[spyguy]

Build it on some vacant land in the South Loop.

[Sir Isaac Newton]

Build it on some vacant land in the South Loop.


I'm with you, Spyguy. I'm all for having this tower built, but I think that it would look very awkward in the Loop or eastern part of River North....especially in the current proposed location which would only be a couple blocks away from the Chicago Spire. I think that if they put it somewhere in the South Loop, it would bring a lot more symmetry to the skyline.

[nomarandlee]

Yea, in my mind I can best envision something like this looking the best located in the south loop. I don't think Streeterville would be a good location even if it were not for CS.

I would most like to wait for another supertall to come into play though and just have it be added incentive for such a project down the road.

[Tom Servo]

So what's the deal with that tall tower thing? Is it back on? If so, will the design be changed? :shrug:

[Tom Servo]

EW! I was glad to hear this thing died. It is SO UGLY! It would be awesome if it was in the south loop, like everyone else said, and if the design didn't look like it came out of a bad 1980s scifi movie. In my opinion, I think it would look sick if we got a supertall tower that looks like that the Guangzhou TV & Sightseeing Tower or a least something a little more creative looking.

[spyguy]

^True. Do you think it would work somewhere near McCormick Place?

Even though I sort of like the "evil" look of the tower, I'm annoyed that Beitler keeps bringing back the Pelli-design when I'm sure a better tower could be had with an international competition (esp. looking at new TV towers around the world).

[chicubs111]

yea...why is freaking beitler doing this..take this building somehwere else in the city..not so close to the spire. I hope they redesign it to something more appealing,..i mean they really can make it look attractive instead of this disgusting thing. They should acutally put it at block 37!!!...that would be great.

[forumly_chgoman]

It would be "like" CN Tower in taht it would have an observation deck . . .
http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Images/NearNorthSide/TallTower-001.jpg
is it me or is that an old photo?.....meaning the backgroind photo

[Crazy Ivan]

Does anyone have an idea how much it costs to build a tower that tall? Unlike an occupied building, it lacks all of the complex plumbing, HVAC, electrical and communication systems and because its more narrow it consumes less materials, but still I have to think it would cost upwards of a $100 million.

[pyropius]

It should go squat in the middle of the West Loop.

:whip:

[Nowhereman1280]

yea...why is freaking beitler doing this..take this building somehwere else in the city..not so close to the spire. I hope they redesign it to something more appealing,..i mean they really can make it look attractive instead of this disgusting thing.

Maybe Beitler is doing this in an attempt to get CS built! haha, but seriously, this can only help CS because most people around seem to think its ugly as sin. This proposal just make CS look good because, when give the choice between an ugly tourist attraction that creates heaps of annoying tourists clogging up the neighborhood and a beautiful white spire that has a relatively mild tourist draw and generates some residential traffic that can be funneled off of LSD anyhow, I think most Streeterville residents would be in favor of the latter.

Even though I hope this helps CS out, I wouldn't mind seeing this built elsewhere in the city (Wolf Point as Steely Suggested) and outfitted with a laser or the Eye of Sauron. It would add to the skyline if it weren't invading CS's personal space. It would really continue the sinister theme of JH and Sears and, if it were built on Wolf Point, it would create an intersting effect of two black, badass/sinister looking, highrises flanking a giant Lord of the Rings artifact from the west. The three sinister buildings would offer an intersting contrast to Trump, CS, Aon, and Waterview, all of which are much lighter and friendlier designs and would be in a relative cluster that would be boxed in/flanked by Chicago's badass side!

[chiphile]

this shouldn't be part of the skyline at ALL.. Build it somewhere on the west side so that 1) it's antenna function makes more sense if it's closer to the middle of the metro area, and 2) amazing skyline views from the observation deck. Heck, I could care less if this thing were in Oak Brook.. Just don't mess up the skyline.

[M II A II R II K]

Why not just put the necessary antennas on the Sears Tower, is this really needed if there are other structures that are tall enough to host better reception.

[bnk]

Maybe Beitler is doing this in an attempt to get CS built! haha, but seriously, this can only help CS because most people around seem to think its ugly as sin. This proposal just make CS look good because, when give the choice between an ugly tourist attraction that creates heaps of annoying tourists clogging up the neighborhood and a beautiful white spire that has a relatively mild tourist draw and generates some residential traffic that can be funneled off of LSD anyhow, I think most Streeterville residents would be in favor of the latter.

