CHICAGO | General Developments

[spyguy]

Maybe I missed something about the Ace, but weren't they reusing a warehouse? I don't see much of anything remaining.


Yes, the facade is temporarily attached to the shipping containers shown in first photo:
Ace Hotel in Fulton Market well under way. Crane going in next week.
http://i.imgur.com/FXcs1bJh.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/FXcs1bJ.jpg)


---
Some other Fulton Market developments I haven't seen posted:

1032 W Fulton - office/ retail designed by HPA. New 5 story building plus one story addition to the existing brick building
http://s7.postimg.org/py9wf9w3v/Screen_Shot_2016_03_06_at_11_14_44_AM.jpg
http://s7.postimg.org/bhmn0p6mj/Screen_Shot_2016_03_06_at_11_15_00_AM.jpg

1043 W Fulton - retail (Sterling Bay)
http://s17.postimg.org/rxigri2m7/Screen_Shot_2016_03_06_at_11_12_19_AM.jpg

1100 W Fulton - retail/office (Sterling Bay)
http://s17.postimg.org/usvjyd6m7/Screen_Shot_2016_03_06_at_11_12_35_AM.jpg

1115 W Fulton - retail/office (McCaffery Interests)
http://s27.postimg.org/uegsvsiw3/1115w_Fulton_Market_05_mmdzx6uv09n09zw9fde0seaqxa0.jpg

1201 W Lake - retail/office. Looks like another Antunovich special from McCaffery. Hopefully they don't land tenants before the much better Sterling Bay/Shapack office developments
http://s27.postimg.org/9vlwqq4yr/1201_W_Lake_Stree_mhem2nn7swumekime6rfeafu3elb3k.png

[VKChaz]

Saw a sign posted for 2050 (?) N Clark. IIRC: 6 story, 34 units, with 30 parking spaces on the first floor. Just wondered if anyone was familiar with the plans for this....

[aaron38]

The two towers at Milwaukee and California are coming along nicely. Up to the sixth floor I think. Looks good next to the L stop. Couldn't get a picture unfortunately.

[ithakas]

Kimski is almost done; a Polish-Korean restaurant on the vacant lot next to Maria's in Bridgeport. Looks interesting, evokes mid-century LA to me:

https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eEgXHByGnsx4_Ygi6M-YqylhAUw=/0x45:3064x1769/1310x737/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48980225/kimski.0.0.jpg
Source: Eater

[ChickeNES]

Loop retail vacancy lowest since at least 2002
Ryan Ori - Crain's Chicago Business - 3/7/2016

With more retailers pouring into the Loop in 2015, vacancy reached its lowest level in at least 14 years.

Overall vacancy fell to 9.9 percent last year, the lowest point since Stone Real Estate began compiling a Loop report in 2002, according to the Chicago-based retail brokerage.

Vacancy the past two years was 10.8 percent, which had been the lowest level. It peaked at 18.2 percent in 2004.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20160307/CRED02/160309873/loop-retail-vacancy-falls

[spyguy]

Looks like 1920 N Milwaukee has changed a bit.

http://s15.postimg.org/4bh6xx8wb/f23f22f485eb449ea15502e5d030307b.jpg
http://www.1920milwaukee.com/

[J_M_Tungsten]

Saw a rendering of a 6 story rental building posted on the old Union Park Lounge on the NW corner of Jackson/Racine. Not sure of a timeline though.

[Via Chicago]

Looks like 1920 N Milwaukee has changed a bit.

http://s15.postimg.org/4bh6xx8wb/f23f22f485eb449ea15502e5d030307b.jpg
http://www.1920milwaukee.com/

original for reference:

https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0F-KrR2c4Lod6b6_qL31Mf811bU=/800x450/filters:extract_focal():no_upscale():format(webp)/cdn3.vox-cdn.com/WAT3Ll8QAty6lKwCQzh1bbs8PSU=/28x0:476x336/cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47880435/1920-n-milwaukee.0.jpg

i liked the way the silver/grey played off the CTA station, but still not bad

[ardecila]

The address number at the top of the building is a little cheezy...

