[Mr Downtown]

^I figured that suburban thing was the $4 million difference between the Tribune report ("restoration") and the Sun-Times report ("campus"). And, of course, a legal way to take the $1 million that Gov. Tinyteeth promised the day after the fire.

[VivaLFuego]

$37 million dollars??? For a single sanctuary building???

I'm trying to imagine what Paul would have to say about using money that way.

This is exactly what jumped out at me, too. For $37 million (assuming more than a mere $1 million in public money will somehow find its way in support) this thing better be flawless from a historical/architectural standpoint.

Cool, though, that they've got an ambitious reconstruction plan.

[aic4ever]

OK not to overstate the obvious, but they are talking about a 4-5 story church and what looks like about a 3 or 4 story community center next to it, each of which is basically taking up a full square block on that rendering. If we call those two buildings each roughly 100' x 100', then we're looking at somewhere between $528/sqft (for 4 story & 3 story) and $411/sqft (for 5 story & 4 story).

If those numbers are assumed to take the architecture and engineering, as well as what looks like something along the lines of 4 to 5 years of escalation in lead time for fundraising into account, then they should be relatively accurate given the market conditions.

There's not a heck of a lot of new anything that's going for much less than $300/ft on purely construction right now, no design figured, on new construction projects of any kind of size. So four or five years from now, the range from $37 million to $41 million for somewhere between 70,000 and 90,000 square feet seems pretty much in the wheelhouse to me, if not a bargain given the finishes the church is likely to have.

Sincerely,
Your Resident Professional Estimator

[haurb]

Hey everybody- thought I'd share a picture I took of Pilgrim Baptist a while ago with the sunrise coming through the blocked doorway. Glad to hear that this view's days are numbered...:)

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n228/haurb900/church.jpg

[harryc]

:previous:haurb - Larger please.:previous:

[haurb]

:previous:haurb - Larger please.:previous:

Hows this?

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n228/haurb900/PilgrimBaptist.jpg

[wrabbit]

^ That's the goods! Not much more than that remaining, either. But wasn't Pilgrim extensively documented recently, pre-fire? Or am I confusing it with another Sullivan?

[honte]

^ Well, most Sullivans are much better-documented than other buildings from that era, obviously. But I am not aware of anything appropriately thorough for Pilgrim.

Aic, by the way, your perspective is fresh and always much appreciated.

[BWChicago]

^ Well, most Sullivans are much better-documented than other buildings from that era, obviously. But I am not aware of anything appropriately thorough for Pilgrim.

Aic, by the way, your perspective is fresh and always much appreciated.

http://www.bronzevilleonline.com/newsarchive/pilgrim-baptist-church.htm

Resurrecting history -- an argument for Pilgrim Baptist

By Blair Kamin
Chicago Tribune architecture critic
Published January 15, 2006

...Historic preservationist John Vinci last week pulled out of storage architectural drawings that could guide the church's reconstruction....

...Fortunately, the tools are at hand to reconstitute this spectacular room and the shell that housed it. They begin with five sheets of detailed architectural drawings made in 1964 for the Historic American Buildings Survey. The survey operates under congressional authority from the Historic Sites Acts of 1935. Its mandate, as its Web site spells out, is to record historic structures so Americans can better understand what they tell us of the past and to ensurerecognition by future generations. Are you listening, ACLU?

It gets better. Vinci, who helped the late photographer Richard Nickel save fragments of doomed Sullivan buildings and led the restoration of Adler & Sullivan's Chicago Stock Exchange trading room at the Art Institute, has an even more detailed set of Pilgrim Baptist drawings. When he taught a class in 19th Century Romanesque architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology during the 1980s, he and his students spent hour after hour at Pilgrim Baptist, just east of IIT. "We crawled all over," Vinci says, showing the drawings, which include floor plans, cross sections and elevations that show what facades looked like. He restored the original colors and detail of the church's interior in 1986.

Working blueprint

Combine the drawings with plaster casts of the building's decoration, pictures of the church taken by Nickel's studio and fancy computer technology that would allow details to be built to the correct proportions, and you have a working blueprint for the essentials -- the bones and the flesh, the structure and the ornament.

Better yet, there could be improvements on the original.

Engineers surely would seek to convert the wood roof trusses, which went up in flames, to hardier structural steel. Smart but flexible historic preservationists make changes like that all the time. Only the hidebound ones insist on not rebuilding destroyed structures because they have lost their historic "patina."...

[wrabbit]

^ Should be a very interesting restoration/recreation project.

_____


Separately, I just now noticed the UA signage on Donnelly - has this been up for a while?

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/20080921hdr40.jpg

[wrabbit]

Bummer. Up on Kamin's blog.

23 September, 2008
Navy to demolish Cold War era relic designed by Sears Tower architect
By Lisa Black, Tribune reporter

Despite strong objections from preservationists, the U.S. Navy will move forward to demolish a vacant, 96,000-square-foot steel-and-glass building at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago.

The Navy announced today that it had reached an agreement with state and national officials to tear down the Gunner's Mate School, a Cold War era relic that was co-designed by the architect of Sears Tower. The agreement requires the Navy to preserve some artifacts to create a multimedia display to be housed in the Great Lakes Naval Training Museum, which will be open to the public.....

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/theskyline/

[Mr Downtown]

The United sign went up at 77 W. Wacker about a year ago.

They're repainting the red CNA building this week. Nice as it is, that red only lasts a few years in the sunlight.

[BVictor1]

^ Should be a very interesting restoration/recreation project.

_____


Separately, I just now noticed the UA signage on Donnelly - has this been up for a while?

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/20080921hdr40.jpg

been up there for the past year

[honte]

http://www.bronzevilleonline.com/newsarchive/pilgrim-baptist-church.htm

Resurrecting history -- an argument for Pilgrim Baptist



Sweet, thanks... not sure how I missed that. If Vinci can be involved in any capacity, I'll be much happier. Perhaps he already is and I missed that too?

[aic4ever]

Bummer. Up on Kamin's blog.

23 September, 2008
Navy to demolish Cold War era relic designed by Sears Tower architect
By Lisa Black, Tribune reporter

Despite strong objections from preservationists, the U.S. Navy will move forward to demolish a vacant, 96,000-square-foot steel-and-glass building at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago.

The Navy announced today that it had reached an agreement with state and national officials to tear down the Gunner's Mate School, a Cold War era relic that was co-designed by the architect of Sears Tower. The agreement requires the Navy to preserve some artifacts to create a multimedia display to be housed in the Great Lakes Naval Training Museum, which will be open to the public.....

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/theskyline/

Unsurprising. The Navy has been demolishing everything up at Great Lakes and replacing with updated facilities for the past ten years. Just about all of the Mies-style barracks are gone on the Recruit Training Side with new buildings all being built to match the style of the super-old original buildings on the administrative side.

Another big glass SOM box came down about a year or two ago as well that was more of a machinery maintenance kind of building. Thank god, in my opinion. It was ugly as hell.

