[JimInCal]

PHX31...nice sleuthing! Let's hope that settles it for good. HX gave us a better shot of the floors also and dang if I didn't miscount when I posted the project cam pic. Oh well, we're almost on 20, or would it be 19??? ;)

[HX_Guy]

A sneak peak of what's to come...the perspective is a little skewed, especially in the 2nd picture, but you get the idea. :D


http://www.nitnelav.com/MonroeTopped1.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/MonroeTopped2.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/MonroeTopped3.jpg

[dalkiell]

Well they're finally up to my floor. I'm 19th floor, floor plan E. I'll have to go downtown and check it out. BTW, you can get a good view of the site from the building across the street south. They have a balcony that is open to the public on the 9th or 10th floor.

[HX_Guy]

Nice, congratulations. If you don't mind me asking, did you buy recently or when the project was first announced?

[dalkiell]

Nice, congratulations. If you don't mind me asking, did you buy recently or when the project was first announced?

I put my 10% down about a month ago. They were up to about floor 9 or 10 I think. They have a demo of what the condos themselves will look like in an office directly across Monroe from the tower if anyone is interested.

I previously lived on the 17 floor of a building in Santa Monica, CA, so this will be a couple floors higher than that (that building didn't have a 13 floor either.) Should be fun. The building is supposed to have "accelerated elevators" whatever that means, so hopefully the ride won't be that long. That was the only downside I found of living in a skyscraper.

BTW if anyone does go up to the balcony of the building across the street to the south of 44 Monroe to check out the view, watch out. Those elevators have a pretty serious drop. Don't know if its intentional or if there is something wrong with them but when the sales person from 44 Monroe took me up there he thought we were done for on the ride back down. :yuck:

[JAHOPL]

The first picture of topped-out 44 Monroe looks exactly like one of those slum buildings in SimCity, doesn't it? Good job, HX Guy!

[innov8]

:yes: You did a good job HX_Guy.

[HX_Guy]

Check out the new camera angle, pretty awesome view and you can even see a little bit of the lot where the Cronkite School of Journalism is going up just north of the ASU building.

http://projects.weitz.com/webcams/monroe.jpg

[sundevilgrad]

Great view! I like how it looks out to the Central corridor area.

[sundevilgrad]

Looks like they've got another floor poured. 20 or 21?

[JAHOPL]

Looks like they've got another floor poured. 20 or 21?

Don't start that again. :) It's both - 20 if you count the physical 13th level, 21 if you don't count the superstitious 13th floor. Either way, there's 13 more levels to construct after this one. Ahh, there's that number again!

[combusean]

I say we compromise on 20.5

[jvbahn]

If only it went over that magical 40 story level that PHX has been stuck with since 1972.

[sundevilgrad]

Don't start that again. :) It's both - 20 if you count the physical 13th level, 21 if you don't count the superstitious 13th floor. Either way, there's 13 more levels to construct after this one. Ahh, there's that number again!

I was only doing it to be an a-hole and see if we could get another 3 pages of posts debating something that doesn't really matter.:cheers:

[JimInCal]

If only it went over that magical 40 story level that PHX has been stuck with since 1972.

jvbahn: The Multi-Use tower of Cityscape is supposed to be 44 stories. I'm not sure of the sequence of the phases though...hope it's the first to be built. I think it is encouraging that the multi-use tower is part of the same footprint as PF Changs, which has already made a commitment to the project.

Hey, Trump was back in town recently, making some noise again. Maybe he'll see the opportunity to build the tallest tower in Phoenix...you know, the guy has a bit of an ego :haha:

[HX_Guy]

Not only does he have a bit of an ego...but he also has quite a bit of money so I wouldn't see him needing, or asking, for any incentives or any problem buying up some land downtown.

[JimInCal]

:previous: HX: Yeh, he certainly doesn't need incentives but I sure bet he would ask for them. Phoenix has set the precedent and he's no dummy.