[the urban politician]

^ Really? It looks nice to me

[Via Chicago]

The address number at the top of the building is a little cheezy...

eh, its better than the mid 00's Wrigleyville condos that have all sorts of stupid half-assed branding etched into them. i just saw one that had "Imagine" carved in big block letters up there :uhh:

[emathias]

eh, its better than the mid 00's Wrigleyville condos that have all sorts of stupid half-assed branding etched into them. i just saw one that had "Imagine" carved in big block letters up there :uhh:

There's a vintage building on the NE corner of LaSalle and Superior with the name "Justus" above the door on the Superior side. I always kinda liked that, although it is fairly discrete.

[ardecila]

eh, its better than the mid 00's Wrigleyville condos that have all sorts of stupid half-assed branding etched into them. i just saw one that had "Imagine" carved in big block letters up there :uhh:

woof

[Mr Downtown]

If you look closely at the vintage apartment buildings of Chicago, you'll learn the names of many developers' wives and daughters.

Same with streetnames in postwar suburbs.

[Steely Dan]

eh, its better than the mid 00's Wrigleyville condos that have all sorts of stupid half-assed branding etched into them. i just saw one that had "Imagine" carved in big block letters up there :uhh:

back in another lifetime, i lived across the street from one of those wrigleyville 6-flats that was under construction at the time. it's called "The Sheffield", but someone fucked up the shop drawing review because when the first etched stone block was installed, it was spelled "The Scheffield", LOL!

the error was eventually, and sadly, corrected.

[mattshoe]

^The building across the street from me says "Kyiv" at the top. ha.

[Ned.B]

eh, its better than the mid 00's Wrigleyville condos that have all sorts of stupid half-assed branding etched into them. i just saw one that had "Imagine" carved in big block letters up there :uhh:

I don't know if that is too different from the 1923 Fullerton State bank in Lincoln Park that reads "Perfection" over the front door.

[Via Chicago]

I don't know if that is too different from the 1923 Fullerton State bank in Lincoln Park that reads "Perfection" over the front door.

Its not, although Id argue it was heavy handed then too

[Mr Downtown]

The Fullerton State Bank failed in 1931. In 1937 the building was sold to the Perfection Burial Garment Co., who added the sign.

[emathias]

I like it when buildings have names in foreign languages reflecting the immigration history of the neighborhood. Like some of the Norwegian churches in Logan Square, for example.

[Via Chicago]

The Fullerton State Bank failed in 1931. In 1937 the building was sold to the Perfection Burial Garment Co., who added the sign.

Interesting! That makes more sense.

[HowardL]

If you look closely at the vintage apartment buildings of Chicago, you'll learn the names of many developers' wives and daughters.

Same with streetnames in postwar suburbs.My favorites will forever be the mangled spellings of the two buildings on the south side of Addison just west of Halsted: "The,Fredona" and "The,Florence"

[SolarWind]

March 4, 2016

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/20160304_104343_zpsvm5dfiih.jpg

[SolarWind]

March 4, 2016

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/20160304_115338_zps0tbotugb.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/20160304_115422_zpsl8filseq.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/20160304_115435_zpsfutwb7h6.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/20160304_115750_zpsischs3w0.jpg

[SolarWind]

March 8, 2016

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/20160308_142613_zpsld6ya0cc.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/20160308_142520_zpsgo7wuqtd.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/20160308_142453_zpsqyohvggv.jpg

The first two pictures are of the Bridge Tender’s House at the northwest corner of the Adams Street Bridge. The last picture is the Bridge Tender’s House at the southeast corner.

[MultiModal]

The Walgreens in the Citadel is closing March 29th. I assume they are moving everything to the new State/Madison location.

[marothisu]

Looks like Giordano's is doing a big expansion into the basement, 1st, and 2nd floor of the space next to their restaurant at Rush & Superior in the same building. I walked by it last weekend and saw some construction type of stuff up and was wondering what was up. This is the building that Golub bought last year and wanted to build a few new hotels or whatever, and then Reilly shut it down.

[SamInTheLoop]

^ That proposal (which I was a big fan of btw ( :( to see it get killed), was by Albert Friedman and White Lodging as far as I know.........I think it was actually an SOM design (Chicago sees very, very few of these anymore.......did Golub purchase it afterward - or were they the original owner? Golub definitely avoids hotel projects.....I know this from Block 37, where they avoided it, and advocated against it, like the plague......

[James_Mac]

On the topic of vacancies in the Loop, I was walking past the Grant Thornton building on Randolph this morning and noticed work is being done in that vacant space between the Fifth Third Bank and the Corner Bakery - the space that's had posters of desserts up in the windows for at least a year or two now. Anyone know what's going in there?