In order to update the base more easily, the Navy has a habit of knocking down older buildings like those that are expensive to maintain. The Federal Government has policies in place that any new construction over $10 million on the base requires congressional approval. Tied to that is that Congress rarely allows a base to expand its facilities. Therefore, in order to receive permission to "expand without actually expanding" Great Lakes has made a habit of building new and demolishing at a 1:1 ratio. If they demolish along with the new, they are technically not expanding, and receive approval much more easily.

Aside from that, the Federal Agencies, Navy and US Army Corps in particular, run on an agenda above the heads of what is normal code-related construction (no ADA for instance, since if you were disabled, you wouldn't be there anyway). They do what they want, when they want, how they want, and groups of preservationists, while they may be loud from time to time, will be ignored 100% of the time.

[honte]

^ Isn't there still a good chance the Bunshaft will be saved? That was a case where they didn't ignore everyone.

I've always wanted to get on that base to look around, but it sounds as though for my purposes, I am all but too late. If you have any tips on how to gain access, please PM me.

Bummer. Up on Kamin's blog.

23 September, 2008
Navy to demolish Cold War era relic designed by Sears Tower architect
By Lisa Black, Tribune reporter

Despite strong objections from preservationists, the U.S. Navy will move forward to demolish a vacant, 96,000-square-foot steel-and-glass building at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago.

The Navy announced today that it had reached an agreement with state and national officials to tear down the Gunner's Mate School, a Cold War era relic that was co-designed by the architect of Sears Tower. The agreement requires the Navy to preserve some artifacts to create a multimedia display to be housed in the Great Lakes Naval Training Museum, which will be open to the public.....

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/theskyline/

:( One good news post, the other terrible.

[aic4ever]

^ Isn't there still a good chance the Bunshaft will be saved? That was a case where they didn't ignore everyone.

I've always wanted to get on that base to look around, but it sounds as though for my purposes, I am all but too late. If you have any tips on how to gain access, please PM me.



:( One good news post, the other terrible.

Which one is the Bunshaft?

From everything I've seen all those glass boxes are coming down sooner or later. They are incredibly expensive to maintain (heating, cooling, broken glass) at all times of the year, and are never comfortable. While architecturally stunning, much like Crown Hall and Keating (the gym) at IIT, they are horrendous in terms of interior space conditions. This is why the Navy stopped using the buildings altogether. They cost so much to maintain that it isn't worth it to put useful programs into them.

Also, I wouldn't be misled by the "artifacts" statement as a concession to preservationists. That's something the Navy does with EVERY new building they build anyway. Any sculptural elements brought into new buildings on the base are historical navy of some sort to instill the general Navy mindset at all times.

[honte]

^ Yeah, I could really care less about "artifacts." It reminds me of NW Hospital "restoring" the old bas reliefs from the demolished Wesley Pavilion (oops, or Wexler? I forget which was which) as their public art contribution with their new building. What a crock.

The Bunshaft was formerly known as Hostess House and is ironically the building that would house the museum. It was finished in 1942 and is his only building in Illinois to my knowledge. Here is a big historic photo of it in PDF format: http://www.docomomo-us.org/files/Bldg_42__Hostess_House_2__GLNTC[2].pdf It's "kind of" safe, if they can find the cash to restore it, last I heard.

Here is some text about it and the doomed Gunner's Mates School:
http://www.docomomo-us.org/about/two_s_o_m_buildings_in_the_balance_the_hostess_house_and_the_gunner_s_mates_school_at_great_lakes_naval_station

[aic4ever]

^ Yeah, I could really care less about "artifacts." It reminds me of NW Hospital "restoring" the old bas reliefs from the demolished Wesley Pavilion (oops, or Wexler? I forget which was which) as their public art contribution with their new building. What a crock.

The Bunshaft was formerly known as Hostess House and is ironically the building that would house the museum. It was finished in 1942 and is his only building in Illinois to my knowledge. Here is a big historic photo of it in PDF format: http://www.docomomo-us.org/files/Bldg_42__Hostess_House_2__GLNTC[2].pdf It's "kind of" safe, if they can find the cash to restore it, last I heard.

Here is some text about it and the doomed Gunner's Mates School:
http://www.docomomo-us.org/about/two_s_o_m_buildings_in_the_balance_the_hostess_house_and_the_gunner_s_mates_school_at_great_lakes_naval_station

Well I dont know anything about the Bunshaft building, however I actually personally put a bid in on the demolition contract that included the Gunners Mate building, which I only ever knew to be Building 521. I thought they had already torn it down. It was/is an ugly hulk of mismatched infilled glass where it has been replaced at this point, and, as I mentioned before, a mess in terms of conditioning the space, similar to Keating (the gym) at IIT, another SOM mess of a glass box. Stunning from the outside, but complete travesty in terms of indoor air quality. Both greenhouses.

[denizen467]

Apologies for interrupting this preservation discussion, but I was curious - what is known about the current occupant (and/or ownership) of the building next to JHC ?

Is it at all similar to its status 4 decades ago, per http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Printer.php?ID=1006 ?


There was originally supposed to be two skyscrapers here, which is why it is called John Hancock Center. The second tower would gave been East of the first, but the developers could not wrest the land at 195 East Delaware Place away from the very private Casino Club. The developers sent a letter about the second tower to then-club president Doris Winterbotham. She ignored the letter and the development went forward with only one tower. The letter in question was found in Winterbotham's papers after she died, and was later publicized by the Chicago Tribune.

[spyguy]

http://www.chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=60&ArticleID=5971&TM=85549.23

Developer has big plans for derelict parcels
Hundreds of new units in ‘Renaissance Village’

By MICAH MAIDENBERG

Sandwiched between the Dan Ryan Expressway and Chicago River south of 18th Street, with borders close to Chinatown and the South Loop, is an unassuming part of East Pilsen filled with two-story residential buildings and vacant lots. A developer is now planning a large new development that could transform the area.

Renaissance Village, a project of Chinatown-based developer R.M. Chin & Associates, could eventually include as many as 446 for-sale and rental units spread over 5.5 acres in several new buildings around 20th Street and Jefferson, Desplaines and Ruble. There will be 40,000 square feet in retail space and a 0.3-acre park.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/9982/5971aax2.jpg

[Nowhereman1280]

Nice, looks to have some good density for the area!

[honte]

^ Chin has never produced a good-looking building. Quite to the contrary...

Apologies for interrupting this preservation discussion, but I was curious - what is known about the current occupant (and/or ownership) of the building next to JHC ?

Is it at all similar to its status 4 decades ago, per http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Printer.php?ID=1006 ?

I went in there a few years back, and yes, that's exactly what it was. I think it's a cool survivor.

[honte]

Well I dont know anything about the Bunshaft building, however I actually personally put a bid in on the demolition contract that included the Gunners Mate building, which I only ever knew to be Building 521. I thought they had already torn it down. It was/is an ugly hulk of mismatched infilled glass where it has been replaced at this point, and, as I mentioned before, a mess in terms of conditioning the space, similar to Keating (the gym) at IIT, another SOM mess of a glass box. Stunning from the outside, but complete travesty in terms of indoor air quality. Both greenhouses.

And there's no way to correct that other than demolition? :rolleyes:

By the way, some of these buildings were modeled on the old Fagus, which was intended to have a variety of "mismatched" glass. I quite like it. The historic photos of Gunner's Mates, however, show uniform cyan/green glazing that is quite attractive. The overall effect was something like the first Riverside plaza buildings.

