[dallasbrink]

Ya, this will be one of those towers that you either love or hate.

[Steely Dan]

Many moons ago someone asked for a larger rendering of Aqua.
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/9109/aquaresizedaw8.jpg



THANK YOU!

god, for perhaps the greatest building chicago has built in a couple generations, it was truly frustrating that it took so long for a proper high-res rendering to get released.

if it turns out anything like the rendering above, this thing is gonna blow some minds.

*fingers super-extra-mega-crossed that it isn't VE'ed to shit*

[Sir Isaac Newton]

Sir Isaac Newton, the tower will be on the Northwest side of the site (the yellow crane is next to the core). The larger lower part of the structure is the enormous podium, and that's not all of it. Other portions of the podium/related structures to be built East, North and Northeast of the tower have not yet been started, however below ground work is done.

The MO site cannot be seen in these photo's, however the tower will be on Stetson Avenue positioned behind and in-between (from a visual perspective in the first photo) the Fairmont Hotel and the Park Millennium condo tower.

THanks!

[bjorda1]

This is going to be one of those buildings whose popularity will be greatly affected by time. 25 years down the road this building will either hold up amazingly to the tests of time and be an incredible testament to the foresight of the architechs --- Or it will age very rapidly, become a huge eye sore and the source of much public angst like the Metlife building in New York. I just can't see it settling somewhere in the middle -- its too extreme for that. It all depends on where the trends in architecture go and how public opinion and taste changes.

Similar to the eyesore at 311 Wacker?

[Rocket1]

This is going to be one of those buildings whose popularity will be greatly affected by time. 25 years down the road this building will either hold up amazingly to the tests of time and be an incredible testament to the foresight of the architechs --- Or it will age very rapidly, become a huge eye sore and the source of much public angst like the Metlife building in New York. I just can't see it settling somewhere in the middle -- its too extreme for that. It all depends on where the trends in architecture go and how public opinion and taste changes.

At least if Aqua turns out to be an eyesore, it'll basically be hidden by its neighbors.

[Alliance]

Similar to the eyesore at 311 Wacker?

At least they didn't built the other 2 of it.

[chicagoguy1]

I actually love 311 South Wacker! I loved the late 80's-early 90's boom, 2 Pru, At&T and 311. To each his own.

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^ Yeah 311 is one of those buildings I think people give too much shit and really isn't that ugly. Most lay people actually like it and I frequently get "The Sears tower is ugly, whats that pretty reddish thing with the white lights on top, I like that one."

I don't think its amazing or anything, but I like the overly detailed nature of it and the cylinders add a different shape to a very boxy part of the skyline. I also like how bright the top is at night.

I definitely don't think Aqua will be an eyesore, the design is just too original and seems almost foolproof. The whole super efficient rectangle shape is so cheep that it easily makes up for the extra expense of the balconies, thus I doubt it will be VE'd very much.

[Tom In Chicago]

^Just be thankful they never completed the other two. . .

[Dr. Taco]

^Just be thankful they never completed the other two. . .

link? I haven't heard of previous proposals for 311 south wacker...

oops, O/T. but still...

[Tom In Chicago]

^There were supposed to be 3 identical buildings on that block. . . link? Lord no. . . there was no such thing as the Internet back in 1980s. . .

[Alliance]

^^^ Hey. I said that earlier :yes:

And there IS a link. STR has an image of the triple proposal from his model. I jsut can't find it right now.

[SlatsGrobnik]

Actually, 311 S. Wacker is the definitive one-bagger. Nice body, ugly head. I was in Law school two blocks away when they were putting that one up. I liked it a lot until they got to that gawdawful top.

[Ecker]

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb167/EckerTallness/Construction%2010-15/IMG_3998.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb167/EckerTallness/Construction%2010-15/IMG_3999.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb167/EckerTallness/Construction%2010-15/IMG_4001.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb167/EckerTallness/Construction%2010-15/IMG_4003.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb167/EckerTallness/Construction%2010-15/IMG_4004.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb167/EckerTallness/Construction%2010-15/IMG_4005.jpg

[harryc]

....

Thanks - great shots - so clear and sharp.

[cbotnyse]

thanks for the update ecker, great photos

[Western Spaghetti]

Thanks for updates. Nice to see this one coming along.

[aaron38]

Whoa, 2 stories above upper Columbus already? They're going to be starting the balconies in a couple weeks then.

[Vince]

Whoa, 2 stories above upper Columbus already? They're going to be starting the balconies in a couple weeks then.