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.884483,-87.63031,3a,75y,343.02h,91.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYDc1S7mPad2twQuC2OEFnA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[Jibba]

^ That proposal (which I was a big fan of btw ( :( to see it get killed), was by Albert Friedman and White Lodging as far as I know.........I think it was actually an SOM design (Chicago sees very, very few of these anymore.......did Golub purchase it afterward - or were they the original owner? Golub definitely avoids hotel projects.....I know this from Block 37, where they avoided it, and advocated against it, like the plague......

SOM design is across/down the street, IIRC. No idea if that's alive still.

[marothisu]

^ That proposal (which I was a big fan of btw ( :( to see it get killed), was by Albert Friedman and White Lodging as far as I know.........I think it was actually an SOM design (Chicago sees very, very few of these anymore.......did Golub purchase it afterward - or were they the original owner? Golub definitely avoids hotel projects.....I know this from Block 37, where they avoided it, and advocated against it, like the plague......

The SOM project I believe was near Erie, not Huron, and it was on the east side of the street - not the west like Giordano's is. I guess Victory Park Capital was the ones who wanted the hotel and then Golub bought it


SOM project - a different site:
http://chicago.curbed.com/2015/3/18/9979552/36story-hotel-and-apartment-tower-proposed-for-river-north

[r18tdi]

Curbed reported that the Foster + Partners Apple Store for Pioneer Court just landed a permit. :cheers:

[tintinex]

The Walgreens in the Citadel is closing March 29th. I assume they are moving everything to the new State/Madison location.

On no! well, just because I work at Citadel and it's very convenient especially since we can access it from inside the lobby. I'm looking forward to whatever replaces it

[SamInTheLoop]

SOM design is across/down the street, IIRC. No idea if that's alive still.


(and marothisu) Thanks. Who designed the 'tower of giordano's', then? (it's a real boom I'd say when I really start to lose track of/mix-up proposals, and it's, although not super common, definitely starting to occur with more frequency).....

[MayorOfChicago]

Curbed reported that the Foster + Partners Apple Store for Pioneer Court just landed a permit. :cheers:

With the soon to be wide open stairs leading down to the riverwalk on the northeast corner of the Michigan Ave bridge, and that lower level being flush with the lower level pedestrian bridge walkway over the river, do you think they could open that up more and create a natural flow from the Apple Store/Riverwalk on the north side across the river and down to the main riverwalk along the south side of the river?

It would be a nice way to pull those two elements together without having to cross any roads or "get lost" between one and the other. They need to spruce up that lower level sidewalk.

I really wish they could tie together the river access areas on the east and west sides of the Michigan Ave bridge (north side) and then also tie it across the Wrigley Building and over to the Trump river access. Those two gaps filled in could create a really solid stretch right in the heart of touristland.

[ardecila]

^ Not possible, unfortunately. The south side riverwalk narrowed the channel about as far as they can safely go, especially at a bend in the river.

It might be possible to carve some kind of walkway through the abutment like the riverwalk at Chicago Ave, but I don't think that's what you're envisioning...

[nomarandlee]

The first two pictures are of the Bridge Tender’s House at the northwest corner of the Adams Street Bridge. The last picture is the Bridge Tender’s House at the southeast corner.

Very cool.

I've wondered lateley how much it would cost to touch up or refurbish the bridge houses along the main branch. I'm guessing it wouldn't be cheap with scarce money but it would be nice if full restorarions happened within a short time after the riverwalk was completed.

[J_M_Tungsten]

^^^I was just thinking that too. I heard that several of the bridges were deemed in poor condition and will need repairs soon. Isn't that why Wells St. Bridge was replaced? Imagine if each bridge looked brand new. Love the grit and rust, but clean the stone and paint them to look uniform. If these bridges are going to be above a major tourist attraction, make them look presentable and safe.

[Busy Bee]

Would be an interesting concept to convert some of them to hotel cabins. Those would be the hottest rooms in town.

[BVictor1]

^ Not possible, unfortunately. The south side riverwalk narrowed the channel about as far as they can safely go, especially at a bend in the river.

It might be possible to carve some kind of walkway through the abutment like the riverwalk at Chicago Ave, but I don't think that's what you're envisioning...

I think he means access to the lower of Michigan Avenue so that pedestrians can cross the river as it's now blocked off.

Would be an interesting concept to convert some of them to hotel cabins. Those would be the hottest rooms in town.

