CHICAGO | General Developments

[Chi-Sky21]

A lot of people don't like Durbin, but he sure can get project money steered to Chicago! More money for south side ped bridges over LSD!! Great news!!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-lake-shore-drive-pedestrian-bridges-20140912-story.html

[the urban politician]

^ Nice job, Dick!

[johnnygosox]

What an appropriately named man!!

I will never understand how a nation running a 500 billion or more deficit each year, can afford to award any money for projects other than those that are absolutely essential. Not to take anything away from the efficacy and architectural positives of said bridges. I'm not sayin'....I'm just sayin'.

[Chi-Sky21]

But i thought deficits didn't matter?! Or is that just when Republicans are in office...i can never remember.

[johnnygosox]

I don't think they matter to anyone in office anymore as long as their are no term limits...egads!!!

Awhile back I heard of a proposal/suggestion to put a small museum or informational "kiosk" in Jackson park near the wooded island pertaining to the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Has anyone heard any more about that or was that just a melatonin induced dream I had?

[Chi-Sky21]

Nope but been wanting to go see the exhibit about the Worlds Fair at the Field museum.

[ardecila]

^^ Project 120 Chicago (http://chicagomaroon.com/2014/04/18/jackson-park-to-add-new-amphitheater-museum-and-cafe-in-10-million-renovation/)

http://chicagomaroon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/041814-NEWS-Jackson-Park-Courtesey-of-Project-120-1024x374.jpg
wHY Architecture (http://why-site.com/)

[ardecila]

What an appropriately named man!!

I will never understand how a nation running a 500 billion or more deficit each year, can afford to award any money for projects other than those that are absolutely essential. Not to take anything away from the efficacy and architectural positives of said bridges. I'm not sayin'....I'm just sayin'.

The money came from the TIGER program which has funded unique or innovative transportation investments around the country. For 2014 most of the grants focused on freight movement (ports, industrial areas) and on disadvantaged areas.

I think it's a crime that the South Side is so disconnected from the lakefront while the North Side has frequent access points. Nothing will spur development down there like easier lake access. Except maybe a transit line. ;)

[harryc]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rhNbl59w6gs/VBR01FOY3fI/AAAAAAACCsI/xm1E0NDc4E4/w958-h719-no/P1090620.JPG
8//20

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Acv-i9kt5SU/VBR01rGU14I/AAAAAAACCsM/BtVg7WRJ8Do/w958-h719-no/P1120573.JPG
9/09

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0ebG_zk6nhM/VBR02RC4PxI/AAAAAAACCsU/OhibeUnOVq4/w957-h603-no/P1120664.JPG
9/9

[Chicago Shawn]

Great shots Harry!


^ I'll never forget the X/O debacle as long as I live. The degree of douchebaggery that went along with that is about as bad as it gets....although the Childrens Memorial site in Lincoln Park still tops it.

It's too bad that townhomes are getting built at the X/O site. A fitting conclusion to any NIMBY-led insurgence against density is for a big, huge tower to be ramrodded down their throats, a reminder that the city is eternal and that human beings & sunshine are forever worthless. What happened at Wolf Point, or the 3740 N Halsted tower in Lakeview come to mind.


Agreed; I am really disappointed that more highly valuable downtown real estate, next to the lakefront and McCormick Place, will be developed as townhomes that we shall be stuck with for years to come. We might, just might match the density of the block from circa 1880 with this project.

[johnnygosox]

Thanks so so much for the info. concerning "Project 120 Chicago"!! Long overdue considering the history there, not to mention the beauty of Jackson Park.
I'm happy too about the new pedestrian walkways to the lake at 41st and 43rd. I'm on the southside near the lake and I will probably be using all three new bridges at some point or another.
Another thanks for pointing out the TIGER program but in the end it's still tax money and despite record breaking revenues this year for the federal government we will also break the record for spending again. Just an errant thought of mine.

By the way....I grew up on the southside of Chicago and despite not living in my original neighborhood......I feel home here and hope to live long enough to see incredible positive changes. Despite who's mayor, the local political situations or the economy's ups and downs.......change for the better will push on here.

[SamInTheLoop]

^ You do realize that it would be quite damaging to the economy to try to balance the budget right now (substantial and sudden reduction in spending). This is not the time for it. For truly serious economists, this is pretty much a settled issue. With interest rates where they are, this is the time for massive public works/infrastructure invesment - and I mean truly massive - throughout the country, and Chicago needs it and would benefit - in terms of current and future economic growth and potential (which will do more to cut the deficit and make the debt more manageable and quite frankly reduce it to a minor or virtually non-issue going forward, than virtually anything else) - as much as, or more than the vast majority of the country........

[k1052]

Wasn't sure if anyone noticed the most recent piece from Kamin on the Lucas Museum:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-museum-campus-kamin-met-0912-20140911-column.html

Among the more face-palming suggestions made is the over emphasized importance of water taxi service (even at the cost of the Northerly Island ped bridge) and that holding a citywide referendum to decide things like this is a good idea. The claim that the rejection by the Presidio Trust was an ideal exercise in democracy is laughable in the extreme.

People also need to stop foisting the Michael Reese site onto anybody who wants to build something larger than a hot dog stand. The city should find a low intensity interim use for it until such time as it is desirable to develop and move the hell on.

[the urban politician]

People also need to stop foisting the Michael Reese site onto anybody who wants to build something larger than a hot dog stand. The city should find a low intensity interim use for it until such time as it is desirable to develop and move the hell on.