I can't wait to see that

[Untitled]

Pictures, please?

(in a couple of months I won't need to beg anymore)

[CGII]

It's going to be really cool when all the subterranean stuff in LSE will be concealed. Seeing those recent construction shots those streets are starting to look more like hills rather than the top floor of a tunnel complex.

[Nowhereman1280]

It's going to be really cool when all the subterranean stuff in LSE will be concealed. Seeing those recent construction shots those streets are starting to look more like hills rather than the top floor of a tunnel complex.

I know, I already love the maze of elevated streets in that area, more Pedway and stores is just going to make it more kick ass. I hope all of the lower streets have tunnels and retail someday...

[FastFerrari82]

is this building going to standout or what?...will it have any unique color scheme to it at night?

[EarlyBuyer]

Taken by EarlyBuyer 10/17/07

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9837/dscn8427xo4.jpg


http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5198/dscn8430kx0.jpg


http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5994/dscn8435us7.jpg


http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/8571/dscn8436gi7.jpg


http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/57/dscn8440if3.jpg


http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/4600/dscn8448dy3.jpg


http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4770/dscn8449ft0.jpg

[i_am_hydrogen]

My office is a stone's throw away from this site, and yet I haven't taken a look at it in a few weeks. Thanks for the photos.

[cubbbyblue]

I am very curious to see the formwork for the balconies...all I can think of is logistical nightmare. It appears, from comparing the renderings to the constructions photos, that the balconies will begin forming with the next floor, but the "wavyness" of the balconies become apparent in about 3-4 floors.

[wrab]

^^ They'll be using GPS for the balconies - and I share your anticipation about seeing them begin to appear. Finally, concrete living up to its full sculptural potential!

[Saber925]

Thanks for the update EarlyBuyer.

It appears that in the interim we missed seeing the process used to span the roof of the ComEd substaion.

[honte]

Thanks for the photos, EarlyBuyer. The sheer amount of raw concrete that has been brought into downtown Chicago over the last five years is hard to fathom.

And I must say - now that the Mies access ramp down to the service levels has been completely surrounded, it looks so damn hot.

[SamInTheLoop]

Thanks for the update EarlyBuyer.

It appears that in the interim we missed seeing the process used to span the roof of the ComEd substaion.


It hasn't actually happened yet - that's what I'm waiting for as well - nothing has been built directly over the substation as of today......I've been wondering if there is going to be some sort of major cantilevering involved (they have some really robust rebar work just east and south of the station, so maybe)......anyone know for sure??

[cubbbyblue]

It hasn't actually happened yet - that's what I'm waiting for as well - nothing has been built directly over the substation as of today......I've been wondering if there is going to be some sort of major cantilevering involved (they have some really robust rebar work just east and south of the station, so maybe)......anyone know for sure??

I'm confused as to what this substation is...sorry for my stupidity:slob:

[Nowhereman1280]

And I must say - now that the Mies access ramp down to the service levels has been completely surrounded, it looks so damn hot.

Are you talking about that ramp in the road where you keep going back and forth until you get to the bottom? Why do you call it "the Mies ramp"? Was it designed by Mies as part of the Illinois center?

[Chitown]

I'm confused as to what this substation is...sorry for my stupidity:slob:
I imagine its large transformers used to distribute power to more local areas.

[honte]

^ Sam, this was Horio's answer to your question. As far as cantilevers as an option, those would be some enormous beams to make that span with these loads.

There will be some very large steel girders which will span the COMED substation to columns on the site and thru the columbus bridge. Very likely you will see these in the next couple months showing up on site. From upper columbus you won't even be able to tell there is a building below.

Are you talking about that ramp in the road where you keep going back and forth until you get to the bottom? Why do you call it "the Mies ramp"? Was it designed by Mies as part of the Illinois center?

My understanding of the situation is that Mies's office did all of the planning for Illinois Center, including the 3-level road system. The Mies plans for building layout and executed buildings such as 1+2 IC certainly show it. Someone, please correct if I am missing information.

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^ That's what I thought. It makes sense to me. His Illinois center buildings are definitely well integrated into the three level streets...

[EarlyBuyer]

Ripple Effect To Start Soon At Aqua

[Alliance]

Sounds like we'll be seeing that fancy system soon enough.

[Steely Dan]

Ripple Effect To Start Soon At Aqua


earlybuyer, posting full articles from outside sources is not permitted on this forum. and you must provide a source link for every article blurb posted.