Seeing as they're still used...

[MultiModal]

On the topic of vacancies in the Loop, I was walking past the Grant Thornton building on Randolph this morning and noticed work is being done in that vacant space between the Fifth Third Bank and the Corner Bakery - the space that's had posters of desserts up in the windows for at least a year or two now. Anyone know what's going in there?

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.884483,-87.63031,3a,75y,343.02h,91.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYDc1S7mPad2twQuC2OEFnA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I asked someone on the construction crew. They said a Scottrade

[the urban politician]

^ Scottrade bakes some nice cupcakes, I heard

[James_Mac]

I asked someone on the construction crew. They said a Scottrade
I'VE SPENT OVER A YEAR STARING AT FOUR FOOT TALL MACARONS AND ALL WE GET IS A SCOTTRADE?!?!!?? So disappointed in the world right now.

[Near North Resident]

^^^I was just thinking that too. I heard that several of the bridges were deemed in poor condition and will need repairs soon. Isn't that why Wells St. Bridge was replaced? Imagine if each bridge looked brand new. Love the grit and rust, but clean the stone and paint them to look uniform. If these bridges are going to be above a major tourist attraction, make them look presentable and safe.

I was always worried the Wells St. Bridge would just straight up fall in the river one day while I was on the bus or train, it was rusted REAL BAD

[MultiModal]

I'VE SPENT OVER A YEAR STARING AT FOUR FOOT TALL MACARONS AND ALL WE GET IS A SCOTTRADE?!?!!?? So disappointed in the world right now.

Stone Realty does that for a lot of their listings.

For 180 N Wabash (also one of these suites will be a Firehouse Subs)

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8852955,-87.6262359,3a,71.5y,267.02h,83.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sD3fuH6Vm6k7dQwQqSI4TCA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1

[harryc]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hXSanbIUSyw/VuGcKPwcULI/AAAAAAAEcdU/g2QW4BvW3NE/s1152-Ic42/IMG_3017.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Kp-6NGL39k/VuGbjrqwkBI/AAAAAAAEcdM/z_QQVZfdF8w/s1152-Ic42/IMG_3033.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-28s1-4i69gg/VuGbfQJCJxI/AAAAAAAEcdY/ZkCS9XO9iFo/s1152-Ic42/IMG_3019.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xOlOvbnlmWQ/VuGbg0o3EeI/AAAAAAAEcdE/8kFCQIhcZDg/s1152-Ic42/IMG_3028.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HFlb-AB9KAg/VuGbicROjTI/AAAAAAAEcdI/T5Itvfsv3vk/s1152-Ic42/IMG_3032.jpg

[harryc]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zblVzQ_4XxI/VuGiAg4lDsI/AAAAAAAEcdo/4j2-EfCjJPs/s1024-Ic42/IMG_3041.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wvFNEfiW2C0/VuGiA3smfCI/AAAAAAAEcds/Yvl_taaHeSU/s1152-Ic42/IMG_3050.CR2.jpg

[Swicago Swi Sox]

^Well, that escalated quickly!

[spyguy]

Nobu Hotel - Randolph
http://s28.postimg.org/kugz7qit9/Nobu_3.jpg
http://s28.postimg.org/ya3zx6rb1/Nobu_4.jpg
http://s28.postimg.org/nd2o8f4jh/Nobu_1.jpg
http://s7.postimg.org/up6c1vn2z/Nobu_2.jpg

[the urban politician]

^ So is this thing going to get built or are they gonna spend another 3 years drawing pictures of it?

[prelude91]

Assuming materials look good, this is fantastic, IMO.

[Jibba]

New plans for where the Strata mid-rise was planned:

The Applicant is seeking to amend the previously approved Type 1 Rezon¡ng in order to
redevelop the subject property (Parcel 1 and Parcel 2) with two (2) new mixed-use buildings,
pursuant to a new set of plans. Pursuant to the new proposed plans,.Parcel 1 will be redeveloped
with a new four-story mixed-use building, which will contain three (3) commercial spaces (1,072
sq ft; 3,042 sq ft, and 959 sq ft) and thirty eight (38) interior parking spaces, at grade level, with
forty -two (42) dwelling units - above (on Floors 2 thru 4). Parcel 2 will be redeveloped with a
new four-story mixed use building which will contain one commercial space (824 sq ft) and one
dwelling unit, at grade level, and six (6) dwelling units- above (on Floors 2 thru 4) - for a total of
seven (7) dwelling units. Exterior parking for three (3) vehicles will also be provided, at the rear of
Parcel 2. Each new proposed building will be masonry and glass in construction and measure 47'-
6" in height.