Even though I hope this helps CS out, I wouldn't mind seeing this built elsewhere in the city (Wolf Point as Steely Suggested) and outfitted with a laser or the Eye of Sauron. It would add to the skyline if it weren't invading CS's personal space. It would really continue the sinister theme of JH and Sears and, if it were built on Wolf Point, it would create an intersting effect of two black, badass/sinister looking, highrises flanking a giant Lord of the Rings artifact from the west. The three sinister buildings would offer an intersting contrast to Trump, CS, Aon, and Waterview, all of which are much lighter and friendlier designs and would be in a relative cluster that would be boxed in/flanked by Chicago's badass side!

Interesting.

:haha:

[Chi_Coruscant]

Beitler should dump Pelli and bring in Tadao Ando/Kiichi Sumikawa. They design the proposed 2013 ft broadcast tower in Tokyo. I think it is much better-looking than that awful gigantic tweezer.

http://www.rising-east.jp/

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=120726

[Chicago2020]

Its less evil looking than the Beitler Tower :cool:

Beitler Tower is nice but it has to be moved to another location, I say Wolf Point, but its not my call.

Stay Tuned for further details I guess

[Nowhereman1280]

Its less evil looking than the Beitler Tower :cool:

Yeah they are lucky that it won't be in range of Beitler's laser, then we'd show them who's boss...

Maybe Beitler will still go with the Eye of Sauron, I'm pretty sure that isn't limited by the horizon, it would be able to see through the earth right?

Sorry for being rediculous...

One more thing, this does seem to have some resemblence to CN tower, they have the tri sided cement thing with round cylander on top with a poker protruding upwards.

[ajjs8412]

i actually hope its built because that will give me more incetive to live in Chicago vrs Dubai in UAE also they should make it 15feet taller so it will top the chart as the worlds tallest structure in the world since japan is building one just two feet smaller:fingerscrossed:

[WonderlandPark]

Chicago, please don't build this thing. If the CS gets built, than this ruins your skyline. Doesn't even make sense, for broadcast, you want to be on the West side of downtown, to maximize your coverage to the metro area.

[Pandemonious]

I think Wolf Point is actually a terrible location for this. It would make far more sense to have a fully occupied building there to take advantage of the unparallelled views in all directions. This only has some views way at the top.. and would do little to integrate Wolf Point back into the city. I might be for it, depending on what they did with the ground plane (some sort of public integration with the river that is a step beyond the riverwalks).

The site they are proposing makes even less sense though..

[ardecila]

Part of Beitler's fixation on building the city's tallest building (what would Freud say about that, eh?) includes having Pelli as the designer. Remember, he designed the Skyneedle, and then 181 W. Madison to occupy the site instead.

I really like Pelli's designs for office buildings, but this is bad.

[Nowhereman1280]

Doesn't even make sense, for broadcast, you want to be on the West side of downtown, to maximize your coverage to the metro area.

Building it on the West side would make less sense considering they would then have to direct the signal in all directions instead of just focusing it to the west. You see they have directional transmission with these things, its kinda like a radar dish, they can focus it in any direction that pleases them. Besides an antenna at this hight, assuming it is given enough power, will have more than enough range to get far beyond the exurbs. It should be able to get decent reception as far north as the southern edge of Milwaukee, a range something like 70-80 miles.

[CGII]

I have to say this a totally awful project and design and I hope to God Chicago doesn't tackify itself up with this. Out.

[Steely Dan]

Remember, he designed the Skyneedle, and then 181 W. Madison to occupy the site instead.


not exactly. skyneedle was intended to occupy a site on the opposite side of wells from 181 west madison. the site is currently home to a 10 story parking garage.

[ardecila]

Whoops, my bad. But design ideas from the Skyneedle WERE adapted for 181 W Madison.

[WonderlandPark]

A tower by, say the Presidential Towers would do fine, a broadcast radius there might be, say 270 degrees, with a sub-transmitter for the loop. Totally doable. I have a good friend that sites towers here in California. :)

[Alliance]

The design for this isn't horrible. Its just not very...dare I say Chicago? Lame, I know.

I'm not really a fan of "towers," but if this was built next to the Spire, I would be upset.

[DePaul Bunyan]

The design for this isn't horrible. Its just not very...dare I say Chicago? Lame, I know.

I'm not really a fan of "towers," but if this was built next to the Spire, I would be upset.

