CHICAGO | General Developments

[Mr Downtown]

Garfield Park Center for the Arts

Sure to be as spectacularly successful as the Harold Washington Cultural Center!

[BrinChi]

May 1, 2018

https://i.imgur.com/5n0Y84o.jpg

https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/1/24/16927686/demolition-west-loop-historic-building-burnham (https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/1/24/16927686/demolition-west-loop-historic-building-burnham)


Those SOBs. This is criminal!

[marothisu]

Hey, if EGP can implement some new arts district (though technically there is one in West Garfield Park I think but just a few lofts) then more power to them. Hell of a lot better than what's on the site today.

[ardecila]

I never really understood how this would work, as there's not a corresponding vacant lot on the south side of Congress to use for the other end of the bridge. The former Mobil station parcel is east of Plymouth, not east of Dearborn.

I assume Beeby hand-waved away the little taxpayer building at 41 W. Congress. That sliver parcel actually could be (and was) developed privately after Congress Parkway ripped Printers' Row a new one.

http://i68.tinypic.com/a0zcch.jpg

[i_am_hydrogen]

The mid-rise on North and Clark is under construction.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UAUDILOQeooDN93yzV1pGaqoS28=/0x0:958x736/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:958x736)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8904557/101_north_after.png

https://chicago.curbed.com/2017/7/24/16018488/chicago-old-town-development-north-clark-redesign

[the urban politician]

^ Nice. I hope they use good materials

[sentinel]

Sure to be as spectacularly successful as the Harold Washington Cultural Center!

Considering the different times, different locations, different parties involved bewteen the Garfield Park project and the Harold Washington Cultural Center, the only thing I can logically deduce from your sardonic statement is an expectation of failure since both centers are in primarily African-American neighborhoods?

[Notyrview]

^^^yuck

[Mr Downtown]

expectation of failure since both centers are in primarily African-American neighborhoods?

More about there being no market demand, no sponsoring group or agency to take ownership, no organization doing programming that's in need of a new venue. You end up like the Chicago Avenue Wieboldt's or the Obama Center. Let's put up a shiny new (or restored) building and then find something to fill it with!

The Harold Washington Cultural Center was such an albatross that the city finally forced the City Colleges system to quietly take it over.

I did think this was a humorous detail:

https://i.imgur.com/9M1NCP5.png

Presumably the po-po are out looking for that stray dog behind the wall.

[the urban politician]

More about there being no market demand, no sponsoring group or agency to take ownership, no organization doing programming that's in need of a new venue. You end up like the Chicago Avenue Wieboldt's or the Obama Center. Let's put up a shiny new (or restored) building and then find something to fill it with!

The Harold Washington Cultural Center was such an albatross that the city finally forced the City Colleges system to quietly take it over.

Isn't that essentially the same issue as building an office building on spec?

Might as well criticize those for inevitably failing as well....except that we generally don't.

[Mr Downtown]

Because no private developer builds unless the preleased tenants cover his pro forma. Thus, they seldom fail.

When government develops, it has a different calculation.

[the urban politician]

Because no private developer builds unless the preleased tenants cover his pro forma. Thus, they seldom fail.

When government develops, it has a different calculation.

Uhhh, no... That's what "on spec" means. No leases, or preleases. 645 w Madison is one example, Old Post Office another, and plenty of recent industrial/distribution centers in recent years have been built this way

[Vlajos]

Uhhh, no... That's what "on spec" means. No leases, or preleases. 645 w Madison is one example, Old Post Office another, and plenty of recent industrial/distribution centers in recent years have been built this way

Even condo buildings can be built without presales. Not as common as it used to be, but it happens.

[moorhosj]

More about there being no market demand, no sponsoring group or agency to take ownership, no organization doing programming that's in need of a new venue. You end up like the Chicago Avenue Wieboldt's or the Obama Center.

Your obvious bias is showing here. The Obama Center has all of the things you claim it lacks (market demand, a sponsoring group, organizational programming). It seems like you have a different beef, just be honest about it.

[marothisu]

Good news. The auto-centric drive thru Central Savings bank at 3808 N Lincoln Ave (Lincoln & Grace) got a permit issued the other day for a new 4 story, 15 unit building with ground floor commercial. Unfortunately 17 car spots. Not a big thing but it definitely gets rid of just one more auto centric development in the middle of a main street that should not have something like that. It's been torn down for a number of months.

The developer is Barrett Homes who has built some pretty expensive homes in the last year or two in Lincoln Park on streets like Burling going for at least $4.75M. Based on the estimated cost of construction here, I'm guessing these won't be cheap (my guess is starting at least at $700K - $750K each). Architect is 360 Design Studio

More recently:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/3808+N+Lincoln+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60613/@41.9508532,-87.6764339,3a,75y,245.08h,85.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8D1K_hHOBRk2hfxZv9d_sw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2418b15604d:0x7886ab0c9da34127!8m2!3d41.950769!4d-87.6767295


May Zoning Agenda News

Please check high rise thread for a piece of great high rise news..