:goodpost: :iagree:

[SamInTheLoop]

Speaking of Reese - it is out as an Obama Library contender, as is McCaffery's dream of it at Lakeside. There will be other cuts between now an early next year, when we'll have just two finalist locations left (while it will be awarded to a Chicago site in the end, it will be interesting to see if the two finalists are both Chicago sites). I think it's an absolute joke through and through that Chicago State was not among the very earliest sites to be cut - it is truly astonishing that that 'university' has not lost whatever accreditations it has.......I suppose with racial politics in Chicago, maybe that will never happen? But, I have to say that it is a shame that there was not more experience and financial and organizational firepower behind the Reese site.......just based on the site alone, I would have placed it up there maybe only behind a UC area site (which is now of course the very clear frontrunner)....

[wierdaaron]

Why should the Museum Campus work be a democracy? This city is what it is because of civic leaders with a bold vision operating under a few established guidelines. If lakefront planning was democratic, Grant Park would have been stuffed with hotels and water parks in the 90s.

The pedestrian experience around Museum Campus is so crappy because there's never been any momentum behind improving it, not because of a lack of ideas or consensus. I'd much rather have a decision-maker like Gang leading that effort than a equilateral steering committee of CDOT/IDOT/CPD do-nothings. For once in a generation, the money is there and the will is there, don't waste it on democratic mediocrity.

[johnnygosox]

Sam.....hardly a settled issue my friend. We've had both Democrat and Republican administrations ignore common sense for decades now and the current administration even wholeheartedly pushed for and got a "stimulus" package. Keynesian economics is in play and until we wake up from our rose colored glasses fiscal stupor......we will continue to descend into 2nd tier status as a nation. I agree, you can't hack at the budget in one or two years to eliminate a deficit and the debt is considerably longer term because of it's enormity but no one is even trying to get a handle on this. Bowles-Simpson has been utterly ignored. May I suggest Milton Freidman's "Free To Choose". He's one of The University of Chicago's very own!!

Don't get me wrong.....I'm still selfishly thrilled about the new pedestrian bridges. :)

[ardecila]

^ You do realize that it would be quite damaging to the economy to try to balance the budget right now (substantial and sudden reduction in spending). This is not the time for it. For truly serious economists, this is pretty much a settled issue. With interest rates where they are, this is the time for massive public works/infrastructure invesment - and I mean truly massive - throughout the country, and Chicago needs it and would benefit - in terms of current and future economic growth and potential (which will do more to cut the deficit and make the debt more manageable and quite frankly reduce it to a minor or virtually non-issue going forward, than virtually anything else) - as much as, or more than the vast majority of the country........

Even if you agree that Federal budget deficits are too big, infrastructure isn't the place to cut (http://www.internationaltransportforum.org/pub/pdf/13SpendingTrends.pdf). Transportation spending in the US is substantially less than Western European states or other superpower nations as a fraction of GDP. Cutting spending starts with entitlements like Social Security and Medicare, not transportation.

http://i60.tinypic.com/2n9f3fl.jpg

[johnnygosox]

Unfortunately there can be no "sacred cows". Comparing us to Europe is apples and oranges.

[J_M_Tungsten]

Lakeshore Athletic Club demo
http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/JMTUNGSTEN/more/072d6c3b1961561b49e842d6b26cf3db.jpg

[SamInTheLoop]

Sam.....hardly a settled issue my friend. We've had both Democrat and Republican administrations ignore common sense for decades now and the current administration even wholeheartedly pushed for and got a "stimulus" package. Keynesian economics is in play and until we wake up from our rose colored glasses fiscal stupor......we will continue to descend into 2nd tier status as a nation. I agree, you can't hack at the budget in one or two years to eliminate a deficit and the debt is considerably longer term because of it's enormity but no one is even trying to get a handle on this. Bowles-Simpson has been utterly ignored. May I suggest Milton Freidman's "Free To Choose". He's one of The University of Chicago's very own!!

Don't get me wrong.....I'm still selfishly thrilled about the new pedestrian bridges. :)


^^^ Economics is hard. The stimulus was entirely necessary, and actually should have been perhaps 2x-2.5x larger. Keynesian Economics clearly is the correct lense through which to view the current situation over the past many years, as we've been in the midst of a liquidity trap, with persistantly low and insufficient aggregate demand, and a massive and sustained 'whack' to potential GDP (with persistently low inflation and bouts of substantial disinflation). The federal government's budget is not in any way like a household budget - I don't think - in fact I know - that most people simply don't understand this basic concept. The United States controls its own fiscal policy, has its own independent monetary policy in which it issues its own currency (has monetary sovereinty, and the only country that issues its currency), and its debt is denominated in its own currency.......oh, yeah, and not to mention has the world's only reserve currency - which isn't going away for a long time - any focus at present on deficits and the debt is actually nothing short of idiotic. Freshwater (UofC) economics is rapidly falling out of favor among the serious economics experts.........and yes, this stuff - for those who actually pay attention - is settled........Has anyone been paying attention to what is happening in Europe? Fiscal consolidation while trying to emerge from a lesser (or greater actually?) depression has proven to be as dumb as it gets....

^^ No doubt - it's actually a national embarrassment, this pathetic investment level in our infrastructure....

[ardecila]

Unfortunately there can be no "sacred cows". Comparing us to Europe is apples and oranges.