Beitler should buy the rights to 7 S. Dearborn, build it it somewhere in the South Loop, and slap his antennas on top of it. Lakeshore East would also be a nice place for this, near Wacker and Lake Shore Drive. Put the two 2,000 footers across from each other at the mouth of the river. If Beitler is so determined to build a platform for broadcast antennas, he should realize that he has a better shot at actually putting up a building, not a glorified radio mast. Didn't Trump originally offer to join up with the developers of 7SD? With the success of Trump Tower, and the Chicago Spire threatening to steal his thunder, Trump's ego could be put to good use by picking up the dead 1567-footer with Beitler. I just can't see the city letting a 2000 foot broadcast tower going up in Streeterville.

[BVictor1]

To be honest, I don't see why he just doesn't build the Skyneedle instead. I would seriously like to see that rather than a freestanding broadcast tower.

[kalmia]

Build it on some vacant land in the South Loop.


Yes, somewhere on the south side, maybe even farther south.


Don't broadcasters want to hit the south west side of Michigan? I occasionally see storm warnings on Chicago TV for the south west of Michigan.

[kalmia]

To be honest, I don't see why he just doesn't build the Skyneedle instead. I would seriously like to see that rather than a freestanding broadcast tower.


What would the Skyneedle cost to build? This is supposed to be $350 million, right?

[Chicago3rd]

Yes, somewhere on the south side, maybe even farther south.


Don't broadcasters want to hit the south west side of Michigan? I occasionally see storm warnings on Chicago TV for the south west of Michigan.

If there is a storm warning for NW Indiana and parts of SW MI it is on all the airwaves. This past summer we had a great summer evening sunny and balmy and as we drove along lake shore drive an emergency alert blasted all over the radio about the tornados spoted near Beverly IN. It was weird.

WOLF POINT for Christ Sake! That would be perfect!

[Sir Isaac Newton]

What do people feel about the tower being significantly south or west of the loop? (ie - at least 3 miles away, if not more) I think that from an economic point of view, it could be very beneficial as it would bring a ton of business to neighborhoods that definitely could use it (whereas Streeterville doesn't need it, and having the tower there would just bring about more traffic and congestion). From an aesthetic point of view, it may make sense too, as the tower may not fit in well, if it is put in Streeterville or the Loop, as it may drown out smaller but much more pleasing looking buildings, but it may look better sort of off on it's own, separate from the main cluster of high rises in Streeterville/Loop. Also, it could perhaps bring about a mini second downtownish/business kind of area, kind of like downtown and midtown in Manhattan....what do you guys thinK?

[Tom Servo]

Putting it really far south would look neat but not far west.

[Tom Servo]

Beitler should buy the rights to 7 S. Dearborn, build it it somewhere in the South Loop, and slap his antennas on top of it. Lakeshore East would also be a nice place for this, near Wacker and Lake Shore Drive. Put the two 2,000 footers across from each other at the mouth of the river. If Beitler is so determined to build a platform for broadcast antennas, he should realize that he has a better shot at actually putting up a building, not a glorified radio mast. Didn't Trump originally offer to join up with the developers of 7SD? With the success of Trump Tower, and the Chicago Spire threatening to steal his thunder, Trump's ego could be put to good use by picking up the dead 1567-footer with Beitler. I just can't see the city letting a 2000 foot broadcast tower going up in Streeterville.

1. 7SD is the COOLEST building ever! I'd rather see it built than the CS.
2. I think it'd be AWESOME if Beitler used the 7SD design.
3. SOUTH LOOP all the way! Putting tall buildings in the South Loop and adding more and more density will expand the skyline very nicely!

[forumly_chgoman]

What do people feel about the tower being significantly south or west of the loop? (ie - at least 3 miles away, if not more) I think that from an economic point of view, it could be very beneficial as it would bring a ton of business to neighborhoods that definitely could use it (whereas Streeterville doesn't need it, and having the tower there would just bring about more traffic and congestion). From an aesthetic point of view, it may make sense too, as the tower may not fit in well, if it is put in Streeterville or the Loop, as it may drown out smaller but much more pleasing looking buildings, but it may look better sort of off on it's own, separate from the main cluster of high rises in Streeterville/Loop. Also, it could perhaps bring about a mini second downtownish/business kind of area, kind of like downtown and midtown in Manhattan....what do you guys thinK?

Ok, but you have to convince me that a TV tower is really going to drum up interest and business.

