[Tom In Chicago]

^Right. . . that and the fact that I don't even understand what I'm supposed to be looking at in that image. . .

[the urban politician]

http://www.suntimes.com/business/roeder/1516039,CST-FIN-roeder08.article
STAGE PRESENCE: Actors' Equity Association, the union representing 48,000 actors and stage managers nationwide, has bought its own building west of the Loop. For $2 million, it acquired 557 W. Randolph from Zonta International, said its broker in the deal, Grubb & Ellis Co. The union said it will renovate the 22,000-square-foot building, occupy about half of it and rent out the rest.

Grubb & Ellis said the building dates from 1855 and was originally done for Henry Horner & Co. Wholesale and Flour Dealers. It is said to be one of two structures in the neighborhood to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.



On a side note, according to this (http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/the_theater_loop/2009/04/actors-equity-buys-a-building-in-chicago.html) article, Equity may also move some back office operations from New York to Chicago

[AdrianXSands]

502 parking spots, what d fcuk!

:koko: uhhh, there's a baseball stadium across d street... people sometime drive to wrigley... strange, huh?

[BWChicago]

:koko: uhhh, there's a baseball stadium across d street... people sometime drive to wrigley... strange, huh?

"The parking spaces are not for the Cubs or the community around the development. They are designated for the residents, hotel guests and retailers."

You were saying?

The bland facade is a problem- yes. The article did say there would be yet another design revision - that has to be about a half-dozen now. But for all the design revisions, those 502 spaces that are explicitly NOT for game parking - since they want to avoid worsening congestion, and I would expect this is the same reason parking was deleted from the Wrigley 'triangle' building - haven't budged. It's there for the big boxes in the podium - Dominick's, Best Buy, and CVS, supposedly - but I don't really get why it's a good site for big boxes. It's congested, there's not an LSD exit on Addison, and there are other locations for all three within blocks, with the 3030 Broadway Dominick's plan. It's a very walkable neighborhood, and the groceries on Broadway get by with little parking as it is, so strike Dominick's needs off in any event, it seems like a stupid place for a Best Buy with one right on Diversey, CVS doesn't need too much parking, and I don't see why most people staying at a Wrigleyville hotel would need parking. With as much trouble as the site has gone through to squeeze in the density I don't understand why the program hasn't revised more.

[pyropius]

http://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs018/1102142667758/img/60.jpg?a=1102541918428


I'm sure no one will complain as long as the Floating Terror Orb has enough parking.

[lawfin]

Did I say that it didn't belong on the IIT campus just because it wasn't part of the original plan? No, I said that you can't argue that this building is significant because its part Mies experiments with unity in design when it wasn't a part of the original united design. I am arguing that if the design is designed to be added to and still function aesthetically, then why can't it be subtracted from without being completely destroyed?



When did I say that? I never even came close to saying anything like that. I was making two entirely separate arguments. The first is that this building is somewhat significant, but its not necessarily worth blocking a train station for. The Second is that with a relatively minor building like this the public opinion could be very damaging to the preservationist movement. Most people see this as simply a brick box and wall. I can see that it is more than that, but its not, in my opinion, worth blocking a train station and using up the public credibility of the preservationist movement on it. Lets save our credibility for things that really matter like alterations to the lobby of IBM or the desecration of Sears' facade...



I dunno I kinda like it, its different that's for sure. If they are sure to include garden boxes on it then it could have a neat terrace effect in the summer. The proportions of it remind me of this building at the corner of Argyle and Sheridan from the early 1900's. Here it is on Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=chicago&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.871902,56.601563&ie=UTF8&ll=41.973083,-87.654912&spn=0.008694,0.013819&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=41.973159,-87.654916&panoid=ukue2LHS3dx4JtlAgScyYQ&cbp=12,331.2882763323514,,1,-7.830224285903263
It's surprising to me that the NIMBYs would fight the height, but not recognize the damage this is going to cause to the actual streetscape they interact with.



I dunno, I am glad there is this much parking, hopefully it will reduce parking prices at Cubs games and cause the profitability of the surface lots to drop. Hopefully that will make it more profitable to build some buildings on the surface lots and less profitable to keep them as barren lots. It could sure have a positive effect on the neighborhood if that happens...

Maybe, but my experience has been that centralized parking in quantity actually makes for a worse traffic situation around ballparks. Wrigley with its decentralized parking format...ie the nieghbors...actually doesn't have that bad of traffic considering the numbers that go to the games. And of course access to the L and the Clark street bus also help alleviate auto traffic. Come to think of it anyone who drives to a Cub game is just an outright wanker anyhow.

I just think that what we are getting is a parking garage surrounded by some hotel space and a little or retail. I am all for development....in fact I think the development should be more commercially intense, I am just against the parking. It isn't needed.

[lawfin]

I'm sure no one will complain as long as the Floating Terror Orb has enough parking.
That is funny as hell, what the hell is that thing anyhow

[lawfin]

:koko: uhhh, there's a baseball stadium across d street... people sometime drive to wrigley... strange, huh?
See my response to Nowhereman's response. Once again if you drive to a Cub game you are an outright wanker. I will stand by my comments that decentraliized parking especially when it is conjunction with easy PT access is more effecient that centralized parking

ANd here I thought you were a fan or urbanism. A parking garage is decidely unurban:koko: :whip:

[Busy Bee]

That is funny as hell, what the hell is that thing anyhow

A portal to another dimension. Duh.

[Mr Downtown]

Once again if you drive to a Cub game you are an outright wanker.

Are you really so completely unable to imagine anyone whose life might be a little different from your own? Who lives in a distant suburb? Who brings a carload of kids or his aging father? Who's unable to walk long distances?

[honte]

That is a very interesting assertion, honte, because I would suggest that it definitly was NOT publice opinion but rather the architectural 'elite' and, less frequently (thankfully), the local government....

From everything I have read from the period immediately following the Second World War, public sentiment was definitely biased toward rebuilding and not in favor of keeping much. This would include not only official proposals, but also newspaper articles, journals, etc. But since I'm guessing neither of us are old enought to have lived through that period, perhaps I should stop short of stating that this was truly the public sentiment.

In any case, I begin to sense that this is just turning into argument for the sake of argument, and contrary to what most people believe on the forum, I truly hate to argue. So I'll close this topic.

____

And my final comments about Test Cell, to Nowhereman:

0) Sorry if I misinterpreted your comments as supporting one another and not two separate thoughts.

1) I didn't make the comment that the campus was a unified whole. I do believe the ultimate campus, including the works by Netsch and other architects in the Modernist period, should today be considered as a whole. Second, the concept of Total Design or unity in architecture is not dependent upon things being constructed or conceived at once.

2) The historic value of the building is not dependent on whether or not Mies saw it as expendable. And there is no indication that he did.

3) Mies surely did not see his works in general are expendable or open to modifications on the exterior.

4) Modularity on the Mies campus, as I said, was a planning device and had nothing to do with alterations or flexibility. Certain buildings were designed to be expanded, and they were, but this by no means applies to the campus as a whole. I can think of no time in Mies's career when he openly suggested that things of his own design should be demolished or reworked - in fact, his work was held to be quite sacred.

5) As I said before, with the presence of vacant lots across the street, we're quite getting worked up over nothing. The focus of all of this discussion should be, why lose a Mies building when you don't have to? Why lose so much as a Mies flagpole when you don't have to?

[VivaLFuego]

I'm sure no one will complain as long as the Floating Terror Orb has enough parking.

heh, I need to steal that bit. I'll be the guy at the meeting asking Fioretti for assurances that the floating orb will have adequate off-street parking facilities so as not to exacerbate the parking crisis, in the futile hope that at least a few community members perceive satire. I might toss in a concern about the shadows that giant shard is sure to cast on nearby parks and the lakefront, as well, and point out that the orb's proposed height doesn't conform to some random neighborhood planning document and WHY ARE WE BEING SHUT OUT OF THE PROCESS?!