Why? Regardless of the overall size of the Federal budget, the percentage attributed for transportation is laughably low by international standards and is not enough to support continued strong growth in GDP. It's definitely not enough to support the recent renaissance of central cities in any kind of efficient, car-free or car-lite way.

[johnnygosox]

Sam...your attempt at explaining our fiscal insanity with pronouncements of economic and moral certitude are the reason we are in a precipitous decline. I didn't read what I wrote somewhere in the left wing blogosphere or mainstream media for that matter.....I lived it.......I was born during the Eisenhower administration. Enough with economics.....you depress me beyond comprehension.

You won't convince me and I won't convince you....let's agree to disagree and talk about "General Development" once again.

FIN

[XIII]

I didn't read what I wrote somewhere in the left wing blogosphere or mainstream media for that matter.....I lived it.......I was born during the Eisenhower administration.

If you're interested in the topic, you may try regularly reading a few economics blogs. Honestly, Paul Krugmans 's blog is a good place to start as he links to a number of sources all over the economic spectrum.

On a related note, the Chicago region has been seriously criticized for its regional transit structure and lack of capital spending in an OECD study.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-transit-study-met-20140914-story.html

I'll never understand why this doesn't get more attention. If we had a single, unified group making sure people could get around, we may actually see improved service and transit expansion. Instead we can't eve get BRT on Ashland. This should be a political priority, especially in an era of downtown growth and rejuvenation and dropping car ownership, yet, I'd be surprised if it were even mentioned by the mayoral or gubernatorial candidates. This literally affects people every day and no one seems too care.
/end rant

[Mr Downtown]

If we had a single, unified group making sure people could get around, we may actually see improved service and transit expansion. Instead we can't eve get BRT on Ashland.

Response in the transit thread.
(http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=101657&page=592
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=101657&&postcount=11829)

[Chi-Sky21]

Unfortunately there can be no "sacred cows". Comparing us to Europe is apples and oranges.

With a much larger land mass and the amount of highways we already have built.... the US should be spending WAY more than Europe on infrastructure. Instead we spend everything on our military...which happens to protect Europe and allow them not to have to make the same expenditures. Military spending should really be cut by another 3rd and we should double our infrastructure spending. You get way more employment from infrastructure spending than military.

[SamInTheLoop]

^^ Most definitely correct. However, to my point earlier, a massive expansion of infrastructure spending would be a net/net, end-of-day positive for the US' current economy, and its future potential - and because of these its future fiscal trajectory - absolutely regardless of any other budget adjustments (full or partial offsetting reductions).....mostly it's just math, and a basic understanding of macro....

[wierdaaron]

I think this forum just isn't a good place to debate tax policy. We're mainly here for the pictures of tractors.

[Mister Uptempo]

Reuters
15 Sep 2014

Four universities, including two in Chicago, one in New York and one in Hawaii, have been picked as finalists to host a future Barack Obama presidential library, the library’s foundation said on Monday.

The Barack Obama Foundation said it had issued a “Request for Proposal” to the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Columbia University in New York and the University of Hawaii. The four were picked from 13 contenders.

“These four potential partners have come the farthest in meeting our criteria and have each demonstrated a strong vision for the future Obama Presidential Library,” said board chairman Martin Nesbitt.

---SNIP---

The four finalists must submit a formal proposal that details the management and organization of the project, site development plans, potential for academic collaboration, marketing and other information by Dec. 11.

In early 2015, the board will share its recommendations with Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, who will make the final decision, the statement said.


The story can be found here. (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/15/us-usa-obama-library-idUSKBN0HA2DX20140915)

[LouisVanDerWright]

^^^ I swear to God if Obama throws us under the bus on this one I will flip my shit. I can't believe that Hawaii and NYC have even the remotest chance of getting this. The ONLY option is University of Chicago. It's possibly the most storied institution in the world in terms of producing exception graduates and faculty (think Nobel Prizes) and having a presidential library just further seals the deal.

[ardecila]

Agreed... glad Chicago State's out of the running tho, what a joke.

I'd be happy if UIC won the library but UofC is such a better proposal, with more connection to Obama's past, a legacy of African-American history, more potential for spillover development, several promising sites, etc.

Every time another big institution gets announced for the Near West Side I just shake my head... that whole UIC-IMD-UC area is a huge urban planning failure on par with Cabrini Green, and they just keep compounding it with bad decisions like closing more streets and building a huge Costco airlifted in from Naperville.

[wierdaaron]

Antunovich just literally slapped me around a bit (in a friendly way) for my stuff on Curbed about the British School south loop. "It's not finished! It's not finished!" The gray walls will be painted to match the precast.

[Chi-Sky21]

I believe it belongs at U of C, but the mention of the UIC Harrison site really intrigues me. That location would be easily accessible to public tran, closer to the city and have incredible views. However, he has no ties that i know of to UIC ..so probably not.

[UrbanLibertine]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe UIC's also considering some off-campus, North Lawndale sites near where Obama did some community outreach and canvassing.

Personally, I would be disappointed if some place other than Chicago got the library, but I would be friggin furious if those a**holes in NYC got it. Especially since that's likely where he'll move his family in 2016 when they leave the White House. They don't care at all about the Obamas there. :(

(By the way, I just moved back to Chicago after living in New York for the past few years because I couldn't stand how obnoxious people were there. I think I missed the boat on the New York I wanted to live in by 30 years. However, I'm more than thrilled to be back in Chicago, the best/my favorite city in this country!)