[JAHOPL]

With the 22nd floor now up, the residential portion of 44 Monroe is half-topped out. Imagine now adding that much again (12 more floors) and you've got a complete tower, not including the little thingie on top.

[sundevilgrad]

http://projects.weitz.com/webcams/monroe.jpg


It looks like they'll need to raise the crane again soon! I wonder if they'll raise it to its final height?

[Upward]

Wow, it's coming along nicely!

[CANUC]

Just an observation; the rebar forms seem to be poking above the shoulders of the Hyatt building and it seems within the next two floors it will be visible along the I-10 east of downtown.

[JAHOPL]

They must be getting better at laying the cement. What was taking a day and a half or two days is now only taking about half a day.

[DracoCaifan]

How many floors now?

[PHX_PD]

22 physical floors

[HX_Guy]

April 13th, 2007

http://www.nitnelav.com/DowntownApril13/16.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/DowntownApril13/14.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/DowntownApril13/15.jpg

http://www.nitnelav.com/DowntownApril13/18.jpg

[JimInCal]

Thanks for the updated pics HX! That first shot in particular, is spectacular :tup:

[Azndragon837]

What a beautiful building. I can't wait until it's finished. The garage facade and the glass is looking good!

[NorthScottsdale]

man i just love that blue glass. lookin good!

[Upward]

Lookin' good!

[PHX602]

The crane has been raised! :banana:

http://projects.weitz.com/webcams/monroe.jpg

[JAHOPL]

Looking at the above current photo, it looks like about two more floors and we'll be looking straight across the top floor, and above that the camera will either have to be moved to a higher level or we lose sight of the workers, unless they stand on the edge and wave down to us.

[soleri]

I ducked in yesterday to talk to Jack, the sales rep for 44 Monroe. He didn't have much new information but he's always cordial.

They're at 62% sold now, including one penthouse. He said they're working now on floor 24, so that means 10 to go.

He said their other project, the Monroe Hotel is on schedule for a Fall 2008 opening. Valet check-in will consist of a curb cut on Monroe so the old Golden West/Newman Liquors buildings will not be torn down. In fact, those buildings might be restored either as condos (!) or a club. And in a bit of really good news, the old banking lobby, an art-deco glory, is being restored under the guidance of a "forensic" interior designer.

A few other tidbits: the W Hotel people started calling again to check out their sales numbers. Translation: they're gauging the market. And the prices of Orpheum Lofts resales are plunging. One unit is down to the mid-200s.

44 Monroe and Cielo will have booths at the Contact Design show (Ice House on Jackson) tomorrow and Saturday.

[PHX31]

I ducked in yesterday to talk to Jack, the sales rep for 44 Monroe. He didn't have much new information but he's always cordial.

They're at 62% sold now, including one penthouse. He said they're working now on floor 24, so that means 10 to go.

He said their other project, the Monroe Hotel is on schedule for a Fall 2008 opening. Valet check-in will consist of a curb cut on Monroe so the old Golden West/Newman Liquors buildings will not be torn down. In fact, those buildings might be restored either as condos (!) or a club. And in a bit of really good news, the old banking lobby, an art-deco glory, is being restored under the guidance of a "forensic" interior designer.



What percentage were they at the last time you talked to him? Do you remember? I thought it was either 40% or 60%.

Sounds like the Monroe Hotel is shaping up to be really cool, especially if they keep the old Golden West and make it into a club/condos... I am surprised about the art deco banking lobby. I heard it was spectacular, but I thought it was completely destroyed in a 1960s/1970s "upgrade". Good news if not.

[Vicelord John]

oh no, the lobby is unconcievably beautiful. If they do it right, this has the potential to be the grandest hotel in the city... don't tell the Biltmore I said so. :D

[sundevilgrad]

The Orpheum is disconcerting. Hopefully, the drastic drop in price is due mostly to the parking fiasco, but market conditions are definitely playing a part also.