Midtown and Lower Manhattan have big buildings and are centers of business for far more reasons that touristy schmlatz

[Alliance]

Beitler should buy the rights to 7 S. Dearborn, build it it somewhere in the South Loop, and slap his antennas on top of it. Lakeshore East would also be a nice place for this, near Wacker and Lake Shore Drive. Put the two 2,000 footers across from each other at the mouth of the river. If Beitler is so determined to build a platform for broadcast antennas, he should realize that he has a better shot at actually putting up a building, not a glorified radio mast. Didn't Trump originally offer to join up with the developers of 7SD? With the success of Trump Tower, and the Chicago Spire threatening to steal his thunder, Trump's ego could be put to good use by picking up the dead 1567-footer with Beitler. I just can't see the city letting a 2000 foot broadcast tower going up in Streeterville.

I don't think The Spire should have competition at the mouth of the river. I think wolf point or the south loop are better locations.

I was actually thinking about 7SD today, its tri-antennas (in one of the designs) are fantastic. Maybe they could redesign the building a bit and build it a bit bigger and taller, integrating the Beitler and 7SD proposals.

If I remember correctly, Trump did at least have interstes in 7SD. Stick it in the south loop by Park Michigan. Lets get a 4th peak.

Besides, I'm feeling more and more against the idea of Communicatiosn towers. Make it a building. Shorter is fine (not that I dont want it tall) but make it a building for Christ's sake.

If its gonna be a tower though it should be black with white antenna crowns, like Handcock and Sears. It should have that Chicago badass look to it.

[chi-townJay]

http://www.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2002/09/160336.jpg


http://www.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2002/09/160337.jpg


I think the skyneedle is THE GREATEST tower proposal in chicago history,you just can't go wrong with this one,elegant,slim but bold and strong,this thing is chicago and its a shame it did'nt get built,but if beitler is trying to build anything he should try and build this.

[Marcu]

I really don't like the design but if I had to choose I'd go with the South Loop just to extend the skyline south. Putting it 3 miles out on the southside would not be feasible due to community opposition. Who wants to have a 2000 foot tower near their single family bungalow?

[denizen467]

Broadcast tower plan off the ground again
BY SUSAN DIESENHOUSE

In September, he agreed to take a 99-year ground lease from Sunbelt Management Co. of Delray Beach, Fla., on a 50,000-square-foot site at Illinois Street and Columbus Drive.

There was some discussion here and in other threads about whether the Sunbelt parcel was the one south or north of NBC. This link shows Sunbelt at least owned the north one (Illinois+Columbus) several years ago, so yes, the reference in the above article is apparently correct.
http://www.gpchicago.com/users/folder.asp?FolderID=850&SubCat=north+america

[Nowhereman1280]

A few points on this one:

1. No matter how much you want it to be built in the South Loop, 3 miles out of downtown, or anywhere else thats more than a few blocks from Michigan Ave, Navy Pier, the Water Tower, or any other major tourist draw, it will not happen. Everyone keeps ignoring the fact that this is not just an antenna, its a tourist attraction that doubles as an antenna. No one wants to drive 3 miles out of downtown just to go to a slightly higher observatory when they can just go to the Hancock or the Sears and get roughly the same experience.

2. There is a reason he is not just building a building like Miglin-Beitler or 7SD. Its because he thinks (whether correctly or not) that there will not be enough demand to support another building of that size. However, he may be able to convince investors that they can make a lot of money on this thing if they are willing to keep their money locked up in in for a decade while the hundreds of thosands of $25 skydeck tickets pour in, the resturant sells food at tourist prices, and the TV stations have to renewn multi million dollar leases multiple times.

3. No, the skyneedle is not the best building ever, it is second best after the Illinois. I'm telling you, thats what Beitler should be proposing, he should by the rights to that sketch and four squre blocks in the west loop, you know where the NIMBYs run rampant and prevent anything over 10 stories from being built, and build the Illinois there, just to teach the NIMBYS a lesson. Think of how much TV companies would be willing to pay for space that broadcasts not only to Chicago, but Milwaukee, Madison, Gary, Peoria, and possibly even Indianapolis. Haha, that would be sooo sweet, it would be like 4 times the height of the Sears. Then we could tell Dubai (and everyone else) to suck it.

[Alliance]

1. No matter how much you want it to be built in the South Loop, 3 miles out of downtown, or anywhere else thats more than a few blocks from Michigan Ave, Navy Pier, the Water Tower, or any other major tourist draw, it will not happen. Everyone keeps ignoring the fact that this is not just an antenna, its a tourist attraction that doubles as an antenna. No one wants to drive 3 miles out of downtown just to go to a slightly higher observatory when they can just go to the Hancock or the Sears and get roughly the same experience.
Three miles outside of downtown is too far, that doesnt mean it has to go right in the front of the city. I'd much prefer it set back farther. Besides, you'll get better views of the city if its not smack dab in the center.