I believe it belongs at U of C, but the mention of the UIC Harrison site really intrigues me. That location would be easily accessible to public tran, closer to the city and have incredible views. However, he has no ties that i know of to UIC ..so probably not.

[george]

9/11

The Scott Residences, 211 W Scott & Wells

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/HaUMq2.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/eyHaUMq2j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/9LK9DK.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/f09LK9DKj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/661/pNQrvh.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/idpNQrvhj)

[Via Chicago]

^^^ I swear to God if Obama throws us under the bus on this one I will flip my shit. I can't believe that Hawaii and NYC have even the remotest chance of getting this. The ONLY option is University of Chicago. It's possibly the most storied institution in the world in terms of producing exception graduates and faculty (think Nobel Prizes) and having a presidential library just further seals the deal.

I dont have a problem with UofC getting it but on the other hand Hyde Park dosent really "need" it either. Theres already several world class libraries affiliated with the university and I think there are other areas of the city that could be better served by the investment.

I still love the Pullman re-use idea that Lee Bey first floated several years ago and it would tie in remarkably well if the neighborhood is able to get National Park status. Transit is the obvious hurdle but its things like this that can spur development

http://www.chicagoarchitecture.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Pullman-factory-Chicago-Illinois-April-2012-010a-682x1024.jpg
http://www.chicagoarchitecture.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Pullman-factory-Chicago-Illinois-April-2012-010a-682x1024.jpg

[HomrQT]

http://www.chicagoarchitecture.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Pullman-factory-Chicago-Illinois-April-2012-010a-682x1024.jpg
http://www.chicagoarchitecture.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Pullman-factory-Chicago-Illinois-April-2012-010a-682x1024.jpg

Absolutely stunning building!

[UrbanLibertine]

I think U of C is proposing to use the site at the NW corner of 55th Street and MLK, directly next to the train stop, for the Obama Library.

"I dont have a problem with UofC getting it but on the other hand Hyde Park dosent really "need" it either. Theres already several world class libraries affiliated with the university and I think there are other areas of the city that could be better served by the investment."

[wierdaaron]

As I said in the highrise thread, Golub X/O-site townhome story will be on Curbed shortly. A lot of preliminary work, with just massing renders shown, not final designs.

I have to say, though, the Prairie District neighborhood is one of the grouchiest communities I've seen in regard to this. It's easy to understand how X/O was so quagmired when the people can so thoroughly lose their shit over some simple townhomes on the same land. Holy cow. They need to start handing out thorazine at these meetings.

[Mr Downtown]

I'm puzzled by those who keep talking about the Obama library as spurring redevelopment and investment. Have any of you ever visited a presidential museum?

As a history buff, I've visited the majority of them. I've never noticed any spinoff private development.

[Via Chicago]

either way, i just really want to see that building fixed up and it dosent seem like theres any promising leads on it :(

[wierdaaron]

Uh, I went to the Gerald Ford museum with my grandparents once...

I don't think an Obama library would be a huge development catalyst, but as far as I know there hasn't been one in a major metropolis. The ones I can think of are all out in remote areas and are a destination to themselves, which is why I found the idea of something closer to downtown more interesting than UC. If it were at Museum Campus or UIC it would blend in with our museum circuit, so visitors could stay downtown and take their time at all of them. I don't see anyone booking a hotel in Hyde. Park just to visit a library.

I think it will be a decent tourism draw either way, but it's mainly about prestige I'd say.

[Chi-Sky21]

I always thought a statue to him where he gave his acceptance speech in Grant Park would be a nice little tribute/tourism draw. No matter what you think of the job he has done , that moment still deserves a marker of some sort.

[Skyguy_7]

^ Is this not it? ;)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zJpnTu57Koc/THsk3Qa-WeI/AAAAAAAAWT8/pttL_NlxnwU/s400/LI-sculp-8002e.jpg

Sorry, but I had to.

[Baronvonellis]

The Jimmy Carter Museum is next to downtown Atlanta. It also has the headquarters for the Carter Center, his global outreach non-profit. I think Obama will have something similar, since he is quite young still. Yea, I don't think this will spur any direct development. Presidential libraries aren't exactly huge tourist draws. The Lucas museum would be more likely to spur some development.
The library would only serve to improve the general prestige of the city.

[LouisVanDerWright]

Antunovich just literally slapped me around a bit (in a friendly way) for my stuff on Curbed about the British School south loop. "It's not finished! It's not finished!" The gray walls will be painted to match the precast.

I just love when things are painted to "match the precast", that's always sure to result in pure beauty...

I think U of C is proposing to use the site at the NW corner of 55th Street and MLK, directly next to the train stop, for the Obama Library.

I hope so, I've been advocating this from day one of the Obama Library conversation in this city.

I'm puzzled by those who keep talking about the Obama library as spurring redevelopment and investment. Have any of you ever visited a presidential museum?

As a history buff, I've visited the majority of them. I've never noticed any spinoff private development.

You don't think that a multi-billion dollar investment dedicated to preserving the history of America's first non-white male president is going spur development in the heart of Chicago's nearly all black South Side? You don't think that the Lincoln library (and all of his other history) in Springfield attracts tourists? You have to remember that the presidential library is something we really didn't start doing until recently and the earliest libraries were all relatively modest. Some people are suggesting this could be a billion dollar project. If it goes to the U of C it will spur development because there probably is not room for it East of Washington Park and North of the Midway. that means that it will push U of C further out into the surrounding areas and U of C is the only reason why Hyde Park stayed as nice as it has to begin with.

