft landing and get going again after a bit of delay.

[chicagoguy1]

Burger King/ Taco Fresco they are putting another bank, like Chicago needs another bank branch. I would rather have the burger king. Not for sure what bank branch.

[VivaLFuego]

Burger King/ Taco Fresco they are putting another bank, like Chicago needs another bank branch. I would rather have the burger king. Not for sure what bank branch.

That's really disappointing. Will that be a new development, or a reuse?

The site is zoned B3-5, so a developer could put up a mixed use building in the 8-story range as of right, anything above about 3-stories would have park and lake views.....what a missed opportunity if its a 1-story bank with a drive-through :yuck: Let me guess: Bank of America? They seem to be the worst offender of putting up suburban schlock in prime urban corner retail spaces.

[Chicago2020]

I just got this email today:

Grant Park Advisory Council and Grant Park Conservancy public meeting

Monday, November 12, 2007 - 6:30 p.m.

Daley Bicentennial Plaza - 337 E. Randolph just east of Columbus Drive.

Daley Bicentennial Plaza new park construction and the rebuilding of the East Monroe Street Garage.

We want to hear your ideas and suggestions about what you would like to see created in the new park and get input about garage construction.

In a 99-year concession sale and lease, Morgan Stanley and Laz Parking ( garage operators) have leased four Grant Park garages for $563 million. This is the first such undertaking of a public parking system in the country. One of the garages, the East Monroe Garage, at Daley Bicentennial Plaza, has to be rebuilt in the very near future. Unfortunately, as can be determined so far, the entire park on top of it has to be removed. This means that the greenspace directly east of Millennium Park, from Randolph to Monroe and from the Cancer Survivor's Garden to Columbus Drive has to be removed to rebuild the garage underneath. Should this be done in phases or all at once? We are still trying to determine if any of the many large, beautiful honey locust trees, at the very east and west ends of the property, can be saved.

The positive aspect of rebuilding the underground garage is that it also affords an incredible opportunity to create a whole new, interesting, and world-class park space on the other side of the BP Bridge from Millennium Park. The timing of this opportunity is great in that so many international projects are coming to fruition in and around Grant Park and being financed through public/private partnerships during one of Chicago's greatest renaissances.

The $563 million Grant Park garage concession sale and lease was broken down as follows:

$122 million will go toward Chicago Park District park improvements in many neighborhoods throughout the city.

$35 million will be used to rebuild the Daley Bicentennial Plaza park greenspace when the East Monroe Garage is rebuilt in the near future. This new garage is estimated to cost over $60 million and will be paid for by the lessee.

$120 million will be reserved to generate income to replace the income lost from the garages when operated by the Chicago Park District.

$278 million will pay off all of the debt associated with all of the public garages.

$8 million was/will be used for fees.

Please come out and give us your input and ideas about what could be built at Daley Bicentennial Plaza over the garage.

Grant Park continues to be Chicago's ever-improving front yard to the world as a downtown, lively outdoor civic center in a botanic garden setting. It is also financing well over $125 million in neighborhood park improvements in many neighborhoods throughout the city and that does not include the millions of dollars in new property tax revenue generated by all of the new residential construction around the park.

Thank you very much for your interest and participation.

Please contact:
Bob O'Neill
Phone: 312-829-8015

[BorisMolotov]

This could be interesting...

[Mr Man]

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9B04EFD9173AE733A25755C2A9619C946196D6CF

CHICAGO WANTS 3,000,000
Annexation of Everything Within 100 Miles Is Being Agitated.
;-)

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^ Man, where'd you find that? I wish we would have annexed all those bastards, then there would be no such thing as suburbs...

[forumly_chgoman]

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9B04EFD9173AE733A25755C2A9619C946196D6CF

CHICAGO WANTS 3,000,000
Annexation of Everything Within 100 Miles Is Being Agitated.
;-)
someone should do a census analysis on this & see what the population would be if this was indeed the case

[Mr Man]

I for one think it would be really cool if we had something like

The end of Chicago Bar and Grill
80000 W. Ivring Park Rd.
Chicago, IL
Lee County

haha.

[the urban politician]

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9B04EFD9173AE733A25755C2A9619C946196D6CF

CHICAGO WANTS 3,000,000
Annexation of Everything Within 100 Miles Is Being Agitated.
;-)

^ UGH! PDF file....

