CHICAGO | General Developments

[tjp]

I think some previous comments have hinted at this, but isn't the mixing of materials and facade an attempt (albeit a miserable one) at making these massive block-size developments feel more granular and less imposing? They're not fooling anyone, but I always assumed that was the reason.

I think it might actually achieve this from the sidewalk level, to a limited degree anyway. Still an awful building, though.

[maru2501]

it's just too big, obviously, and crowds the ballpark

also it blocks some of the skyline view from the back deck on wrigley, but apparently they are closing part of that in for a club, of course, so who cares.

[marothisu]

Here is some decently positive news:

A 1 story commercial building/strip mall (https://www.google.com/maps/place/5013+N+Lincoln+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60625/@41.9723999,-87.691022,3a,75y,58.64h,92.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sM2cDAoDzrW6JaUIismPZEw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd203bbf410bd:0xa9058a9940b5d4dc!8m2!3d41.9723613!4d-87.6904901) on Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Square between Argyle and Winnemac has a zoning application to build 2 buildings on it of 24 units total (12 units each) at 4 stories each (47 feet 6 inches). Unfortunately 38 total parking spaces and not sure if there's any retail/commercial component to it. Still better than what is there now.

[SolarWind]

September 25, 2018

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

[maru2501]

that looks like it will be a cool little hotel if they ever finish it

[PittsburghPA]

that looks like it will be a cool little hotel if they ever finish it

Construction resumed (from grade) in May of 2018. This thing shot up. I'm not sure why the hate considering it has flown skyward after the original delay.

[Vlajos]

Here is some decently positive news:

A 1 story commercial building/strip mall (https://www.google.com/maps/place/5013+N+Lincoln+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60625/@41.9723999,-87.691022,3a,75y,58.64h,92.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sM2cDAoDzrW6JaUIismPZEw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd203bbf410bd:0xa9058a9940b5d4dc!8m2!3d41.9723613!4d-87.6904901) on Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Square between Argyle and Winnemac has a zoning application to build 2 buildings on it of 24 units total (12 units each) at 4 stories each (47 feet 6 inches). Unfortunately 38 total parking spaces and not sure if there's any retail/commercial component to it. Still better than what is there now.

That strip center is awful. Glad it's getting bulldozed.

[Steely Dan]

Death to all strip malls!

[marothisu]

Death to all strip malls!

That strip center is awful. Glad it's getting bulldozed.

Yes - well hopefully it will pass. Most of these things pass though so it'll probably happen as long as they have the $$$$. I like how Lincoln Square on Lawrence, Western, and Lincoln have been having these kind of projects making it denser and also better urban-wise.

[tjp]

I think it might actually achieve this from the sidewalk level, to a limited degree anyway.

Walked by it last night - I was wrong. :(

[i_am_hydrogen]

City proposes financing for $53 million renovation of Mark Twain Hotel (Clark and Division) under SRO preservation ordinance


http://www.trbimg.com/img-5ba928ce/turbine/ct-1537812680-rdrpaafijq-snap-image/750/750x422

The city of Chicago is proposing to help finance the $53 million renovation of the historic but run-down Mark Twain Hotel on the Near North Side as part of a broader effort to preserve single room occupancy buildings — the city’s original affordable housing.

Presented to the City Council last week, the proposal would back developer NHP Foundation’s ambitious project to spruce up the nearly 90-year-old art deco building with a $30 million bond issue, a $5 million loan for multifamily housing development and $1.3 million in low-income housing tax credits.

If approved by the council, the renovation of the five-story Mark Twain would begin in January, temporarily displacing its 100 remaining tenants for most of next year, but offering them a much improved home when they return. The building’s 152 units would be reduced to 148 as part of the renovation.


http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-mark-twain-sro-renovation-city-financing-
20180924-story.html

[west-town-brad]

New Low Density Guidelines from the unelected "Neighbors of the West Loop"

http://neighborsofwestloop.com/neighborhood-plan/

:worship:

[Zerton]

City proposes financing for $53 million renovation of Mark Twain Hotel (Clark and Division) under SRO preservation ordinance




Does $53M sound really high for renovating that building? I guess it is in really bad shape.

[r18tdi]

New Low Density Guidelines from the unelected "Neighbors of the West Loop"

http://neighborsofwestloop.com/neighborhood-plan/

:worship:What a joke.