[Tom Servo]

9/11

The Scott Residences, 211 W Scott & Wells

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/538/HaUMq2.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/eyHaUMq2j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/9LK9DK.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/f09LK9DKj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/661/pNQrvh.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/idpNQrvhj)

Oh, very handsome! Now THIS is how brick should be done

[Tom Servo]

I believe it belongs at U of C, but the mention of the UIC Harrison site really intrigues me. That location would be easily accessible to public tran, closer to the city and have incredible views. However, he has no ties that i know of to UIC ..so probably not.

Closer to "the city"??

Both the University of Chicago and UIC are the same closeness to the city; they're inside it. :koko:

The library belongs in Hyde Park or Kenmore. Period.

[Ryanrule]

Oh, very handsome! Now THIS is how brick should be done

too bad its overpriced about 1000 a month.

[ChiTownWonder]

Diden't really know where to put this but nik wallenda is going to walk a tightrope in winter across the Chicago river from the Marina City west tower to the Leo Burnett Building.

sorry if this was old news but it just came up on the news now so i thought i might as well post it :D

[brian_b]

too bad its overpriced about 1000 a month.

How else do you think they can afford nice brickwork?

[Vlajos]

too bad its overpriced about 1000 a month.

How do you know? Are they struggling with leasing?

[Rizzo]

too bad its overpriced about 1000 a month.

Usually I'm the one calling things overpriced, but that's not the case here.

It's a high quality building with great ammenties, location, and rational floorplans. In-unit W/D and most important....9' min height ceilings. Don't think I could stand paying $2000 / month for those those 8'-4" caves in new buildings downtown.

[ardecila]

I'm puzzled by those who keep talking about the Obama library as spurring redevelopment and investment. Have any of you ever visited a presidential museum?

As a history buff, I've visited the majority of them. I've never noticed any spinoff private development.

This depends largely on the architectural program, right? Obviously in its most literal sense a library will only attract researchers, but the Lincoln Library is more museum than research center and quickly became the biggest tourist attraction in Springfield. The Clinton Library is an architectural landmark that anchors a huge set of parks in Little Rock.

I don't think it's a stretch to think that the Obama Library might spur adjacent development if it is a landmark building, if it engages the community and if it contains major tourism programming.

The real relevant point is, if there is a chance that the Obama Library could help revive a struggling neighborhood, then why squander that potential by putting it right downtown on UIC's campus where private development isn't permitted anyway?

[Chi-Sky21]

Closer to "the city"??

Both the University of Chicago and UIC are the same closeness to the city; they're inside it. :koko:


If you must be pedantic and could not infer what I meant.....closer to the core. Is that better?

[Ryanrule]

Usually I'm the one calling things overpriced, but that's not the case here.

It's a high quality building with great ammenties, location, and rational floorplans. In-unit W/D and most important....9' min height ceilings. Don't think I could stand paying $2000 / month for those those 8'-4" caves in new buildings downtown.

you are paying at 4k a month for a 2 bed here.

[marothisu]

you are paying at 4k a month for a 2 bed here.

And there's about 5+ new high rises in downtown Chicago, and a few older ones (i.e. Walton on the Park - 1 bedrooms are $3000/mo and most of the building is leased) with prices that high and most of them are pretty well leased. What's your point?

[SamInTheLoop]

^ Sounds like a very general "the rent is too damn high" as opposed to a fundamental current market mispricing of downtown Class A apartments....

[SamInTheLoop]

Usually I'm the one calling things overpriced, but that's not the case here.

It's a high quality building with great ammenties, location, and rational floorplans. In-unit W/D and most important....9' min height ceilings. Don't think I could stand paying $2000 / month for those those 8'-4" caves in new buildings downtown.


As far as I know, for new construction, the 8-8 1/2' type ceiling heights have been relegated to the past. There might be a developer or two that still gets cheap on floor-to-floor heights (maybe Magellan.....what are Coasts' ceiling heights I wonder?), however, I think most everything is now at least approx. 9', and hopefully will be getting closer to at least 9 1/2' or so.....

[Via Chicago]

This depends largely on the architectural program, right? Obviously in its most literal sense a library will only attract researchers, but the Lincoln Library is more museum than research center and quickly became the biggest tourist attraction in Springfield.

It seems in more modern cases these are only "libraries" in a loose sense of the definition and really are moreso vehicles to try to shape and dictate legacies. Honestly I think the trend is pretty egotistical.

[wierdaaron]

The Hojo tower had a few floors removed so that they could add some height to the ceilings. I like it, ceiling height has a profound effect on my mental health. As do formica countertops.

[marothisu]

Well, this is good..... perhaps

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/09/17/tribune-to-redevelop-7-acres-of-property-on-chicago-avenue.php

[Chi-Sky21]

Chicago Ave really seems to have a lot of good sized projects scheduled for it. Seems like the city really is pushing west there.

[wierdaaron]

Yeah that Tribune lot could do a lot to pull people across the river if it's developed right. When I worked at 600 W Chicago I think I crossed that bridge once for lunch. The industrial wasteland feeling of it sure doesn't help. Pump up some activity on the curb and that story should change.

