[Chicagoguy]

There wasn't a tread for this one yet so I figured it would be nice to start one since there is a tread for it on skyscrapercity!

Conservatory Tower aspires to set a precedent for environmentally sensitive tall buildings in Chicago’s urban context. The 1.1 million sf project is composed of two distinct yet complementary components, a conservatory or enclosed winter garden, and an 80 story hotel and condo tower rising above.

The 28,000 sf winter garden is enclosed by a high efficiency glazing system, protecting a lush landscape and occupants from inclement weather, noise and air pollution, while optimizing natural air ventilation. The tower’s thin profile makes full use of natural light, while minimizing heat gain during summer months and shadow effect on neighboring spaces. Natural light can reach the interior spaces, reducing energy consumption year round. Topping the tower is a Sky Garden containing a number of condominium amenities and an enclosed garden.

http://www.scb.com/images/project/415/Conservatory_Tower_071108_22x34_Page_1.jpg

http://www.scb.com/images/project/415/Conservatory_Tower_Base1_Page_2.jpg
Photos from SCB's website

[WonderlandPark]

Is there a street address for this? Looks easily 900' and I love the bottom greenhouse "blob."

[Chicagoguy]

Is there a street address for this? Looks easily 900' and I love the bottom greenhouse "blob."

Not sure the exact address but I heard it might be behind 200 North Dearborn and would replace that food court there. And yes I heard that somewhere around 900 is what they expect it to be although no definite height has been released.

[scalziand]

Nice to see this one finally get its own thread.

[Chicagoguy]

Nice to see this one finally get its own thread.

Yea I thought it was about time for it!

[SlatsGrobnik]

Developer? Architect? Budget? Timeline to start/complete? What hotel? How many rooms? How many condos?

[denizen467]

^ What, is that all you could come up with? I could think of about a 100 questions. :koko:

Especially since one of them was already answered in the first post. By the way, do you know what ever happened to Slata Grobnik? She disappeared from these forums maybe a year and a half ago, right around the time you appeared.

[StatenIslander237]

Already my new favorite proposal in Chicago.

[Alliance]

It'd be interesting, from a historical perspective, if this building ended being up about the same height as Citigroup in New York. Conservatory is certianly the nephew of it.

[scalziand]

It'd be interesting, from a historical perspective, if this building ended being up about the same height as Citigroup in New York. Conservatory is certianly the nephew of it.

A building on stilts with a slanted roof? Why not!:D

This doesn't look like it will require the groundbreaking engineering that Citigroup needed though.:shrug:

[shaberko]

I guess this one will be nicknamed "the vacuum cleaner" if it's built. :)

[Rilestone75]

I guess this one will be nicknamed "the vacuum cleaner" if it's built. :)

Let's just call it the ORECK for short...;)

[Plokoon11]

This tower looks very un safe.

[CHAPINM1]

Despite the differences between the two cities, Chicago and New York DO share quite a bit of traits between a few different buidlings. By no means is this bad, but I'm just noting that both are great and there are more simularities than one would think. For instance the following buildings can easily compare and are similar in a lot of ways:

Aqua (Chicago) - Beekman Place (New York) Difference in height by roughly 40 feet and by 5 - 10 floors, the concepts are similar in addition to the wavy/striking designs.

John Hancock Center (Chicago) - Girasole (New York) Despite the major difference in floors, the heights of both differ by only 127 feet and the concepts for both are similar.

Conservatory Tower (Chicago) - Citigroup (New York) Major difference in floors, yet environmentaly friendly concepts are there plus the slanted roofs! The heights for both may be in the same neighborhood as well.

Plus both cities are currently constructing buildings concurrently that will be the tallest once completed, something that both cities did once before.

[Chicagoguy]

Despite the differences between the two cities, Chicago and New York DO share quite a bit of traits between a few different buidlings. By no means is this bad, but I'm just noting that both are great and there are more simularities than one would think. For instance the following buildings can easily compare and are similar in a lot of ways:

Aqua (Chicago) - Beekman Place (New York)
John Hancock Center (Chicago) - Girasole (New York)
Conservatory Tower (Chicago) - Citigroup (New York)

Plus both cities are currently constructing buildings concurrently that will be the tallest once completed, something that both cities did once before.

I agree with you I think the two cities are very similar although they try to be different!

But I would compare The Girasole more with Waterview Tower, and Tower Verre with the John Hancock Center!

[CHAPINM1]

I agree with you I think the two cities are very similar although they try to be different!

But I would compare The Girasole more with Waterview Tower, and Tower Verre with the John Hancock Center!

Great point, I forgot about Tower Verre. I guess the John Hancock Center would be a more appropriate comparason seeing as how it is not only different by 28 feet in height, but it also has the black exterior/X brase steel support like the JHC.