Thanks for the update Soleri.

Ideally a building sells out, but what's a good sale % in the eyes of a developer? Meaning, what's usually the break-even point. Does anyone have an idea. I know it depends on the building, but I'm just curious if there's a down and dirty way to know (or at least have an idea).

[Vicelord John]

can't see ASU anymore!

[Downtown_resident]

The crane is being raised again right now.

http://downtownphoenix.blogspot.com

[HX_Guy]

You can now see the 44 Monroe crane above the Hyatt from the Convention Center construction cam. Soon there should also be a crane up for the Cronkite School of Journalism...and later for the ASU dorms as well, should be a nice landscape. :D

http://phoenix.gov/AGENCY/PHXPLAZA/camera1.jpg

[HooverDam]

and later for the ASU dorms as well,

We've all seen the renderings for the School of Journalism, but I don't recall seeing any for the ASU dorms, am I mistaken or have they not been released yet?

[sundevilgrad]

I don't think they've been released yet. All I know is that they're supposed to be 13-15 stories.

[Azndragon837]

I was on my way to the ASU Downtown-ASU Tempe shuttle bus to head into work, and decided to snap some photos of 44 Monroe. The glass is beautiful, and they have painted the majority of the 8-level garage to a nice maroon desert color. The tower is now on its 25th floor! You can definately see the building now from the I-10 eastbound going over I-17. Also, the crane is the tallest in the state, right up to the top level of the 101 building next door.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/S7300218.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/S7300219.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/S7300220.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/S7300221.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/S7300222.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/S7300223.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/S7300224.jpg

-Andrew

[PHX602]

Great updates, Andrew.

[JAHOPL]

Thank you also, Andrew. I was wondering how the lower floors were coming along out of view of the Web camera and now I know.

[HX_Guy]

Only 8 more floors to go...remember when we were paranoid they were only going to build the parking garage portion? :)

[sundevilgrad]

Only 8 more floors to go...remember when we were paranoid they were only going to build the parking garage portion? :)


LOL, yeah, I remember. What bunch of dumb shits (myself included).

[PHX31]

hahaha...

Nice pics, i think the money shot is the view of the nice mini-street wall with the San Carlos, Seamus, and 44 Monroe (coupled with the buildings to the south). In person it gives a very nice semi-ominous feel over Seamus, and the street in that location is already very small/quaint to begin with. At night when you can walk from Seamus across to The Monroe, and have 44 looming in the background, it will be awesome.

[DracoCaifan]

Great shots!!! Wow this building is coming along nicely.... thanks!!

[Azndragon837]

Not much of a difference after a week, but they added more windows and one floor.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/S7300249.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/S7300250.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/S7300258.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/S7300257.jpg

-Andrew

[DracoCaifan]

How many floors now? 25, 26?

[kevininlb]

I freakin' love this building. The glass up close looks even better than the pics. This is fantastic. Now I'm rooting for the Omega to get off the ground.

:banana:

[loftlovr]

How small does 44 Monroe look compared to Chase in those pics?

[CANUC]

http://www.44monroe.com/construction.html

Um, what happened? Incase the picture doesn't come through 44 Monroe has been replaced by some guy at a desk:sly:

Ok, just an update seems they are moving the camera but forgot to turn it off.

[sundevilgrad]

http://projects.weitz.com/webcams/monroe.jpg

[JimInCal]

Here's an intersting article about the challenges experienced in building 44 Monroe in such a tight space. It requires an impressive amount of orchestration.

http://www.downtownphx.org/about/news/612/

[sundevilgrad]

They've got to be close to topping out... Can someone on the ground down there provide a physical count? Thanks...

[PHX_PD]

They're on the 27th floor, so theres 6 floors left.

[sundevilgrad]

Thanks!

[HX_Guy]

27th physical floor or does that include the skipped 13th floor?