[Freefall]

Does $53M sound really high for renovating that building? I guess it is in really bad shape.

Seemed really high to me too. Over $350k/unit

[Buckman821]

Seemed really high to me too. Over $350k/unit

This is basically what happens on every affordable housing project. They always come in with eye popping figures. Nice to know our tax dollars get used so efficiently...

[BonoboZill4]

New Low Density Guidelines from the unelected "Neighbors of the West Loop"

http://neighborsofwestloop.com/neighborhood-plan/

:worship:

I hope the bowing is sarcastic. Their height guidelines are irrational, irrelevant, and have already failed entirely. Hate is a strong word, but I think it may apply to how I feel about a group of people who are so completely out of touch with reality.

Don't live within a mile of one of the biggest CBDs in the world if you don't want to live near big buildings. Pretty easy solution to those thinking of making an investment like that in the future... :sly:

[west-town-brad]

I hope the bowing is sarcastic. Their height guidelines are irrational, irrelevant, and have already failed entirely. Hate is a strong word, but I think it may apply to how I feel about a group of people who are so completely out of touch with reality.

Don't live within a mile of one of the biggest CBDs in the world if you don't want to live near big buildings. Pretty easy solution to those thinking of making an investment like that in the future... :sly:

yes, sarcastic

[west-town-brad]

This is basically what happens on every affordable housing project. They always come in with eye popping figures. Nice to know our tax dollars get used so efficiently...

New construction 2-bed 2-bath condos are cheaper - the ones marketed as "luxury"

[ChiShawn]

I hope the bowing is sarcastic. Their height guidelines are irrational, irrelevant, and have already failed entirely. Hate is a strong word, but I think it may apply to how I feel about a group of people who are so completely out of touch with reality.

Don't live within a mile of one of the biggest CBDs in the world if you don't want to live near big buildings. Pretty easy solution to those thinking of making an investment like that in the future... :sly:

According to Block Club (https://blockclubchicago.org/2018/09/26/stop-allowing-tall-buildings-in-parts-of-our-neighborhood-west-loop-resident-group-says/), Burnett (27th) and Solis (25th) said they'll consider developments on a case-by-case basis, which sounds like political speak for go pound sand with your height restrictions. Solis also said the parking minimums (1:1) for condos were too high.

[sentinel]

What a joke.

This is the map they created that highlights the height limits by area:

https://www.chicagocityscape.com/uploads/666.png

Idiotic.

[the urban politician]

According to Block Club (https://blockclubchicago.org/2018/09/26/stop-allowing-tall-buildings-in-parts-of-our-neighborhood-west-loop-resident-group-says/), Burnett (27th) and Solis (25th) said they'll consider developments on a case-by-case basis, which sounds like political speak for go pound sand with your height restrictions. Solis also said the parking minimums (1:1) for condos were too high.

Wow, I’m glad Solis is talking this way. As Pilsen’s Alderman, we need more development there. Also, I’m glad more city leaders are getting on board with the move away from excess parking.

I loved reading this:

Ald. Walter Burnett (27th), whose ward includes the West Loop, lauded Neighbors of West Loop for their hard work on the plan, but said that he considers proposed developments on a case-by-case basis and will continue to do so in the future.

An outright cap on height could limit development and deter certain projects from coming into the neighborhood and bring needed economic resources to the West Loop and the city of Chicago, Burnett said

“It’s volatile to make any kind of decisions that are going to slow things down,” the veteran alderman said.

[r18tdi]

This is the map they created that highlights the height limits by area:
So why the tight limits around the Clinton stop, east of the Expressway? Does that guy who drafted the plan live over there? :haha:

[nomarandlee]

So why the tight limits around the Clinton stop, east of the Expressway? Does that guy who drafted the plan live over there? :haha:

Yea, that is what stuck out to me. The rest was predictable but the area immediately around Ogilvie? That would seem fertile ground for large towers and there isn't a slew of residents around there now as it is I don't think.

[jc5680]

Yea, that is what stuck out to me. The rest was predictable but the area immediately around Ogilvie? That would seem fertile ground for large towers and there isn't a slew of residents around there now as it is I don't think.

Depends on what you mean by a slew, I suppose - but the area has filled out quite a bit in the last 10 years, primarily with residential/hotel developments. Catalyst, Hyatt place, EMME are in the bounds. A lot of K Station is just outside, but very much part of that neighborhood. Lake continues to fill in with the kind of businesses you see in the neighborhoods (money gun,st Lous, old town barber, fitness boutiques). Oriole is in the box. It's hardly river north, but not exactly as sleepy as a lot of people generally assume.