[EarlyBuyer]

Ripple Effect To Start Soon At Aqua

Link to article in Best Chicago Condos: http://www.bestchicagocondos.com/blog/ripple-effect-to-start-soon-at-aqua/

[Dalton]

Can someone explain why it is necessary to use GPS to set the formwork for the balconies and give a brief overview of how it's done? I didn't realize that GPS mapping could be that accurate (to within less than an inch). Is it simply a cost and time savings method or does it actually result in a better quality work?

[Urbanthony]

Hey all, I was just checking out a photo by Wrabbit in the Waterview thread and it's a picture looking east down the river. Does anyone know if Aqua is going to line up with the river looking east? If so that may really help show off the building from a different perspective (especially on the architecture cruises)...

[aaron38]

No, it's too far south. The Tides lines up with Wacker, and Arquetectonica will line up with the river mostly.

[Tom In Chicago]

Both Waterview Tower and Aqua are on the same east/west latitude. . .

[Northwest]

Can someone explain why it is necessary to use GPS to set the formwork for the balconies and give a brief overview of how it's done? I didn't realize that GPS mapping could be that accurate (to within less than an inch). Is it simply a cost and time savings method or does it actually result in a better quality work?

GPS location accuracy (X-Y-Z coordinates) can be improved to better than one inch by setting up local radio transmitters on fixed tripods surrounding the building site. These locally transmitted signals working along with the global satellite system will result in a very high degree of precision, much more so than your typical handheld or automotive GPS unit.

[EarlyBuyer]

GPS location accuracy (X-Y-Z coordinates) can be improved to better than one inch by setting up local radio transmitters on fixed tripods surrounding the building site. These locally transmitted signals working along with the global satellite system will result in a very high degree of precision, much more so than your typical handheld or automotive GPS unit.

Great response Northwest, thank you!

[EarlyBuyer]

Looking Up, All Around

Crain's Chicago Business article link: http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?article_id=28716&bt=Skidmore+Owings+&+Merrill&searchType=phrase

[BVictor1]

10/29/07
https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/10/569081.jpg

[Fabb]

Is there already a sign of the undulating facade ?

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^ No, I don't think we will see it until the next floor or the floor after that, but it will come soon, very soon, at the rate they are moving on this bad boy...

[Alliance]

^^^ Bad girl.

[Dr. Taco]

^^^ building ;)

[Tom Servo]

i ran into Jeanne Gang on the brown line the other day, what a cool lady.

[j korzeniowski]

i ran into Jeanne Gang on the brown line the other day, what a cool lady.

oh? do tell. she said she reads this board, i believe, was she surprised you recognized her?

[Tom Servo]

oh? do tell. she said she reads this board, i believe, was she surprised you recognized her?

why be surprised? she's a very recognisable person. especially to a young architecture student who is a fan of her work. i mean, i'm sure people like jeanne gang aren't too surprised by people politely asking, 'excuse me, aren't you jeanne gang?'

[Alliance]

What did she have to say?

[Tom Servo]

What did she have to say?

thanks.

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^ Haha :haha:

[Alliance]

thanks.

for what? Claiming that she's the future of Chicago Architecture? :haha:

(I think I've only said that like 17 times)

[Tom Servo]

for what? Claiming that she's the future of Chicago Architecture? :haha:

(I think I've only said that like 17 times)
...um yeah

[cbotnyse]

Some cool pictures I stumbled accross.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/aqua1.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/aqua2.jpg

[Nowhereman1280]

So what are the balconies on this baby going to be clad in? Paint? That picture above suggests that it would look really cool if they have stainless around the edges, but I don't think they will do that, it would just look cool.

[jc5680]

:previous: Wow...those are stunning. Wonder if the colors can be replicated at dusk.

[EarlyBuyer]

:previous:

I believe those pictures were taken by BVictor1. They are awesome, aren't they?

I'm 90% sure the balconies will be painted...

[phillyskyline]

This has to be one of the coolest highrise projects in the country, can't wait to see the ripple effect taking shape.