[VivaLFuego]

Are you really so completely unable to imagine anyone whose life might be a little different from your own? Who lives in a distant suburb? Who brings a carload of kids or his aging father? Who's unable to walk long distances?

In fairness to lawfin, perhaps he is excluding people driving to the remote lot at Lane Tech and taking the trusty route 154 express service from "wanker" designation. By all means parking should be available right at the ballpark... for an utterly astronomical sum of cash.

[the urban politician]

Good news. I'd like to point out the ongoing stupidity of Aldermanic privilege here. The Alderman looks like a typical Alder-dullard in the first bolded statement, but in fairness he partially redeems himself in the second one.

Roundy's Supermarkets in talks to build store in Ravenswood (http://www.suntimes.com/business/roeder/1519019,CST-FIN-roundys09.article)
NEAR METRA | Would be part of Lawrence Avenue development on Sears parking lot

April 9, 2009
BY DAVID ROEDER droeder@suntimes.com
Roundy's Supermarkets Inc. has entered into advanced talks to build a store in Ravenswood as part of a broader residential and commercial development on Lawrence Avenue.

A Milwaukee-based chain anxious to expand in Chicago, Roundy's would join a health club and small retailers on 6.5 acres just west of a Metra station. The property is owned by Sears Holdings Corp., which would invest in the development.

Sears has owned the site for years and uses it for parking to serve its store about a block away at 1900 W. Lawrence. The retailer operates a car repair center on the property, but much of the parcel is vacant.

Ald. Gene Schulter (47th) said the location would get a grocery-anchored retail building, parking for up to 750 cars and residential buildings. The size of the residential part is up for debate but Schulter, who has influence over any zoning change the development would need, said he was taken aback by the scale of the housing that was proposed.

He said the developers advocate an 11-story condominium building plus town houses, an addition of "several hundred" units to a neighborhood that became more densely populated during the housing boom. The alderman said the housing proposal will have to be reduced.

"We'll have more meetings with the community as the plan evolves," he said.

Schulter said Roundy's has signed a letter of intent, a commitment to negotiate final terms, for a store on the property. Sears and Roundy's are working with a Wilmette-based real estate firm, Crossroads Development Partners LLC, to plan the project.

A Roundy's spokeswoman declined to comment. Sears spokeswoman Kim Freely said the company is in the early stages of negotiating with Schulter and neighborhood groups and that it has no signed leases.

Schulter said Ravenswood needs a grocery and a transit-oriented development. He said the project gained momentum when Metra, counting on federal stimulus money, agreed to pay half the cost of the parking garage so commuters could use it.

Michael Nortman, president of Crossroads Development, did not return a call Wednesday. The company Web site contains some information about the project, which it has named Ravenswood Station.

Nortman has been involved in residential and commercial development of varying scales in the Chicago area and in Florida.

Schulter said that while the depressed housing markets will delay the residential phase, he believes the Roundy's could get under way by next spring.

Under Chairman Robert Mariano, who used to run the local Dominick's chain, Roundy's has pursued expansion opportunities beyond its base in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The company has agreed to open groceries in three Chicago locations: downtown in the Lakeshore East development, at 39th and State and at 1515 N. Halsted.

Real estate sources also said the company is negotiating for a new store on the Near West Side at 1137 W. Jackson, where an old Fannie May candy factory has been torn down.

Roundy's stores are named either Pick 'n Save, Copps or Rainbow Foods. Its spokeswoman said the company will pick a new name for its Chicago-area locations.

[VivaLFuego]

Schulter said Ravenswood needs a grocery and a transit-oriented development.

Yes, let's get some urban TOD with maximum parking and minimum residential. Words have no meaning!

[the urban politician]

^ Yeah, that's why I said he only partially redeems himself in that statement. While he may only be paying lip service, at least he is aware enough that there is something "known" as TOD, which is a start.

My hope is that the prospect of a Roundy's will give the developer enough leverage to assuage any community "concerns" about the oppressive misery of residential density which will surely compromise their "quality of life" and drive them into a nightmare of murder, rape, and "oh, the children!?"

[lawfin]

Are you really so completely unable to imagine anyone whose life might be a little different from your own? Who lives in a distant suburb? Who brings a carload of kis or his aging father? Who's unable to walk long distances?

Are you? Parking proponence and its associated requirments have been one of your shibboleths on this forum for some time especially when it has been criticized in certain downtown developments.
Or are you such a cantakerous ass that you will not consider the reality that other than extreme cases driving to wrigley is the worst choice, and promoting driving to the ball park deleteriously affects many for the marginal benfit of a small group. For a forumer who likes to bury other forumers under mounds of seemingly sagacious research I find it incredibly curious you have not researched this:

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/ballpark/directions.jsp

Cubs fans are strongly encouraged to use public transportation going to and from Cubs games.

The CTA Red Line provides direct service to Wrigley Field via the accessible station at Addison. Fans can transfer to Red Line trains from all other rail lines and from most east-west bus routes.

The Cubs operate a shuttle and parking service at the DeVry University campus located off Addison St. and Western Avenue for all weekend and night games. For $6.00 you can park your vehicle and all occupants ride the shuttle free to and from the ballpark. Take advantage of the savings with the easy in and out of our secure remote parking facility. The first shuttle leaves two and one half hour prior to the game. The shuttle runs for one hour after all Night Games and for two hours after all Weekend Day Games.

The RTA also offers the RTA TRIP PLANNER to use while planning your trip to Wrigley Field. For other details, contact the RTA hotline at 773-836-7000.

For those fans in the northwest and west suburbs, you can take Pace's Wrigley Field Express Route non-stop to Wrigley Field. You can park for FREE at Pace's Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg and Yorktown Center in Lombard and you will arrive at the park relaxed and ready to cheer on the Cubs. Either route costs $3 each way per person (exact cash fare is required on the bus). The routes operate during all evening, weekend and holiday games, as well as to every game in June, July and August.

Call 847-228-2416 for more information.


PS: Mr D you are welcome, this info was available after a single google search on tranport option to wrigley field. If I were you I would forward it to your wayward ,distant, itinerant suburban friends or your perambulatory challenged acquaintances.

[brian_b]

http://www.suntimes.com/business/roeder/1516039,CST-FIN-roeder08.article
STAGE PRESENCE: Actors' Equity Association, the union representing 48,000 actors and stage managers nationwide, has bought its own building west of the Loop. For $2 million, it acquired 557 W. Randolph from Zonta International, said its broker in the deal, Grubb & Ellis Co. The union said it will renovate the 22,000-square-foot building, occupy about half of it and rent out the rest.

Grubb & Ellis said the building dates from 1855 and was originally done for Henry Horner & Co. Wholesale and Flour Dealers. It is said to be one of two structures in the neighborhood to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

It's a very nice building. I wonder if they'll keep the painted brick.

[AdrianXSands]

See my response to Nowhereman's response. Once again if you drive to a Cub game you are an outright wanker. I will stand by my comments that decentraliized parking especially when it is conjunction with easy PT access is more effecient that centralized parking

ANd here I thought you were a fan or urbanism. A parking garage is decidely unurban:koko: :whip:

i am. and no, it's not. cars are a part of the urban environment.

also, if a person lives in the suburbs, how do they get to the game? metra... transfer to the cta? the park and ride? come on. people drive. accept it.

i'd be much in favor of a replacing the massive amount of wasted space that McDonald's sits on with a retail / garage type thing. (and by retail, yes i do mean more bars)

[ardecila]

i am. and no, it's not. cars are a part of the urban environment.

also, if a person lives in the suburbs, how do they get to the game? metra... transfer to the cta? the park and ride? come on. people drive. accept it.

i'd be much in favor of a replacing the massive amount of wasted space that McDonald's sits on with a retail / garage type thing. (and by retail, yes i do mean more bars)

Any Metra line can transfer to the CTA system downtown with a short walk.