2. There is a reason he is not just building a building like Miglin-Beitler or 7SD. Its because he thinks (whether correctly or not) that there will not be enough demand to support another building of that size. However, he may be able to convince investors that they can make a lot of money on this thing if they are willing to keep their money locked up in in for a decade while the hundreds of thosands of $25 skydeck tickets pour in, the resturant sells food at tourist prices, and the TV stations have to renewn multi million dollar leases multiple times.
Yeah, but 7SD is a better proposal. Not better economically? Sure. However, I really loathe broadcast towers. Its what makes tall buildings even more elegant. They're both economical and big.


3. No, the skyneedle is not the best building ever, it is second best after the Illinois. I'm telling you, thats what Beitler should be proposing, he should by the rights to that sketch and four squre blocks in the west loop, you know where the NIMBYs run rampant and prevent anything over 10 stories from being built, and build the Illinois there, just to teach the NIMBYS a lesson. Think of how much TV companies would be willing to pay for space that broadcasts not only to Chicago, but Milwaukee, Madison, Gary, Peoria, and possibly even Indianapolis. Haha, that would be sooo sweet, it would be like 4 times the height of the Sears. Then we could tell Dubai (and everyone else) to suck it.

Cant even think about arguing. Nowhereman for mayor.

[Via Chicago]

ugh god, this thing makes me want to vomit. make it go away.

[Mr Roboto]

Yes, keep it dead please.

Out of curiosity, what if somehow he built this on top of a 12 story building. Then it would be like a spire right? Then it would be officially a 2000' building right?! What a cheap way to get the tallest building. Thats why these building height standards are dumb.

[VivaLFuego]

ugh god, this thing makes me want to vomit. make it go away.
I almost feel like something so controversial, i.e. people seem to form strong opinions about whether it should or should not be built based on aesthetics, should definitely be built, just because of the thought and discussion it provokes (like controversial art).

As opposed to something like the massacre about to be performed on Mid-America Plaza ("Park Monroe"), which is universally decried.

[chi-townJay]

this would simply DESTROY our skyline if built in the same location as CS.

[Tom Servo]

It might be safe to say that, because everyone seems to HATE this tower, it most likely will never get built. or at least not this design. :shrug:



*bring back 7SD!!* ;)

[Nowhereman1280]

I don't hate it.

Or have I just given in to the fact that this tower is so evil that all attempts to stop it are futile?

Seriously though, I think, if built in the right place, this could be a serious addition to the skyline and add something new and dynamic which Chicago has never had in its skyline before. In the newer renders it doesn't have that cheesy cement pole quality to it anymore, which makes it look much better. It would look really sweet across from CS if they made CS black and made this tower black as well, besides it would fit in better with Sears and Hancock if they did that.

[rbowk]

i like the desighn but if it was on the oter side of the city were the jhon hankock center is it would be geat

[Chicago Shawn]

Build it on some vacant land in the South Loop.

I agree. I think this would be a very nice center piece to Riverside Park. It would also have the spillover effect of infusing modern architecture into the site, and hopefully the other marketable buildings within the development would then follow suit. Perfect location to terminate the water taxi routes as well and draw more activity to this neglected part of the central area.

[jcchii]

he keeps putting it in streeterville because he wants to fill the restaurant and observation deck with tourists.
he needs the navy pier area foot traffic. he's not going to put it somewhere down in the south loop where the family of four from ohio is going to have to take a cab down to it from the sheraton.

[the urban politician]

They should tear down Dearborn Park and build 10 of these in its place

[ZZ-II]

10?? are you crazy?

[Marcu]

Does anyone have an idea as to whether the tv equipment is actually needed? Because if so, it's just a matter of time before we get a tower/antenna add-on somewhere unless they can upgrade prud/hancock/sears.

[denizen467]

^ Hmm, are radio/tv broadcasts really being done from Pru?

My understanding is that it is needed. I think broadcasters are increasingly finding it a problem dealing with the restrictions of being an afterthought added on top of an office/residential building. It's not just the technology and capacity, but things like extent of access for maintenance and construction, adequate backup generators, etc. It makes sense that they would all want to join forces to finance a purpose-built tower where they could dictate the terms (including to some degree, rent).