[EarlyBuyer]

Happy Halloween
Photo's Taken by EarlyBuyer 10/30/07


http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/5054/dscn8551nl8.jpg


http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/7264/dscn8559fq0.jpg

[EarlyBuyer]

Taken by EarlyBuyer 10/30/07


http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9497/dscn8481qk7.jpg


http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/2817/dscn8485ej7.jpg


http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4848/dscn8486ou1.jpg


http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2180/dscn8489rj0.jpg


http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/8098/dscn8492xu9.jpg


http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8454/dscn8497gl9.jpg


http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/2903/dscn8509sf0.jpg

[Apex]

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/aqua2.jpg

Wow, if it looks anything like that, this building will be incredible from street level. :tup:

[andydie]

Some cool pictures I stumbled accross.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/aqua1.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/aqua2.jpg

with that red sky it looks like a SciFi Movie Building ( maybe Total Recall) on Mars:D

[Chitown]

with that red sky it looks like a SciFi Movie Building ( maybe Total Recall) on Mars:D
Yeah, and here's the reverse-view:
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/7439/totalrecall09sm1.jpg
"Wow, those balconies look awesome!"

[andydie]

rofl good one:tup: and HAPPY HALLOWEEN from Germany:cheers:

[SamInTheLoop]

If I'm reading the large rendering correctly a couple pages back, it looks like there will be one more floor (may be fairly high ceiling height if it's the amenities-rooftop deck level) before the first balconies appear...

[SolarWind]

October 30, 2007

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/1189/dsc0041qw6.jpg

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/6985/dsc0046em9.jpg

[Tom Servo]

October 30, 2007

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/1189/dsc0041qw6.jpg

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/6985/dsc0046em9.jpg

...huh, i didn't know the #4 bus ended up over there...

[Northwest]

Taken by EarlyBuyer 10/30/07

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9497/dscn8481qk7.jpg

WOW, what a huge building site for Aqua! Not very much space left for the future south tower, at least for the underground parking/podium. Will the future south tower be able to share the ground level features of the Aqua project? They are owned by the same developer, correct? I cant wait to see the entire park integrated into the future vision, and surrounded by townhomes/retail, the way it is intended to look. It still appears that the park is sunken into a quarry, almost unreachable. I'm feeling old, I remember hanging out on this site before it was a golf course. Just a vacant plot of land in the most unlikely location. I also have old ground-level pictures of this area, from the early-mid 1990's. Once again, when I get a proper film scanner, I will share. Its just amazing what 12 - 15 years has done to this area! :yes:

[djvandrake]

Would love to see those shots Northwest. :tup:

Thanks guys for the photo updates! I really appreciate your efforts. :)

And oh man am I jealous of your vantage point EarlyBuyer. I so badly want to live in Lakeshore East. :cool:

[chex]

wow!!! i love this tower!! is very nice... the location is very nice too, that park looks pretty cool...
the last render looks a bit scary with those colors, but the tower is very well designed...

[EarlyBuyer]

And oh man am I jealous of your vantage point EarlyBuyer. I so badly want to live in Lakeshore East. :cool:

djvandrake: if it's ever in the cards for you to move to Chicago, there are units available in Lakeshore East in all sizes, configuations and variety of price points.

Wow, I sound like a LSE salesperson. I'm not, just a satifisfied resident:)

[Chitown]

djvandrake: if it's ever in the cards for you to move to Chicago, there are units available in Lakeshore East in all sizes, configuations and variety of price points.
I'd wager that that variety of price points does not include a price point that comes anywhere near meeting my needs. ;)

[Northwest]

I love how LSE park is kind of an isolated city within a city. This will be a truly magical place once all the U/C and proposed projects are in place! The mythical high mountain valley paradise, come true in an urban setting.
I too wish I could live there... but a two bedroom with a view would be a major financial stretch for me. :(

[the urban politician]

^ Yeah, it will not only be an interesting urban space (I imagine dramatic, golden columns of sunlight streaming into the park from the narrow spaces between highrises), but it really will be its own community, with its own shops & public school

[trvlr70]

^ Yeah, it will not only be an interesting urban space (I imagine dramatic, golden columns of sunlight streaming into the park from the narrow spaces between highrises), but it really will be its own community, with its own shops & public school

I wonder if that public school will ever materialize...I'm not willing to bet money on it at this point.

[Tom In Chicago]

I noticed this morning that they're beginning to assemble the skip on the east side of the site. . . not sure if they're pre-assembling it and plan to situate it somewhere else on the site or if it will remain on the east side. . .

What's interesting about the skips for this building is that the floors will be connected with bridges to the skip in order to maintain clearence for the undulating formwork for the balconies. . .

OK. . . so I find it interesting. . . maybe noone else does but it's unusual for construction projects in Chicago. . .

. . .