[aic4ever]

And there's no way to correct that other than demolition? :rolleyes:

By the way, some of these buildings were modeled on the old Fagus, which was intended to have a variety of "mismatched" glass. I quite like it. The historic photos of Gunner's Mates, however, show uniform cyan/green glazing that is quite attractive. The overall effect was something like the first Riverside plaza buildings.

I guess I can forgive a statement like that and chalk it up to your being on the design side of the equation. There are obviously ways to help improve the condition of a building that is effectively a greenhouse. Unfortunately a mechanical renovation of that sort would be monstrously expensive (as would be the cost to run that system), probably costing more than the building is even worth. Likewise you have the option of replacing the glass with more modern products that transfer light and heat better for the space. Again, as you're probably aware, monstrously expensive.

Basically it will be the fact for years and years that Buildings like 521, Keating, and Crown Hall, while fantastic when it comes to aesthetic and interior space, are absolutely epic failures from a conditioning standpoint. I doubt either of us will ever live to see the spring/fall that students aren't sweating inside of Crown Hall, or the winter where they're not wearing coats and gloves.

So yes, to the Navy, where decisions are value based, the big glass box that they're not using for anything comes down. Probably more than cost as far as they are concerned right now, though, is aesthetic. The guy in charge of the master plan at Great Lakes is trying to make everything look like the old 1800's Virginia/Mt. Vernon style stuff that you see in the original buildings, so he probably just wants the glass box gone for that reason.

[nomarandlee]

Nice, looks to have some good density for the area!

Yea, I love that area's potential. From the bridges, to the river, and the vintage manufacturing buildings that area oozes character. I am guessing the fact that the area is within a manufacturing district though makes more residential and retail a challenge? I would love to see more of each there though.

[VivaLFuego]

Yea, I love that area's potential. From the bridges, to the river, and the vintage manufacturing buildings that area oozes character.
One of the oldest parts of town with a very long and interesting industrial history. Good bones for a hip new urban neighborhood. Agreed with honte that we can't expect much quality in terms of design, but I love the thought of some added density there. East and north of the Ryan is the last super cheap, largely disinvested area in immediate proximity to downtown.

[honte]

I guess I can forgive a statement like that and chalk it up to your being on the design side of the equation. There are obviously ways to help improve the condition of a building that is effectively a greenhouse. Unfortunately a mechanical renovation of that sort would be monstrously expensive (as would be the cost to run that system), probably costing more than the building is even worth. Likewise you have the option of replacing the glass with more modern products that transfer light and heat better for the space. Again, as you're probably aware, monstrously expensive.

Basically it will be the fact for years and years that Buildings like 521, Keating, and Crown Hall, while fantastic when it comes to aesthetic and interior space, are absolutely epic failures from a conditioning standpoint. I doubt either of us will ever live to see the spring/fall that students aren't sweating inside of Crown Hall, or the winter where they're not wearing coats and gloves.

So yes, to the Navy, where decisions are value based, the big glass box that they're not using for anything comes down. Probably more than cost as far as they are concerned right now, though, is aesthetic. The guy in charge of the master plan at Great Lakes is trying to make everything look like the old 1800's Virginia/Mt. Vernon style stuff that you see in the original buildings, so he probably just wants the glass box gone for that reason.

Well, it was a tad sarcastic, but not mean-spirited. I think people need to look outside the box when it comes to these kinds of issues. A natural ventilation scheme for that box and some strategic landscaping could go a long way toward cooling. With enough creativity, it need not be marvelously expensive. The US is way behind when it comes to climate conditioning.

Perhaps you are aware that SOM put together an extensive restoration proposal for this building that was done pro bono? I'm quite sure they addressed the climate control issue.

I think your last comment is the ultimate and honest reason why nothing has been done.

[aic4ever]

Well, it was a tad sarcastic, but not mean-spirited. I think people need to look outside the box when it comes to these kinds of issues. A natural ventilation scheme for that box and some strategic landscaping could go a long way toward cooling. With enough creativity, it need not be marvelously expensive. The US is way behind when it comes to climate conditioning.

Perhaps you are aware that SOM put together an extensive restoration proposal for this building that was done pro bono? I'm quite sure they addressed the climate control issue.

I think your last comment is the ultimate and honest reason why nothing has been done.

I'll agree we're behind as far as climate control. The sheet metal unions have a ton of power. The high rise on the northwest corner of State & Adams almost didn't get approval because they used raised-floor air distribution and the sheet metal union threatened to strike if they didn't change it to a ductwork building, as there was a legitimate threat to them that all that raised floor would be carpenter's work, since that is typically who a GC will try to assign work to that is not already claimed, since they are cheaper. Not sure who wound up with it, but the building was built so I'm sure there was some compromise.

Politics of construction aside, while I'm sure SOM did a plan for it, your idea of strategic landscaping would never work. DoD Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) requirements say that any and all landscaping to be no more than something like 20" tall, and spaced no less than something like six feet apart, in order that someone not be able to set a concealed bomb next to the building.

Also, the same ATFP requirements outline that any glass must be able to absorb an impact equivalent to a missile strike without shattering and spreading shrapnel into the space. So therefore, any renovation of that building (involving glass replacement) would need to be done along those guidelines. I'm not particularly sure you could pull that off on that building, to be honest.

[honte]

^ Sure, there are complications. I am not really very informed about the specifics of this particular plan. Things are possible, however... I'd rather see the buildng reworked somewhat and still standing, even if not 100% original. There has to be some compromise in preservation - deciding what compromise is the difficulty. Even Crown Hall had some very minor changes made to it when they recently restored it.

But in order to know what's possible, you have to have people who are willing to say, "Let's figure this out," and not, "This is impossible." Seems it's not going to happen here.

[alex1]

http://www.chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=60&ArticleID=5971&TM=85549.23


[B]Renaissance Village, a project of Chinatown-based developer R.M. Chin & Associates, could eventually include as many as 446 for-sale and rental units spread over 5.5 acres in several new buildings around 20th Street and Jefferson, Desplaines and Ruble. There will be 40,000 square feet in retail space and a 0.3-acre park.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/9982/5971aax2.jpg

I love to play this game. In suburbia, more often then not, you would see no more than 38 homes on that parcel with no park or retail space. It's a major reason why suburbs will never truly be sustainable places.

but in any regard, this development would extrapolate to about 75k people per sq. mile (1.5 persons per unit). Not shabby in that regard.

[VivaLFuego]

http://www.dpcaltd.com/projects/individual/images/waukegan_corner_right.jpg

a Beitler project in Waukegan, designed by Coffey. All approvals and permits are in place, but of course they've yet to land financing (or so I've heard)... Showed up in bidclerk for a March 2009 start at a cost of $120 million. 200+ residential units.

[harryc]

a Beitler project in Waukegan, designed by Coffey. All approvals and permits are in place, but of course they've yet to land financing (or so I've heard)... Showed up in bidclerk for a March 2009 start at a cost of $120 million.

Did it say where in Waukegan ?