What is odd to me, within those bounds, there are really only 2 sites prime for development: Jefferson/Fulton and Clinton/Lake. The farthest being only a block and a half from the Clinton stop. Those sites are begging for some density, at the very least within the scale of their immediate ~250 ft neighbors 180/200 N Jefferson. River point is 2 blocks from those sites, there is a case for height in that scale as well.

[LouisVanDerWright]

The sites around Clinton should be slated for only 750'+ office towers, wtf are these people smoking?

[BonoboZill4]

The sites around Clinton should be slated for only 750'+ office towers, wtf are these people smoking?

I'm not so surprised seeing this actually when I look at it now. The view from my office shows how many (relatively) short buildings there are near that area, and I'm sure there were enough big names in their NIMBY group living there that they got them to add that into the map.

Like you said though, it's absolutely absurd and asinine.

[BonoboZill4]

yes, sarcastic

:tup:

[ardecila]

I'm not so surprised seeing this actually when I look at it now. The view from my office shows how many (relatively) short buildings there are near that area, and I'm sure there were enough big names in their NIMBY group living there that they got them to add that into the map.

Like you said though, it's absolutely absurd and asinine.

Well, keeping the area as low-rise will at least make it easier in another 30-40 years when they have to thread more rail tracks through the area because Union Station and the Green/Pink Lines are completely at capacity. They already did an engineering study about digging a tunnel below the midrises at Fulton/Clinton. Any new highrises will have a forest of deep foundations that can't be tunneled through.

[PKDickman]

I just ran these numbers for a conversation on Reddit, I thought you guys might be interested.

re:ACS 1yr Pop change 2016-17

Someone asked for CCA data and I explained

You need tract level data to compute community areas and that won't be out until Dec.
But you can get data for PUMAs which, for us, are groups of CCAs.
Biggest gains are in the NW bungalow belt. Biggest losses are in the Garfields and Lawndales.
Very respectable gains across the South side

(North)--Edgewater, Uptown & Rogers Park 2474
(North)--Lake View & Lincoln Park -41
(North)--West Ridge, Lincoln Square & North Center 5625
(Northwest)--Irving Park, Albany Park, Forest Glen & North Park -1126
(Northwest)--Portage Park, Dunning & Jefferson Park 7544
(West)--Austin, Belmont Cragin & Montclare 13563
(Northwest)--Logan Square, Avondale & Hermosa -8637
(West)--North & South Lawndale, Humboldt Park, East & West Garfield Park -14582
(West)--West Town, Near West Side & Lower West Side -5384
(Central)--Near North Side, Loop & Near South Side -1570
(Southwest)--Brighton Park, New City, Bridgeport & McKinley Park 4667
(Southwest)--Gage Park, Garfield Ridge & West Lawn -9615
(South)--Chicago Lawn, Englewood/West Englewood & Greater Grand Crossing 974
(South)--South Shore, Hyde Park, Woodlawn, Grand Boulevard & Douglas 2751
(South)--Ashburn, Washington Heights, Morgan Park & Beverly 1727
(South)--Auburn Gresham, Roseland, Chatham, Avalon Park & Burnside 3845
(South)--South Chicago, Pullman, West Pullman, East Side & South Deering 8686

Yeah, these are guestimates and the Margin of error might run 8000-10000 per PUMA. But, of course, so were the 2016 estimates

I also didn't include Edison Pk or O'hare who are lumped in with suburban PUMAs

[the urban politician]

^ Nice, very Marothisu-esque

With all of the black flight we’ve been hearing about, I wonder where all this population gain on the south side is coming from?

Some of these numbers have to be off, though. There is no way that the Central area lost residents.

Actually, the more I look at these numbers the less they make any sense to me

[Vlajos]

^ Nice, very Marothisu-esque

With all of the black flight we’ve been hearing about, I wonder where all this population gain on the south side is coming from?

Some of these numbers have to be off, though. There is no way that the Central area lost residents.

Actually, the more I look at these numbers the less they make any sense to me

Yeah, they don't make sense. The central area of the City has gained thousands of rental units that have been leased with net absorption. I don't trust the year to year numbers at this smaller level.