[the urban politician]

10?? are you crazy?

^ Yeah, you're right. What was I thinking?

20.

:cool:

[jcchii]

I'm not sure which corner this would be

there is the one hotel surface lot roughly at the SE corner

[Nowhereman1280]

^ Yeah, you're right. What was I thinking?

20.

:cool:

They should place them all over Grant Park just like those wierd Legs statues they just put in down by Rosevelt, it would be the ultimate expression of modern art, 10-20 gigantic evil broadcast tower randomly interspursed throughout the park.

[Marcu]

^ Hmm, are radio/tv broadcasts really being done from Pru?



Maybe not. I guess I just sort of assumed that's what the antenna was for.

http://www.bullesdoxygene.com/chicago/photos/prudential_4.jpg

[denizen467]

I think it used to be, back in the day. But I seem to remember reading somewhere that a decision was made to leave it up there even though most broadcasting would be done from JHC/Sears. I can't remember whether the reason was cost, nostalgia, or some residual telecommunications usage.

[STR]

I think it used to be, back in the day. But I seem to remember reading somewhere that a decision was made to leave it up there even though most broadcasting would be done from JHC/Sears. I can't remember whether the reason was cost, nostalgia, or some residual telecommunications usage.

Pru stopped broadcasting when JHC went onling in the 60's. By then some areas south of the JHC where getting signal issues caused by radio beams reflecting off the Hancock tower and arriving at people's receivers a split second after the waves direct from Pru. This would cause double images.

The antenna is a large, structurally integrated part of the building. Removing it would have been very expensive.

[Alliance]

I think that this thing should be built. I don't think its great, but its not an aberration. I guess I should be open minded about the changing appearance of the Chicago skyline. I think it belongs over behind Sears though.

If it brings height and tourists...Glory to Chicago.

[museumparktom]

What about the Folio Buidling Site - Tear that NIBY rat nest down and relocate that bunch to Batavia -

[Marcu]

How bout they place this thing in some little known suburb looking for glory. Or even better, a suburb that has a mayor with a major inferiority complex.

Rosemont is perfect.

(then again it's too close to ohare)

[PuyoPiyo]

I like the Fordham Spire, it will wash Sears Tower's devilish looking on Chicago off.

And the "Tall Tower" whatever it calls in the first picture of this forum, will be my VERY shame ever man made. The needles on the top of the "Tall Tower" bothers me. "Tall Tower" is a monsitroy(sp?).

[Alliance]

See... I LOVE the sinister look of many Chicago scrapers.

[Nowhereman1280]

^ Paint CS black!

I love how our skyline has the cold, hard, insensative to just plain evil theme going on, it should be continued. Either continue the theme or create a counter-theme of a new generation of "good" buildings like CS and Trump. They have such great contrast to the old chicago three!

[PuyoPiyo]

Don't get wrong idea, I like the Sears Tower. I was just saying that Chicago need something beauty tower like Fordham Spire.

[malec]

I never liked this tower since it takes away from the fordham spire and destroys its effect. Hope it doesn't get built.

Am not the biggest fan of towers that aren't buildings anyway

[Alliance]

^ Paint CS black!

I love how our skyline has the cold, hard, insensative to just plain evil theme going on, it should be continued. Either continue the theme or create a counter-theme of a new generation of "good" buildings like CS and Trump. They have such great contrast to the old chicago three!

Can't CS just be a b!tch in a pretty dress?

[EmpireCityGuy]

I know im late in the thread--- but this project is just amazing! Chicago is just too much. The architects, the innovation-- the city! I have always considered NYC the US's showcase city-- but if these towers go under construction-- that will surely change. But if NYC builds some of there proposed massive projects-- it will change back--lol

[EmpireCityGuy]

I never liked this tower since it takes away from the fordham spire and destroys its effect. Hope it doesn't get built.

Am not the biggest fan of towers that aren't buildings anyway

I will admit- I am not a fan of non-occupiable structures either-- but there is something about this tower-- number 1: it would shut Cananda up regarding its CN tower-- not that I have anything against Toronto-- I love that city dearly-- but I'm over the CN Tower-- like for the last several years!

[EmpireCityGuy]

I really don't like the design but if I had to choose I'd go with the South Loop just to extend the skyline south. Putting it 3 miles out on the southside would not be feasible due to community opposition. Who wants to have a 2000 foot tower near their single family bungalow?