[Chicagoguy]

Great point, I forgot about Tower Verre. I guess the John Hancock Center would be a more appropriate comparason seeing as how it is not only different by 28 feet in height, but it also has the black exterior/X brase steel support like the JHC.

Yea Tower Verre is almost a complete younger brother to the John Hancock...just a more slim and modern version of it...

[TowerGuy37]

I love this building !!!!!!!!!! so pretty, graceful and beautiful!!!!! What I hate is the tease of seeing the proposal! We see all these great building proposals always at the wrong time! Then the market starts to get better and all these little cookie cutter developments start stealing sales and these great proposed structures never materialize!!

1) Park Michigan
2) Inter-Continental Tower
3) Wolf Point
4) Waldorf-Astoria
5) Now Waterview possibly ( keeping my fingers crossed on this one)

[SlatsGrobnik]

^ What, is that all you could come up with? I could think of about a 100 questions. :koko:

Especially since one of them was already answered in the first post. By the way, do you know what ever happened to Slata Grobnik? She disappeared from these forums maybe a year and a half ago, right around the time you appeared.

Which question was answered?

I am "Slata." I mistyped the name when I first joined, and it took repeated requests over time to get it fixed.

Slats Grobnik was Mike Royko's fictional sidekick, if you didn't know.

[Chicagoguy]

I love this building !!!!!!!!!! so pretty, graceful and beautiful!!!!! What I hate is the tease of seeing the proposal! We see all these great building proposals always at the wrong time! Then the market starts to get better and all these little cookie cutter developments start stealing sales and these great proposed structures never materialize!!

1) Park Michigan
2) Inter-Continental Tower
3) Wolf Point
4) Waldorf-Astoria
5) Now Waterview possibly ( keeping my fingers crossed on this one)

Yes I do hope something happens so that this great beauty gets built. It is sad that Park Michigan and Wolf Point died...but Inter-Continental is still alive and just waiting for the right time to build...they were going to start a couple years ago but sales were so good they couldnt afford to cut that many hotel rooms for that long. As for Waldorf Astoria and Waterview they are still going...although Waterview has hit a rough patch, things will come back to normal soon enough!

[shaberko]

Despite the differences between the two cities, Chicago and New York DO share quite a bit of traits between a few different buidlings. By no means is this bad, but I'm just noting that both are great and there are more simularities than one would think. For instance the following buildings can easily compare and are similar in a lot of ways:

Aqua (Chicago) - Beekman Place (New York) Difference in height by roughly 40 feet and by 5 - 10 floors, the concepts are similar in addition to the wavy/striking designs.

John Hancock Center (Chicago) - Girasole (New York) Despite the major difference in floors, the heights of both differ by only 127 feet and the concepts for both are similar.

Conservatory Tower (Chicago) - Citigroup (New York) Major difference in floors, yet environmentaly friendly concepts are there plus the slanted roofs! The heights for both may be in the same neighborhood as well.

You forgot probably the most obvious ones: The Chrysler Building and Two Prudential Plaza

[CHAPINM1]

You forgot probably the most obvious ones: The Chrysler Building and Two Prudential Plaza

Your absolutely right, they are similar in both height, floors, AND design. In this case Two Prudential Plaza is the Chrysler Buildings little brother. ;)

[FrancoRey]

What a great looking tower! Yes, Citigroup definitely came to mind when I saw the bottom and slanted top. Except I like the glass-faced upgrade as well as the snazzy looking greenhouse on bottom. Jealousy and envy strike again! Very nice, Chicago. :tup:

[Untitled]

I like it a lot.

[SlatsGrobnik]

It is sad that Park Michigan and Wolf Point died.

I hadn't heard that Wolf Point was officially dead. Franklin Point died. Is that what you were thinking of?

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^ Wolf Point is not dead, I recently heard they are still working on the plans for it...

[Chicagoguy]

^^^ Wolf Point is not dead, I recently heard they are still working on the plans for it...

I am aware that the original Franklin Point proposal is dead which is unfortunate...but I was just meaning the orignal design for Wolf Point is dead. They are still planning on developing the site eventually but latest I heard it will be nothing like the original plan...not as tall. From what I heard last they wanted to put a couple thin condo towers anchored by a possible supertall?

[X-fib2]

^^^ Wolf Point is not dead, I recently heard they are still working on the plans for it...

I don't think Wolf Point is dead either, just moving at a snails pace, probably waiting for market conditions to improve.

[Chicagoguy]

I don't think Wolf Point is dead either, just moving at a snails pace, probably waiting for market conditions to improve.

Which Wolf Point project are you talking about? The supertall proposed a few years ago that was like 140 floors? I am confused which proposal you are talking about?