Please warn us next time

[aaron38]

someone should do a census analysis on this & see what the population would be if this was indeed the case

Ah, the joys of procrastinating work at the start of the day....
Counting only Illinois, a 100 mile Chicago would run from Rockford to LaSalle Peru to Kankakee.
It would wholy or substantially encompass the following counties: Boone, Bureau, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, McHenry, Ogle, Putnam, Winnebago, Will.
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/maps/illinois_map.html

The 2006 population breakdown is as follows:
Cook: 5,303,683
5 collar counties: 3,060,711
Everything else: 1,006,315

Grand total: 9,370,709

[Untitled]

^^ You could have Indiana's Lake County, too. I have it on good authority that Hoosiers would be glad to be rid of it.

(guy who once lived for a year in Hammond, Ind.)

[Via Chicago]

^^^ Man, where'd you find that? I wish we would have annexed all those bastards, then there would be no such thing as suburbs...

there would still be suburbs. just further out.

[jpIllInoIs]

100 miles to the city limits would have engulfed all of Lake, McHenry, Boone and Winnebago Counties including Rockford to the north. To the west all of Dupage, Kane, Dekalb coounties and into the town of Rochelle. To the southwest all of Will, Kendall, Grundy and LaSalle counties into the town of Peru. To the south all of Will, Kankakee, Iroquois, Ford and Livingston counties. The suburbs would be : Bloomington, Champaign, Peoria and Danville.

[BWChicago]

There is some decent bars in that block. I hope he does not buy any more land beyond the parking losts he already owns. I would love to see that McDonalds redeveloped into an entertainment center though.

These properties encompass Pizza-ria!, Red Ivy, Mullen's, Goose Island, Salt & Pepper Diner, Improv Olympic, Bar Louie, that smallish souvenir shop, Starbucks, and 7-11. No real losses along Addison, but Clark is kind of another story. I truly hope this project gets that horrible eyesore cinderblock souvenir shop on the corner with the billboards, since that's currently one of the non-highlighted properties. I also really hate to see some of the most venerable and popular businesses in the area displaced when there's still many parking lots around. Wrigley needs to get its stalled parking/entertainment/retail project going to free up some of the surface lots around. It's good to see the 7-11 go, even though I would bet it's one of the highest grossing locations, if only because it begins a shift away from car-oriented businesses (the area has enough traffic as-is) - I'd like to see the Taco Bell, McDonald's, and U-Haul (as much as I like prewar gas stations, this isn't the place) redeveloped sooner than this corner. Likewise, the east side of Clark between Waveland and Wrigleysville Dog is a dead zone and could use development.

[trvlr70]

Anyone have any details about this possible merger?

The good news is that the name and corporate headquarters will remain United and in Chicago.

[the urban politician]

NIMBY's being the usual jackasses that they are. Thank God the Alderman is in support of this project...

11/14/2007 10:00:00 PM
High-rise too dense
Neighbors call for family-oriented development

By HAYLEY GRAHAM
Editor


West Loop neighbors and organizations are fighting to delay the city's approval of an 11-story residential high-rise development at 1260 W. Madison.

The proposal, which is supported by 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, is set to go before the Chicago Plan Commission on Nov. 16.

At a meeting of the West Loop Community Organization on Nov. 13, neighbors of the project said they had not received a required legal notice informing them that the development was on the Plan Commission's agenda.

Many asked Terri Haymaker, deputy commissioner for the city's Department of Planning and Development, to have the project removed from the agenda. Haymaker was not sure if the delay would be possible, and told the residents they could voice their opposition at the meeting if the project was kept on the agenda.

Pinkus Group is seeking a zoning change that would allow the development to exceed the height standard for the neighborhood for the proposed building, which is the site of the former Federal Express building. West Loop residents argue the height will add too much density in an area plagued with parking problems, and the small size of the units is not in line with the community's goal of becoming more family oriented.

Martha Goldstein, executive director of West Loop Community Organization, said the community would like to see more parks and community elements to attract families, adding that high-rises with small units will make it more difficult.

"We won't be able to build a [family-friendly] community that way," Goldstein said. :haha:

The 11-story mixed-used development would have 318 residential units and approximately 58,161 square feet of ground-floor retail space and 502 off-street parking spaces. The plan also includes a 4-story development at 1300 W. Madison that would include 33 residential units and approximately 8,657 square feet of ground-floor retail space. One parking space would be deeded with each unit.

At Tuesday's WLCO meeting held at the Merit School of Music, 38 S. Peoria, Burnett said he approved the development after three meetings with the developer and community members that resulted in modifications to the proposal.