The UP-NW Line passengers can get off at Irving Park and take the X80 to Clark, then walk south 4 blocks. The UP-N passengers can transfer to Purple at Davis and then at Sheridan they can either walk to the game or transfer to Red. Purple will probably return to stopping at Addison after the Brown Line project is done.

Pace also runs buses to Wrigley from Schaumburg and Lombard.

I have no problem with people parking at Cub games, though. So long as the neighborhood continues to be a highly desirable place to live, its urban character will not be compromised by teardowns and parking additions. The traffic will only get worse, making mass transit even more appealing. The parking isn't getting any cheaper, either. People who can't afford to pay for Wrigleyville parking aren't suddenly gonna find a new, cheap source of open asphalt. The parking is also privately owned, not owned by the Cubs, so there's no chance of another Comiskey or United Center situation happening in Wrigleyville. Y'all are paranoid.

[BWChicago]

i am. and no, it's not. cars are a part of the urban environment.

also, if a person lives in the suburbs, how do they get to the game? metra... transfer to the cta? the park and ride? come on. people drive. accept it.

i'd be much in favor of a replacing the massive amount of wasted space that McDonald's sits on with a retail / garage type thing. (and by retail, yes i do mean more bars)

I suspect that part of the reason is that there is/was a ROW running through the corner of the McDonald's site, from the old freight tracks and Seminary Ave.

http://www.historicaerials.com/featuredPOIImage.aspx?poi=5099

Incidentally, something is going on with the 1932 Gas Station just north of the site. The historic part is staying, but the rest is coming down. Maybe it will be a patio bar or something?

[honte]

^ That sounds pleasant, maybe something like Pontiac cafe. I like to see those cool old gas stations stick around.

[wrabbit]

.....i'd be much in favor of a replacing the massive amount of wasted space that McDonald's sits on with a retail / garage type thing. (and by retail, yes i do mean more bars)

Amen. A primo franchise site next to one of the nation's most cherished ball parks deserves better than a surface lot. Sometimes I think that Ronald must be a Sox fan.

^ That sounds pleasant, maybe something like Pontiac cafe. I like to see those cool old gas stations stick around.

They are very adaptable for reuse, too.

[harryc]

I suspect that part of the reason is that there is/was a ROW running through the corner of the McDonald's site, from the old freight tracks and Seminary Ave.

http://www.historicaerials.com/featuredPOIImage.aspx?poi=5099

Incidentally, something is going on with the 1932 Gas Station just north of the site. The historic part is staying, but the rest is coming down. Maybe it will be a patio bar or something?

An old bridge is still in place at Montrose and the ROW on the E of Graceland is parking, S of Irving the ROW is now the walking path down the E side of the cometary , This ROW curves West at this point and has been built over by townhomes S of Addison (bottom of above photo).

[SolarWind]

April 7, 2009

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/5607/dsc0369b.jpg

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/1341/dsc0379m.jpg

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2501/dsc0374a.jpg

http://www.greenbeanchicago.com/green-parking-garage-greenroof-wind-turbine/

Parking Structure Incorporates Sustainable Features: Greenway Self Park

By Sharon Hoyer

The notion that an environmentally-minded parking structure is a contradiction will soon be proven wrong. The Greenway Self Park garage, at the corner of Kinzie and Clark, currently under construction and slated for completion in mid-2009, is designed for maximum energy efficiency and minimal waste. The structure, being developed by Friedman Properties, Ltd., will feature several green elements. One of the most notable will be the six vertical wind turbines stacked along the southwest corner. This innovation will provide enough electricity for all of the building’s exterior lighting and contribute excess power directly to the grid.

The vertical-axis Aerotecture turbines will operate regardless of wind direction, harvesting power in winds as low as one to two mph and operating safely and silently in high wind speeds and extreme weather conditions. The southwest location of the turbines will capitalize on Chicago’s northwest winter and southwest summer winds; they are estimated to generate 10,000-15,000 kWh per year.

Natural ventilation, made possible by variable glass channel spacing on the building’s façade, will eliminate the need for energy intensive forced-air ventilation systems. Low-E glass will further reduce energy demand in the retail areas on the ground floor. The garage will also feature a green roof to combat urban heat island effects and rain cisterns to collect grey water for irrigation and maintenance. All construction materials for the building were obtained from within a 500 mile radius.

While addressing the pressing need for more parking in the congested River North area, the new garage will also accommodate energy-efficient transportation. A bike room on the first floor will provide shelter and safe storage for two dozen bicycles. Six plug-in stations for electric vehicles will be available on the first few floors, and more may be added should demand increase. The project is a testament to the possibility and importance of sustainable design in all areas of architecture, even those not immediately thought of as “green.”

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/631/greenwayselfpark.jpg

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9885/greenwayselfpark2.jpg

[honte]

^ Mostly marketing hype. Exterior lighting is what, 5% of the lighting in this thing. So, it will put "excess power" into the grid and then suck it all back out for its internal needs. Naturally ventilated? Weren't they all, back when you could see the cars inside (which it looks like you'll be able to do from the close-up render)? No particular innovation there; I'd call this kind of system more "open air" than "naturally ventilated." 24 bikes... wow, vs. hundreds of cars.

Granted, they didn't need to do any of this, but I don't think it deserves too much praise. Surely it will be hyped as though it's saving the world.

[SolarWind]

I can't imagine too many people parking here because it's "green." Location and cost seem like more important factors. I assume Friedman Properties intends to build goodwill and use it to their advantage for future projects.

[the urban politician]

^ Mostly marketing hype. Exterior lighting is what, 5% of the lighting in this thing. So, it will put "excess power" into the grid and then suck it all back out for its internal needs. Naturally ventilated? Weren't they all, back when you could see the cars inside (which it looks like you'll be able to do from the close-up render)? No particular innovation there; I'd call this kind of system more "open air" than "naturally ventilated." 24 bikes... wow, vs. hundreds of cars.

Granted, they didn't need to do any of this, but I don't think it deserves too much praise. Surely it will be hyped as though it's saving the world.

^ Couldn't agree more.

A parking garage is a parking garage, and you can try to pretty it up but it's basically a giant monument to energy waste.

Either way, I still don't mind it because it replaces a surface lot and its completion will further contribute to the sense of "enclosure" in an area of town that was literally a giant lot 6 years ago (when I lived there)

[denizen467]

Precast sure rockets upwards fast.

[denizen467]

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9885/greenwayselfpark2.jpg

I wonder if all those surfaces will attract and retain dust, soot, grime and look kind of yucky in 10 years.

[Mr Downtown]

Parking proponence and its associated requirements have been one of your shibboleths on this forum for some time especially when it has been criticized in certain downtown developments.

Perhaps you can provide a reference to a post in which I've ever called for more parking. I believe this is a complete list:




I find it incredibly curious you have not researched [public transit to Wrigley Field]

Did you really think I don't know that you can get to Wrigley Field by public transportation? I drew the friggin' CTA map.

Unlike many forumers, however, I've slowly become aware that the world doesn't consist entirely of healthy men in their 20s who live along the Red Line. As an exercise in s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g your mind, let's try a little rôle-playing exercise:

First, let's imagine that you live in Freeport and want to take your family to a Cubs game. Will it seem like a good idea to hold your wailing overtired toddler and keep up with the other two kids while riding a standing-room-only bus back to your minivan at Lane Tech? That night, will it have seemed like a good idea to your wife?

Next, let's imagine you want to take your diabetic dad (who has trouble walking) and his elderly brother to a Sunday afternoon game. How simple does it seem to find a suburban Metra station where nonresidents are allowed to park, make two transfers downtown to get to the Red Line, then walk from the Addison station? Even worse, what happens when you look at your watch after the exciting final out and realize that you're now facing a hour to get back to Union Station, where you'll have to wait two hours for the next train?