[VivaLFuego]

http://www.dpcaltd.com/projects/individual/images/north_and_bos_aerial.jpg

Also from Coffey, this is the approved development at North/Bosworth with a car dealership, office building, and condo building.

He's also got a very large "Uptown Station" project on his site, but I'm unaware that it is an active proposal.

Did it say where in Waukegan ?

Sheridan & Clayton

[honte]

^ Unfortunately, I think the cool North / Kennedy proposal is dead. The site has been cleared but the parcels are for sale.

[BWChicago]

^ Unfortunately, I think the cool North / Kennedy proposal is dead. The site has been cleared but the parcels are for sale.

something tells me LaSalle Bank *probably* wouldn't go in there, too... ;)

[VivaLFuego]

^ Unfortunately, I think the cool North / Kennedy proposal is dead. The site has been cleared but the parcels are for sale.

This story is from July:
http://chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=25&SubSectionID=55&ArticleID=5291&TM=50099.99

Has it died since then? It does sound like the Coffey design is dead though, replaced with Gensler and somewhat lower scale.

Those lots are total eyesores.

[neverdone]

^ Parkview is just such a solid development, all around. My hat's off to MCL and, yes, SCB on this one. Once the park matures and the surrounding sites are developed, it's going to be a fabulous urban space.


Honte, I had my doubts of this project, but it's turning out great. The lamps they have used to illuminate the park at night are beautiful and subtle. I especially like how attention was paid to the outer most edges of the property. The North and East sides are particularly inviting places to walk. I find myself crossing to the other side of the street to walk when I really don't need to :yes:

[Nowhereman1280]

Loyola has started building something on the lot in between the Loyola El Stop and the U/C Morgan. I'm not sure what they are building here, but its made out of all precast and is not a garage because the lot is too small and the pieces are all level (no ramps). There was originally a plan to incorporate this into the El Stop with a building on the other side of the tracks, so I guess that plan is out for now.

[Nowhereman1280]

Also, the Uptown Station redevelopment project thingy site is completely dug out. They have dug it down almost a full story on the whole huge lot...

[honte]

Anyone know if this is anchoring that awesome SOM proposal by Capris, or something different?
________

Grocery for Bronzeville
Roundy's plans supermarket at 39th and State

http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/food/1188968,CST-NWS-desert27.article

September 27, 2008

BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter
There's an oasis coming to Chicago's food desert.

Roundy's Supermarkets, based in Milwaukee, has signed a letter of intent to build a 68,000-square-foot, full service grocery store at 39th and State in historic Bronzeville.

...

[spyguy]

Possible retail project on Walton next to the old Gino's building
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/5415/ewaltonfn2.jpg

[SolarWind]

September 25, 2008

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/479/dsc0070nf5.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7349/dsc0072hg3.jpg

CDOT Website (http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?contentOID=536956819&contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=Dept&blockName=Transportation%2FCurrent+Construction+Projects%2FI+Want+To&context=dept&channelId=-536879037&programId=536879161&entityName=Transportation&deptMainCategoryOID=-536883911)

• New street and pedestrian lighting
• Sidewalk planters with irrigation
• Painting the L structure ("Bordeaux" color to match the Wabash Bridge)
• Adding accents lights to L structure columns and overhead at intersections
• Sidewalk and vaulted sidewalk repairs

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^ OOOO I like the new paint job!

A "Tenant Signage Here" store! YES! I've heard good things about them...

That's strange seeing as how the Gino's building is now completely gone...

[EarlyBuyer]

Photos by EarlyBuyer 9/27/08


http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6783/dsc0011mp8.jpg


http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7137/dsc0058ub1.jpg


http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/6493/dsc0057uk9.jpg

[Busy Bee]

L-O-V-E the color of the L structure. Not really diggin the Wabash Avenue pylon thingy. Looks like something you'd see in a lifestyle centre. You know... The Shoppes of Olde Towne Village:)

[VivaLFuego]

Possible retail project on Walton next to the old Gino's building
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/5415/ewaltonfn2.jpg

Awesome, decrease in density, intensity, and the loss of a charming historic structure with character. Win-win-win. :rolleyes:

[ardecila]

Anyone know if this is anchoring that awesome SOM proposal by Capris, or something different?

It's hard to say. The article is deliberately vague when it refers to which development Roundy's will anchor. The master plan for Park Boulevard includes a retail center at the NW corner of 39th and State, but there's also the SOM-designed Metropolis planned for the SW corner.

[spyguy]

Awesome, decrease in density, intensity, and the loss of a charming historic structure with character. Win-win-win. :rolleyes:

I hope the plans change and they add a couple more floors to it like the plan I saw before had.

Anyone know if this is anchoring that awesome SOM proposal by Capris, or something different?


I believe so.
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1872/metropolis5tl9.jpg
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/5149/metropolis6if0.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/7895/metropolis7ps1.jpg
^Ignore the two story giant.

[honte]

^ Let's hope it is. I'll see you guys there doing my grocery shopping if so. :D Thanks for the different renders.

I can't imagine they'll be moving forward with the residential component at this time... hopefully they'll work in a way to add this as a later phase. It might look a touch strange without the residential part, however.

Don't forget, guys and gals, there's also the potential of two towers being added to this mix. Or, is there? This version looks different to me than the first proposal we saw, which had one swoop of residential units at the top, I believe, and a kind of spiral shape in plan.

[spyguy]

^Three towers actually, one was a hotel.

[VivaLFuego]

^ Wow. I'll go out of my way to shop there if it gets built.

[aic4ever]

Anyone know who the developer is on that?

[honte]

^ Capri Capital (sorry, I spelled it wrong earlier) and one other firm, off the top of my head.

http://www.capricapital.com/page0_1.html

Edit: Here is a link to the press release from last year. The other firm is Judson Investment Co. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Capri+Capital+Partners+LLC+Announces+Plans+For+Major+Mixed-Use...-a0159313633

[BWChicago]

Daniel P. Coffey Associates has launched a new website showing off their projects, including a number of interesting proposals that haven't been publicly discussed thus far, some that were never executed, and some differing from as-built.

For example, the Germania Club: "As tenants turn over, the intention is to modify non-historic interior spaces and sensitively insert mezzanines into the larger spaces to enhance retail flexibility and uses. The exterior will be restored and kept generally unchanged as ADA access and upgrades of exiting and building systems are undertaken. All aspects are being carefully discussed with city landmarks staff."

http://www.dpcaltd.com/

[BWChicago]

Or this proposal for Milwaukee/Diversey/Kimball:

http://www.dpcaltd.com/projects/individual/images/logan_milwaukee_perspective.jpg
http://www.dpcaltd.com/projects/individual/logan_milwaukee.html

[the urban politician]

GREAT news about Roundy's.

I just returned from a trip to Chicago, my first one in 2 and 1/2 yrs. I have a few observations to share:

I have no doubt that Chicago's greatest days are still ahead. What I witnessed was a city that was even more vibrant than the one I lived in 6 years ago. I say this admitting that I've long been a Chicago-phile, but in all honestly I actually did try to approach Chicago on this trip objectively.