1) 4906-18 N Clark St (Clark & Ainslie). Proposed new 4 story, 54 unit building with ground floor retail. Would replace this industrial auto body shop + lot:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/4906+N+Clark+St,+Chicago,+IL+60640/@41.9720185,-87.6678369,3a,75y,304.99h,84.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-LZgsumoMieGyC5zDEwIZw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd22626c11cb9:0x7dc0bbc7a20642de!8m2!3d41.9721604!4d-87.6682461

2) There is a hotel proposed for the old Chinatown Library branch at 2323 S Wentworth. 4 story addition with 168 total new hotel rooms. This implies the structure would be 5 or 6 stories (depending on where they put the addition) if completed.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/2353+S+Wentworth+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60616/@41.8492342,-87.6319577,3a,75y,31.58h,91.57t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9hdF1SzoNJHdZCOfjpQPfA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2c64683a3aa7:0x3db5aac85fd393d!8m2!3d41.8494563!4d-87.6317029

3) 816-32 W Cullerton. 5 total buildings proposed - 4 of them at 4 stories (6 units each) and 1 of them at 3 stories (5 units). 29 total units. This is just a little west of Halsted. Right now it's completely a crappy looking vacant lot which has been vacant since at least 2007. The developer is Condor Partners.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/816+W+Cullerton+St,+Chicago,+IL+60608/@41.8553258,-87.6475249,3a,75y,345.35h,89.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s*211m3*211y9803822195379376183*212y1400798419459565495*213m0*212m2*211x418553337*212x3418491599*213m2*211y9803823596790125333*212y11857682521789101325*215m2*211x418553337*212x3418491599!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2c5804ad9037:0x1370a2bda1d0e7b7!8m2!3d41.8553337!4d-87.6475697

[the urban politician]

^ This mini boom of hotels in Chinatown is interesting.

I still wish they would develop those lots next to the Red Line there.

[ardecila]

Uhhh, no... That's what "on spec" means. No leases, or preleases. 645 w Madison is one example, Old Post Office another, and plenty of recent industrial/distribution centers in recent years have been built this way

Yeah, but you only do this when you’re damn sure you can find tenants. If the market is hot and supply is limited, or if rigorous market research indicates strong demand. The developer still has to answer to the lender, as you well know. They don’t have the luxury of building just for building’s sake.

For a public facility, you’d want to see evidence of need. “This lot is a vacant eyesore” does not mean “we need (and will make good use of) an expensive new building”. If there are existing cultural organizations in the neighborhood that are strained for space, or if there is large population growth, maybe a new cultural facility is warranted. In East Garfield Park? I don’t see it. They’d be better off rezoning the street to RT-4 or something and let people build single-family homes or townhouses. Could even offer homes on triple lots, with layouts you can’t get elsewhere in the city.

[Pioneer]

Created by the Garfield Park Chamber of Commerce

https://i.imgur.com/6RtPUzB.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2PaIXvA.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/AtajrKg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8GSVSWI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UwcaeeB.jpg

Please also sign our petition to block a plan to build a gas station on the NE corner of the intersection.

https://www.change.org/p/garfield-park-chamber-of-commerce-oppose-fonia-oil-inc-proposed-gas-station-in-east-garfield-park-at-2748-50-west-madison... (https://www.change.org/p/garfield-park-chamber-of-commerce-oppose-fonia-oil-inc-proposed-gas-station-in-east-garfield-park-at-2748-50-west-madison?recruiter=504737939&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=share_for_starters_page)

kwality render

[LouisVanDerWright]

I was gonna say: I didn't know people were using Minecraft as a rendering software these days...

Also, why is it that people think arts are the key to turning around neighborhoods? I'm looking at you John Arena...

[the urban politician]

I was gonna say: I didn't know people were using Minecraft as a rendering software these days...

Also, why is it that people think arts are the key to turning around neighborhoods? I'm looking at you John Arena...

These community plans just enrich consulting firms, I get tired of them.

Nobody is going to build diddly shit here until the demographics are better. Sorry, but despite the usual howls and moaning, there needs to at least be some gentrification. There needs to be voluntary debt financing.

[LouisVanDerWright]

Yeah the artists will show up on their own (probably more likely without some gimmick "design center") once the NW and SW sides are too pricey. Also EGP better get in line if they want that because there's literally dozens of other areas in the city just waiting for their turn.

[mark0]

I think with the significant headwinds against brick and mortar retail even in prime location, the city needs to get majorly proactive about areas like Madison through East Garfield Park, and have some sort of give away of land and no property taxes or something to spur development. They are never going to develop on their own, we are facing decades of lost tax revenues, so why not at least get them occupied and paying sales taxes, it's better than nothing. I know this sounds similar to the theory behinds TIFs but this would be a tax break instead of a tax slush fund. I dont see any other way except wait a half century for demand to catch up.