Finally, let's imagine you're escorting a group of Cub Scouts from Hoffman Estates to see a major-league game. After extensive research, you've figured out how to ride the bus from Woodfield Transportation Center and convinced the boys' moms that they won't be snatched off the sidewalk by perverts if they're allowed to visit the city. But now the game's over, the wind has turned off the lake, the boys have drunk way too much pop, and you're facing a 90-minute ride back to Schaumburg on a bus—with no bathroom—full of overserved frat boys who are helping the Scouts improve their vocabularies.

Still think anybody who would drive to Wrigley, under any circumstances, is a wanker?

[jpIllInoIs]

^ Never thought I would see the day when someone accused Mr. DT of " Not researching" his argument. :koko:

[the urban politician]

Gotta agree with Mr. D about the Wrigley story, but also about him never being a parking proponent.

Mr D isn't the parking guy, he's the shadow guy. Get it right, people!!

[spyguy]

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=31614

Apple picks North & Clybourn
By: Thomas A. Corfman April 13, 2009

...The electronics maker last week agreed to open a signature store on a former gas station site bounded by North and Clybourn avenues and Halsted Street, sources say, after last year turning down a deal in the high-profile Block 37 development. The transaction signals the continued rise to retailing power of the crowded Clybourn thoroughfare and shows that State Street, despite its recent revival, continues to have a hard time attracting well-heeled shoppers.

...Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple, which has been mulling over the North Avenue location for about 18 months, has signed a long-term lease, paying top-dollar annual rent of about $700,000 just for the land, sources say. Apple would build a roughly 15,000-square-foot store, designed by the San Francisco office of architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, sources say.

[ChiPsy]

I wonder if all those surfaces will attract and retain dust, soot, grime and look kind of yucky in 10 years.

Yes, and plastic bags. Can't wait to see them snared in the turbines to complete the "green" aesthetic circle.

At least they'll match the trees.

[Abner]

^ Mostly marketing hype. Exterior lighting is what, 5% of the lighting in this thing. So, it will put "excess power" into the grid and then suck it all back out for its internal needs. Naturally ventilated? Weren't they all, back when you could see the cars inside (which it looks like you'll be able to do from the close-up render)? No particular innovation there; I'd call this kind of system more "open air" than "naturally ventilated." 24 bikes... wow, vs. hundreds of cars.

Granted, they didn't need to do any of this, but I don't think it deserves too much praise. Surely it will be hyped as though it's saving the world.

The word is greenwashing, and this is a textbook example.

[honte]

^ Right. It's not a part of my active vocabulary because it actually sounds happy and pleasant to people not familiar with the coined term. But you are right, I probably could save a few carpal tunnel points with that one. ;)

________

Mr. Downtown, that was hilarious, particularly the introductory statements.

However, I must say this world of mothers-in-labor, 50 pound toddlers, distraught diabetics, and urinating schoolchildren always strikes me as a bit overwrought. Kind of Dargeresque, actually. But I sympathize with the need for driving in the city, and in particular, with the need for better public transit options. Simple things like transit stations that actually sheltered the public from the cold would be a huge step forward.

Will the City ever revisit the notion of coin-operated public toilets, like San Francisco? That was one of the happiest proposals for me, and one of the worst letdowns when it was abandoned. Similarly, what happened to the city ordinance that all gas stations must provide working public restroom facilities?

[killaviews]

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=31614

Apple picks North & Clybourn
By: Thomas A. Corfman April 13, 2009

...The electronics maker last week agreed to open a signature store on a former gas station site bounded by North and Clybourn avenues and Halsted Street, sources say, after last year turning down a deal in the high-profile Block 37 development. The transaction signals the continued rise to retailing power of the crowded Clybourn thoroughfare and shows that State Street, despite its recent revival, continues to have a hard time attracting well-heeled shoppers.

...Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple, which has been mulling over the North Avenue location for about 18 months, has signed a long-term lease, paying top-dollar annual rent of about $700,000 just for the land, sources say. Apple would build a roughly 15,000-square-foot store, designed by the San Francisco office of architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, sources say.

Sweet! I knew something was about to happen. The CTA moved the 8 bus stop to the north side of the street and new materials were recently delivered to the site. I hope the designed is awesome.

[lawfin]

^ Mostly marketing hype. Exterior lighting is what, 5% of the lighting in this thing. So, it will put "excess power" into the grid and then suck it all back out for its internal needs. Naturally ventilated? Weren't they all, back when you could see the cars inside (which it looks like you'll be able to do from the close-up render)? No particular innovation there; I'd call this kind of system more "open air" than "naturally ventilated." 24 bikes... wow, vs. hundreds of cars.

Granted, they didn't need to do any of this, but I don't think it deserves too much praise. Surely it will be hyped as though it's saving the world.

Hear, Hear Honte...calling a spade a spade or bullshit, bullshit

[lawfin]

I can't imagine too many people parking here because it's "green." Location and cost seem like more important factors. I assume Friedman Properties intends to build goodwill and use it to their advantage for future projects.

I concur....zoning variance anyone?......I'll just build a green parking garage



gotta love capitalism.....it is the most effecient wealth allocator....but also the most effeciant mechanism for incentivizing gaming the system

[denizen467]

Apple picks North & Clybourn
By: Thomas A. Corfman April 13, 2009

...Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple, which has been mulling over the North Avenue location for about 18 months, has signed a long-term lease, paying top-dollar annual rent of about $700,000 just for the land, sources say. Apple would build a roughly 15,000-square-foot store, designed by the San Francisco office of architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, sources say.

Speaking of greenwashing, I wonder if Apple will play up the fact that the store is on top of a subway station, despite being situated in a motorist-shopper's paradise (as opposed to their just-abandoned Block 37 site, which comparatively is a public transit paradise).

I suppose we'll get a sense of their green commitment when we see what they do about parking for this site. In any event, if they're really pushing their green-ness, maybe some public pressure can be brought to bear on them so they integrate with, or even help improve, the subway station.

[denizen467]

^ I just looked through Bohlin Cywinski Jackson's portfolio ... well looky here, they designed the glass-cube Manhattan store, as well as Apple's Tokyo and London stores.

Maybe we can get something very special here. This will be, I'm guessing, a somewhat rare free-standing store building for Apple (mall stores being more common). Picking up on the 5th Ave store theme, how about a glass pyramid (as it's a triangular site) with a partially-underground store linking directly to a refreshed el concourse?

[ardecila]

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson is the architect for all Apple stores to some extent. They have designed all the flagships, as well as the design guidelines for all of the typical mall/street stores. Local architects then take over, in most instances, by adapting BCJ's template to the specifics of the site.

Saying that they are the architects of this store means little, since they could have any degree of involvement with the architecture from complete design down to cookie-cutter application.

I believe Apple will be seeking an entrance to the store from the CTA mezzanine, however, and AFAIK there is not a single Apple Store in the world that has its own parking. Apple will use the entire lot, somehow, although part might be a loading dock.

[the urban politician]

^ As I write this from my iMac, I have nothing but the highest respect for Apple under Steve Jobs' leadership

^ As a South Sider (sure, one on the El), I don't consider myself a loser at all. These are companies that could be relocating to the suburbs - that would be a real hit to the South Side and the transit-focused.

As you know, the Loop is virtually out of sites that don't compromise historic buildings. Most of those are protected now anyway. We either have to plan for the future or be mired in it, and if we don't plan for growth and change, the City is the ultimate loser. If the Blue line subway loop were built, it would be fairly simple to walk underground from the Randolph station over to the Blue line and then one could jump on for a few blocks. I could be wrong, but with the underground busway, this would be even easier.