"I try to be just and fair in all of my decision making," said Burnett, adding that while the size of the development concerns him, the developer took the community's comments into consideration, brought the height down to 115 feet and added units larger than 700 square feet. "The city sees this as an area that can take density."

(And how did the community respond to this? Read the exciting, douche-bag filled conclusion below!!)

http://www.chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=60&ArticleID=3648&TM=3762.792

[Nowhereman1280]

""We don't want a repeat of the South Loop with high-rises everywhere," Neal said."

Oh yes, we wouldn't want our neighborhood to be like the hottest neighborhood in the city would we! Heaven forbid people would actually want to live here! Oh, and we also don't want to have our land values double and make a huge profit on the crappy lofts we moved into 3 years ago, because profits are evil and like to eat babies... Also, I once saw a tall building punch a nun...

[aaron38]

^^^Well I do think they have one good point, and that is that at this point in my life, I wouldn't buy anything with less than 3 bedrooms. And so it is a valid point that if you build out an entire neighborhood with 1-2 bedroom units, when a family has 2 kids, they have to leave the neighborhood for the burbs.
They didn't say the size of the building, they said the size of the units.

But then of course the NIMBYs favor height limits, which means that if a developer wanted to build a larger building with larger units, he probably couldn't....

[honte]

I don't remember if this was posted here...
_________________

Champions of Sustainability
Cover Story - November 2007

New Green Initiatives Help Drive
Chicago’s Urban Renaissance

http://midwest.construction.com/features/archive/0711_cover.asp

by Don Talend

Over the past 10 years, nobody can ignore an environmentally driven infrastructure revitalization movement that has made Chicago a model of sustainable construction nationally and globally.

...

[forumly_chgoman]

^^^Well I do think they have one good point, and that is that at this point in my life, I wouldn't buy anything with less than 3 bedrooms. And so it is a valid point that if you build out an entire neighborhood with 1-2 bedroom units, when a family has 2 kids, they have to leave the neighborhood for the burbs.
They didn't say the size of the building, they said the size of the units.

But then of course the NIMBYs favor height limits, which means that if a developer wanted to build a larger building with larger units, he probably couldn't....

Actually not necessarily.....but your comment raises perhaps a problem in our society...that every child must have his/her own room....is that really a need???

I mean my brother and I shared a bedroom while we grew up

[forumly_chgoman]

Anyone have any details about this possible merger?

The good news is that the name and corporate headquarters will remain United and in Chicago.sorry for my ignorance but who is DL.......not Delta?

[SkokieSwift]

Actually not necessarily.....but your comment raises perhaps a problem in our society...that every child must have his/her own room....is that really a need???

I mean my brother and I shared a bedroom while we grew up

Beyond this issue (which I agree is a societal issue in terms of the massification of luxury), the key issue here is that these people have a false sense of entitlement to land they don't own. If it's more profitable (and in a lot of cases, only financially feasible) for a developer to build 1-2 bedroom units instead of 3-bedroom units, what right do the neighbors have to complain?

[ardecila]

Actually not necessarily.....but your comment raises perhaps a problem in our society...that every child must have his/her own room....is that really a need???

I mean my brother and I shared a bedroom while we grew up

Who said the two kids aren't sharing a bedroom? Often in a 3-bedroom unit, the parents get the first bedroom, the kids the second, and the third is used for storage, or a playroom, or some other such usage.

I think it's good to have a third common room in an apartment besides the kitchen and main room, if you plan to raise a family with more than 1 kid.

[budman]

^I'm a bit conflicted regarding the "we want this neighborhood for families" argument. I am primarily against it, because I think the beauty of the city is living in diversity, which includes families living amongst singles, childless couples, home owners, and home renters. But the reality is that many people want to raise their kids around other kids, at least after they get to be school age, and it's hard to blame them for that. I dont want to lose those families to the suburbs, because it is important to have them here in the city. In the end though, it is obviously ridiculous for the residents of a neighborhood to essentially discriminate against people not like them and seek to preserve "their" neighborhood for a certain type of living quarters and certain types of residents.

[mcfinley]

Anyone have any details about this possible merger?

The good news is that the name and corporate headquarters will remain United and in Chicago.

It was just a rumor started by an investor with Delta--an open letter regarding a buyout he'd like to see. Delta and United Airlines haven't had any merger talks, and for Chicago's sake I hope a deal like this wouldn't go through, e.g. the name and headquarters remain in Chicago but operations move to Atlanta.