[PKDickman]

Also, why is it that people think arts are the key to turning around neighborhoods? I'm looking at you John Arena...

Artists have played a role in successful gentrification pretty much since we invented it.

They need to be enticed in, but they are not looking for the same things the rest of the people are. They don't need trendy night spots or fine dining, or even an arts building.
They are looking for cheap rents, space to work, and to be left alone to be creative.
You can rent them a crappy apartment and they will fix it up themselves. They will live in illegal loft conversions with no kitchen or bath. And they are not afraid of rough areas if their other needs are fulfilled
In their wake, they stem decay, gradually improve the neighborhood and eventually convince the non-artists to participate.
They are like planting your field in clover.
It's not a cash crop, but it stems erosion, improves the soil and is easy to hoe under when it's time to plant corn.

[Via Chicago]

Yeah the artists will show up on their own (probably more likely without some gimmick "design center") once the NW and SW sides are too pricey. Also EGP better get in line if they want that because there's literally dozens of other areas in the city just waiting for their turn.

artists are already in these neighborhoods (south side, west garfield park, et) for obvious reasons (price and space). theyre there long before people realize theyre there, because they are are willing to tolerate unsexy areas if it means they can afford to create their work, throw events without pesky neighbors, etc. A lot of this does happen organically. First wave is DIY spaces and punk squats. Eventually people start venturing into these neighborhoods who wouldnt have otherwise, either because theres an event or to visit their artist friends, and the area becomes more normalized for someone who might not have been caught dead there 5 years prior. Coffee and cocktails is 4th wave and pretty removed from anything having to do with artistic creation in the first place (plus it means higher rents which means the true artists need to move again, which theyd prefer not).

that said, programmed artist housing/spaces can help spur some of these clusters, assuming its done comptently. for example, the whole Artspace (http://www.artspace.org/our-places/pullman-artspace-lofts) organization which is building hosing in Pullman (although its been taking a while to get off the ground)

[Vlajos]

that said, programmed artist housing/spaces can help spur some of these clusters, assuming its done comptently. for example, the whole Artspace (http://www.artspace.org/our-places/pullman-artspace-lofts) organization which is building hosing in Pullman (although its been taking a while to get off the ground)

I think Artspace ran into NIMBYs in Pullman. Which is crazy.

[west-town-brad]

http://www.kifdev.com/1966-north-milwaukee

plans for another existing vacant lot at Western, Armitage, & Milwaukee

[Via Chicago]

I think Artspace ran into NIMBYs in Pullman. Which is crazy.

i thought it was delayed mostly because it ran into some red tape (https://chicago.curbed.com/2017/12/6/16740930/pullman-artspace-lofts-historic-preservation), but this makes it sound like still on track for 2019 (https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/2/14/16987774/construction-pullman-development-artist-lofts). but yea, better part of the decade to get off the ground

[Vlajos]

i thought it was delayed mostly because it ran into some red tape (https://chicago.curbed.com/2017/12/6/16740930/pullman-artspace-lofts-historic-preservation), but this makes it sound like still on track for 2019 (https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/2/14/16987774/construction-pullman-development-artist-lofts). but yea, better part of the decade to get off the ground

there were NIMBY rumblings, but maybe nothing leading to a delay.

https://southsideweekly.com/the-more-things-change/

[marothisu]

Here's some April 2018 sales data from realtor.com by community area. I only have this data going back to September 2017, but the following CAs had their highest numbers in that 8 month period in April 2018:

Near North Side, Lakeview, West Town, Near West Side, Edgewater, Logan Square,Portage Park, North Center, Dunning, Jefferson Park, Grand Boulevard, Forest Glen, Morgan Park, East Garfield Park, Calumet Heights, Pullman, and Fuller Park.

Many others pretty close to setting 8 month highs.

Top 25 By Number of Sales
1. Near North Side: 302 sales
2. Lakeview: 233
3. West Town: 232
4. Lincoln Park: 151
5. Near West Side: 141
6. Edgewater: 117
7. Logan Square: 103
8. Uptown: 95
9. Loop: 91
10. Portage Park: 76
11. North Center: 75
12. Lincoln Square: 71
13. Austin: 68
14. Near South Side: 67
15. Irving Park: 59
16. Dunning: 56
17. West Ridge: 54
18. Auburn Gresham: 53
19. Belmont Cragin: 51
20T. Jefferson Park: 49
20T. Rogers Park: 49
20T. Roseland: 49
23. Garfield Ridge: 44
24. Chicago Lawn: 43
25. Humboldt Park: 41