That's hilarious! Could you imagine! The tower is going to be a tourist atrraction as well- lets not forget-- it's presence will be somewhat minimized amongst the other towers

[EmpireCityGuy]

Quickie visual with less emphasis on complete accuracy:

http://dallasmetropolis.com/urbantemps/chicago/fordhamspire25gi-edited2.jpg

I kknow Im late again-- but this rendering is stunning-- if this becomes reality Im gathering all my shit and moving to Chicago

[brian_b]

As I said in person to some of the people at the Spire meeting, I just don't see any reason why a broadcaster would pay more to get additional height.

First, when analog TV is eliminated, half the space on the Sears and Hancock becomes vacant.

Second, digital TV signals are so much more efficient that they can be tuned in from much farther than analog signals. We already have more than enough height for signals to reach the entire market area.

Consider the following:
CBS Chicago - their digital signal is attenuated in many directions - because it was interfering with other TV stations - in Wisconsin. And the signal was reaching into Canada, causing issues up there.
CBS Lafayette Indiana (122 miles away) - their digital signal (channel 11) has been reported to be causing interference to the Chicago analog channel 11 (PBS) in the south suburbs.

The FCC is trying very hard to allocate DTV channels across the country so that a signals in adjacent markets do not interfere, but they aren't solving all the problems. Why would they approve* any antennas on a 2000' tower?

* Remember that the FCC has to approve antennas. You don't just get a license for a certain frequency. You have to submit an application for a specific antenna placement, power output, etc. If a TV station wanted to switch from the Sears Tower to the Hancock, the FCC has to OK it.


Honestly, I don't see this as a viable project. I don't know why Beitler is keeping this alive.

[EmpireCityGuy]

Call me paranoid or a conspiracy theorist, but I find it odd that this proposal comes along shortly after ' the spire is proposed '. ( both times ). It almost seems like it's out there just to fuck with marketing of the Spire.

Did Beitler and Trump do lunch together once? Was Roeder under the table ?

If anything, it would give the Spire a boost in marketability. It would take the spot light off The Spire in a comfortable way for its residents and developers. Anyone agree?

[Steely Dan]

Honestly, I don't see this as a viable project. I don't know why Beitler is keeping this alive.

it really is a mystery isn't it? because we also all agreed after the GPAC meeting that SOAR is NEVER going to go for this thing at it's new proposed location in streeterville (or anywhere else in streeterville for that matter). so the site is a no go, and the very reason for it's construction, the antennas, also seems to be a non-starter as you pointed out. so that's why i've changed the title of the thread to "PROBABLY STILL DEAD"

[BANKofMANHATTAN]

I like it more if Beitler & CS were at least different heights and in the same general area. I don't really care for the fact that Beitler is just a telecom tower either - i'd like to see something with some more substance. (although, I do like the top of Beitler w/ the 3 spires)

[skylife]

I hate this thing. I think it's completely fugly.

[forumly_chgoman]

SKYNEEDLE, SKYNEEDLE....and put some built in antennae in it

[Alliance]

I'm not as opposed to building this as I used to be, but I still think it should hang out behind Sears...

1. It makes for better observing of the entire downtown area.
2. It clusters it where tourists already are.
3. It hides it away from the lakefront.
4. Its not that much taller than Sears, and it extends development South.

I know the Streeterville location is dead, but I must reiterate that this thing must be nowhere near the Spire.

I like the thread title change, but I don't know. Beitler seems relentless.

[Nowhereman1280]

I'm telling you guys, put this thing on Wolf Point and it will kick ass. I mean talk about a good spot to see the whole city from!

Either that or build an island in the middle of the river right next to Trump's tower just to piss him off and teach him a lesson for being an asshole...

[Sir Isaac Newton]

I'm not as opposed to building this as I used to be, but I still think it should hang out behind Sears...

1. It makes for better observing of the entire downtown area.
2. It clusters it where tourists already are.
3. It hides it away from the lakefront.
4. Its not that much taller than Sears, and it extends development South.

I know the Streeterville location is dead, but I must reiterate that this thing must be nowhere near the Spire.

I like the thread title change, but I don't know. Beitler seems relentless.


I think you bring up good points. Perhaps the plot of land for sale just north of River City on Wells/Harrison or the plot of land (I think owned by Rezco) just South of Roosevelt could be good locations?