I also had my first significant adventure in Chicago's suburbs....pretty much ever. Hinsdale's town center is wonderful, and the north shore? Typical rich suburbia heaven somewhat similar to Connecticut/Long Island. I was surprised to see that there is simply no end to the number of office parks in the north, northwest, and western burbs. Chicago appears to have much more office park burbs than even New York does, and the traffic is absolutely horrendous!

Chicago really is "bursting at the seams" as Honte said a few months ago, and I witnessed that myself this past weekend. I've also seen Millennium Park evolve into an even bigger international attraction than it was when it first opened.

Bringing up the near south side is really the only missing piece of the puzzle, and that's why developments like this Roundy's so excite me. Btw, I'm 90% likely to live within an hour's drive (without traffic) of Chicago by next summer :)

[pip]

^An hour's drive away? :( . Seriosly, Welcome back!

Two questions. I took the number 36 Bus home today from downtown. I noticed the Cedar Hotel and the bar with the huge outdoor area is closed, the building is closed. WHats going in its place? The Village Theatre is closed it appears. What is going in its place?

[the urban politician]

^ Jobs in Chicago pay shitty in my field. To be honest, some of the lowest in the nation (New York is also just as bad). Most people in my field say I'm crazy, and that I should move to Arkansas or North Carolina or Florida (much higher pays). But what can I say? Check out my signature.

Anyhow, the further out you are from the city the better the salaries are in my field..

[pip]

I was just giving you a hard time :)

How come in the field you are in jobs pay worse in the more expensive cities and pay more in the cheap cities or pay more the further away from the city you are?

[the urban politician]

I was just giving you a hard time :)

How come in the field you are in jobs pay worse in the more expensive cities and pay more in the cheap cities or pay more the further away from the city you are?

^ It's weird, but my field has absolutely nothing to do with where "centers of wealth" are. My field has to do with where people live and whether or not they are well served by people of my profession. People in densely populated areas near many universities are already well served and thus people like me aren't needed. People in hodunk aren't well served and thus there is a huge demand for people who do what I do.

[honte]

Anyhow, the further out you are from the city the better the salaries are in my field..

Nice observations above. Interesting to get an informed but outside opinion.

If you need to live "outside of the city," why don't you move down to the Wild Hundreds? It's almost like rural Arkansas sometimes down there.

[the urban politician]

^ I'm assuming you're talking about the far south side?

[pip]

ok I'm not making fun of you or your job but that sucks. Realize I say this sitting in my studio apartment.

Anyway, like I said welcome back.

[the urban politician]

^ Yeah, it certainly does suck. But I don't know, a part of me doesn't mind the peace and quiet of a smaller town.

Yikes, did I just say that? Anyhow, I think I've taken this thread too far off topic..

[honte]

^ I'm assuming you're talking about the far south side?

Yes. That's what rappers and people "with it" like me ;) call it.

Just follow the train lines out of the city and you'll find some excellent old towns ("suburbs") to live in. There are lots of great places in the older 'burbs for you, and if you're smart you'll plop yourself not too far from a Metra line.

^An hour's drive away? :( . Seriosly, Welcome back!

Two questions. I took the number 36 Bus home today from downtown. I noticed the Cedar Hotel and the bar with the huge outdoor area is closed, the building is closed. WHats going in its place? The Village Theatre is closed it appears. What is going in its place?

Village Theatre is a newly designated, preliminary Landmark, on its way to being fully protected. Maybe VivaLFuego can tell us more about the plans when he stops fuming about the designation. ;)

Cedar Hotel is going to be facadectomized with a new, glassy SCB tower behind.

[the urban politician]

^ Actually, I do have a job opportunity in the south suburbs, so ya never know...

I never saw this posted here:


9/24/2008 10:00:00 PM Email this article • Print this article

http://www.chicagojournal.com/SiteImages/Article/5971a.jpg
An artist’s conception of how the proposed Renaissance Village would look in East Pilsen.
Fujikawa Johnson Gobel Architects

Developer has big plans for derelict parcels (http://www.chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=60&ArticleID=5971&TM=82128.85)
Hundreds of new units in ‘Renaissance Village’

By MICAH MAIDENBERG
Editor


Sandwiched between the Dan Ryan Expressway and Chicago River south of 18th Street, with borders close to Chinatown and the South Loop, is an unassuming part of East Pilsen filled with two-story residential buildings and vacant lots. A developer is now planning a large new development that could transform the area.

Renaissance Village, a project of Chinatown-based developer R.M. Chin & Associates, could eventually include as many as 446 for-sale and rental units spread over 5.5 acres in several new buildings around 20th Street and Jefferson, Desplaines and Ruble. There will be 40,000 square feet in retail space and a 0.3-acre park.

Twenty-one percent of the units will be marked for affordable buyers and rentals, calculated as 60 to 90 percent of the area median income for Chicagoland. Current area median income for a household of four is about $75,000, according to the Illinois Department of Housing.

"I figure this piece of property was bypassed even though there has been growth all around it," said Raymond Chin, president of the firm developing the project. "We feel that with more growth east of the river, there is natural spillover."

A zoning change was needed to get the land from C3-3, a commercial and manufacturing designation, to a B2-3 neighborhood mixed-used district. A planned development will govern the site. Twenty-fifth Ward Alderman Danny Solis supports the project.

"Compared to other areas in my ward," Solis said, referring to Pilsen, Heart of Chicago and Little Italy, "this is the one neighborhood-bound by Cermak, 16th Street, Canal and the expressway-that really doesn't have strong identity. I think this development is going to help bring that."

Solis said he had considered other projects over the years for the site. Costco was once interested, but there wasn't enough land. It has been vacant for over 20 years, he said.

Chin said his group had yet to finance the project but that he believed with the zoning change in place, his firm would be able to make pre-sales and secure a loan. The goal is to start construction on 112 units in two eight-story buildings by the second quarter of 2009.

"Hopefully, by the time election comes, the government will have this economy back in shape," he said.

The Plan Commission gave the project permission to go ahead in a unanimous vote at its September meeting; the project still needs full approval from the city council.

The land is within the Pilsen Industrial Corridor, an area designated by the city to assist current manufacturers and encourage new users to open. The Pilsen Manufacturing District is to the east.

While zoning changes for large-scale residential development have been controversial-many community residents fought a 387-unit project at 18th and Peoria-no one spoke against Renaissance Village at the Plan Commission meeting.

David Betlewjewski, executive director of the 18th Street Development Corporation, supports the project because the land in question has sat vacant for years and because of the affordable component-both in terms of the percentage of units slated as affordable and the area median income calculation.

"We like development but we like balanced development that fits into the neighborhood, that doesn't create a rich vs. poor scenario," he said. The 18th Street Development Corporation will help Chin find buyers for the affordable units.

The group also works to bring new businesses into the Pilsen Industrial Corridor. Asked if he was concerned about building residential units in the corridor, Betlewjewski said the area had always been a buffer between residential units and industrial users south of Cermak.

"If this had been a true part of the PMD, that would have been much bigger issue," he said, referring to the Pilsen Manufacturing District. "The fact that it had always been a buffer boundary makes it a different story."

[VivaLFuego]

Two questions. I took the number 36 Bus home today from downtown. I noticed the Cedar Hotel and the bar with the huge outdoor area is closed, the building is closed. WHats going in its place? The Village Theatre is closed it appears. What is going in its place?