Top CAs by Increase of Sales from Mar 2018 to Apr 2018:
1. Edgewater: +45 sales
2. West Town: +34
3T. Near North Side: +31
3T. Near West Side: +31
5. Lakeview: +28
6. Chicago Lawn: +23
7. Lincoln Park: +19
8T. Garfield Ridge: +17
8T. Jefferson Park: +17
10. Portage Park: +14
11. Belmont Cragin: +13
12. Forest Glen: +12
13T. East Garfield Park: +11
13T. Irving Park: +11
13T. Roseland: +11
16T. Calumet Heights: +10
16T. Dunning: +10
16T. Little Village: +10
19T. Chatham: +9
19T. Morgan Park: +9
21T. Logan Square: +8
21T. Norwood Park: +8
21T. Rogers Park: +8
24T. Beverly: +7
24T. West Englewood: +7

Top CAs by Increase of Sales from Mar 2018 to Apr 2018:
1. The Loop: -38 sales
2. South Chicago: -12
3. Ashburn: -10
4. Hermosa: -9
5. Avondale: -8
6. West Garfield Park: -8
7T. Kenwood: -7
7T. Near South Side: -7
7T. Woodlawn: -7
10T. Brighton Park: -6
10T. South Deering: -6

[BVictor1]

Aon Center, 200 East Randolph Street

Representatives of the 601W Companies Chicago LLC development team will present their plans and answer questions about a proposed AON Building Observatory and Amendment to Residential Business Planned Development No. 70, Sub-Area B.

WHAT: Proposed AON Building Observatory and PD Amendment

WHO: Hosted by Alderman Brendan Reilly and the
Chicago Loop Alliance

WHEN: Monday, May 14, 2018, 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

WHERE: Mid-America Club, 80th Floor
200 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601

[Kumdogmillionaire]

Does the Observatory proposal here have anything to do with that wacky glass elevator idea they floated around recently?

[BVictor1]

Does the Observatory proposal here have anything to do with that wacky glass elevator idea they floated around recently?

probably

[KWillChicago]

Does the Observatory proposal here have anything to do with that wacky glass elevator idea they floated around recently?

Im pretty sure it has to do with the cafe/cocktail lounge ,like the signature lounge at JH, and roof observation deck. But i wouldn't be surprised if they float a proposal for the star trek elevator idea. Haha.

[the urban politician]

I will definitely be checking this out when it’s built

[SolarWind]

May 4, 2018

https://i.imgur.com/LKHph2S.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/y87G4T9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vheNLYU.jpg

https://imgur.com/ZJkmrHo.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qTMHT8M.jpg

[LouisVanDerWright]

artists are already in these neighborhoods (south side, west garfield park, et) for obvious reasons (price and space). theyre there long before people realize theyre there, because they are are willing to tolerate unsexy areas if it means they can afford to create their work, throw events without pesky neighbors, etc. A lot of this does happen organically. First wave is DIY spaces and punk squats. Eventually people start venturing into these neighborhoods who wouldnt have otherwise, either because theres an event or to visit their artist friends, and the area becomes more normalized for someone who might not have been caught dead there 5 years prior. Coffee and cocktails is 4th wave and pretty removed from anything having to do with artistic creation in the first place (plus it means higher rents which means the true artists need to move again, which theyd prefer not).

that said, programmed artist housing/spaces can help spur some of these clusters, assuming its done comptently. for example, the whole Artspace (http://www.artspace.org/our-places/pullman-artspace-lofts) organization which is building hosing in Pullman (although its been taking a while to get off the ground)

Yup, I understand all that, I never said they will show up once there's cocktail bars. I said they will show up once the more desirable run down areas are all inundated with cocktail bars. There's a finite number of artists in Chicago and sure, there's some in EGP, but one thing I also know about them is that they gravitate to we'll preserved cool old buildings. Some parts of Garfield Park fit that bill like over by the California stop, but fifth city isn't it. And no Minecraft village is going to change that. New construction is never viable for artists because it's too expensive and lacks the character that draws them.

If there's any west side neighborhood that's in that mode right now it's Lawndale. There's several warehouses (including the one right by the Kedize Pink Line that got shut down by the fire Dept) being used as ad hoc live/work space and I know several people who have recently picked up $30k or $40k greystone two flats to do exactly what you are saying.

South Lawndale is even further down this path, one of my neighbors is an artist who bought a beautiful brick 4 flat a few years after I started buying down there for like $130k. He's restored the whole thing and has been renting to fellow artists. So yeah, I get how the process works. Ain't no cocktail bars by most of my investments yet, but I know where the popular areas are and have been investing accordingly. Hell, probably a third of my tenants are artists or music types.