[Jim in Chicago]

Yeah, they don't make sense. The central area of the City has gained thousands of rental units that have been leased with net absorption. I don't trust the year to year numbers at this smaller level.

And given the definition "Near North Side, Loop & Near South Side" it just doen'st add up. All those areas are booming with new units and pretty much zero loss. The gain should be huge, not negative.

[Steely Dan]

^ yeah.

sniff test failed.

[harryc]

This is the map they created that highlights the height limits by area:


Idiotic.

Odd all my maps show the east edge of the West loop as being the expressway.

My maps also show Fulton Market and River West as separate hoods.

[KWillChicago]

Anyone go to the opening of the merch mart lighting?

[SIGSEGV]

Damn I'm tempted, but Notre Dame-Stanford will be on... now if they'd just show that game on the Mart, then I'd go.

[BonoboZill4]

Anyone go to the opening of the merch mart lighting?

I'm going! Might try to sneak into the office and view from there to get away from the riff raff :cool:

[KWillChicago]

I'm going! Might try to sneak into the office and view from there to get away from the riff raff :cool:

There you go. You have an amazing view of it by the way, from your previous photos. Appreciate the Wolf shots.

[spyguy]

Ugh, demolition delay for 42-46 E Superior (https://goo.gl/maps/Zg65RZSi4FF2)again. Not sure what they are planning after Reilly axed the last proposal.

[harryc]

Ugh, demolition delay for 42-46 E Superior (https://goo.gl/maps/Zg65RZSi4FF2)again. Not sure what they are planning after Reilly axed the last proposal.

Does that mean all of these ...
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/32959717570_b729c0b9b5_z.jpghttps://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/33301540096_c6963bd699_z.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/32499456144_fc940fd39f_z.jpghttps://farm1.staticflickr.com/632/32499455104_d850a1b58d_z.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/626/33301546046_343f7e6c66_z.jpghttps://farm4.staticflickr.com/3899/33214378341_11fcfeba32_z.jpg

[jjk113]

Anyone go to the opening of the merch mart lighting?

...does anyone know what time the event starts ?

[moorhosj]

...does anyone know what time the event starts ?

At sunset I believe, which is 6:30pm tonight.

[the urban politician]

Ugh, demolition delay for 42-46 E Superior (https://goo.gl/maps/Zg65RZSi4FF2)again. Not sure what they are planning after Reilly axed the last proposal.

That's some nice historic fabric I would hate to lose

[pip]

Ugh, demolition delay for 42-46 E Superior (https://goo.gl/maps/Zg65RZSi4FF2)again. Not sure what they are planning after Reilly axed the last proposal.

I've given up on River North. I would hate to see these buildings go but it wouldn't surprise me.

[Mister Uptempo]

Not my video, but a look at the opening of Art On The Mart from this evening. Skip to 2:35 for the beginning of the presentation.

m4iRdxtKADs
src - youtube.com User - forvonus ababdon

[marothisu]

^ Pretty great. Can't wait to see it in real life..


Also there was a building permit issued earlier this week to replace little parking lot (and small 1 story building next to it) next to the 3 story building at the NW corner of Carpenter & Fulton Market across from Google with a new 5 story office building.

Source: Crains and SVN Chicago Commercial
https://crain-platform-ccb-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/CRED03-180529994-H2.png

[BonoboZill4]

Art on the Mart is definitely one of those things that will get more interesting over time as more artists try to get their foot in the door and have their works projected up there. It was neat to see in person, but the most intriguing part was seeing how much potential there is for it down the line

[the urban politician]

^ Yeah, it’s one thing to watch it on a tiny video screen, but to see it in full scale in real life must be a whole different experience. Can’t wait for a chance to check it out

[Barrelfish]

This is so cool. The world's largest digital projection screen. Shows will be 5 days a week, 10 months a year, and paid for by Vornado with no advertising.

[spyguy]

Does that mean all of these ...
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/626/33301546046_343f7e6c66_z.jpghttps://farm4.staticflickr.com/3899/33214378341_11fcfeba32_z.jpg

I believe these two.

Also more dorm construction for Loyola. Unfortunately, this one involves demolishing a relatively nice 9 story building (https://goo.gl/maps/DURGa8io1892) for what sort of looks like a suburban retirement home (maybe it's the bad rendering).