[djvandrake]

djvandrake: if it's ever in the cards for you to move to Chicago, there are units available in Lakeshore East in all sizes, configuations and variety of price points.

Wow, I sound like a LSE salesperson. I'm not, just a satifisfied resident:)


:) I've actually been to the sales center 3 or 4 times. I love the community and that park. The problem isn't the pricing, it's my profession. They just don't do what I do in Chicago. :(


@ Tom. Do you have a pic or can you elaborate? I'm a little confused as to how this differs significantly from skips on other projects.

[trvlr70]

[QUOTE=djvandrake;3142091]:) I've actually been to the sales center 3 or 4 times. I love the community and that park. The problem isn't the pricing, it's my profession. They just don't do what I do in Chicago. :(


What are you....a mountain climber?

[Nowhereman1280]

I noticed this morning that they're beginning to assemble the skip on the east side of the site. . . not sure if they're pre-assembling it and plan to situate it somewhere else on the site or if it will remain on the east side. . .

What's interesting about the skips for this building is that the floors will be connected with bridges to the skip in order to maintain clearence for the undulating formwork for the balconies. . .

OK. . . so I find it interesting. . . maybe noone else does but it's unusual for construction projects in Chicago. . .

. . .

The skip on OMP is like that above the most recent setback for the past 20 floors or so... Check it out...

I guess its not very common here because almost every building in this city has at least one vertical face the entire length of the structure.

[Tom In Chicago]

Yeah. . . I just noticed that from the view at my office. . . OMP's top floors has those bridges. . . as you said. . .

[cubbbyblue]

Just to clarify, the skip is the scaffolding that "bridges" the gap between the elevator and the wall further away from the furthest out setback?
Like this:
https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/10/568309.jpg

[Tom In Chicago]

Looks like they're putting the skip up on the north side of the building. . .

[sentinel]

Hi everyone, sorry I've been out of it for so long - been getting adjusted at a new firm in the city. I'm currently working on the hotel portion of the Aqua and can confirm that it is definitely under the "Fairmont" flag; for a while there was discussion to re-brand it as something else, but it has been decided to just be "Fairmont/Aqua", "Fordham at the Aqua", etc. (something like that). Good group of people, really dedicated to making this an incredible building, and I'll try to keep you all posted.

[EarlyBuyer]

Hi everyone, sorry I've been out of it for so long - been getting adjusted at a new firm in the city. I'm currently working on the hotel portion of the Aqua and can confirm that it is definitely under the "Fordham" flag; for a while there was discussion to re-brand it as something else, but it has been decided to just be "Fordham/Aqua", "Fordham at the Aqua", etc. (something like that). Good group of people, really dedicated to making this an incredible building, and I'll try to keep you all posted.


sentinel: Did you mean "Fairmont" or is it really "Fordham"?

[sentinel]

*edit* ^^^^Yes thank you EarlyBuyer, I did mean Fairmont - just had a minor brain-fart LOL

Thanks!

[EarlyBuyer]

:previous:

No worries! Thanks for the clarification sentinel.

[Lecom]

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/trump/aqua2.jpg
My liking for this building has just increased a lot.

[Fabb]

It would look perfect if the balconies were filled with an orgy of greenery, but that's up to the inhabitants...

[Alliance]

Gang orginally wanted to have each balcony enclosed in colored-acrylic sheeting, with different balconies being different colors.
That being said, she states that she hopes that each owner makes the balcony thier own and that they are all different.

[Tom Servo]

Gang orginally wanted to have each balcony enclosed in colored-acrylic sheeting, with different balconies being different colors.
That being said, she states that she hopes that each owner makes the balcony thier own and that they are all different.

that would be FUCKING cool! maybe she'll explore that design concept in the future!

[Alliance]

Well, we can kind of see it with Windenmere West with the different rooms painted different colors (possible different color glass?)

I think it was scrapped, but she seemed really excited about it...next time you see her you should ask :)

[djvandrake]

I've actually been to the sales center 3 or 4 times. I love the community and that park. The problem isn't the pricing, it's my profession. They just don't do what I do in Chicago. :(


What are you....a mountain climber?

Rocket Scientist.

(not kidding)

[bjorda1]

this is definately a good project here... this will help turn around the rest of the flop that is now known as lake shore east.....

[Nowhereman1280]

this is definately a good project here... this will help turn around the rest of the flop that is now known as lake shore east.....

I don't consider buildings like 340 on the park, the tides, and even to some extent the regatta to be flops, I don't know about you though, apparently you do...