[DHamp]

Beitler needs to stop thinking about putting this in Streeterville at all. There's already enough touristy stuff there and SOAR will never allow it. Besides, observation towers work best (in my opinion) when they have a view of all the iconic structures, not when they are amongst them. Think about Seattle's Space Needle; it's not in the middle of downtown. I think it would look good along or near the north branch of the river. Near Goose Island, on Chicago Ave. near the Wards building (in the former Cabrini-Green area), or even at Wolf Point. That's if it is to be built at all.

[jcchii]

no speculation about a location in that article, which is a surprise.

I'm not sure wolf point is big enough, but that would be ideal I agree

[Steely Dan]

I'm not sure wolf point is big enough, but that would be ideal I agree

wolf point is plenty big enough to accomodate this tower. if anything, placing beitler's tower on wolf point would be an under-utilization of the real estate.

[Tom In Chicago]

Not dead yet??? Sheesh. . . stick a fork in it already!!!

[X-fib]

wolf point is plenty big enough to accomodate this tower. if anything, placing beitler's tower on wolf point would be an under-utilization of the real estate.

:previous: Agree. Wolf Point is too prime a location for a mere transmission tower. Does Chicago have any Hi-def television broadcast now?

[kalmia]

:previous: Agree. Wolf Point is too prime a location for a mere transmission tower. Does Chicago have any Hi-def television broadcast now?

yes, but like Dalton mentioned above, the other locations would be good too. maybe.

There is going to be a new suspension bridge going to Goose Island.

[X-fib]

yes, but like Dalton mentioned above, the other locations would be good too. maybe.

There is going to be a new suspension bridge going to Goose Island.


Is there some reason why Sears and JHC can't be modified to transmit HD? Here in the Green Bay TV market all stations are broadcast in HD and analog (there are actually 4 more HD than regular over the air) and as far as I know this wasn't done with any new trans towers. So why the need for a new broadcast super tower in Chitown?

[Marcu]

Is there some reason why Sears and JHC can't be modified to transmit HD? Here in the Green Bay TV market all stations are broadcast in HD and analog (there are actually 4 more HD than regular over the air) and as far as I know this wasn't done with any new trans towers. So why the need for a new broadcast super tower in Chitown?

I think the need might arise from the size of the Chicago market (both sq mile wise and population wise).

[nomarandlee]

Beitler should work with someone to build another supertall that would make a duel used tower more feasible. Having a 2000ft structure just used for TV transmission seems like a bit of a waste IMO.

[spyguy]

Not dead yet??? Sheesh. . . stick a fork in it already!!!

Yeah, what's up with the recent interest in this one lately? There hasn't been any news, and it's likely not going to happen, or at least not at the LSD site.

[brian_b]

Is there some reason why Sears and JHC can't be modified to transmit HD? Here in the Green Bay TV market all stations are broadcast in HD and analog (there are actually 4 more HD than regular over the air) and as far as I know this wasn't done with any new trans towers. So why the need for a new broadcast super tower in Chitown?

All the TV stations already broadcast in HD, hence there is no need for this tower.

[EmpireCityGuy]

The design for this isn't horrible. Its just not very...dare I say Chicago? Lame, I know.

I'm not really a fan of "towers," but if this was built next to the Spire, I would be upset.

Really? I think they would complimenty each other very well. I've never really cared for the Empire State Building affect-- one tower with not many more of relative height nearby. That's changing some now-- But I think a metropolis should be associated with more than one "tower"-- a tower garden -- truly dense-- where towers are built not as status symbols-- but as an accomodation to urban development and property values. Taipei 101 is simply rediculous in its setting

[Tom Servo]

Trump and Beitler should just go in together. And why not? Trump maybe wants another Chicago tower. And Beitler wants a supertall anything. I think Chicago is due for a 1000m Beitler/Trump supertower. No? :D

[nomarandlee]

They should do a revised 7SD. Trump Chicago took cues from it I remember reading and maybe it would be more feasible this time around?

[Tom Servo]

They should do a revised 7SD. Trump Chicago took cues from it I remember reading and maybe it would be more feasible this time around?

Oooh yeah. Didn't trump consider 7SD before going with Adrian Smith?
Or maybe Beitler should consider a 1000m version of the Miglin-Beitler Skyneedle.

[denizen467]

There is going to be a new suspension bridge going to Goose Island.
Are you confusing the location the North Avenue?

[kalmia]

Are you confusing the location the North Avenue?

I just threw that in with the mention of Goose Island, but yeah, North Avenue about 200feet north of Goose Island. Division crosses Goose Island.