Board of Trustees Votes Unanimously to Approve Construction of $47 Million Residence Hall (http://loyolaphoenix.com/2018/09/board-of-trustees-votes-unanimously-to-approve-construction-of-47-million-residence-hall/)
http://loyolaphoenix.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Screen-Shot-2018-08-28-at-10.46.20-PM-1024x558.png

[the urban politician]

^ Bastards!

Still, it fills in that huge lot and adds a lot of density, I'm sure.

But still...

[10023]

Gross. That is a terrible, un-urban development too. The set back from the street is inexcusable. And it’s being built by a mediocre college with a small endowment, so the quality of construction isn’t going to be impressive either.

[Busy Bee]

It doesn;t appear to be set back from the street anymore than the current building and we really don't have any evidence to suggest it will be built with substandard or cheap materials. It appears to be brick. It appears to be a somewhat pleasing composition. The 9 story structure is nice, and it's unfortunate it couldn't have been just incorporated somehow, but the interior layout was probably garbage and non-functional, so it's not the end of the world.

[BonoboZill4]

Wasn't sure where else to post these mediocre photos I took with my phone today after going to Petco today, but I was looking at our beautiful city and wondering what possible redevelopments, if at all could be done for these large swaths of land that are covered in power stations, transformers, and assorted rail yard equipment/supplies. Seems like this property on the river would be ever increasing in value, and I would not be surprised if they could consolidate these properties more efficiently to enable someone to build on the river, whether it be offices or residences.

Just a thought anyway...

https://i.imgur.com/VerwByY.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/zOAE6Z3.jpg?1

Edit: I also just realized I can see the crane for that project on Wells that isn't a part of the Riverline development. Cool

[SolarWind]

September 28, 2018

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

The Odyssey Chicago River, a glitzy new 140-foot glass-enclosed vessel, is ready to go where no ship has gone before: serving expensive white-tablecloth dinners to boatloads of tourists and date-nighters on the city’s increasingly busy waterway.


http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-odyssey-chicago-river-dinner-cruise-20180926-story.html

[SolarWind]

September 28, 2018

https://i.imgur.com/2Tx4E3q.jpg

[BonoboZill4]

Also, I noticed a large water tower on top of an old stock department building, roughly 4 or 5 floors tall on the corner of Ashland and 47th... It was really cool looking and had the name of the old department store on the top of it. I heard the city is removing those water towers since they are safety hazards, if so, that's kind of sad :/

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8085865,-87.6649237,3a,75y,245.54h,100.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUFtc5Ltk2VZNXZUMUwhCGw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Anyone know more about this building?

[LouisVanDerWright]

Gross. That is a terrible, un-urban development too. The set back from the street is inexcusable. And it’s being built by a mediocre college with a small endowment, so the quality of construction isn’t going to be impressive either.

This coming from a medicore forumer with a small "endowment", the quality of this post isn't inprssive either...

Go look at what Loyola has actually built, it's all high quality materials and construction. The style is generally pseudo pomo, but they are doing it to match the original campus buildings so it's understandable. The existing building is garbage, it's just concrete frame with a tiny bit of Terra Cotta decoration on front, but even that is incomplete and partially rebuilt with mismatched brick from a repair in the 60s. The units inside are mostly 1bd and studios and all are thouroughly outdated in both finish and layout not to mention infrastructure. This is a major upgrade in urban form and design.

Also your comments about the institution itself are elitist and not even accurate. Loyola isn't ivy league, but it's a top 100 national University and slowly moving towards top 50 status (hovering around 80 now). Also if you know the history of the institution you know that it nearly failed in the 90s so of course it doesn't have a huge endowment. They've been fighting their way back to being a highly respected school and they have made insane progress since 2000. They are back to being a huge asset to Chicago and have transformed the parts of Rogers Park directly adjacent to their campus over the past 10-15 years. Even the auto sewer of Sheridan between North Shore and Devon is unrecognizable after the lots along that stretch have been systematically eviscerated by Loyola.

[PittsburghPA]

Family coming to visit in December and considering taking them on the Odyssey Dinner Cruise. If anyone can comment on the quality of food/experience in advance I'd appreciate it!

[SIGSEGV]

I read pseudo pomo as pseudo porno and was very confused.