The Cedar Hotel is having the facade preserved with a slender, glassy 20-story hotel built behind it (approved in the old Natarus days to the horror of the neighbors). This was previously a drug and prostitution den, so by most measures this is progress. I could be wrong, but I assume there was little worth saving inside, and the terra cotta facade will apparently be saved and restored so it should provide for an interesting contrast. Upon completion, the front patio will again host a restaurant/bar.

The Village Theatre is set to be a decayed, abandoned eyesore worthy of Hyde Park for years to come because Reilly won't even consider any redevelopment proposals for that area, despite the zoning allowing for an FAR of 5.0 (it falls within the "lakefront protection/extortion zone," so the alderman can kill projects even if they conform with zoning). I've seen this before in my old neighborhood, where albatrosses like St. Stephen's Church, Hyde Park Theater, and the Dr.'s Hospital decay to blighted oblivion because of brain-dead NIMBYism (selectively and falsely couched in the guise of preservationism, see "Esquire Theater") and spineless political leadership. From experience seeing many movies there, there is little worth saving from the Village other than the awesome facade. I'd be fine if it were saved and used as a venue for live theater, concerts, and so on, but the neighbors would never allow that so it's a moot point anyway ("Would someone please think of the parking?"). The smog-belching communists would rather the eyesore than more people coming into their personal private neighborhood. Plus since it's across the street from the school a new liquor permit would probably be a non-starter without some serious clout.

[/rant off]
Ahem. I'd love to be wrong about the Village :) I'm glad that Germania Club is being landmarked and preserved. I just think 1-2 stories at North/Clark is a travesty of land use. I wish they'd resurect the 101 North Avenue highrise proposal...

[pip]

The Cedar Hotel was a drug and prostitution den with all those so 'hot' tourists at the huge bar in the middle of the Gold Coast? haha!

Glad they are preserving the facade. Any renderings?

Speaking of Nimbyism. Has Lincoln Park Nimbyied itself to boredom? Clark Street in Lincoln Park was definetly not as vibrant or attractive as Broadway, the 36 bus route, in Lakeview. While the residential streets in Lincoln Park are more attractive the business corridors where dull considering the amount of wealth. Isn't that why the monied people moved there, to be in the center? So now they will march on to Lakeview, because Lakeview is 'cooler' and bore that place to death too?

On another note. How about the transient Hotel Chateau in Lakeview? Three people died in an overdose this weekend. Ok, but what got me while looking for Google images of the place, hoping for an inside pic was links to hotel reviews, damn people actually booked stays there. People who stayed there where to say the least shocked. I had no clue people stayed there as a hotel vacation. I can tolerate a lot but roaches and bed bugs galore, no thanks. Beautiful building though.

[harryc]

On another note. How about the transient Hotel Chateau in Lakeview? '..... damn people actually booked stays there. People who stayed there where to say the least shocked. I had no clue people stayed there as a hotel vacation. I can tolerate a lot but roaches and bed bugs galore, no thanks. Beautiful building though.

Thanks I can't stop laughing.

I don't remember the finishings - nothing special - the residents were highly unforgettable.

[VivaLFuego]

The Cedar Hotel was a drug and prostitution den with all those so 'hot' tourists at the huge bar in the middle of the Gold Coast? haha!

Cedar was a transient hotel, of which there are several nearby (the Mark Twain, Marshall, and Carling come to mind). Definitely a throwback to the old Near North side of 50 years ago.


Glad they are preserving the facade. Any renderings?

http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/1425/mondrianchi.jpg

Speaking of Nimbyism. Has Lincoln Park Nimbyied itself to boredom?


[WARNING: Editorializing to follow] Somewhat. Certainly the closing of Columbus Hospital took a lot of people off the street and out of the area, the demolition of Cabrini Hall eliminated many affordable rental units (the type of people who actually walk around the neighborhood), and the ongoing gradual redevelopment generally results in lower unit density (e.g. 2-flat converted to luxury SFH) and lower population density (fewer persons per household). It's partially a NIMBYism thing, and partially a demographic thing. But I'd still call that stretch of Clark vibrant by most measures, as is the Armitage/Halsted retail district. It could take a painful hit after Children's Hospital closes, though, if the NIMBYs prevent any serious traffic generator from replacing it. I would agree that Broadway and Belmont in Lakeview are, lately, much more vibrant, though.

[aic4ever]

The approved plan for the facade of the Cedar is to disassemble it and reassemble it. The terra cotta is all in quite good condition, as is the existing facade brick, as well as replacing miscellaneous pieces when necessary (terra cotta has a nasty habit of looking great in place until you take it out whereupon it falls to pieces). As for the rest of the building, and particularly the interior...sweet god almighty! I'm surprised it hasn't collapsed under its own weight already!

[Chicago3rd]

On another note. How about the transient Hotel Chateau in Lakeview? Three people died in an overdose this weekend. Ok, but what got me while looking for Google images of the place, hoping for an inside pic was links to hotel reviews, damn people actually booked stays there. People who stayed there where to say the least shocked. I had no clue people stayed there as a hotel vacation. I can tolerate a lot but roaches and bed bugs galore, no thanks. Beautiful building though.

It is a SRO "single room occupancy" many of the Congregations and Synagogues in the Lake View neighborhood support the building in principle and keeping it open. The land lord has a very poor attitude though....and has let the building run down.


http://chicago.everyblock.com/business-licenses/by-date/2008/6/16/843445/

[Chicago3rd]

Speaking of Nimbyism. Has Lincoln Park Nimbyied itself to boredom? Clark Street in Lincoln Park was definetly not as vibrant or attractive as Broadway, the 36 bus route, in Lakeview. While the residential streets in Lincoln Park are more attractive the business corridors where dull considering the amount of wealth. Isn't that why the monied people moved there, to be in the center? So now they will march on to Lakeview, because Lakeview is 'cooler' and bore that place to death too?

Clark streets problem in Lincoln Park is that one company bought up much of the property and runs close to slumlord businesses and is asking for extremely high rent...thus forcing out many of the wonderful mom and pop shops along that street. Several Lincoln Park Neighborhood organizations have been trying hard to get the land lord to leave the area.

[the urban politician]

New buildings, districts proposed for landmarking (http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@0648195424.1222785128@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdadeffkjfgjicefecelldffhdfhk.0&contentOID=537010755&contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=Dept&blockName=Planning+And+Development%2FI+Want+To&context=dept&channelId=0&programId=0&entityName=Planning+And+Development&deptMainCategoryOID=)

Landmarks Commission targets South Side commercial district, eight neighborhood banks, and Northwest Side home for permanent protection


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks today recommended that the City Council designate as Chicago Landmarks a South Side residential area, a series of bank buildings and two Northwest Side houses.

"This wide variety of historic structures demonstrate how Chicago’s history is shaped in a myriad of ways, and is reflected in the buildings we cherish," said Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Chatham-Greater Crossing Commercial District, 6th and 8th Wards
The district contains a visually-distinctive group of predominately terra-cotta and brick-clad buildings built between 1911 and 1930 containing some of the best-surviving commercial buildings remaining in Chicago"s neighborhoods. The district is composed of 22 buildings in the vicinity of Cottage Grove and 75th and 79th Streets–two contiguous "core" areas and six non-contiguous individual buildings.