[J_M_Tungsten]

^ So is this thing going to get built or are they gonna spend another 3 years drawing pictures of it?

Bahahha really disappointing to see the height reduction on this though.

[LouisVanDerWright]

Bahahha really disappointing to see the height reduction on this though.

^ So is this thing going to get built or are they gonna spend another 3 years drawing pictures of it?

Lol, it's still not even approved, despite the haircut. Mark Hunt is in an incredibly incompetent developer. Again, I'd like to remind everyone of the Three Arts Club / Soho House deal he totally botched. How did he botch it? By being such a huge dick that the neighbors put the kabash on it. What is happening here? They still haven't gotten anything done and the neighbors are already circling, smelling blood in the water.

$10 says Hunt screws the pooch again and we have to wait another 5 years (just like with Soho) for someone else to clean up the mess and get a Nobu built here.

[r18tdi]

Lol, it's still not even approved, despite the haircut. Really? I thought the city OK'd it last summer?

[LouisVanDerWright]

Really? I thought the city OK'd it last summer?

I guess it did finally go through in September. Still pathetic. At least we can hopefully finally see this get built. Developments like this are the last thing Chicago should NIMBYs slow down.

[ardecila]

Nobu looks like a watered-down version of Lakeside Press. It'll come down to materials ultimately, but I'm cautiously optimistic.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/Calumet_Plant_R_R_Donnelly_and_Sons_Company_B_Chicago_IL.jpg/640px-Calumet_Plant_R_R_Donnelly_and_Sons_Company_B_Chicago_IL.jpg
src (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R.R._Donnelley_and_Sons_Co._Calumet_Plant)

[marothisu]

Looks like AllSaints (the London fashion house) is going to be coming back to Chicago and taking up the former Urban Outfitters space at Walton & Rush. Versace also going in there - supposed to open sometime soon I believe. Dior is also supposed to go into the same building.

[Jibba]

Nobu looks like a watered-down version of Lakeside Press. It'll come down to materials ultimately, but I'm cautiously optimistic.

It's disappointing that this had to come down to being a historicist copy rather than a modern evolution/interpretation of the vernacular like the previous design (sort of) achieved. The brick facing will undoubtedly be pre-laid panels with obvious cutlines that will give the whole show away.

[Near North Resident]

New plans for where the Strata mid-rise was planned:

I hope this works, I think the sales of the original condos were not going well, they were way too expensive IMO for that part of town

[gallo]

New Marianos on Broadway and Wellington. Still horribly out of scale, but looking slightly better (at least along south and east facades) now that glass is installed. Would have much more compatible with the area if that two-level parking deck was removed/underground.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a42/adamrosa/photo_zpsvz8uoiav.jpg (http://s8.photobucket.com/user/adamrosa/media/photo_zpsvz8uoiav.jpg.html)
source:me

[Jibba]

What a brutish monstrosity. Good grief.

[VKChaz]

What a brutish monstrosity. Good grief.
Even worse when viewed in person

[marothisu]

I'm glad there's not a vacant lot there anymore BUT it's just...horrible. Horrible.

[prelude91]

Even worse when viewed in person


Seconded. This thing is horrible in person. I'd rather have a surface lot.

[Jibba]

Even worse when viewed in person

I was on Broadway a little over a month ago, and I couldn't believe how much it loomed over the whole area. It really has an incredibly imposing presence.

[the urban politician]

^ I have no problem with the scale. It's just an ugly monstrosity. Large things can be beautiful. That, this is not...

[k1052]

Hah...glad I don't live around the corner anymore and have to look at this on a daily basis. It's like the bastard love child of a poor institutional build and a parking structure.

[VKChaz]

^ I have no problem with the scale. It's just an ugly monstrosity. Large things can be beautiful. That, this is not...
The scale is absolutely terrible for that location. And it is an ugly monstrosity

[the urban politician]

The scale is absolutely terrible is awesome and actually too small for that location. And it is an ugly monstrosity

Fixed that for ya :D

[jc5680]

http://www.j-carlson.com/ancilary/rw-march11.jpg

[Skyguy_7]

So... what in the hell is happening here? Appears to be pumping river water from the caisson sleeves, into a barge full of gravel, while it drains out the back. A filtering system is my only guess. Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

[jc5680]

More or less, They are pumping water from the whole area, not just the sleeves. Also, the gravel in the barge is a result of the pumping.