[America 117]

This building looks like citigroup center in NY.

[America 117]

John Hancock Center (Chicago) - Girasole (New York) Despite the major difference in floors, the heights of both differ by only 127 feet and the concepts for both are similar.



I dont see how JHC looks like the girasole.
I would say that JHC looks like 3 world trade center and the hights are the same too.
http://lowermanhattan.info/construction/gallery/photos/Rogers-1.jpg
Sorry to get a little off topic

[X-fib2]

Which Wolf Point project are you talking about? The supertall proposed a few years ago that was like 140 floors? I am confused which proposal you are talking about?

There was an announcement earlier this year or last year, regarding a tower at Wold Point that was to be about the height of Trump. There was some discussion about this in the boom thread I think. Havn't heard anything since.

Just so we don't get too off track, I do like this proposal!

[Lecom]

The tower's OK but the base/street treatment are awesome.

[Nowhereman1280]

Which Wolf Point project are you talking about? The supertall proposed a few years ago that was like 140 floors? I am confused which proposal you are talking about?

The original proposal years ago is completely dead, but the proposal by Vorando and the Kennedy family made last year with two 50ish story buildings and a 80-90 story supertall in the middle are not even close to dead. That is the most recent proposal and really the only Wolf Point proposal of late that has any meat on its bones...

[woodrow]

Have to say, this is an awful location. Hate it being right next to 77 W. Wacker. Also, that awesome view they are showing? It will never be seen like that, what with the L tracks running right next to the base.

[Chicagoguy]

The original proposal years ago is completely dead, but the proposal by Vorando and the Kennedy family made last year with two 50ish story buildings and a 80-90 story supertall in the middle are not even close to dead. That is the most recent proposal and really the only Wolf Point proposal of late that has any meat on its bones...

O well I know that one isnt dead...but as of now it isnt even a real proposal yet...just a bunch of talk and ideas from what I heard! Has there been any renderings released yet?

And I agree that the location for Conservatory Tower could be much better. It seems like it would fit in great in LSE, Streeterville, or possibly even the South Loop?

[i_am_hydrogen]

This thread is for discussion of the Conservacy Tower. If you want to talk about Wolf Point, please do so in the Boom Rundown thread. Any subsequent off-topic posts will be deleted.

[America 117]

This tower looks very un safe.

Whats unsafe about it?:shrug:

[Chicagoguy]

Now back to Conservatory Tower? Does anyone know when we might see a sales center start to open for this one? Or when serious marketing might start?

[Northwest]

Agreed on the relatively poor choice of location for this design. I wouldnt want such a nice looking 900' tower to get largely hidden behind 77 W Wacker and Waterview. That greenhouse like base just screams out for sunlight.

[BVictor1]

Now back to Conservatory Tower? Does anyone know when we might see a sales center start to open for this one? Or when serious marketing might start?

there's nothing

it's a concept as of now

needs to go before planning and everything.

if there's any life to this proposal, it's several years off.

Agreed on the relatively poor choice of location for this design. I wouldnt want such a nice looking 900' tower to get largely hidden behind 77 W Wacker and Waterview. That greenhouse like base just screams out for sunlight.

not really.

this tower would stick up at least 200' above 77 W. Wacker. also, I believe that the lower floors of this building were to be a hotel, so views aren't as important.

[Chicagoguy]

there's nothing

it's a concept as of now

needs to go before planning and everything.

if there's any life to this proposal, it's several years off.



not really.

this tower would stick up at least 200' above 77 W. Wacker. also, I believe that the lower floors of this building were to be a hotel, so views aren't as important.


I figured that it was just a concept as of now. I hope they really push forward for this one...I think it would sell really well and it is just such a good concept!

As for the location I dont think the big problem would be that it would be hiden at the top...it will be the tallest out of the surrounding buildings other than Waterview!

[ChicagoChicago]

I love the design of this building, but I hate the location... Anything on Lake should have a buffer to the sound the L makes. I'm on the 21st floor of 200 N LaSalle, and I hear the L trains all day, every day.

Couple the noise, with the fact that the L tracks will "hide" the atrium, and I'm not a fan at all. The building is gorgeous, and I'd love to see more residential units in the Loop, but something needs to be addressed with regard to the L.

[Ryan81]

I hope my location is right:

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/9538/50249595qy4.jpg
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/9564/41618423mc5.jpg
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/5146/98845441dl0.jpg

[Chicagoguy]

I hope my location is right:



I love the renderings of this one in the skyling...great job Ryan81! Would be nice to see what it looks like in the total skyline. With Conservatory Tower and Waterview there will be a nice little grouping right in there height wise. I really hope this one gets built!