[wierdaaron]

With major new pedestrian eye-candy projects coming soon to Cermak between Michigan and McCormick, I've been thinking about how the big condo tower on the north side of Michigan and Cermak is currently a big blank wall of nothingness that'll be right across from the lovely new McHugh hotel and retail storefronts.

http://i.imgur.com/EEW2438l.jpg

Those look like they might be retail units in the front, just not occupied. Can anyone confirm?

In 2017 when these new projects are done, that building's going to be a bit of a visual continuity blockade for the redeveloped Cermak/Motor Row. Even if those are retail units and they can fill them up, I think they'd need to do some facade work to make it blend in more with the emerging neighborhood.

[ardecila]

Yes, Lexington Park has retail space.

[streetline]

Does anyone know what's happening just southwest of Halsted and Kinzie?
They seem to be drilling something (maybe micropiles?) into the ground, and have quite a bit of pipe racked up on the site.

[Mr Downtown]

In fact, The Lex has a lot of retail space, enough for a supermarket.

[ardecila]

Does anyone know what's happening just southwest of Halsted and Kinzie?
They seem to be drilling something (maybe micropiles?) into the ground, and have quite a bit of pipe racked up on the site.

Probably some kind of work for the Kennedy underneath.

[ardecila]

Seems like they are exploring multiple design options for the Megamall property. The brochure references a 4-story mega-retail development (http://www.sierraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/LogansCrossing_brochure_D_072914_8.5x11_sm.pdf) that is a long, skinny version of the new Mariano's development on Broadway and probably just as ugly (Antunovich strikes again).

However, the renderings show a different scheme with two floors of retail and underground parking... I doubt the underground parking would happen without some kind of TIF subsidy, even though it would produce a far more attractive and vibrant atmosphere along Milwaukee.

No mixed-use is being considered, apparently. This will be strictly an urban shopping center.

I take this back... Terraco now is considering some kind of residential component on the site in response to "resident feedback". We'll see what he comes back with.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140917/logan-square/megamall-officially-sold-apartments-grocery-store-part-of-100m-plan

[harryc]

With major new pedestrian eye-candy projects coming soon to Cermak between Michigan and McCormick, I've been thinking about how the big condo tower on the north side of Michigan and Cermak is currently a big blank wall of nothingness that'll be right across from the lovely new McHugh hotel and retail storefronts.

http://i.imgur.com/EEW2438l.jpg

Those look like they might be retail units in the front, just not occupied. Can anyone confirm?

In 2017 when these new projects are done, that building's going to be a bit of a visual continuity blockade for the redeveloped Cermak/Motor Row. Even if those are retail units and they can fill them up, I think they'd need to do some facade work to make it blend in more with the emerging neighborhood.

Nice looking building.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fpY34ArgXP8/VBrI7fXJoyI/AAAAAAACCys/BsO2t_tn3_A/w1207-h905-no/P1120209.JPG

Blending in with the existing neighborhood ;-)
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Am_LfnWbu3M/T7pBE77yrpI/AAAAAAABqAw/1G99ZCwQrLw/w899-h563-no/P1070632.JPG
[edit NATO 2012]

[chris08876]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

What's happening over there protest wise?

[harryc]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

what's happening over there protest wise?

nato - 2012

[the urban politician]

I take this back... Terraco now is considering some kind of residential component on the site in response to "resident feedback". We'll see what he comes back with.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140917/logan-square/megamall-officially-sold-apartments-grocery-store-part-of-100m-plan

One would hope that they don't feel the need to create ridiculous amounts of off street parking

[Jibba]

I take this back... Terraco now is considering some kind of residential component on the site in response to "resident feedback". We'll see what he comes back with.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140917/logan-square/megamall-officially-sold-apartments-grocery-store-part-of-100m-plan

The MPC has been conducting a lot of workshops with Rey Colón for a portion of Milwaukee that runs through the 35th, but no plan has been adopted by the Chicago Plan Commission (CPC) yet (if ever), unlike the Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Plan, which was adopted by the CPC. But that plan only covers Milwaukee between Western and California. Not sure what the area the workshops cover, but for some reason I remember it not covering the Mega Mall area as the ward boundary changes, I think, left it in a gray area (moot point anyway as the property has already been purchased).

Streetsblog Chicago (née the Grid) has a good analysis of all of that (http://chi.streetsblog.org/2014/08/25/without-planning-mega-parking-lot-could-replace-megamall/).

[orulz]

In fact, The Lex has a lot of retail space, enough for a supermarket.

Max contiguous retail space is 7885 square feet (http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/18479890/2138-South-Indiana-Avenue-Chicago-IL/) which would be awfully small for a supermarket these days. Total available space is 17,503sf which is in the range of what some chain grocers (like Aldi for example) would go for, but it is non contiguous so probably not feasible.

[wierdaaron]

Considering the changing neighborhood, they'd probably want fancy burger and taco places there anyway. There's going to be a sports stadium across the street.

[Mr Downtown]

Thanks, Orulz. I thought The Lex was originally planned with a lot more retail space.

[the urban politician]

Considering the changing neighborhood, they'd probably want fancy burger and taco places there anyway. There's going to be a sports stadium across the street.

Yeah, probably not the best place for a grocery store anyhow. If we are trying to encourage pedestrians to go from McCormick/arena to Motor Row, it's better to pass by smaller shops & cafes than a giant Whole Foods or something.

[Jim in Chicago]

Yeah, probably not the best place for a grocery store anyhow. If we are trying to encourage pedestrians to go from McCormick/arena to Motor Row, it's better to pass by smaller shops & cafes than a giant Whole Foods or something.