"The barge is being used as a settling basin for any sediment that may be present from the dewatering operation."

Walsh, Twitter (https://twitter.com/thebiggreenw/status/706884478313078784)

[SolarWind]

March 10, 2016

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/20160310_124516_zpsb3pm2gxg.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/20160310_124539_zpssfiu9pko.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/20160310_124617_zpsqa67prlb.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/20160310_124825_zpsc9zjiauj.jpg

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah214/ngc1976sct/20160310_124806_zps7ppjrmvf.jpg

[Ned.B]

^ I have no problem with the scale. It's just an ugly monstrosity. Large things can be beautiful. That, this is not...

I don't think the problem here is size, it's scale. In the general vicinity there are other large and even taller buildings, but none of them overwhelm the streetcape like this one does. It's features are sized for Streeterville, not a neighborhood street. If it had been broken down into smaller more human scaled parts, it may have been more palatable. Dividing up the first two floors to feel more like 3 or 4 would have helped as well, because as a 5 story building, it is freaking tall.

Of course it doesn't help that it is book-ended by very modest one story buildings, leaving two massive, windowless facades with high visibility.

[Busy Bee]

Well in its defense, Chicago does have a long history of retail monstrosities in the outer neighborhoods:

http://41.media.tumblr.com/d5f0ca09bca77e6fd104a120c7e6d532/tumblr_nzsdmuj7VP1qcaxqeo1_r1_1280.jpg
http://41.media.tumblr.com/d5f0ca09bca77e6fd104a120c7e6d532/tumblr_nzsdmuj7VP1qcaxqeo1_r1_1280.jpg

[hammersklavier]

New Marianos on Broadway and Wellington. Still horribly out of scale, but looking slightly better (at least along south and east facades) now that glass is installed. Would have much more compatible with the area if that two-level parking deck was removed/underground.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a42/adamrosa/photo_zpsvz8uoiav.jpg (http://s8.photobucket.com/user/adamrosa/media/photo_zpsvz8uoiav.jpg.html)
source:me
Eh the existing scale (single-story storefronts) can be interpreted as "massively underbuilt" but OH GOOD GOD THAT BUILDING IS UGLY
Well in its defense, Chicago does have a long history of retail monstrosities in the outer neighborhoods:

http://41.media.tumblr.com/d5f0ca09bca77e6fd104a120c7e6d532/tumblr_nzsdmuj7VP1qcaxqeo1_r1_1280.jpg
http://41.media.tumblr.com/d5f0ca09bca77e6fd104a120c7e6d532/tumblr_nzsdmuj7VP1qcaxqeo1_r1_1280.jpg
Punch some windows in the upper sales floors and that would be a rather handsome adaptive reuse IMO. Is it still standing?

[untitledreality]

New Marianos on Broadway and Wellington. Still horribly out of scale, but looking slightly better (at least along south and east facades) now that glass is installed. Would have much more compatible with the area if that two-level parking deck was removed/underground.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a42/adamrosa/photo_zpsvz8uoiav.jpg (http://s8.photobucket.com/user/adamrosa/media/photo_zpsvz8uoiav.jpg.html)
source:me

Do you want NIMBYs? Because this is how you get NIMBYs.

[SamInTheLoop]

^ It's Antunovich, right? Agree completely that this thing is horrific, and will only amplify and further entrench nimbyism in the area....

This was the parcel on which previous mixed-use design was by VDT, correct? Imagine the difference had that version of the project been built......absolutely night and day, no doubt...

[Remy_Bork]

I was wondering if anyone knows about a rather large building being constructed by the Armitage off ramp of the Kennedy. It's at the former site of the Riptide lounge at Armitage and Hermitage. It appears to be a condo or apartment building.

[the urban politician]

I was wondering if anyone knows about a rather large building being constructed by the Armitage off ramp of the Kennedy. It's at the former site of the Riptide lounge at Armitage and Hermitage. It appears to be a condo or apartment building.