Also is there anyway you could add River Point to the second phote you posted? I think the picture would look really awesome seeing that added!

[photoLith]

How did you get those models on Google Earth, is there a place where I can download them?

[Ryan81]

How did you get those models on Google Earth, is there a place where I can download them?

You may download my KMZ files here:

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/search?q=ryan81&styp=m

I didn't put trump on there because I never completed the base. I didn't want to put anything up that wasn't complete.

I will probably get this conservatory tower up tomorrow. It's pretty quick and dirty, but does the trick

[Steely Dan]

wow, great images ryan81!

i have a feeling this project is a bit pie in the sky at the moment, but it was still fun to see your images and day dream.

[SolarWind]

Great job, Ryan81. Thanks! :cheers:

[aaron38]

That does make a pretty cool cluster. Someday.

[Busy Bee]

Too bad that twin to Title & Trust was never built—then you'd really have something. I guess we could hope for something even taller on that lot though. There is always Hope.

[haurb]

I love the design of this building, but I hate the location... Anything on Lake should have a buffer to the sound the L makes. I'm on the 21st floor of 200 N LaSalle, and I hear the L trains all day, every day.

Couple the noise, with the fact that the L tracks will "hide" the atrium, and I'm not a fan at all. The building is gorgeous, and I'd love to see more residential units in the Loop, but something needs to be addressed with regard to the L.

After looking at Ryan81's renderings, I disagree with the location being horrible. Because of the shape of the Thompson center that area receives quite a lot of sunlight, even well into winter when the sun hangs more to the south. Also the atrium seems to be close to level if not a little higher than the el tracks right there. I'm not saying that the light of god will shine through from morning til dawn, but you might be surprised with the amount that bounces around down there, whether it be direct or reflected.

As for the noise, it comes with the territory. I live right next to the el (although not downtown) and I don't even notice it anymore. Personally I think the juxtaposition of the el beams and rounded glass forms would look fantastic.

[Chicagoguy]

After looking at Ryan81's renderings, I disagree with the location being horrible. Because of the shape of the Thompson center that area receives quite a lot of sunlight, even well into winter when the sun hangs more to the south. Also the atrium seems to be close to level if not a little higher than the el tracks right there. I'm not saying that the light of god will shine through from morning til dawn, but you might be surprised with the amount that bounces around down there, whether it be direct or reflected.

As for the noise, it comes with the territory. I live right next to the el (although not downtown) and I don't even notice it anymore. Personally I think the juxtaposition of the el beams and rounded glass forms would look fantastic.

I agree with you. After seeing the rendering I think the location will be pretty nice. It shows just how nice it will look and stand out in the skyline. I think it will get enough light being where it is to do just fine. It is a great design and I think if built it would look amazing and add a great deal to the city.

[Ryan81]

To View the Conservatory Tower in Google Earth:

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=c39585d9afe052e9de762ab1db2f1e4b&prevstart=0

[rabidrabid]

The irony in the wonderful rendering above is the inclusion of the completed Waterview Tower, now on hold, and in need of 350-million dollars or thereabouts.

I have a bad feeling that we're not going to see this or any of the proposed towers going up for a long time to come.

The Chicago market has to absorb the 40-50 towers that are now under construction.

I hate to be the buzzkill, but really, the Chicago market hasn't yet to see the worst of it.

[Dylan Leblanc]

Does anyone know if there is still life left in this project?

[Busy Bee]

I wish. It was one of the most promising proposals from the past boom. I really hope it does still have a pulse so I don't have to add it to my lament list.

[SkyscrapersOfNewYork]

reminds me of Lebiskind's NY proposal on Madison avenue

[OneWorldTradeCenter]

Does anyone know if there is still life left in this project?

It is a nice project and I hope it gets built. :previous: Yes reminds me at One Madison Avenue in NYC. But I have the feeling that both projects are dead. :(

[SkyscrapersOfNewYork]

It is a nice project and I hope it gets built. :previous: Yes reminds me at One Madison Avenue in NYC. But I have the feeling that both projects are dead. :(

same feeling here unfortunately...

[i_am_hydrogen]

Seems like it's usually the best designs that die on the vine while the ugly crap ends up getting built.

[SkyscrapersOfNewYork]

Seems like it's usually the best designs that die on the vine while the ugly crap ends up getting built.

as is the story of architecture that ill never understand...

[Tom In Chicago]

Does anyone know if there is still life left in this project?

I don't think this was ever a serious proposal. . .

. . .

[brian.odonnell20]

Seems like it's usually the best designs that die on the vine while the ugly crap ends up getting built.

Thank god someone realizes and acknowledges this.

[scalziand]

Aw, when I saw this was bumped, I thought there was actual news on it.:(