[honte]

^ I don't understand why in people's minds, there are only hip, close-in neighborhoods, and then the suburbs. There are plenty of places in Chicago that would accommodate families with a need for 3+ bedrooms, but most people simply won't even consider these areas. It's a shame. 5 minutes west of West Loop, there are great neighborhoods with homes people could be rehabbing for this purpose.

(To be fair, many of the people who live already in these areas are raising families and are doing just fine. It seems primarily like a yuppie mentality that you only can live in a new, suburban development downtown, or in the suburbs themselves.)

[VivaLFuego]

^ I don't understand why in people's minds, there are only hip, close-in neighborhoods, and then the suburbs. There are plenty of places in Chicago that would accommodate families with a need for 3+ bedrooms, but most people simply won't even consider these areas. It's a shame. 5 minutes west of West Loop, there are great neighborhoods with homes people could be rehabbing for this purpose.

(To be fair, many of the people who live already in these areas are raising families and are doing just fine. It seems primarily like a yuppie mentality that you only can live in a new, suburban development downtown, or in the suburbs themselves.)
Well said, a pet peeve of many on this board I'm sure. What's wrong with raising a family in a Chicago bungalow?

[Pandemonious]

^I'm a bit conflicted regarding the "we want this neighborhood for families" argument. I am primarily against it, because I think the beauty of the city is living in diversity, which includes families living amongst singles, childless couples, home owners, and home renters. But the reality is that many people want to raise their kids around other kids, at least after they get to be school age, and it's hard to blame them for that. I dont want to lose those families to the suburbs, because it is important to have them here in the city. In the end though, it is obviously ridiculous for the residents of a neighborhood to essentially discriminate against people not like them and seek to preserve "their" neighborhood for a certain type of living quarters and certain types of residents.

Not only that, the area in question here is just blocks from UIC. So, it seems to me, a lot of students and young people without families would live in this area anyway... and the dicks at WLCO won't be changing that anytime ever. I am still baffled by how in every article they mention they want "mixed developments with town houses, lofts and open green space" With the desire for mixed developmens with low-rise townhouses, how else can enough usable open space even be left over without going vertical? They also mention lofts.. if there is anything the west loop probably doesn't need are lofts.. there must be shitloads of them already, and they are typically in old warehouses with really deep units so you can't even put in the "three bedrooms for families" they claim they want more of. The only open space I have ever seen at all in the West Loop are on a few select entire blocks that are underutilized with one small 1 story buildings with parking lots (Jackson and Morgan) that have a fenced in green space that really nobody uses.

It seems like more and more they will just make up any jackass argument as long as their precious 10 story height limit isn't surpassed.

[aaron38]

Okay, the burbs comment got taken the wrong way. So strike burbs and substitute single family neighborhood. But is there really that much difference between a bungalow in Mayfair and a single family in Park Ridge? That's all I meant. It's not the loop.

But I stand by what I said. Lots of people want the flexibility of a third bedroom as a guest bedroom/office/media room. And I don't think it's wastefull. I would gladly trade all the uber luxury finishes that I don't need for an extra room that I do need.

But if the market isn't demanding them, the developers shouldn't be forced to build them.

[the urban politician]

A great commentary. Go NIMBY'S!!!!! (did I really just say that?)

11/14/2007 10:00:00 PM
Ashland and Division: An environmental perspective
SCOTT A. RAPPE

For ten years the East Village Association has battled developers bent on overbuilding in areas where such density would strain city services, create traffic congestion and make the neighborhood less livable. We were not always successful, and the results are all around us. Now, for the first time, the East Village Association has actively called for a site to be developed beyond what its current zoning would allow. This is an unusual position for a community organization, yet, ironically we are still met with opposition by an insensitive and stubborn developer.

In this era of growing environmental awareness, dense urban communities like West Town are the most promising models for sustainable living. Just living in renovated buildings in the center of the city puts all of us at the cutting edge of sustainability, in a way that driving a hybrid vehicle to a solar powered house built out of recycled materials in suburbia never could. To paraphrase a common sentiment among architects: The most sustainable building is the one you don't build.

Continued occupancy of vintage buildings conserves construction materials and embodied energy. The density of these multi-family buildings preserves land and provides the critical mass of people necessary to create a sense of community. As in East Village , this density, concentrated in an area of ½ mile by ½ mile ( Chicago to Division, Ashland to Damen) provides enough patrons within walking distance to sustain many vibrant businesses. City lots are modest in size, small enough to be maintained with minimal effort, while large enough to provide light and air to the dwelling, a small garden and perhaps even a rain barrel and a compost bin.