New HQ of Bulley and Andrews

[nomarandlee]

In this article is the first render of the Lake-Franklin riverwalk segment I remember seeing of this kind.

http://www.loopnorth.com/news/riverwalk0311.htm

via LoopNorth.com
http://www.loopnorth.com/image/2016/riverwalk_render_boardwalk.jpg

Between Franklin and Lake, Boardwalk (above), says Hill, will be developed, at least for now, into a lawn “for people to sit and relax.”

It will have a ramp that connects the Riverwalk to Upper Wacker Drive.
..

[the urban politician]

^ I don't get it. If they are just going to build a lawn, then that will differ quite a bit from what is rendered.

[ardecila]

The switchback was always going to be in the plan. My guess is that they've replaced the giant water feature with a sloped lawn where people can picnic or hang out, like a grassy version of the River Theater but hopefully not so steep.

That fountain looked very 90s, anyway... like something you'd see in downtown Houston or Providence, not very interactive.

[denizen467]

It was probably mentioned here before, but Fletcher Jones is building a massive facility in River West no-man's land (i.e., the west bank between Halsted and Division), to be accessed from that little-travelled (and pregnant with potential) section of Elston between Chicago and Division.

www.fjchicago.com/elston-service-center (http://www.fjchicago.com/elston-service-center)

This will render obsolete the concrete monolith at Division and Northbranch, currently a Mercedes service center. Unfortunately though, they are marketing the building for other tenants starting in the fall, but we can hope it will be reclad (or torn down?).

The Elston service center is needed in part to support their large new Audi showroom at North and the Kennedy (under construction across from their existing Mercedes sales center), which will be devoted to sales and not support auto service.

The remaining question is what will become of their current Audi showroom at Clark and Maple, which was a pretty sexy reclad when they moved in several years ago. Assuming they vacate it, it's a great candidate for a Perillo expansion or some luxe follow up to the Aston Martin dealership already at the same intersection.

[VKChaz]

Fixed that for ya :D
This is not how neighborhoods are designed. That stretch of Broadway is not a large-sized commercial corridor, it is a quaint neighborhood street. This massive scale might be appropriate at North/Clybourn. It could not be more wrong here.

[ardecila]

It was probably mentioned here before, but Fletcher Jones is building a massive facility in River West no-man's land (i.e., the west bank between Halsted and Division), to be accessed from that little-travelled (and pregnant with potential) section of Elston between Chicago and Division.

www.fjchicago.com/elston-service-center (http://www.fjchicago.com/elston-service-center)

This will render obsolete the concrete monolith at Division and Northbranch, currently a Mercedes service center. Unfortunately though, they are marketing the building for other tenants starting in the fall, but we can hope it will be reclad (or torn down?).

The Elston service center is needed in part to support their large new Audi showroom at North and the Kennedy (under construction across from their existing Mercedes sales center), which will be devoted to sales and not support auto service.

The remaining question is what will become of their current Audi showroom at Clark and Maple, which was a pretty sexy reclad when they moved in several years ago. Assuming they vacate it, it's a great candidate for a Perillo expansion or some luxe follow up to the Aston Martin dealership already at the same intersection.

I'm fine with this, my only concern is that Elston or Augusta can be extended through the site in a few years as a traffic reliever to the new development around Chicago/Halsted...

[Via Chicago]

Punch some windows in the upper sales floors and that would be a rather handsome adaptive reuse IMO. Is it still standing?

not even close. this is englewood im afraid.

http://s12.postimg.org/r7vmvsl4t/2016_03_14_10_14_44_W_63rd_St_Google_Maps.png

also, blame Antunovich all you want, but the blame lies with Marianos for hiring them in the first place. they gave the client what they wanted. if these shit firms stop getting work and the clients gain even a modicum of urban sensitivity, the problem disappears. both deserve public flogging and shaming.

[Busy Bee]

It's astonishing to contemplate that 63/Halsted isn't the result of some war. Probably the most tragic loss story of any Chicago neighborhood. Seeing pictures of it brings me back to how sad and upset I would get when looking at the book Lost Chicago when I was a little kid.

[Via Chicago]

^
and to add insult to injury, even more is being lost due to the rail yard expansion. one indignity after another.

[emathias]

It's astonishing to contemplate that 63/Halsted isn't the result of some war. Probably the most tragic loss story of any Chicago neighborhood. Seeing pictures of it brings me back to how sad and upset I would get when looking at the book Lost Chicago when I was a little kid.