Especially with Mariano's practically around the corner on Clark and Whole Foods not that much farther away along with a Jewel across the street.

[Mr Downtown]

A supermarket a mile away (two miles to Whole Foods) is not within easy walking distance for most people. Even I think twice about the long, obstacle-strewn trip to Mariano's. If the South Loop is to become the kind of urban neighborhood we want it to be, there will need to be a supermarket in the Prairie District.

[wierdaaron]

It looks like there's developable land on the north side of Cermak to the west of Michigan. No question that the south loop, prairie district, or any part of town really could use more grocery stores. I just think that Michigan-McCormick stretch of Cermak is moving pretty quickly toward becoming a prominent entertainment district, which is better served by small retail than by a big grocery store.

I've never been to that new Mariano's without a zipcar. That section isn't super pedestrian friendly. That's Clark Street's problem, though.

[wierdaaron]

Rahm's going to propose a "Chicago River Corridor Special Sign District" to try to prevent more TRUMPs from happening.

Rahm Putting the Brakes on Large Signs Along Chicago River (http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/09/19/rahm-putting-the-brakes-on-large-signs-along-chicago-river.php) [Curbed Chicago]

[bcp]

gawd...we're saved! OT....but how are people taking to rahm? good / bad for the city / development?

this seems a little nanny-state to me...and of course completely subjective. visual clutter? this is a big city, visual clutter is part of what makes it great.

According to the Tribune, the ordinance is expected to be introduced next month, and its stated intention is to ensure that signs "do not detract from the character of the area, do not have a negative impact on the area, and do not create visual clutter."

[Vlajos]

gawd...we're saved! OT....but how are people taking to rahm? good / bad for the city / development?

this seems a little nanny-state to me...and of course completely subjective. visual clutter? this is a big city, visual clutter is part of what makes it great.

According to the Tribune, the ordinance is expected to be introduced next month, and its stated intention is to ensure that signs "do not detract from the character of the area, do not have a negative impact on the area, and do not create visual clutter."

Rahm seems unpopular with the masses. However, the alternatives are awful. I pray he wins in February.

[the urban politician]

Rahm's going to propose a "Chicago River Corridor Special Sign District" to try to prevent more TRUMPs from happening.

Rahm Putting the Brakes on Large Signs Along Chicago River (http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/09/19/rahm-putting-the-brakes-on-large-signs-along-chicago-river.php) [Curbed Chicago]

:duh :facepalm:

^ Wrong course of action. I can see Trump just laughing away at this news, perhaps to tears. This just insures that his tower with its gleaming T.R.U.M.P sign will dominate the riverfront, without any competition, for years and years to come. Totally playing into his hands..

[wierdaaron]

People who see this one sign ordinance out of context tend to react with "nanny state" sentiments, but the entire downtown area is covered by different signage regulations that, unknown to most people, are responsible for a lot of what people like about how the city looks. Without them, in some sort of libertarian fantasy alternate Chicago with no rules about aesthetics, the city would look like a complete and painful mess.

http://i.imgur.com/yklnyXh.jpg

No nannies there!

So, people are free to not like things like this, but they need to understand that they've been benefiting from them their whole lives and they most likely couldn't even imagine how different things would be without them.

[LouisVanDerWright]

^^^That looks awesome, I wish Chicago had a district like that. Devon Ave. is about as close as it comes with all the flashing LED ropes.

Rahm seems unpopular with the masses. However, the alternatives are awful. I pray he wins in February.

Amen. A lot of people don't like him, but that's because he is actually addressing issues that have sat for decades with nary a single serious attempt at solving them. The CPS is run by the mayor and it's current state is not a result of Rahm hating black people, it is a result of the CPS being left to stagnate for decades under Daley who never had the balls to stand up to the unions or the black voting block and make the politically costly moves necessary to bring the situation under control. These wounds have been festering under filthy bandages for decades and Rahm has come along and ripped the Band Aid off overnight. Of course the city is going to yelp a bit now, but eventually the wound is going to heal up a lot faster and cleaner if we start with a fresh scab and a fresh bandage.

The best politicians are the ones that leave all sides unsatisfied.

[k1052]

Rahm seems unpopular with the masses. However, the alternatives are awful. I pray he wins in February.

Whoever followed Daley was bound to be unpopular since our former mayor was living in make believe land with regards to the city's various and extensive budget problems. At least Rahm has also been strongly pro-development and will wade into snake pits to push stuff forward (CMH redevelopment would never have happened for example).

[wierdaaron]

^^^That looks awesome, I wish Chicago had a district like that. Devon Ave. is about as close as it comes with all the flashing LED ropes.

Yeah, a district. If it was suddenly everywhere we'd all be on heavy anxiety meds and looking for the first bus out of here.

[marothisu]

^^^That looks awesome, I wish Chicago had a district like that. Devon Ave. is about as close as it comes with all the flashing LED ropes.


Agreed. People are so protective of areas they don't live in. It's not like this is immoral. If you don't like it, then don't live there. It's as simple as that. It's not like they want to put bright lights everywhere. People act as if a few lights is going to ruin the city and send it into disarray. In reality, it would probably help with tourism. Not that I like Times Square, but look at that as an example. People eat that shit UP, and really, what is it? It's a bunch of bright advertisements, some guys dressed up as super heros walking around, and a makeshift plaza with some seats & tables in the middle surrounded by shitty food places nearby. There's absolutely nothing special about it, and yet it's a huge tourist attraction because of some bright lights. Do a ton of people live there? Not tons, but there's hotels.