[Mister Uptempo]

Also, I noticed a large water tower on top of an old stock department building, roughly 4 or 5 floors tall on the corner of Ashland and 47th... It was really cool looking and had the name of the old department store on the top of it. I heard the city is removing those water towers since they are safety hazards, if so, that's kind of sad :/

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8085865,-87.6649237,3a,75y,245.54h,100.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUFtc5Ltk2VZNXZUMUwhCGw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Anyone know more about this building?

The store achieved Chicago Landmark status in 2013. The Landmark Designation Report, issued by the city can be found here (https://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/zlup/Historic_Preservation/Publications/Oppenheimer_Goldblatts_Bros_Dept_Store_Bldg2.pdf). It gives a fairly exhaustive history of the building.

https://i.imgur.com/CXHb4GP.jpg
src - wttw.com

Goldblatt's was one of several large, locally-owned department store chains, and occupied the bargain-basement wrung of the retailing ladder. Occupying the next highest position was Wieboldt's, followed by Carson, Pirie, Scott, and Co., with Marshall Field and Co. at the top. That's in addition to locally-owned national department store chains Sears and Montgomery Ward (that also bought out another local chain, known as The Fair), smaller local players, including Chas. A. Stevens, Lytton's, and Gately's, and large single location stores, such as Mandel Brothers.

[BonoboZill4]

Awesome history lesson! Thanks Mister Uptempo. Very happy that the building is here to stay

[Busy Bee]

For those particularly interested in not just Chicago department store history but department store nameplates in general, there is an awesome blog that's loaded with info at http://www.thedepartmentstoremuseum.org/

[JK47]

Gross. That is a terrible, un-urban development too. The set back from the street is inexcusable. And it’s being built by a mediocre college with a small endowment,


I did my undergrad at a small northeastern liberal arts school (ranked in the top 10, billion dollar endowment, etc) and went to law school through the night program at Loyola (since I had a family to support). So given my vantage point I'll say that your "mediocre college" line is bullshit. Loyola isn't an Ivy but it is a very good school nonetheless.


so the quality of construction isn’t going to be impressive either.


That's a feature not a bug. The biggest challenge facing students right now is affordability, especially in the face of declining public support for higher education. One of the big drivers of increasing costs is the arms race in student residential construction (as part of the effort to attract the best students). Schools shouldn't be spending a fortune on their residential buildings...especially if it depletes funds that could be used towards instruction or financial aid.

[Chisouthside]

I remember going into this goldblatts a few times but my mom preferred the 26th street location.

The store achieved Chicago Landmark status in 2013. The Landmark Designation Report, issued by the city can be found here (https://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/zlup/Historic_Preservation/Publications/Oppenheimer_Goldblatts_Bros_Dept_Store_Bldg2.pdf). It gives a fairly exhaustive history of the building.

https://i.imgur.com/CXHb4GP.jpg
src - wttw.com

Goldblatt's was one of several large, locally-owned department store chains, and occupied the bargain-basement wrung of the retailing ladder. Occupying the next highest position was Wieboldt's, followed by Carson, Pirie, Scott, and Co., with Marshall Field and Co. at the top. That's in addition to locally-owned national department store chains Sears and Montgomery Ward (that also bought out another local chain, known as The Fair), smaller local players, including Chas. A. Stevens, Lytton's, and Gately's, and large single location stores, such as Mandel Brothers.

[marothisu]

Funny about Goldblatts. Most of my ancestors were in NYC (and LA/SF starting in the 1930s) but I did have one ancestor and his mother (great great whatever aunt) who moved to chicago. He married out of the religion, family disowned him and he stayed in Chicago. I forget if it was ww1 or ww2 draft card but it had him working at a Goldblatts on Commerce ave in the 90s (streets) as a tailor/suit buyer. Weird since his address was around Central and Diversey. Hell of a commute back then?

[Mister Uptempo]

Funny about Goldblatts. Most of my ancestors were in NYC (and LA/SF starting in the 1930s) but I did have one ancestor and his mother (great great whatever aunt) who moved to chicago. He married out of the religion, family disowned him and he stayed in Chicago. I forget if it was ww1 or ww2 draft card but it had him working at a Goldblatts on Commerce ave in the 90s (streets) as a tailor/suit buyer. Weird since his address was around Central and Diversey. Hell of a commute back then?