Eight Neighborhood Bank Buildings
These eight neighborhood bank buildings are some of the most outstanding examples of the many historic bank buildings located throughout Chicago. They were built during a “golden age” of bank architecture in America beginning in the 1910s and ending with the Great Depression of 1929: the Chicago City Bank and Trust Company Building; the Cosmopolitan State Bank Building; Hyde Park-Kenwood National Bank Building; the Kimball Trust and Savings Bank Building; the Marquette Park State Bank Building; the Marshfield Trust and Savings Bank Building; the Sheridan Trust and Savings Bank Building; and the Stock Yards National Bank Building.

Charles N. Loucks House, 3926 N. Keller Ave.
This building is a fine example of "pattern-book architecture," a then-popular method by which homeowners and developers received house plans by mail order and is significant to the Irving Park neighborhood's early development as a "railroad suburb." The structure is Queen Anne, an architectural style highly popular for domestic architecture in Chicago in the 1860s-1890s.

John and Clara Merchant House, 3854 N. Kostner Ave.
Another example of "pattern-book architecture," this structure is in the Second Empire style, a French-influenced architectural style popular for stylish single-family homes in Chicago in the 1860s-1870s.

[honte]

^ Does anyone know what the outcome of the North Avenue Federal Savings bank was? I unfortunately could not follow that issue... it appears they were successful in getting out of the designation, which infuriates me if so.

[VivaLFuego]

^ I don't know any details on how they escaped consideration for landmarking, but I'm sure they were assisted by the fact that approximately 6 of us in the whole city think mid-century modern architecture worthy of serious consideration for preservation. Although my previous rants suggest I want high density for this area, my soft spot for Murphy-era modernism (of which it is nearly a pristine example) would certainly support protecting the cool structure. I'd be amenable if the lack of landmarking meant there were plans to replace it with a serious highrise worthy of it's prominent location at the corner of the park, but the more likely scenario given rampant NIMBYism and Vi Daley panderism would be a parking garage/lot anyway - so I'd prefer the unique, well-crafted lowrise bank.

[the urban politician]

I was on Devon Ave. last weekend and saw that the Bombay Bazaar is pretty close to completion. I'm also waiting for that development on Devon & Rockwell to finally get started. Does anybody know anything about the judge's ruling on the case brought up against it by the goddamn NIMBY tyrants?

[ardecila]

Are there any plans to redevelop Ogden Elementary? I don't know if they have a space crunch or not, but it seems like it occupies an unimpressive 1930s building with a large playground in a neighborhood with some of the highest land values in the city. If CPS were to sell half the block to a developer, they could then build a shiny new Ogden with the playground facilities on the roof. This would also be a smart and sensible way to raise money for CPS... The land would probably sell for $50-60 million, and the cost of construction for the new school would probably be about half that... the rest would go directly towards shoring up CPS' budget.

A plan is underway to do this at 250 E. 57th St in NYC. The same model would work here...

[honte]

^ Re: Ogden, Natarus tried to get this through a long time ago... it's not a new idea by any means. Anyway, it was a non-starter, dead at the gate.

I happen to like the building that is there anyway, so it was fine for me.

___

@ VivaL, are you positive that the proposed landmarking of the north side bank was rejected? What a shame if so - I was seriously hoping it would be an indication of the city's appreciation and willingness to protect some of its smaller Modern masterpieces.

[VivaLFuego]

^ Re: Ogden, Natarus tried to get this through a long time ago... it's not a new idea by any means. Anyway, it was a non-starter, dead at the gate.

I happen to like the building that is there anyway, so it was fine for me.

Between a few clouty parents and Newberry Plaza (studies showing the building maintains the highest density of NIMBYism between the coasts), it's not surprising it's a non-starter. I agree with honte that it's actually a pretty decent example of increasingly-rare Art Moderne. But I would support it's replacement with an 80 story highrise, preferably oriented and situated to maximize the blockage of light and air reaching Newberry Plaza and funnel maximum traffic thereto.

___

@ VivaL, are you positive that the proposed landmarking of the north side bank was rejected? What a shame if so - I was seriously hoping it would be an indication of the city's appreciation and willingness to protect some of its smaller Modern masterpieces.

I thought it was simply removed from the list to be voted on, not rejected as a landmark, i.e. so it could still be landmarked some day. I'm not 100% on this though.

[honte]

But I would support it's replacement with an 80 story highrise, preferably oriented and situated to maximize the blockage of light and air reaching Newberry Plaza and funnel maximum traffic thereto.


Yeah, I could handle that!

I checked into the bank issue and you are correct, the issue is not over yet and hence not ready to be voted on. It could still be designated in the near future after the outstanding "issues" are resolved. This is very good news because Chicago has its stupid clause that prevents the reconsideration of protecting a buildng if it is ever rejected by the Commission.

[spyguy]

I was on Devon Ave. last weekend and saw that the Bombay Bazaar is pretty close to completion. I'm also waiting for that development on Devon & Rockwell to finally get started. Does anybody know anything about the judge's ruling on the case brought up against it by the goddamn NIMBY tyrants?

This website has lots of info on projects in that area:
http://www.crd50.org/index.html

[ardecila]

^^ Why is it a bad idea? Reilly obviously won't be the best person to pitch the idea to, but a privately-developed tower here would raise quite a bit of money for CPS and fill a hole in an already densely-developed area.

Is the playground open to the public? If not, then its presence adds nothing to the neighborhood. If this indeed would be a loss of public space, then perhaps the tower and school can be combined along the State Street side and a park/playground preserved on the Dearborn side (where the sun won't be blocked by Walton OTP).

[pip]

surprised no one has mentioned this anywhere. This is huge.

Daley announces $2.5 billion lease for Midway Airport
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/09/daley-announces.html

[Busy Bee]

^^ Why is it a bad idea? Reilly obviously won't be the best person to pitch the idea to, but a privately-developed tower here would raise quite a bit of money for CPS and fill a hole in an already densely-developed area.

It's common sense, therefore won't happen.

[the urban politician]

This website has lots of info on projects in that area:
http://www.crd50.org/index.html

^ Thanks for the link.

Devon Ave is ripe for some residential-over-retail development. I think there is a deep market of aging Indians who would buy units there. Just a hunch..

[dropdeaded209]

anyone have recent shots of the Art Institute addition/bridge? I hope I'm not alone when I say it looks absolutely fantastic and keeps getting better as construction nears completion. it's the first Piano building for the city, right?

[2PRUROCKS!]

surprised no one has mentioned this anywhere. This is huge.

Daley announces $2.5 billion lease for Midway Airport
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/09/daley-announces.html

Something I don't understand is that the leasing deal is for $2.5 billion but the city only nets $1 billion. What happens to the other $1.5 billion?

[Taft]

Something I don't understand is that the leasing deal is for $2.5 billion but the city only nets $1 billion. What happens to the other $1.5 billion?

The rest of the money would be used to pay off Midway's debt, which is apparently substantial. Don't know how they ran up so much debt...

Taft

[VivaLFuego]

Don't know how they ran up so much debt...