[marothisu]

There's a difference between actual art and the BS of the art world with most collectors. Art needs to happen organically but stuff like this while it would be cool, would not be organic. Something like with what Theaster Gates is doing is more organic - he's an actual artist and isn't lining his area with art galleries. The EGP "proposal" is not like that nor is it necessarily something organic. I would love to see something good happen there but it's probably brought on with the same people who go to museums and think that every piece of art has to speak to them. The type of people who stand in front of a painting for 5 minutes trying to desperately feel some emotion without understanding that art is personal and not every piece of art (strike that - most pieces of art) are going to actually speak to you. This reminds me though of what my sister told me about a show one of her friends did. They were making fun of some people who were, in front of the artist (her friend), talking about the meaning of her friend's art in terms like "The artist was _____" but it turns out this painting was just some BS done while drunk and literally had no meaning behind it - but it turned out well.

Artists coming in is like one of the first stages in potential gentrification but that's in a long process. You don't need an area to get artsy to gentrify or whatever, but I am a firm believer in the arts in general having a positive impact on an area (or potential positive impact).

[BrinChi]

These community plans just enrich consulting firms, I get tired of them.

Nobody is going to build diddly shit here until the demographics are better. Sorry, but despite the usual howls and moaning, there needs to at least be some gentrification. There needs to be voluntary debt financing.

The architect is a one-man firm and I'm pretty sure he put this together pro-bono. And all of the land is privately owned by millionaires looking for the right way to invest. I'm disappointed but not surprised to see some pretty cynical responses. If anyone can point to successful examples of revitalization and how targeted investments (public or private) can help push that along, please share. This area is eligible to receive funds from the NOF, which has already banked hundreds of millions. How can this best be used to spur growth and development? I am a fan of multiple smaller investments -- fix broken sidewalks, maintain pedestrian crosswalks, pick up trash regularly, plant trees...

Demographics in the area are already improving, and if the economy can hold on for a couple more years this will continue. I think the 2020 census will show this. It's a quite diverse area (North of Monroe) I am going to try to push the Garfield Park Chamber of Commerce to advocate for more housing development so that any businesses that actually do open will be well supported locally and not rely on attracting visitors or people driving through.

[harryc]

April 1

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/951/41867433032_aae66d4d82_h.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/948/40103368660_186a32ee32_h.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/970/41193175574_65fcacfab1_h.jpg

[Fvn]

The Van Buren's crane is coming down

[harryc]

April 30

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/945/41871070972_77c90d8d08_h.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/868/40107537160_05db2e4ca4_h.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/972/41871065322_3388199846_h.jpg

[Tcmetro]

The gravel lot at Ashland/Harrison where the Rush expansion is supposed to be has had yellow parking lot lines painted and a little attendant booth placed on the Congress side.

[r18tdi]

What's going on with the Wrigley mansion?
I read that it sold recently, but I assumed it would stay SFH...

[J_M_Tungsten]

The gravel lot at Ashland/Harrison where the Rush expansion is supposed to be has had yellow parking lot lines painted and a little attendant booth placed on the Congress side.

The building will still happen. Plans are being revised based on services moving to the new facility, and that may dramatically alter what early concepts have been seen before. The lot will temporarily be turned into surface parking to ease employee and patient parking issues until plans are finalized, and ground can be broke.

[marothisu]

What's going on with the Wrigley mansion?
I read that it sold recently, but I assumed it would stay SFH...

Yes. Probably just needs various repairs...

[Via Chicago]

but seems weird to brand a private home renovation, assuming its already sold (or was that fencing from prior?)

[marothisu]

but seems weird to brand a private home renovation, assuming its already sold (or was that fencing from prior?)

Who bought it? Could just be a developer who bought it, then is going to resell after

[Via Chicago]

Who bought it? Could just be a developer who bought it, then is going to resell after

didnt consider that, but that would make more sense. hopefully theyre tasteful and sensitive with the inteior. judging by the photos, it looks pretty incredible as-is. but i do worry what kind of changes and value-adds theyre going to slap on to make this worth their while...

[phanta721]

https://i.imgur.com/mORZccoh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RxydIQeh.jpg

[LouisVanDerWright]

didnt consider that, but that would make more sense. hopefully theyre tasteful and sensitive with the inteior. judging by the photos, it looks pretty incredible as-is. but i do worry what kind of changes and value-adds theyre going to slap on to make this worth their while...

My sister is friends with the daughter of the family that used to own this house. She said the interior is spectacular, but part of that is because it hasn't ever been totally rebuilt. It has older wiring, heating, plumbing, etc. They are probably going to redo all the infrastructure kitchens and bathrooms and restore the original features. It has pretty much all of the original trim and doors. I think it's landmarked inside and out.

[gebs]

May 5 2018, 61 E Banks:

https://i.imgur.com/XtHaZBFh.jpg

[J_M_Tungsten]

Any one know what the crane is just west of the McD’s headquarters?

[r18tdi]

Any one know what the crane is just west of the McD’s headquarters?
The gray one that is just now going up (https://buildingupchicago.com/2018/05/07/skender-plants-a-tower-crane-stub-for-the-new-west-loop-hyatt-house/)? Probably the hotel at 113 N. May. Unless you're seeing yellow crane of Hayden?