There was a Goldblatt's at 91st and Commercial in South Chicago.
https://i.imgur.com/crghRfx.jpg
src - pintrest.com

The Landmark Designation report includes an ad from 1933. At that time, Goldblatt's had six locations in the Chicago area-

-Chicago Ave. and Ashland (served as the flagship)
-47th and Ashland
-Lincoln and Belmont
-Broadway and Lawrence
-91st and Commercial
-On Hohman Ave in Hammond, IN

In 1936, they would move into the Rothschild Building at 333 South State, which would become its new flagship store.

Growing up, I was dragged through the Goldblatt's at the Scottsdale Shopping Center (79th and Cicero) many, many times. Goldblatt's had a separate furniture store at the center as well.

[Romero]

I grew up in South Chicago. I have a lot of fond memories of going to Goldblatt's along with all the retail shops available on Commercial at the time. Besides Goldblatt's, there were 3 five and ten stores nearby: Woolworths, Kresge's and Scotts. The steel industry was thriving nearby and times were good.

[marothisu]

^ Yep. Just looked up his WW2 draft card from 1942. 91st and Commercial. Lived on Central near Chopin Park (a little south of Addison)...56 years old. That's over 20 miles each way. Damn that is pretty crazy especially for 1942.

[King of Chicago]

About a week ago, I was wondering about the Treasure Island grocery store on Broadway in Lakeview, and was thinking what kind of development could go in there if it ever went out of business.

Well, as it turns out, yesterday, the news went out that they are closing all of their stores. Hopefully that location on Broadway becomes a good opportunity for a well-planned development:

https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/treasure-island-foods-shutdown-closing-broadway-grocery-kamberos/

I know there is also a store on Clybourne that might also be a good development opportunity....

[Barrelfish]

The Treasure Island at Clark and Elm has a 4 story parking garage on it. Could also be a good redevelopment spot.

That's also on the north end of that 2 block stretch of Clark that's full of car dealerships for some reason. If a treasure island redevelopment started the process of chipping away at those, I would be quite happy.

[King of Chicago]

The Treasure Island at Clark and Elm has a 4 story parking garage on it. Could also be a good redevelopment spot.

That's also on the north end of that 2 block stretch of Clark that's full of car dealerships for some reason. If a treasure island redevelopment started the process of chipping away at those, I would be quite happy.

Ah yes; good point! I hate to see the loss of Treasure Island, but these will all hopefully be replaced by amazing developments...

[BonoboZill4]

I'm happy I was able to stir up such an interesting discussion :D

Cool stuff guys, I love learning about this city's history!

[King of Chicago]

Wasn't sure where else to post these mediocre photos I took with my phone today after going to Petco today, but I was looking at our beautiful city and wondering what possible redevelopments, if at all could be done for these large swaths of land that are covered in power stations, transformers, and assorted rail yard equipment/supplies. Seems like this property on the river would be ever increasing in value, and I would not be surprised if they could consolidate these properties more efficiently to enable someone to build on the river, whether it be offices or residences.

Just a thought anyway...

https://i.imgur.com/VerwByY.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/zOAE6Z3.jpg?1

Edit: I also just realized I can see the crane for that project on Wells that isn't a part of the Riverline development. Cool

Hi Bonobo,

I meant to reply to your post here; when it comes to transformers and other necessary infrastructure, there is a way to bury that underground (actually, that is preferable, as that protects it more from weather etc). I am hoping that a lot of this will indeed go underground and be covered by dense, awesome new developments :D

[BonoboZill4]

Good to know!

[Chi-Sky21]

Gross. That is a terrible, un-urban development too. The set back from the street is inexcusable. And it’s being built by a mediocre college with a small endowment, so the quality of construction isn’t going to be impressive either.

The size of the endowment is not all that matters.. you may have been told this at some time . Don't belittle LU campus. Madonna della Strada, Mundelein building, Cudahy Library and the science hall , IES and Piper are all pretty nice buildings in my opinion. We can't all have gems like Wisconsins humanities building.

[BonoboZill4]

I wish there was some way to block someone's account from popping up when they comment because this 10023 guy just seems like a big troll who lives off trashing our wonderful city because it doesn't fit his wonky European standards. :/

[r18tdi]

September 28, 2018

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


So dirty already?

[PittsburghPA]

Poor place to put the exhaust if you ask me.

[spyguy]

730 W Randolph will apparently be an 8 story building by Hirsch Associates.

[r18tdi]

730 W Randolph will apparently be an 8 story building by Hirsch Associates. Replacing an older building or filling that little gap?