[PHX_PD]

^ Sorry, I should have been more clear. The floor plates up right now are the physical roof of 26 / floor of 27.

[HX_Guy]

Ah ok, so they are just starting on floor #27...which means 7 more floors till it's topped off. :D

[Marsman]

I took these pictures 2 weeks ago from the 20th floor of 44 Monroe http://i.pbase.com/t6/43/771643/4/78601137.B2jyQIAO.jpghttp://i.pbase.com/t6/43/771643/4/78601113.pshXy93F.jpg

[sundevilgrad]

can't see the pics...

[vertex]

Here are links for those pics, I got them from the source code for the post.

http://i.pbase.com/t6/43/771643/4/78601113.pshXy93F.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/t6/43/771643/4/78601137.B2jyQIAO.jpg

Marsman, do you have larger images?

[sundevilgrad]

Here are links for those pics, I got them from the source code for the post.

http://i.pbase.com/t6/43/771643/4/78601113.pshXy93F.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/t6/43/771643/4/78601137.B2jyQIAO.jpg

Marsman, do you have larger images?

I get a "forbidden" message when I click the links...

[vertex]

Not sure why. Oh well, just imagine the view from the 44 monroe construction webcam, before the tower soared past it. :cool: They're too small to really see anything anyway.

[Marsman]

You find bigger pictures here:


http://www.pbase.com/wmarsman/inbox

[PHX NATIVE 929]

Nice photos. Thanks Marsman. :cheers:

[JAHOPL]

Three new enlargement photos have been added to the bottom of the WebCam page, the middle of January, February and March.

[soleri]

We needn't have wondered, but Marsman's pictures really show some spectacular views.

I talked to Jack about the building today and he says the building's crown is being reconfigured but they haven't settled on a final design.

Also, he's mentioned that he's getting a lot of calls from brokers looking for retail space for lease (their one space is going to a small grocer/deli). This is interesting because it suggests the downtown market is getting a lot more attention. The Orpheum Lofts ground floor is now being finished for retail as well as the Security Title Building's.

One other observation is Karl Kopp's restaurant First is apparently nowhere near completion despite their May target date. I don't know the backstory there but it does appear work is ongoing.

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/6109/p1010071cw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[kevininlb]

:previous: reconfigured crown, huh? this crown has been the great mystery of this building since the get-go. they still have two distinct images of the building on posters outside the construction site...crown, no crown. any idea if this will affect the height? hope not...but, as your photos show, this building looks grea-a-at!

[phxtempe]

I forget the name of the otehr bldg, but when is that supposed to start ?
and where in relations to this bldg will that one be? What is the status, just in ppwk status or have they actually got the financing started?

[PHX_PD]

There was a proposal for a Hotel San Carlos expansion (next door) but I was under the impression that was long dead. I'm not aware of any other proposals on Monroe, except for the Professional Building thats being remodeled.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/Phoenixguy/san-carlos.jpg

[kevininlb]

:previous: are you referring to the Omega? I think that's what it's called. I haven't heard anything since it was first announced. 2nd ave and Adams, though. See link.

http://www.coppersquare.com/about/news/590/

[JAHOPL]

See 553 above.

WebCam in freefall moments before crashing to the ground!

[HX_Guy]

Hah that's kind of crazy...what are they doing with the webcam, relocating it to the Monroe Hotel building for a better view as the building goes higher?

[jvbahn]

Yeah, they said it was getting too tall from the former perspective, so since they own the other building, it provided a better vantage point to watch the completion.

[holygman480]

Is there any news about the crown or is it going to be something else :(

[HX_Guy]

For a few months, the second tallest structure in Arizona will be a tower crane. :D

Weitz Conducts Final Crane Jump for Residential High Rise in Downtown Phoenix
May 21 , 2007 by Editor

On Saturday May 26th starting at sunrise, a familiar face in downtown, The Weitz Company, will be pushing the 44 Monroe tower crane to its final height of 438 feet above street level. Considered the riskiest part of any high rise project, it is a delicate balancing act.