East Village is a good example of a community that relies on public transit. Its perimeter is served by five major bus lines and the Blue line passes right by its northeast corner (where Walgreens is proposing its new building). It is amazing to see the pedestrian traffic to and from the subway station during morning and evening rush hour. These transit options are easily walkable and concentrate large numbers of people on the community's perimeter, creating a synergy between residents and businesses.

(read more at link):

http://www.chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=26&SubSectionID=61&ArticleID=3636&TM=54783.35

[BorisMolotov]

What's wrong with raising a family in a Chicago bungalow?

They're too small. You can get the same price (with better schools) larger house in the suburbs.

[forumly_chgoman]

They're too small. You can get the same price (with better schools) larger house in the suburbs.
hope you are joking if not i'd like to throw a molotov right at your head

[LaSalle.St.Station]

PROPOSAL: College Junction at Old Chicago Post Office.

Dorms, Class Rooms, Meeting halls, Practice spaces, Artist lofts....



participating institutions.... UIC, Roosevelt, Columbia, Harold Washington college


main points


Roosevelt U moves to Post Office...... Michigan Avenue building becomes a hotel.
Harold Washington College Wabash campus developed as retail and hotel
Congress blvd programmed as an urban campus 'quad' Fed expansion redirected from State St. to Congress south of existing and replacing fed correction center parking lot, bp gas station and parking lot, and amalgamated bank building.
Tear Down... Chi Stock Exch over Congress, build New Grand Metra Station to the south to complete the Grand Congress Blvd area of DT.

[Pandemonious]

^Whats wrong with the amalgamated bank building. Lumping it in with parking lots and gas stations to be replaced? :rolleyes:

[jstush04]

hope you are joking if not i'd like to throw a molotov right at your head


boris is right, ya know...
I've lived in a 4 bedroom house in chicago my whole life, but I took metra out to the suburbs every day for high school. I might be a little biased

[VivaLFuego]

They're too small. You can get the same price (with better schools) larger house in the suburbs.

Too small how? How big a family are we talking? If you finish the basement, there is plenty of room for a family of four to live comfortably; each kid his own room, a family room, living room, kitchen, and 2 bathrooms. Family of 5 would get tight, admittedly, but there are larger bungalows. Some people even *gasp* built a 1-room addition on the back!

As a product of Chicago Public Schools, I feel qualified to say that the "schools are better in the suburbs" argument is self-fulfilling bullshit perpetuated by people that are motivated either by racism or a discriminatory form of classism. If you swapped all the students from an average ghetto CPS school with Naperville North, we'd hear about how awful the Naperville school district is and everyone would clammer to send their kids to CPS. It's entirely self-fulfilling. A good and successful child is more likely produced by a good parent, not by a good school.

[BorisMolotov]

Well Im in a family of five out in the suburbs and i guess i should say the perception is that of better schools. (Even though my high school is failing those testing levels)

[jstush04]

As a product of Chicago Public Schools, I feel qualified to say that the "schools are better in the suburbs" argument is self-fulfilling bullshit perpetuated by people that are motivated either by racism or a discriminatory form of classism. If you swapped all the students from an average ghetto CPS school with Naperville North, we'd hear about how awful the Naperville school district is and everyone would clammer to send their kids to CPS. It's entirely self-fulfilling. A good and successful child is more likely produced by a good parent, not by a good school.

OK, whatever, parents are better in the suburbs. You said it.

[Untitled]

It was just a rumor started by an investor with Delta--an open letter regarding a buyout he'd like to see. Delta and United Airlines haven't had any merger talks, and for Chicago's sake I hope a deal like this wouldn't go through, e.g. the name and headquarters remain in Chicago but operations move to Atlanta.

Delta and UAL aren't admitting to having any talks, but they both have committees for the purpose of "examining their options" as far as mergers go.

And yeah, an investor is the most public voice right now -- an investment fund with a big equity stake. This merger will happen because there's a lot of money to be saved in the short term by doing it, because the current administration is merger friendly and because the people making the decisions can cash out before any negative repercussions arise.

I do believe, though, that Chicago would remain pre-eminent in the new United, not just home to HQ. Atlanta would be de-emphasized a little.

[lalucedm]

Lol. Whatever. Chicago has several really good schools, you just have to try hard to get into them, and actually care. It's your own fault if you flounder in the cesspools of CPS. CPS doesn't hold anyone's hand, but with a little motivation, they don't drown you either.