[Notyrview]

For those particularly interested in not just Chicago department store history but department store nameplates in general, there is an awesome blog that's loaded with info at http://www.thedepartmentstoremuseum.org/

I've still got around 10 Marshall Field's wooden hangers. Globalization really sucks when it comes to retail. As Cher would say, "If I could turn back time"...

[Busy Bee]

Yeah don't get me going on Field's. When I think of Macy's I think of that footage of the Taliban using that ancient Buddha monument as target practice.

[BonoboZill4]

Not sure if this counts as a general development or not, but here's that glass boat for the bourgeois and those who just can't budget well:

https://i.imgur.com/Lz1qlEg.jpg?1

That being said, if I had the money, I'd totally go on a cruise

[Freefall]

Not sure if this counts as a general development or not, but here's that glass boat for the bourgeois and those who just can't budget well:

That being said, if I had the money, I'd totally go on a cruise
I mean, you can get tickets for as low as $75. Not much different than having a nice dinner in the West Loop. Maybe they'll do something for Restaurant Week. I know they did for their Lake Michigan cruise. $34 on their Odyssey ship

[BonoboZill4]

I mean, you can get tickets for as low as $75. Not much different than having a nice dinner in the West Loop. Maybe they'll do something for Restaurant Week. I know they did for their Lake Michigan cruise. $34 on their Odyssey ship

Oh, I thought I saw 140 dollar tickets for dinner, I must have misread it.

[emathias]

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1957/31204129048_084aaeba13_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PxpjqY)
Ardus (https://flic.kr/p/PxpjqY), part of Cedar Street's FLATS collection, finally pretty much finished. Not sure if they're going to clad the right half or just leave the exposed concrete structure. Seems like they should at least seal it but who knows. Living as I do across the street, I'm just glad construction is done.
by me (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericmathiasen/), on Flickr

[the urban politician]

^ NICE! I love it.

To be honest, if the right half is waterproof, leave it alone. Looks awesome the way it is, like faded jeans

[ithakas]

^ NICE! I love it.

To be honest, if the right half is waterproof, leave it alone. Looks awesome the way it is, like faded jeans

Agreed, it makes for a nice contrast in the streetscape. This turned out very well overall. Excited to see how their project a bit north on Clark turns out!

[harryc]

In Context

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/902/39335156390_774f852d86_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22VUXzy)2018-03-31_04-53-52 (https://flic.kr/p/22VUXzy) by Eric Mathiasen (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericmathiasen/), on Flickr

[killaviews]

Previously a dumpy office building surrounded by parking lots. Looks like a neighborhood now.

Also, funny and interesting that this building will house a Heritage Coffee Shop - every new project on Wells also has a coffee shop - Limitless, Dollop and Peet's.

[F1 Tommy]

That did turn out nice. A protective coating would be good to make it last another 94 years.

[Randomguy34]

Previously a dumpy office building surrounded by parking lots. Looks like a neighborhood now.

Also, funny and interesting that this building will house a Heritage Coffee Shop - every new project on Wells also has a coffee shop - Limitless, Dollop and Peet's.

Yeah, even the new Found Hotel has a cafe on the first floor. Watch a real estate agent market this stretch at Chicago's "Coffee Corridor"

[Near North Resident]

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1957/31204129048_084aaeba13_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PxpjqY)
Ardus (https://flic.kr/p/PxpjqY), part of Cedar Street's FLATS collection, finally pretty much finished. Not sure if they're going to clad the right half or just leave the exposed concrete structure. Seems like they should at least seal it but who knows. Living as I do across the street, I'm just glad construction is done.
by me (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericmathiasen/), on Flickr

are those wall AC units? Those look ridiculous and what a cheap solution... for what they are going to charge you'd think they would do a better job than that!

[the urban politician]

^ Where are you seeing wall AC units?

[RedCorsair87]

Really like this. I hope they either clad the right side or use a red or orange brick like the old warehouses of the neighborhood. More of this, please!

[bgsrand]

^ Where are you seeing wall AC units?

3rd column on windows on the Western building. Look in the upper left hand side of the windows, and it appears to be wall mounted internal units.

[Busy Bee]

^?

[west-town-brad]

^ Where are you seeing wall AC units?

inside... the spacepac ac units... I've seen these in other new builds recently as well. I guess the tech is cheap enough to make it a favorable option, or perhaps the building code changed in some way?