Concerning the cost of the line, we can discuss in the transit thread if you like, but I think $1B is a small price to pay for nearly total connectivity in the system (finally), and it obviously is a much broader issue than simply getting people that take the L to office towers in the West Loop.

The fact of the matter is, if we continue to have growth in office space coupled with the conversion of antiquated office stock, within the next 20 years the core office market will be looking at River North sites and in the West Loop to build tall towers, almost exclusively. And at our current pace, they will be out of vacant parcels in those areas. Their options will be to tear down one of these small junky Fifield buildings, or historic properties. Barring a landmark district, we all know which are going to fall first. Again, another example of how we will be paying the price for bad planning and lack of initiative.

There is something to be said for not having surface parking in the downtown, the coherence and consistency of it all, better pedestrian experience and urban quality overall. But ultimately, particularly if Chicago is feeling good about its growth potential, I say we should discourage eating up vacant land with trifling buildings and try to conserve this resource. In fact, the abundance of vacant land near downtown is, ironically, one of Chicago's big competitive assets moving forward - if it's played right, obviously.

Anyway, maybe the Boom Rundown isn't the right place to carry on this conversation?

^ Honte, Chicago is certainly decades away from having to worry about running out of land downtown for office towers, IMO. But when that eventually occurs, I would hope that Chicago would already be prepared to open up "sites" elsewhere, and that can only happen by making serious investments in mass transit now that will allow Metra and CTA riders to get from Union/Ogilvie/Illinois Center and the Central Loop into another site downtown quickly. I"m not sure what that site would be, but I'm guessing that an investment like the Clinton Ave subway would push the office district into the western part of River North?

When in doubt, do as your predecessors do. Chicago simply needs to follow Manhattan's example, where basically NO vacant land exists for new office growth. In the case of Manhattan the 7 train (which already connects to Grand Central Terminal and Times Sq/PABT) is being extended to link commuters to a new location for office towers in the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_Yards)

[honte]

^ Yes, I am well aware of New York's good fortune to have real leadership and a seeming will to advance the city with honest and lasting improvements. Wish I could say the same for Chicago and Illinois. :(

You are basically restating what I said (or meant to convey). When I said the Loop, I mean the Loop proper. There are very few legitimate sites in the Loop for new office buildings, barring the demolition of huge money-maker parking garages, which I doubt is going to be on the agenda for a long while. At least, not until every historic building is either landmarked, facadectomized, or demolished.

The argument here has been whether or not to promote, or even demand, very high density development in the West Loop area, which is what I am trying to argue in favor of. I also am arguing for a future growth plan oriented around new mass transit, like the 7 train in NYC or the Silver Line in Boston, and not to let downtown Chicago transit stagnate, as Mr. Downtown seems to suggest in his assertion that the $1B for the West Loop line would be a poor use of funds.

[Pandemonious]

Sweet! I knew something was about to happen. The CTA moved the 8 bus stop to the north side of the street and new materials were recently delivered to the site. I hope the designed is awesome.

I just hope it is URBAN. That area is the posterchild for urban fabric destroying strip mall hell on the north side of the city, while most of it is right near a train station.

[Mr Downtown]

I'm not suggesting that Clinton St. subway is a waste of money. I actually think it makes a lot of sense.

I just meant to say that the problem is one of our own making, and there are other ways that real city planning might have dealt with the issue. We could connect and through-route the Metra lines, for instance. We could discourage residential conversion in the East Loop. We could encourage office development south of Congress. We could have actually built one of the Monroe distributor plans that have been passed around for 50 years now.

Remember that we've sort of been here before. In the early 1970s, confident that the Monroe-St. Clair subway would be coming soon, the office district pushed into Illinois Center and up North Michigan Avenue. When the train didn't come, the office district retreated, leading to residential and hotel conversions of former office buildings from 900 North Michigan to IBM Plaza.

[denizen467]

Saying that they are the architects of this store means little, since they could have any degree of involvement with the architecture from complete design down to cookie-cutter application.
Right, but this is a stand-alone store, occupying essentially an entire block, on a uniquely-shaped plot, in a heavily-trafficked corridor, on top of a subway station. It would be unlike Apple to squander the chance to do something special here (although given the economy now they may not go whole hog as on 5th Av).

AFAIK there is not a single Apple Store in the world that has its own parking.

Aha, but AFAYK how many Apple Stores are freestanding? (I checked a random sample of about 20 on their website - a storefront photo of each is on the site - and all were mall stores.) And, of those, how many occupy essentially the whole block, surrounded by busy thoroughfares? And of those, how many are not served by robust public transportation?

In short, this new store is distinct from even 5th Av or Tokyo or London, and may be a first for Apple. I mean, how the heck are they going to attract patrons November through February if there is not handy parking somewhere? I suppose maybe they will direct customers to the Borders, Verizon, and/or Crate lots somehow (actually, a bridge or underpass to one of those lots would be perfect). But if their own block can actually fit it, I would be kind of surprised if it ends up with zero parking at all.

[sammyg]

RI mean, how the heck are they going to attract patrons November through February if there is not handy parking somewhere?

I don't think Apple stores have to worry about attracting patrons. Every one I've been to has always been packed.

[BWChicago]

Right, but this is a stand-alone store, occupying essentially an entire block, on a uniquely-shaped plot, in a heavily-trafficked corridor, on top of a subway station. It would be unlike Apple to squander the chance to do something special here (although given the economy now they may not go whole hog as on 5th Av).



Aha, but AFAYK how many Apple Stores are freestanding? (I checked a random sample of about 20 on their website - a storefront photo of each is on the site - and all were mall stores.) And, of those, how many occupy essentially the whole block, surrounded by busy thoroughfares? And of those, how many are not served by robust public transportation?

In short, this new store is distinct from even 5th Av or Tokyo or London, and may be a first for Apple. I mean, how the heck are they going to attract patrons November through February if there is not handy parking somewhere? I suppose maybe they will direct customers to the Borders, Verizon, and/or Crate lots somehow (actually, a bridge or underpass to one of those lots would be perfect). But if their own block can actually fit it, I would be kind of surprised if it ends up with zero parking at all.

I don't see how it could *have* parking. Have you seen the site? We're talking about a gas station footprint, in the middle of a three-way intersection. Because it's a triangle island, the only real option is to have parking off the middles, roughly where the bus turnaround is. I think the most spaces you could possibly fit there is 10 or 20, which would probably be more trouble than it's worth. And if they did something unconventional like rooftop parking, I don't think it would be workable because of traffic patterns. I think everyone involved would be happy to get traffic away from this island, because the turns in and out snarled up that intersection even more. And having parking in the middle kind of kills the CTA access appeal they were talking about. That said, it is a computer store, and I can't imagine many people carrying Mac Pros on the cta.

[ardecila]

Apple has plenty of storefront stores in neighborhoods where the parking must be done on-street, or in a public lot somewhere. This place will work the same way. I'm sure Apple can reach a validation deal with one of the other businesses nearby.

The 15,000 square foot figure is helpful, since the lot is only about 16,000 sq. ft. Zoning allows an FAR of 5.0, which would permit pretty much anything Apple chooses to do.

But I don't know whether that 15,000 sq. ft. is total sq. footage, or merely the showroom sq. footage. If it is the total square footage, then it indicates either a 1-story building that fills the lot, or a 2-story building with open space of some kind (plaza space or parking). Since Apple always likes to build 2-story flagships in order to show off their glass staircase technology, it will probably be option #2.

I said earlier that Apple would build an entrance into CTA's mezzanine, but that isn't possible. Since the North/Clybourn station has the headhouse, it doesn't have any unpaid underground areas. The fare-gates are above-ground in the headhouse.

[wrabbit]

.....Will the City ever revisit the notion of coin-operated public toilets, like San Francisco? That was one of the happiest proposals for me, and one of the worst letdowns when it was abandoned....