[VivaLFuego]

Lol. Whatever. Chicago has several really good schools, you just have to try hard to get into them, and actually care. It's your own fault if you flounder in the cesspools of CPS. CPS doesn't hold anyone's hand, but with a little motivation, they don't drown you either.

Yeah.

[Nowhereman1280]

OK, whatever, parents are better in the suburbs. You said it.

Damn, nice retort, shut down...

I hate to say it, but suburban schools really are better, I don't see how schools that get funded with wayyyy more tax dollars are worse or equal on average than schools with way less funding.

[Marcu]

The motivated will do well, as the unmotivated will not, in any school. But since 90% of kids out there don't really care and just go with the flow, CPS may not be the best place. The bottom line is at a typical CPS, there is still a large percentage of the student body that can't read or do basic math. A large share of students drop out entierly. No parent wants to risk their kids "falling into that group" just to make some political statement about urbanism and smart growth.

[honte]

^ And hence, the vicious cycle perpetuates...

[left of center]

CPS magnet schools top the lists for best schools in the state. You can't really judge the entire CPS system in general. There are a great many schools, and then there are horrific schools that seem like something out of a nightmare. It all depends where the school is located. Highschools in Englewood are just as bad as suburban schools such as Proviso East in Maywood or Morton East in Cicero. If students dont give a damn about learning, there is only so much you can do.

[EarlyBuyer]

Taken by EarlyBuyer 11/18/07

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/8849/dscn8626hs2.jpg


http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/3884/dscn8629kp4.jpg


http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7/dscn8637co3.jpg


http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2405/dscn8641bp4.jpg


http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/926/dscn8642jw0.jpg


http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/9905/dscn8644yc2.jpg

[honte]

^ I am surprised by the way this is being built. I had assumed they would be more like the typical townhouses you see on the North Side. These seem more akin to the construction of a mid-sized building, thus far.

[EarlyBuyer]

^ I am surprised by the way this is being built. I had assumed they would be more like the typical townhouses you see on the North Side. These seem more akin to the construction of a mid-sized building, thus far.

They will be "stacked" townhomes...so in some ways these will be mid-rise building(s) with a townhome facade and individual interior floorplan.

Link to Parkhomes still available: http://www.magellansells.com/properties.php?catID=1

[left of center]

^ from what i recall, i think the parkhomes will be rather tall, around 6 to 7 stories. are there any renderings of the parkhomes? i havent seen any in quite a while.

edit: beat me to the punch, earlybuyer ;)

[jstush04]

^ I am surprised by the way this is being built. I had assumed they would be more like the typical townhouses you see on the North Side. These seem more akin to the construction of a mid-sized building, thus far.

The reason must be, they have all this expensive equipment in the area already, why not just build them like any other high-rise, but give them a townhome touch. eh?

[EarlyBuyer]

From Loewenberg Website

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/406/popupph01cs7.jpg


http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/1839/popupph02br6.jpg


http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1611/popupph03pl5.jpg


http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/7655/popupph04xy0.jpg


http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/4918/popupph05fo5.jpg

[honte]

The reason must be, they have all this expensive equipment in the area already, why not just build them like any other high-rise, but give them a townhome touch. eh?

Yep, that and - wow... it really is a mid-rise.

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/6676/parkhomets4.jpg

I hadn't seen this one before (stopped reading the Trib. real estate section a while back due to lack of time, maybe that's why)... hmmm.... I think the larger building really isn't very nice, sorry to say. The hand-done stuff, just showing the "homes" and the leafy trees, seemed much more attractive to me.

Does anyone know why Magellan hired a California archicture firm to design these? There are dozens of firms in Chicago that could have done just as well. I support bringing in outside architects when you hire someone really special, but I'm not seeing it here.

[EarlyBuyer]

:previous:

Much better picture honte than the thumbnail-ish ones I'd posted.

Thanks.

[spyguy]

I haven't checked up on the Information Commons building in a long time, but it's pretty far along.

Pics from Loyola (http://libraries.luc.edu/about/ic/ic-construction.htm)
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8432/ic20oct20302007fvt8.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2540/ic20oct20302007djm9.jpg

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/6676/parkhomets4.jpg

:/ It looks off to me: a little like a resort. Perhaps, once the trees mature...? But by then I can't imagine this would be the most efficient use of the space given the likely rise in property values.

Does anyone have an idea of what the longevity might be for new construction townhomes in the urban core?