On the Facebook group "Forgotten Chicago" there have been a number of cool West Side buildings posted recently, showing vibrant, intact streets from the 1950s. It's really sad looking at those decimated, destroyed blocks today. It's incredibly sad to think what the West Side was like 60 years ago compared to today.

[Jibba]

Do you want NIMBYs? Because this is how you get NIMBYs.

The NIMBYs were well aware of how this was going to turn out. I spoke to Michael Demetriou of SELVN about this while it was still being deliberated, and ultimately, they endorsed it despite being "deeply conflicted" about it. I suppose everyone was impatient with all of the prolonged rigmarole and legal drama that killed the prior proposals, and they were eager to have something there.

The real losers are the folks that live on Waterloo Court, whose homes are going to abut the ass end of the garage. The pitiful gesture of a "park" that they're putting there as a buffer isn't going to come close to ameliorating its presence.

[harryc]

Off the plaza between Trump and Wrigley - showing respect and deference to the neighborhood by embracing the BEIGE !

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jVAFxyvacLc/VugZzujkQPI/AAAAAAAEcs4/xwRFbQEdoBoI1pm3Sw_Mw5vehtGUs3OvQCCo/s912-Ic42/P1400653.JPG

[rlw777]

More nonsense from Friends of the Parking Lots

Design changes sideline Maggie Daley Park restaurant project (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-maggie-daley-park-restaurant-delay-met-0315-20160314-story.html) from Chicago Tribune

Over the past year, the restaurant's design has been scaled back significantly. The square footage of the building was cut roughly in half, from 15,750 square feet to 8,000, according to the Park District. Additionally, the restaurant will be set back from Monroe Street about 37 feet, 5 feet farther than the plans called for last March, and the height of the restaurant was changed from nearly 25 feet to 23 feet 6 inches, the district said.

...

Moore said the group asked for the building's height to be reduced by another 10 feet, from 27 feet — counting the protective guardrail — down to 17 feet tall. But the Park District balked at the group's request.

[Busy Bee]

On the Facebook group "Forgotten Chicago" there have been a number of cool West Side buildings posted recently, showing vibrant, intact streets from the 1950s. It's really sad looking at those decimated, destroyed blocks today. It's incredibly sad to think what the West Side was like 60 years ago compared to today.

Well we all know Chicago is a mixture of tragedy and triumph. Most like tragedy in the lowest socioeconomic swaths and most like triumph in the wealthiest. The causes of which cannot be grasped by one simple explanation or cast of blame and could be debated ad infinitum.

[Via Chicago]

More nonsense from Friends of the Parking Lots

Design changes sideline Maggie Daley Park restaurant project (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-maggie-daley-park-restaurant-delay-met-0315-20160314-story.html) from Chicago Tribune

why do we need another politically connected restaurant here anyway. let people patronize loop businesses.

[Swicago Swi Sox]

Off the plaza between Trump and Wrigley - showing respect and deference to the neighborhood by embracing the BEIGE !

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jVAFxyvacLc/VugZzujkQPI/AAAAAAAEcs4/xwRFbQEdoBoI1pm3Sw_Mw5vehtGUs3OvQCCo/s912-Ic42/P1400653.JPG

I walk through here often. Looks more like a primer or sealer than the final product. This space is being renovated into a sit down restuarant by Billy Lawless, whose other spots include The Gage and The Dawson. I'd expect some major exterior design changes...per crains:

Changes to the building's exterior and the plaza's landscaping are being designed to accommodate Lawless' restaurant, she said.

“Ownership's goal is to make it more user-friendly and prettier,” Karr said. “It will continue all the great redevelopment work that the people at Wrigley did. It expands the Michigan Avenue experience when you can walk through that pathway and find a lovely dining experience instead of fast food.”

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20150506/CRED03/150509908/gage-owner-moves-into-space-off-mag-mile

[Mr Downtown]

I wonder what possible justification there could be for resisting a fancy restaurant in the park?

http://i.imgur.com/oUOn8dk.jpg

[the urban politician]

why do we need another politically connected restaurant here anyway. let people patronize loop businesses.

Agreed. I wouldn't call out Friends of the Parks on this one. This is a legitimate complaint--in fact I don't think there should be a restaurant there at all

[marothisu]

I wonder what possible justification there could be for resisting a fancy restaurant in the park?

http://i.imgur.com/oUOn8dk.jpg


Would you say that North Pond, the restaurant in Lincoln Park, is not a good idea then and shouldn't exist?