Seattle has been trying these out as well but with mixed success - problems with hookers, johns & junkies.

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

^ "Problems" here being a relative term.

[the urban politician]

I said earlier that Apple would build an entrance into CTA's mezzanine, but that isn't possible. Since the North/Clybourn station has the headhouse, it doesn't have any unpaid underground areas. The fare-gates are above-ground in the headhouse.

^ That kinda blows.

The only other option would be to put fare collection machines in the threshold between the Apple Store and the CTA mezzanine

[the urban politician]

^ Yes, I am well aware of New York's good fortune to have real leadership and a seeming will to advance the city with honest and lasting improvements. Wish I could say the same for Chicago and Illinois. :(


^ Necessity is the mother of Government, even bad Govt.

I'm not convinced that NYC's leadership is really any better than Chicago's. The reality is, NYC is in a position where mass transit is so important to the region that to not invest in its expansion is essentially an acquiescence of the city's downfall.

Mass transit is important to Chicago, but right now Chicago still has a lot more "wiggle room". Perhaps in 20-30 years, as room for new office growth near the existing rail termini vanishes, that may change.

[brian_b]

Apple will use the entire lot, somehow, although part might be a loading dock.

Well gosh darnit, if Apple doesn't receive their merchandise via Red Line subway then the store is way too suburban.

[denizen467]

Another possible idea for the Apple massing is to have a small 1st floor, with token frontage (including pedestrian entrances) along North and maybe Halsted or Clybourn, and then a trademark glass staircase going up to a very large 2nd floor. And then the 2nd floor could overhang a large-ish surface parking area. I think this would address most of the issues (except traffic merging back onto those streets - a mess no matter what).

I still feel that forcing customers who visit by car to park at the Borders/Verizon/Crate/etc. lots imposes an inconvenience greater than at other Apple stores (many of which are in better-weather cities than Chicago). The 3 streets there have awful traffic, which compounds into impatient drivers because of the frequent traffic lights in the neighborhood. Add in slush, snowbanks, rain, below-zero winds, spray from passing SUVs and buses, and it just seems the place becomes an unpleasant island for many weeks of the year. Seems like retailing suicide; just look at the parking conclusions all of the other stores along North Ave have come to.

From a customer-inducement standpoint, the best thing for that site would be to build an elevated walkway to the Borders and onwards to the parking garage behind it.

All right, enough speculation already - time to just wait for the renders.

[killaviews]

Another possible idea for the Apple massing is to have a small 1st floor, with token frontage (including pedestrian entrances) along North and maybe Halsted or Clybourn, and then a trademark glass staircase going up to a very large 2nd floor. And then the 2nd floor could overhang a large-ish surface parking area. I think this would address most of the issues (except traffic merging back onto those streets - a mess no matter what).

I still feel that forcing customers who visit by car to park at the Borders/Verizon/Crate/etc. lots imposes an inconvenience greater than at other Apple stores (many of which are in better-weather cities than Chicago). The 3 streets there have awful traffic, which compounds into impatient drivers because of the frequent traffic lights in the neighborhood. Add in slush, snowbanks, rain, below-zero winds, spray from passing SUVs and buses, and it just seems the place becomes an unpleasant island for many weeks of the year. Seems like retailing suicide; just look at the parking conclusions all of the other stores along North Ave have come to.

From a customer-inducement standpoint, the best thing for that site would be to build an elevated walkway to the Borders and onwards to the parking garage behind it.

All right, enough speculation already - time to just wait for the renders.

The construction permit only calls for one floor, so I think multiple levels are out of the question.

Apples does not need a parking lot. With all the Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Lakeview, Old Town yuppies so close there is no need for a parking lot.

[brian_b]

Add in slush, snowbanks, rain, below-zero winds, spray from passing SUVs and buses, and it just seems the place becomes an unpleasant island for many weeks of the year.

Apple would be crazy to open a store on Michigan Ave. There's no parking lot! It gets cold in the winter!

[ardecila]

^^ The city also spends tons of money every year keeping Michigan Avenue the cleanest street in Chicago during the winter. It has wide sidewalks and planters that isolate pedestrians from the slush and salt spray at the curb.

Anyway, I'm actually glad that the building permit only allows for one story. That way, it will fill nearly the entire lot and there is little chance of more surface parking. However, Apple will probably build a super-high parapet to make it 'look' like 2 stories. This is what they do for their single-level stores, typically - like at Deer Park Town Center.

[emathias]

Apple would be crazy to open a store on Michigan Ave. There's no parking lot! It gets cold in the winter!

yeah, yeah, make fun all you want. Mich Ave also has 10 times the foot traffic, a sidewalk protected from the street by planters and shops along almost the entire length of the street from Oak to, well, 14th Street. Clybourn and North area, while popular, doesn't have anywhere near the foot traffic of State or Michigan, relying far more on cars. I only live two Red Line stops away from North and Clybourn but never go there because it's just not a pleasant experience to walk around in.

That whole area just fails in so many ways from an urban design standpoint, despite some retail success so far. When they built that big development on the SE corner of North and Sheffield, the city could have (should have) demanding a broader sidewalk, or at least some arcading. Same on the north side of North.

There's a lot going on in that area and it has the potential to gel into a real urban shopping district. But so far, it just keeps getting more obscene instead of more useable. It wouldn't take a lot to really make that part of town stellar, but instead of taking steps to make it stellar, the city and the alderman just keeps up with the "anything goes" ethos that will eventually allow the area to choke on its own success. If that happens, Apple will regret picking that site over State Street.

[spyguy]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/1523578,CST-NWS-rio13.article

Developer can't regain permit lost over Rio trip
BY FRAN SPIELMAN

A Chicago developer who took a spring break trip to Rio de Janeiro with top city officials after getting a permit to build a condominium in the heart of a "planned manufacturing district" has lost a bid to resinstate the permit.

...Now, Cedicci will either have to build a commercial project or sell the property to a commercial developer.
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8728/041309riocstfeed2009041.jpg

[BVictor1]

This Wednesday - April 15th
Ogden School
Main Auditorium
24 West Walton Place
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.


"The Central Area Action Plan is a 'vision document' that represents the next step in the implementation of the economic development and land use goals set-out in the 2003 Central Area Plan (CAP) by prioritizing key urban design, transportation, open space and waterfront projects."


"Please join us on Wednesday, April 15th to take advantage of this opportunity to engage in a direct dialogue with representatives of the City of Chicago to gain a better understanding of the proposal and ask any questions you may have related to this proposal."

[harryc]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/1523578,CST-NWS-rio13.article

Developer can't regain permit lost over Rio trip
BY FRAN SPIELMAN

A Chicago developer who took a spring break trip to Rio de Janeiro with top city officials after getting a permit to build a condominium in the heart of a "planned manufacturing district" has lost a bid to resinstate the permit.

...Now, Cedicci will either have to build a commercial project or sell the property to a commercial developer.
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8728/041309riocstfeed2009041.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/STHEAIzorOI/AAAAAAAA_ns/waL33_-qtJk/s800/P1100919_20_21.jpg
One man's eysore is another kid's canvas.

[EarlyBuyer]

Helicopter lift onto Aon Center Saturday morning 4/11/09

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/7226/dsc0609o.jpg


http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6325/dsc0590u.jpg


http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/2870/dsc0603e.jpg

[EarlyBuyer]

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer 4/11/09



http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/3950/dsc0761m.jpg


http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/4122/dsc0766w.jpg


http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/5779/dsc0770.jpg

[the urban politician]

^ Love your updates, EB

[trvlr70]

The Parkhomes don't fit in at all, but that's probably why I like them so much. The contrast against all the glassy towers is pretty nice IMHO. There existance and location are very, very unique.