"Jumping” or "climbing” a crane is the process of increasing the height of a tower crane by raising the cab and inserting a modular section beneath it. The process begins by attaching nearly 5 tons of weight on the hook to balance out the counterweights on the other end of the horizontal jib. This is similar to balancing a fork on your finger and putting a sugar cube on either end.

The tense moment comes when a large hydraulic ram, also known as the climber, slides up the tower and lifts the operator up into the air so that a new tower section can be slid underneath and bolted into place.

The Weitz Company, who is also building the Summit at Copper Square and Portland Place, will be jumping a total of three 20 foot tower sections on the 44 Monroe crane. Prior to jumping, for stability the crane will be tied into Level 29 which is expected to be produced earlier that week. The crane currently sits at 380 feet above the street level.

The first cranes were invented by the Ancient Greeks and were powered by men or beasts-of-burden, such as donkeys. While there are many different types of cranes, a tower crane is a crane in which a boom, swinging jib, or other structural member is mounted on a vertical mast or tower. The tower crane is secured to the ground inside the structure, where airspace around the building is limited.

44 Monroe, a 34 story high residential building and former Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Building, is located in Phoenix's cultural and entertainment venue district.

Incorporated throughout the building's interior as a recurring design element, this residential tower will feature five vertical fins representing the Chinese five elements of nature. Chosen to reflect the beauty of the Arizona sunsets, the structure's color palette collaborates with its linear elements to form a cohesive design that can be observed from the lobby, which features dramatic lighting fixtures, terrazzo and wood flooring, to the private luxury of the penthouses.

The interior boasts natural stone finishes and Travertine flooring, stainless steel trim, recessed can lights, and paneled walls. In addition, all units and common areas will have sound and fire-rated partitions. Unique amenities of the property include a rooftop clubhouse, a state-of the-art fitness center, a sound-proof business center and conference center with wireless access, a billiard room and a swimming pool/spa on the eighth floor featuring an outdoor terrace and sun deck. Added resident conveniences include a gourmet market and retail space on the ground floor and an additional eight floors dedicated to secured parking.

Founded in Des Moines, Iowa in 1855, The Weitz Company is the second oldest general building contractor in the United States. By the 1980s, the company expanded its horizons by appealing to the national market, and today Weitz is the 19th largest domestic general building firm and the 19th largest construction manager at risk firm in the United States.

The Weitz Company placed $1.4 billion of construction last year and expects to exceed almost $1.6 billion in 2007. The Southwest Business Unit expects to place $250 million for 2007.

Grace Communities is the developer, Tucker Sadler Architects, Inc. is the architect and Paul Kohler Consulting Engineers Inc. is the engineer.

Watch the jump live! Starting Saturday, May 26th between 6-7 AM, the jump is expected to continue throughout the weekend.

Want to get the best view? Try to position yourself at the top of the parking garage on Van Buren and 1st Avenue or one of the neighboring rooftops.

*Due to the fragility of the act, weather conditions could delay the jump's start time. 44 Monroe is located at 44 West Monroe in Downtown Phoenix.

[CANUC]

Unique amenities of the property include a rooftop clubhouse,
Interesting, maybe I’m misreading this but I don’t recall anyone ever mentioning anything about a “roof top” amenity. Maybe they meant to say it was on the eighth floor along?

[Azndragon837]

^Looks like I may wake up early and try to snap a few photos of the crane jump!

And yes, the rooftop amenity is the top of the 8th floor.

-Andrew

[DracoCaifan]

Yeah!! We want more photos!!

[HX_Guy]

Check out the awesome angle of the webcam now...

http://projects.weitz.com/webcams/monroe.jpg

[combusean]

It's so new on the skyline it looks like it's made out of plastic. :)

[DracoCaifan]

Plastic or not it sure adds a great value to the skyline!!!