[Rizzo]

The gems core looks downright quaint next to soaring vista

[KWillChicago]

At least we're getting a mini spire. Lol.

https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/5/7/17328518/santiago-caltrava-riverfront-sculpture

[SolarWind]

May 7, 2018

https://i.imgur.com/QcamhkI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/O2jU31v.jpg

[left of center]

Architect of defunct-Chicago Spire to design riverfront sculpture
Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kamin/ct-met-calatrava-sculpture-kamin-0508-story.html


The architect of the unbuilt Chicago Spire, the proposed twisting skyscraper that captivated the city a decade ago before going bust, will get a chance to leave his mark on Chicago, but on a much smaller scale.

Spain’s Santiago Calatrava on Monday unveiled his design for a riverfront sculpture that will stand in the outdoor plaza of the River Point office building at 444 W. Lake St.

Although it will be far shorter than the proposed Spire — about 49 feet tall, the architect said, versus the unbuilt tower’s 2,000 feet — the red piece of sculpture will have a twist of its own. It will consist of a coiled metal spiral that will frame views of the Chicago River and will itself be framed by the mirrored parabolic arch at the building’s base.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who joined Calatrava at Monday’s news conference, called the design “the exclamation point” for people looking down the river.

[nomarandlee]

May 5 2018, 61 E Banks:
g[/img]

Obnoxiously small for a Gold Coast LSD lot. Ugh. :hell:

[Vlajos]

Anyone know what's going up on Western north of Montrose across from Welles Park? A hideous single story long underutilized building has been bulldozed and looks like a foundation is underway.

[Steely Dan]

Anyone know what's going up on Western north of Montrose across from Welles Park? A hideous single story long underutilized building has been bulldozed and looks like a foundation is underway.

i noticed that same lot when we were at the park on sunday and was curious as well, but forgot to ask about it here.

just about anything will be better than what it's replacing, but i'm hoping it's at least 4 or 5 floors because i love higher streetwalls on park edges, giving more enclosure to the park space.

[Vlajos]

i noticed that same lot when we were at the park on sunday and was curious as well, but forgot to ask about it here.

just about anything will be better than what it's replacing, but i'm hoping it's at least 4 or 5 floors because i love higher streetwalls on park edges, giving more enclosure to the park space.

There is no sign advertising it. I agree, it should be at least 3 stories, preferably 4.

[the urban politician]

Just go read what the permit says.

Or, what's the address? Permits are public info

[Vlajos]

Just go read what the permit says.

Or, what's the address? Permits are public info

Don't know the exact address. I can go read the permit I guess. The lot is pretty big, almost half of the block from Montrose to Sunnyside.

[Suburban Shadow]

Quick check shows this address received a permit March 8, 2018 for a 4 story 6 unit building with ground floor commercial.

[PKDickman]

4430 N WESTERN AVE

Description: NEW CONSTRUCTION, 4 STORY BUILDING WITH ROOF TOP STAIR ENCLOSURES AND ROOF DECKS. SIX RESIDENTIAL UNITS WITH BALCONIES ABOVE A GROUND FLOOR COMMERCIAL UNIT AND GARAGE. SOLID MASONRY 3-B CONSTRUCTION. CURRENT USE IS BUSINESS, PROPOSED MIXED USE A-2, F, H-3

[Steely Dan]

here's what i found.

2 separate permits for 2 adjacent addresses, so i'm guessing two adjacent but separate buildings by the same developer:


4430 N Western:

NEW CONSTRUCTION, 4 STORY BUILDING WITH ROOF TOP STAIR ENCLOSURES AND ROOF DECKS. SIX RESIDENTIAL UNITS WITH BALCONIES ABOVE A GROUND FLOOR COMMERCIAL UNIT AND GARAGE.

4438 N Western:

NEW CONSTRUCTION, 4 STORY BUILDING WITH ROOF TOP STAIR ENCLOSURES AND ROOF DECKS. SIX RESIDENTIAL UNITS WITH BALCONIES ABOVE A GROUND FLOOR COMMERCIAL UNIT AND GARAGE.


which makes sense because the lot cleared is way too big for just 6 units above ground floor commercial.

i'm glad to see 4 stories, as that will be a decent height for the western wall of welles park.


edit: rendering (sorry for the size, i didn't realize it was 8 gazillion pixels)

http://www.longfordconstruction.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/4430_N_Western-Exterior.jpg
source: http://www.longfordconstruction.com/

[kemachs]

here's what i found.

2 separate permits for 2 adjacent addresses, so i'm guessing two adjacent but separate buildings by the same developer:


4430 N Western:

NEW CONSTRUCTION, 4 STORY BUILDING WITH ROOF TOP STAIR ENCLOSURES AND ROOF DECKS. SIX RESIDENTIAL UNITS WITH BALCONIES ABOVE A GROUND FLOOR COMMERCIAL UNIT AND GARAGE.