[BWChicago]

-delete- Wrigley Field Captain Morgan Addition

[Jibba]

There's a lot going on in that area and it has the potential to gel into a real urban shopping district. But so far, it just keeps getting more obscene instead of more useable. It wouldn't take a lot to really make that part of town stellar, but instead of taking steps to make it stellar, the city and the alderman just keeps up with the "anything goes" ethos that will eventually allow the area to choke on its own success. If that happens, Apple will regret picking that site over State Street.

Agreed. This is truly wishful thinking, but if Apple can make a ped-oriented retail setup work on that little triangle, it may serve as an example of what kind of retailing scheme is achievable in that area (i.e., pandering exclusively to car whores isn't the only way). Granted, people are so gaga over Apple that they would likely Frogger their way across LSD and swim a mile to get to Apple's new underwater flagship on the floor of Lake Michigan, unlike, say, Coldwater Creek, but it would be great for anyone to break the mold and set the bar a little higher for urban design in that area, and I think Apple has great potential to do so.

That said, I'm still sour over Apple's abandoning of B37. All the nay-sayers keep saying that State Street just isn't at the level to host an Apple store, but I disagree completely. Not based on any retail statistics, admittedly, but from my experience walking the street just about every single day and noticing all the people with their associated shopping bags. I have no doubt that Apple on State would be a success. I think the real problem was all of the ridiculous delays finishing that four-story structure, and Apple probably felt that the window of opportunity had vanished. Too bad, because they would have been a real draw for shoppers and other tenants (per Lululemon and likely many others), and foot traffic begets more foot traffic. Chalk it up to yet another squandered opportunity for Block 37.

[VivaLFuego]

Wouldn't be surprised if Apple tries to get a 15-minute flashers-only loading area or something, and just works out parking validation deals with nearby lots, particularly the one for Border's. A huge amount of their business these days just has to do with peripherals, repairs, Macbooks, iPods, iPhones... lots of students, lots of transit riders, and this is an accessible location for both. Apple Stores have no competitors other than other Apple Stores, and the only other one nearby is Michigan Avenue. If anything, this store might cannibalize some use by snagging Depaul, Loyola students and Lincoln Park/Lakeview yuppies who currently make the trek to Boul Mich; but on the margins, it is a somewhat more accessible Apple Store for the many northside residents who simply, for a variety of reasons, never go shopping on the mag mile.

In terms of design, I'd really like to see something substantial (e.g. at least 2 floors in height, even if only one floor) built to nearly the lot line corner at North/Halsted, to finally enclose that intersection and give it a serious sense of hustle and bustle. Ideally, the opportunity will also be seized to improve the sidewalks on the block, and also incorporate a proper sheltered bus loading/unloading area for the 72.

[chicagoguy1]

I agree with Emathias comment above regarding North/Clybourne area, the area is horrible for urban design and on foot traffic. It is way to car oriented, surface parking lots.

[Jibba]

...and also incorporate a proper sheltered bus loading/unloading area for the 72.

Good point about this; it is certainly needed there.

[sentinel]

Just out of curiousity, does anyone know if construction has begun on Ronan's Poetry Foundation project? I have yet to see any renderings on here and I haven't seen any drawings or photos or renderings on the website either..

[avngingandbright]

Why does Chicago get such charming, livable small scale urban development and NYC produces such crap whilst tearing down all our small scale structures?

[wrabbit]

Just out of curiousity, does anyone know if construction has begun on Ronan's Poetry Foundation project? I have yet to see any renderings on here and I haven't seen any drawings or photos or renderings on the website either..

I've been wondering the same thing. Anyone on the board have more info that they can share?

[wrabbit]

I agree with Emathias comment above regarding North/Clybourne area, the area is horrible for urban design and on foot traffic. It is way to car oriented, surface parking lots.

Although if you travel south of North, the picture is much better, especially with VDT's British School/REI Store up & running. The Apple Store and the New City Y Development could round out this area very nicely and begin to redeem some of the nastiness north of North.

[VivaLFuego]

Good point about this; it is certainly needed there.

Without veering too far off-topic, this is something that should be codified as a requirement for planned developments along certain high-traffic bus corridors whose street and sidewalk geometry means that they have a dearth of shelters - North Avenue and Halsted are prominent examples of busy bus routes where some major transfer points and boarding locations have no shelters.

[VivaLFuego]

Why does Chicago get such charming, livable small scale urban development and NYC produces such crap whilst tearing down all our small scale structures?

I think AdrianXSands head just exploded :D

Seriously though, this comment from our New York brethren does provide some useful perspective to our group's often myopic/provincial discussions of development. It's all relative.

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^ Chicagoans love to berate their city in the present and revel in the glory of our past. That is probably what makes the city so great, the fact that people are always dissatisfied with how well things are going now and trying to catch some mythical New York City that we supposedly train behind in all measures. We always believe people think we are second best and therefore work twice as hard to prove them wrong...

[Rilestone75]

Wouldn't be surprised if Apple tries to get a 15-minute flashers-only loading area or something, and just works out parking validation deals with nearby lots, particularly the one for Border's. A huge amount of their business these days just has to do with peripherals, repairs, Macbooks, iPods, iPhones... lots of students, lots of transit riders, and this is an accessible location for both. Apple Stores have no competitors other than other Apple Stores, and the only other one nearby is Michigan Avenue. If anything, this store might cannibalize some use by snagging Depaul, Loyola students and Lincoln Park/Lakeview yuppies who currently make the trek to Boul Mich; but on the margins, it is a somewhat more accessible Apple Store for the many northside residents who simply, for a variety of reasons, never go shopping on the mag mile.

In terms of design, I'd really like to see something substantial (e.g. at least 2 floors in height, even if only one floor) built to nearly the lot line corner at North/Halsted, to finally enclose that intersection and give it a serious sense of hustle and bustle. Ideally, the opportunity will also be seized to improve the sidewalks on the block, and also incorporate a proper sheltered bus loading/unloading area for the 72.

I agree. I'm curious about the design of the store, because as you point out, a percentage of their revenue comes from the "Genius Bar", repairing Apple products. The repair service in each of Apple's stores is a bigger draw to people than one would think. Most people can purchase a Mack, IMack or Ipod online, or at a number of other retailers, but to my knowledge the Apple store is the only place to repair/fix issues with your Apple products (other than select specialty vendors).

That said, there has to be some planning for a loading/unloading area for the customers who are either picking up new computers of dropping off broken ones.

[wrabbit]

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

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/Skylinejpg.jpg

Fuller's Fly's Eye Dome: A striking, very groovy presence at the Merchandise Mart

April 15, 2009

I was just over at the Merchandise Mart on the way into work and came upon the just-finished installation of Buckminster Fuller's "Fly's Eye dome" for the upcoming Art Chicago art fair. I have two words to pass along about the dome, which complements the Museum of Contemporary Art's fine but flawed Fuller show: See it.

Oh yes--let me add two more words: It's free.....

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/6a00d834518cc969e201156f2a3fdb970c-.jpg

Continue reading at http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/theskyline/

[Jibba]

^Sweet. Headed to Fuller exhibit today; will definitely check out that dome at Merch Mart. Thanks for the great capture of it--looks amazing.

[wrabbit]

Not my pic, but yeah, a trip to MM would be a great compliment to the Fuller exhibit.

[wrabbit]

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/04/major-mall-operator-here-files-for-bankruptcy.html

Major mall operator here files for bankruptcy
April 16, 2009 5:09 AM

Chicago-based General Growth Properties Inc., the nation's second-largest mall operator that owns or operates six major shopping centers in the Chicago area, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection early today.

The company said it intends to continue operating all of its shopping centers during the bankruptcy process. Those include Lincolnshire Commons in Lincolnshire, Northbrook Court in Northbrook, Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee and Water Tower Place on the Magnificent Mile. It also manages Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles.