[wierdaaron]

Times Square is also a product of strict signage ordinances (in their case, minimum signage and lighting as opposed to maximums). I wouldn't call that a nanny state.

If you want a neon signage district somewhere, you can have one. A lot of people want a peaceful, uncluttered riverfront, so we'll have one. These things are all the product of laws. You can't just look at one signage ordinance and say "how dare they?!" when you're standing in a city whose renowned beauty is a deliberate product of nearly identical ordinances.

[LouisVanDerWright]

Whoever followed Daley was bound to be unpopular since our former mayor was living in make believe land with regards to the city's various and extensive budget problems. At least Rahm has also been strongly pro-development and will wade into snake pits to push stuff forward (CMH redevelopment would never have happened for example).

^^^ Exactly which is why all his potential opponents are populists. The last thing we need right now is a populist who will continue ignoring major issues at the behest of certain special interest groups who have largely benefited from Daley's negligence. Have you noticed who Rahm has been targeting? It's the populists like Fioretti and the rest of the Progressive caucus clowns. Like all Chicago mayors, he just needs to win his second election and consolidate power and he'll be king for as long as he chooses. I am willing to bet we will see at least 3 to 4 of the progressive caucus aldermen bite the dust in the next cycle:

Nick Sposato and Fioretti are both gone for sure. John Arena has a good chance of biting it too and Rahm's super PAC already has enough cash to bury two or three more aldermen of the Mayor's choosing.

Also, Joe Moreno is probably more vulnerable than he seems. He may have just gotten Will Guizardi elected, but he burned some significant bridges doing so (Guizardi beat Toni Berrios who is Joe Berrios', a member of the old guard of Chicago politics, daughter. Not a good way to make friends). I've also heard numerous stories that Moreno is pretty brazen with his alderbeast powers. I even had a neighbor whose house was going up for sale who was approached by someone from Moreno's office and asked to sell the property to one of the alderman's friends. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen a "1st Ward Alderman - Joe Moreno" vehicle double parked blocking my street during one of the open houses with my very own eyes. I'd say the odd's are 50/50 that he ends up in jail within the next 5 years.

[wierdaaron]

The nice thing about Fioretti running for mayor and not for re-election is that when he loses he wont be in charge of anything anymore.

[marothisu]

Times Square is also a product of strict signage ordinances (in their case, minimum signage and lighting as opposed to maximums). I wouldn't call that a nanny state.

If you want a neon signage district somewhere, you can have one. A lot of people want a peaceful, uncluttered riverfront, so we'll have one. These things are all the product of laws. You can't just look at one signage ordinance and say "how dare they?!" when you're standing in a city whose renowned beauty is a deliberate product of nearly identical ordinances.


My point wasn't about control. My point was about the thought of people in Chicago that having a district with bright lights is going to ruin the city of Chicago. And yes, of course - have a district somewhere with that. My indirect point was that it will increase tourism too because people are attracted to bright lights even if there's really nothing special about the area (i.e. Times Square).

I can understand the protectionist attitude related to this of some areas, and rightfully so, but even down to the "lighting the river" proposal, I really don't think that the people bitching up a storm and claiming it wouldn't even work have much experience traveling to various parts of the world outside of the US.

[Jibba]

Since we're on the subject:

http://politics.suntimes.com/article/chicago/reilly-wants-classier-more-subtle-signs-along-michigan-ave/wed-09172014-239pm

I am all for this.

[the urban politician]

The nice thing about Fioretti running for mayor and not for re-election is that when he loses he wont be in charge of anything anymore.

^ What makes you think his replacement won't be even worse?

When Fio-shitty was running for Alderman many years ago, believe it or not many of us thought he would be good for the job. He certainly seemed better than Haithcock.

Lets also not forget that as neighborhoods gentrify, their Aldermen get more and more pander-hacky. It's nice to have Aldermen that don't care much for rich, spoiled people--developers can steamroll a lot of density through without much trouble. With gentrification you eventually get a hack Reilly at the helm, whose entire ward is saturated with whiners (SOAR excepted--one of the rare community groups whose position on development I usually agree with).

[sentinel]

Keep forgetting about this even though it's in my hood..

The new Presence hospital Center for Advanced Care, on Sheridan and Surf
http://wolfmediausa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/PresenceCenterforAdvancedCareVerticalreduced.gif

http://wolfmediausa.com/2013/03/15/outpatient-projects-commanding-presence/

Webcam shows current progress on the 4th/5th floor slabs
http://www.workzonecam.com/projects/presencehealth/presencehealth/workzonecam

[wierdaaron]

^ What makes you think his replacement won't be even worse?

Well thanks to the redistricting that cut the south loop into 3 different wards that the aldermen most likely won't care about because their base is way south, I'm not even going to be in Fioretti's ward come 2015.

I'm mad at Fioretti at the moment because he's basically abandoned the 2nd ward. The wards official website is now 100% a Fioretti-for-mayor site with no community content whatsoever, and if you call the ward office phone number you get a fax machine squeal then disconnected. It seems that with the ward changing soon and his campaign, he no longer cares about doing his job (or even casting votes in person), so the 2nd ward as it is now has no alderman or office.

[the urban politician]

^ Sounds like a good time to propose an 80 story highrise