4438 N Western:

NEW CONSTRUCTION, 4 STORY BUILDING WITH ROOF TOP STAIR ENCLOSURES AND ROOF DECKS. SIX RESIDENTIAL UNITS WITH BALCONIES ABOVE A GROUND FLOOR COMMERCIAL UNIT AND GARAGE.


which makes sense because the lot cleared is way too big for just 6 units above ground floor commercial.

i'm glad to see 4 stories, as that will be a decent height for the western wall of welles park.


edit: rendering (sorry for the size, i didn't realize it was 8 gazillion pixels)




I dig the smaller retail arcades at ground level - will (hopefully) create a cozy outdoor space for a restaurant/coffee shop.

[Mr Downtown]

Alas, what we usually get are dentists or real estate offices. You'll notice there's no provision for signage.

[Vlajos]

Thanks Steely, I was going to say, those would have been 6 massive units for the size of the site.

[the urban politician]

Alas, what we usually get are dentists or real estate offices. You'll notice there's no provision for signage.

Or Nail salons, or UPS stores.

But to be honest, cities need these too.

Not every street can feel like Paris, lines with miles and miles of bakeries and cafes

[Steely Dan]

Or Nail salons, or UPS stores.


or thai restaurants.

that stretch of western already has like 5 thai places, what's one more?

i will never fully understand chicago's unusual preponderance of thai restaurants.

and i really like thai food, but how can there be so many?

[Vlajos]

or thai restaurants.

that stretch of western already has like 5 thai places, what's one more?

i will never fully understand chicago's unusual preponderance of thai restaurants.

and i really like thai food, but how can there be so many?

Sticky Rice is my favorite, but it's at Irving and Western.

[Baronvonellis]

My friends girlfriend is from Thailand. Everyone there is obsessed with the US. It's a right of passage there to come live in the US for a few years after college. The only way to come here is on a student visa, so they get to stay for a few years studying English at a BS school. Then the only jobs they can get are under the table restaurant jobs at Thai restaurants. She has a bachelors in biology and worked in a lab in Thailand, but the only thing she can do here is work at a Thai restaurant. All her Thai friends do the same. It's more like an immersive cultural exchange for them, they usually go back to Thailand after their visa ends. So that's why there's so many Thai restaurants here, it's more for Thai tourism than anything. They don't even care about the quality of the food in the restaurant.

They sort of have a 1950's interest in American culture. They love the cheesiest touristy places. Like Navy Pier, Wisconsin Dells, Disney world. When she went to New York City, her top destination was an entire afternoon in the Times Square M&M store to take selfies!! When I try to discuss actual American history they just roll their eyes and loose interest. They seem very innocent and naive about the US, which is nice in a way.

[Vlajos]

^ Over the years we had four thai au pairs. Some come because of poverty. And they stay because it is very easy to get a job at a thai restaurant with or without a valid visa.

[marothisu]

vlajos, I also recommend going to my new construction map, which is up to date as of Sunday. I remember seeing these permits come in and be happy about what it's replacing.

[Vlajos]

^ thanks!

[west-town-brad]

Or Nail salons, or UPS stores.

But to be honest, cities need these too.

Not every street can feel like Paris, lines with miles and miles of bakeries and cafes

Vape Shops! iPhone Repair!

[Fvn]

New UIC Residence Hall topped off:
https://twitter.com/americancampus/status/994235890766524421

[ardecila]

Anyone know what's going up on Western north of Montrose across from Welles Park? A hideous single story long underutilized building has been bulldozed and looks like a foundation is underway.

This building's been for sale for quite awhile.

I wouldn't call it hideous exactly. Single-story buildings are obviously a large part of our city, especially on commercial corridors. This one had a good urban presence with no setback or parking lot. Looks like it was built as a car dealership in the 1930s, with a handsome limestone front and bow trusses. These buildings work well for auto uses like mechanic shops and car washes, but plenty of them have made great conversions into restaurants, retail, bowling alleys, etc. With the clear spans, they're infinitely flexible for any commercial use. They're every bit as "classic Chicago" as a courtyard building or a brick 3-flat.

Is Piece Pizza on North Ave a "hideous, underutilized" site?

[Vlajos]

^ already answered above. Two 4-story buildings are under construction on the site. I'm looking forward to more people in the neighborhood, Lincoln Square has lost population over the years. Not a big fan of vacant single story buildings.

[Steely Dan]

^^ but for facing a park, the 4 story replacement buildings will be much more appropriately scaled compared to the old single-story structure.

[SolarWind]

May 10, 2018

https://i.imgur.com/MW49wY6.jpg

[SolarWind]

May 10, 2018

https://i.imgur.com/4TWRlx9.jpg

[SolarWind]

May 10, 2018

https://i.imgur.com/tHO2FPN.jpg

[10023]

^ More is that, please. Chicago needs to keep its brick, and build more.