The move came after General Growth failed to persuade a majority of its debt holders to give it more time to refinance billions of dollars in debt racked up during the housing boom.
Bankruptcy by the real estate investment trust had been widely anticipated since the fall, when the company warned it might have to seek protection if it didn't get lenders to rework its debt terms. Efforts to negotiate with its unsecured and secured creditors ultimately fell short late last month.....

Continue reading at http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/04/major-mall-operator-here-files-for-bankruptcy.html

[VivaLFuego]

FYI, if any of you were planning to grab a dog or polish at Harry's Hot Dogs before it closes to make way for a Desolate Windswept Plaza of Progress, you have until tomorrow.

[spyguy]

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090416005748&newsLang=en

Inland Real Estate Auctions, Inc. Sells North Michigan Avenue Building at Auction

Inland Real Estate Auctions, Inc. announced today the successful sale of the Mather Building in Chicago, the first ever parcel on North Michigan Avenue to be sold at auction. The three-story, 12,000-square-foot property is located at 326 N. Michigan Ave., just blocks from Millennium Park.

...The buyer, a prominent Michigan Avenue landlord, plans to redevelop the building for office and retail use.

[wrabbit]

^ Too bad the condo scene is bust, because Mather would make for some great full-floor or quarter-floor condos.

I'll miss the Club Quarters, which was a (relatively) cheap, no-frills downtown hotel to put friends up at.

[spyguy]

^This is actually a small three story building on Michigan Avenue, not Mather Tower.

[jpIllInoIs]

Yeah The Mather is the white terracota tower on Wacker Drive with an address of 75 East Wacker.

[wrabbit]

^This is actually a small three story building on Michigan Avenue, not Mather Tower.

Yeah The Mather is the white terracota tower on Wacker Drive with an address of 75 East Wacker.

No - sorry, guys, but I've put people up there numerous times, well up beyond the 30th floor. The hotel just isn't very widely known. The rooms are up in the octagonal section of the tower. Very simple rooms, but some of the views are killer.

From Wikipedia:
Mather Tower Completed in 1928, the 41-story building rises 521 feet. The slender, octagonally-shaped upper section of the building has the smallest floors of any of Chicago's skyscrapers.....The octagonal upper stories are now a private, members-only hotel (Club Quarters), with office space below......
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mather_Tower


From the Club Quarters website:
Club Quarters, Wacker at Michigan
75 E. Wacker Drive
Situated at Chicago's most visited intersection along the Chicago River, this landmark tower has been fully restored to its historical grandeur. The building offers spectacular views of the skyline, including the floodlit landmarks - Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower, immediately across the river. Just north of Club Quarters is the Magnificent Mile, famous for shopping. A convenient walk to the Chicago Cultural Center, Grant Park, and Marina City. Featuring Bacino's, offering American Italian fare in a relaxed, split-level restaurant.
http://www.clubquarters.com/loc_chicagoWacker.aspx

[Mr Downtown]

The point is that the building that was recently sold is not the Mather Tower, where Club Quarters has hotel rooms. What was sold is a smaller building fronting Michigan Avenue.

[wrabbit]

Gotcha. I should have read the release more carefully.

[denizen467]

^ It's bad karma from giving your weird-orc-thing-as-an-avatar the heave ho - he's surely disgruntled now.:P

---

An observation from the Streeterville area: CBS McClurg is now a flat lot of rubble.

At least this should give great vistas all around to Goldberg's Prentice Pavilion. For a while.

[harryc]

FYI, if any of you were planning to grab a dog or polish at Harry's Hot Dogs before it closes to make way for a Desolate Windswept Plaza of Progress, you have until tomorrow.

Harry's is the yellow awning in the lower left.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SekUjMdvpjI/AAAAAAABKNM/nAEGH2XNKQg/s800/P1330643.JPG

Harry - 100 yrs old and going strong.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SekUkTZ0sSI/AAAAAAABKNY/oufWvCanCus/s800/P1330644.JPG


Harry's
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SekUnboVOfI/AAAAAAABKN8/3yNlODuli_w/s800/P1330655.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SekUmfXfaEI/AAAAAAABKNw/chdA-m8eWkA/s800/P1330653.JPG

The reason
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SekUlcv_sCI/AAAAAAABKNk/ZTQWJq0muko/s800/P1330650.JPG

Parting shot ( full size (http://picasaweb.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/155NWacker2009#5325811844385555154) )
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SekVp7UrQtI/AAAAAAABKPM/UVHfE0Z0aU4/s800/2009_04_17h.JPG

[denizen467]

harryc, you rock - you chronicle not just the buildings but the lives in them. :tup:

P.S. Any relation to Harry? :P

[harryc]

harryc, you rock - you chronicle not just the buildings but the lives in them. :tup:

P.S. Any relation to Harry? :P

No

[the urban politician]

Thanks for the pics. I can't believe Harry is 100, the guy looks not a day over 85.

Anyhow, glad I got to eat there once

[wrabbit]

From Lifson's blog http://edwardlifson.blogspot.com/

Edward Lifson
Hello Beautiful!
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009

Tearing down Gropius in Chicago?

We know that Walter Gropius was involved in the design of the Michael Reese Hospital campus in Chicago. It's a gorgeous mid-century Modern site. Mayor Richard M. Daley wants to tear it down and soon.

Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus, is with Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier, one of the three pioneers of modern design. Chicago should treasure this. But scavengers are already in there, pulling things down. Salvagers are pulling off metal, to sell for scrap.

Gropius worked on this with local firms who were the architects of record, this may account for the lack of interest. After extensive research, Grahm Balkany says Walter Gropius had great involvement in the design of at least eight of the buildings and the master planning. He'll show you drawings, hospital records and other documents to show Gropius's deep involvment. he even has a copy of a letter from a Chicago architect to Gropius complaining that Gropius is doing too much of the design!

I video'ed Grahm Balkany in front of the Michael Reese power plant (1952-54), which is not typical of the style of the campus. But it's a great "book-end," and "quote," by Gropius and others paying homage to Mies van der Rohe, whose Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) is just a few blocks away, with a very similar power plant. Between the two is work by Louis Sullivan, townhouses by Frank Lloyd Wright, and just a little south stands- saved from its own earlier demolition threats- Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House.

Shouldn't Chicago think about preserving this and creating a district showing the birth of Modern Architecture? Wouldn't that be smarter, more responsible and less wasteful than tearing this down? Did I say less wasteful?

It stands on the land on which Mayor Daley plans to build an "Olympic Village Plaza." He's bidding for the 2016 games. But he's not waiting to see if he gets them. A request for quotes on demolition costs for this have already gone out and are due this month.

Chicago's bid lacks much of a legacy for the games. The stadium is supposed to come down after its use. Wouldn't it be a terrific Olympic legacy to restore these important works of the International Style? Works in which Walter Gropius was certainly involved, although in at least one biography we read that Gropius was not completely satisfied with the results and that he lamented not getting a solo commission at Michael Reese.

I believe it would be good for Chicago to preserve this campus. Play up your architectural history, don't tear it down!

Grahm Balkany has formed the "Gropius in Chicago Coalition." Do check out their website, here.

And if you're in the town that tears down better architecture than most cities put up, Chicago, go see Balkany's presentation on

Monday, April 20, 2009
6 to 7 pm
Please register and arrive at 5:30

at the Hafele America Co. Chicago Showroom
154 W. Hubbard St. Chicago IL 60654 (MAP)
Phone: 312-467-2225

[ethereal_reality]

I watched a mediocre movie last night, that had a plethora of great Chicago views.
It rivaled the mise-en-scene of The Fugitive.

It was 'The Watcher' with Keanu Reeves (can't act).
Anyone know any details about the making of the movie?
Any stills or screen grabs?


(OOPS, I just realized this is the 'General Developments' thread. I should have posted this in 'City Discussions')