Taft

Most likely from when they rebuilt the entire terminal complex in a multi-year, multi-phase project while maintaining operations a few years ago.

[Nowhereman1280]

Don't know how they ran up so much debt...


Its called the incompetence of public governance. I'm willing to bet that service and quality at Midway improves further (its already a good airport) after this deal...

[i_am_hydrogen]

$40-million revamp of Inland Steel Building

By Alby Gallun, Sep. 03, 2008

(Crain’s) — The new owner of the Inland Steel Building plans a $40-million overhaul of the modernist Loop landmark, hoping to finance the project with $16 million in city and federal assistance.

Ten months after paying $57.3 million for the 19-story tower at 30 W. Monroe St., an investment group including New York-based Capital Properties LLC and celebrity architect Frank Gehry has asked two city panels to sign off on the renovation plan for the glass-and-steel structure, considered a pioneering architectural feat when it was completed in 1958.

One goal is to restore many elements of the building to their original appearance. In the lobby, the venture plans to remove the existing acoustical ceiling and bring back original lighting and also take out wood paneling that was installed in the 1980s, covering up the original black Belgian marble.

http://www.chicagoloopalliance.com/news.php?newsid=28&cat=all

[VivaLFuego]

I'm willing to bet that service and quality at Midway improves further (its already a good airport) after this deal...

...in exchange for the higher prices charged by a private concessionaire but politically impossible for a government agency to charge. Generally speaking with the occasional exception of gross incompetence, we'll get what we pay for, public or private.

[wrabbit]

Was in Uptown yesterday & glad to see that this crazy beauty just South of Lawrence on Broadway is getting the full restoration tx:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2905478321_43e1652283.jpg

No visible action yet though on the Uptown Theater.

[aic4ever]

Was in Uptown yesterday & glad to see that this crazy beauty just South of Lawrence on Broadway is getting the full restoration tx:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2905478321_43e1652283.jpg

No visible action yet though on the Uptown Theater.

Word on the street as far as Uptown is that the guy who owns JAM (known to be notoriously cheap) is contemplating doing the renovation himself. If that's going to actually be the case, I wouldn't be holding my breath for much of anything good happening there.

[the urban politician]

10/1/2008 10:00:00 PM

http://chicagojournal.com/SiteImages/Article/5997a.jpg
Provided: Solomon Cordwell Buenz
The Addison Park on Clark would stand nearly eye-to-eye with Wrigley Field.

Wrigleyville under debate (http://chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=48&SubSectionID=141&ArticleID=5997&TM=34463.2)
New plans for Addison—Clark complex strive to quell community criticism

By JESSICA PUPOVAC
Editor

Developers unveiled a revised plan last Thursday for a massive, mixed-use development that would sit directly across the street from Wrigley Field and include nearly 200 residential units, a Hyatt Place hotel, more than 500 parking spaces, multiple retailers and a health club.

If approved, the structure, dubbed Addison Park on Clark, would span the entire length of Addison Street, from Sheffield to Clark. It would be built around an existing souvenir shop on the corner of Clark and Addison and the hotel portion would stretch down Clark past Eddy.

John C. Lahey, chairman of Solomon Cordwell Buenz, design partner for the development team, led the presentation. He said that the structure had been modified to address community concerns aired in January, after another set of prints was presented to the public.

But many in attendance were unsatisfied.

"At the January meeting, a directive was sent back to these guys that it was too big, and they returned with something bigger," Greg Rohner of Triangle Neighbors told Booster after the meeting. "It's like, if you want to buy something, and it's too expensive, the merchant doesn't come back with a higher price."

The new plans call for a building that stands 105 feet at street level, which is exactly the same height as the previous design. The highest point, in the center of the building, would be 122 feet tall. However, the new complex would house more residential units (up from 150 to 196), hotel rooms (up from 137 to 165) and contain an extra 40,000 square feet in retail space. It would require a zoning upgrade from B3-2 and B3-3 to B3-5.

But, according to Lahey, "To make things work economically, we need this kind of density."

Developers argued that, they incorporated an additional lot along Clark, in order to move the building back along the street to allow green space at the street level, a move which reduced the impact of the structure on the local environment.

Rohner admitted that this was a nice touch. "I think they addressed a lot of the concerns on Clark," he said.

But a nonscientific survey conducted earlier this year by the Lake View Citizens Council suggested that the chief concerns in the local community are traffic congestion and the ability of small businesses to stay afloat.

According to property owner Steven Schultz, he has signed a letter of intent with CVS Pharmacy. Other big-name retailers including Dominick's, Best Buy and numerous clothing stores are also interested in setting up shop there.

As for traffic, Lahey said, the seemingly scant amount of parking spaces are intended to encourage retail workers and residents to take public transportation. "Density close to transit stops is a good thing in general," he said. "It's the way that cities are going to survive."

Bill Patrun of Bristol Chicago Development LLC, another partner in the Addison Park project, added that when the design team's traffic study, mandated by the Department of Transportation, is completed, they will share those findings with the community.

Residents gave ground on the potential economic advantages of the hotel itself.

"Obviously, a hotel is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood," said Rev. Jennifer Owen-O'Quill of the Second Unitarian Church of Chicago, "but it is important to think about what this is going to mean as far as whether this neighborhood will remain residential."

Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) echoed her remarks. "This is a whole different scale then what we're used to in our neighborhood," he said. "The concerns are very important here, and we've asked them to continue to work with community groups and make it as good of a plan as possible."

But, ultimately, he said, something needs to happen.

"In my mind, people feel the site is underutilized and underdeveloped, and it's certainly not an asset to the community at large, so there needs to be development on this site. Let's make it the best development we can."

[VivaLFuego]

Word on the street as far as Uptown is that the guy who owns JAM (known to be notoriously cheap) is contemplating doing the renovation himself. If that's going to actually be the case, I wouldn't be holding my breath for much of anything good happening there.

Well, the Uptown is a landmark so there would be certain standards for the restoration, correct? And any TIF money involved could also have strings attached.

As TUP suggested a while ago, my biggest concern/fear will be the effort to turn the non-landmarked structures in the neighborhood into surface parking lots used maybe once or twice a week.

[ChicagoChicago]

$40-million revamp of Inland Steel Building

By Alby Gallun, Sep. 03, 2008

One goal is to restore many elements of the building to their original appearance. In the lobby, the venture plans to remove the existing acoustical ceiling and bring back original lighting and also take out wood paneling that was installed in the 1980s, covering up the original black Belgian marble.

http://www.chicagoloopalliance.com/news.php?newsid=28&cat=allWhy were the 1980's the WORST period for architecture in the last 3000 years? They covered up marble for wood paneling??? I'm sure somewhere there's a logical explanation.

I'm glad to see this building get a face lift. The real estate market may be in the dumps but revitalizing the Loop is, in my opinion, more important to long term growth anyway.

[jstush04]

10/1/2008 10:00:00 PM

"At the January meeting, a directive was sent back to these guys that it was too big, and they returned with something bigger," Greg Rohner of Triangle Neighbors told Booster after the meeting. "It's like, if you want to buy something, and it's too expensive, the merchant doesn't come back with a higher price."

love it :)