[Kenmore]

i'm a fan of the dark brick crown

[Via Chicago]

i disagree, but we already went in circles on that.

in other related news, the brick is going up on the McD vendor building and looks really sharp. dosent appear to be a prefab thing. or maybe it is, dont know how that stuff works. but appears to be full size reclaimed brick and is already blending in really nicely at the base

[bgsrand]

Is something going to be done to the color of the brick on the 3rd floor of 930 Fulton going to match that of the floors below it. Not sure why, but it bothers me.

[IrishIllini]

May 10, 2018

https://i.imgur.com/tHO2FPN.jpg

Omg yes. I'm not against the crown, but the base is especially great.

[Fvn]

I really like how the Moxy Hotel turned out!!--
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tKLECkUqVkoUje21Qg0YedEtWAc=/0x0:2592x1944/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:2592x1944):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10817243/7516815696_IMG_4527.JPG
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s0mq--NnFHtYGSbC9_3HZ5A2awI=/0x0:2420x1880/920x613/filters:focal(1076x778:1462x1164):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59709449/7516815696_IMG_4525.0.jpeg
Jay Koziarz|Curbed Chicago - https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tKLECkUqVkoUje21Qg0YedEtWAc=/0x0:2592x1944/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:2592x1944):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10817243/7516815696_IMG_4527.JPG
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s0mq--NnFHtYGSbC9_3HZ5A2awI=/0x0:2420x1880/920x613/filters:focal(1076x778:1462x1164):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59709449/7516815696_IMG_4525.0.jpeg

More: https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/5/11/17336638/moxy-hotel-river-north-opening

[maru2501]

yeah that looks cool

[left of center]

Excellent use of quality cladding materials! Looks very sleek and modern.

[BuildThemTaller]

I really like how the Moxy Hotel turned out!!--
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tKLECkUqVkoUje21Qg0YedEtWAc=/0x0:2592x1944/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:2592x1944):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10817243/7516815696_IMG_4527.JPG
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s0mq--NnFHtYGSbC9_3HZ5A2awI=/0x0:2420x1880/920x613/filters:focal(1076x778:1462x1164):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59709449/7516815696_IMG_4525.0.jpeg
Jay Koziarz|Curbed Chicago - https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tKLECkUqVkoUje21Qg0YedEtWAc=/0x0:2592x1944/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:2592x1944):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10817243/7516815696_IMG_4527.JPG
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s0mq--NnFHtYGSbC9_3HZ5A2awI=/0x0:2420x1880/920x613/filters:focal(1076x778:1462x1164):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59709449/7516815696_IMG_4525.0.jpeg

More: https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/5/11/17336638/moxy-hotel-river-north-opening

:shrug::shrug::shrug:

EDIT: Turns out that the same artist, Jeff Zimmerman, did both murals and view them as a cousin. That's cool.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/572e8cb440261d2ef98570ef/t/597f8ef7725e253397c78936/1501532566262/Screen+Shot+2017-07-30+at+11.02.32+AM.png

[marothisu]

* The parking lot at Huron & Sedgwick was sold a month ago to the developer who wants to construct a 10 story, 45 unit building there. Hopefully this means it's not too far around the corner from happening (https://www.buzzbuzzhome.com/us/365-w-huron-street).

* Family Dollar in Logan Square on Milwaukee near California was sold at the end of March for $4.125M. Buyer might be MNM Partners from the Bay Area.

[the urban politician]

Anyone know if anything has moved forward in regards to that urbanist’s horror movie known as Father and Son Plaza on North Avenue?

[r18tdi]

Anyone know if anything has moved forward in regards to that urbanist’s horror movie known as Father and Son Plaza on North Avenue?
Went by it yesterday, everything looks super closed except for Marcello's.

[Suburban Shadow]

Who owns the west side parking lot surrounded by Jackson, Morgan, Van Buren and Sangamon? That is definitely a site I would like to see redeveloped.

[LouisVanDerWright]

* Family Dollar in Logan Square on Milwaukee near California was sold at the end of March for $4.125M. Buyer might be MNM Partners from the Bay Area.

What a joke prices have become on this stretch. I remember in 2013 when a client of mine had the twin towers site under contract for $3 million. It's only a matter of time before they raze the Family Dollar for something more productive. Surely their clientele has dried up anyhow with the rapid rise in median income in the area.

[west-town-brad]

What a joke prices have become on this stretch. I remember in 2013 when a client of mine had the twin towers site under contract for $3 million. It's only a matter of time before they raze the Family Dollar for something more productive. Surely their clientele has dried up anyhow with the rapid rise in median income in the area.

Surely will be redeveloped, though the fastest growing segment of shoppers at dollar stores have HHI of $100,000+

[Freefall]

Surely will be redeveloped, though the fastest growing segment of shoppers at dollar stores have HHI of $100,000+
Well yeah, just think about how many items you can buy with $100k