[soleri]

44 Monroe, a 34 story high residential building and former Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Building, is located in Phoenix's cultural and entertainment venue district.

How can a building under construction be the former Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Building? Yeah, the building that was THERE and torn down had that title. And the original concept was its conversion to lofts. But....

[CANUC]

Does anyone want to play the guessing game as to when 44 Monroe will top-out (referring to the floor plates and ceiling only not the crown)? Ok, my estimation is that by July 15th or in 7 short weeks we will see the final pour.

[JAHOPL]

The 29th floor plates should be finished late today if they maintain their pace for the last couple months, so with four physical floors and a ceiling to go, plus a final pour, not including the "crown", I will guess July 3, my birthday.:banana:

[PHX_PD]

I took a before and after shot of the 44 Monroe crane from the Convention Center Cam. It's taller than the US Bank Center, but just barely.


http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/Phoenixguy/Crane2.jpg http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/Phoenixguy/Crane3.jpg

[HooverDam]

44 Monroe is chugging along. Like the monkey said when he cut his tail off, 'it won't be long now':

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/HooverDam/June%206th%20downtown%20pictures/DSC_0498.jpg?t=1181257389

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/HooverDam/June%206th%20downtown%20pictures/DSC_0498.jpg?t=1181257448

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/HooverDam/June%206th%20downtown%20pictures/DSC_0500.jpg?t=1181257474

[holygman480]

Love the pictures but someone has to fix the terrible sidewalks and add some trees. But other than that phoenix is coming along.

[HooverDam]

Love the pictures but someone has to fix the terrible sidewalks and add some trees. But other than that phoenix is coming along.

Well that strip of road is all a mess due to the light rail construction, I'm sure the sidewalks will be spruced up when thats all that out of the way.

[holygman480]

How many floors is it now.

[PHX_PD]

They were putting up the floor plates for # 31 today (physical). A milestone of sorts, 44 Monroe is now the 3rd building in Phoenix to have 30 + floors.

[PHX31]

/\ So they basically have 2 to go after they complete #31... right? From afar it looks much smaller than it does close up, but it's nice nonetheless.

[HX_Guy]

Yea, then the crown. Just about done...seems like just yesterday we were talking about how they were only going to build a parking garage. :D

[andrewkfromaz]

Does anyone know how sales are lately? It seems like you can usually get info for specific towers better than the overall market. I'm just wondering how this project is doing.

[vertex]

Yea, then the crown. Just about done...seems like just yesterday we were talking about how they were only going to build a parking garage. :D

Or whether they were going to place or pour concrete. :D

[Azndragon837]

Just a thought: the top two floors of the tower will be penthouse floors (I think), with higher celings. Based on the model at the sales center, the crown will barely pop above the 101 Building....I really hope it does.

Oh, and after the gym on Thursday, my friend and I took a lovely stroll around the ASU Downtown Campus, and took a glance at 44 Monroe and this new Southwestern grill called Sonoma Grill (Van Buren & 1st Ave, next to 4 Brother's Pizza in that ugly garage next to 44 Monroe). Looks like the prices cannot be beat, and it looks local. I will definately try it out soon!

We also took a glance at the new Central Station LRT Station. I have one word: dissapointed. One of the shade structures is up (that sail thing), and can someone tell me how the hell does a row of "sails" SHADE anyone? Did METRO get retarded and designed the stations without convienient shade? I was livid...pissed off that they designed these stations with shade that looks pretty but isn't functional...ack! Portland's MAX LRT line does it right with simple shade structures...sigh.

-Andrew

[HooverDam]

^haha, I noticed that too, the one shade sail thats up was leaving exactly ZERO shadow on the ground. The way they are designed they will probably only provide shade when the sun is directly above them, ah well.

[pbenjamin]

We also took a glance at the new Central Station LRT Station.

Which station are you talking about? Central and Van Buren? Washington and Central?