[Mr Roboto]

Im glad it isnt that Missaugua building thats being built here. The subtleties of Aqua is what makes it so cool to me, not all disproportioned and mumbo jumbo. That other building looks like Aqua on LSD, a bad trip at that.

[honte]

^Absolute City Centre?

If I'm understanding your question correctly, yes. The rendering at the top of this page is "The Absolute," which shows up in the center of the Absolute City Center main rendering. They look really different to me... perhaps the rendering on Emporis of that building alone (and at the top of this page) is a different revision of that building? It looks much wilder in its solo rendering.

I'm guessing that the solo rendering proved too expensive to build, or that it was just a conceptual thing.

The Absolute: http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=230171

[STR]

The question in its enterity is: Absolute City Center? As in http://viadrina.euv-frankfurt-o.de/~sk/SS98/IK/absolut/pictures/Manhattan_small.JPG?

[Adam186]

^That's some good vodka. :)http://techhelpers.net/e4u/drink/trink02.gif

[Adam186]

Has anyone been to the sales center? How are sales going?

[honte]

I didn't see this posted here; not sure if it's a useful contribution. I don't think there's any new information, aside from a possible 2006 groundbreaking, but it's interesting to read about the building in the words of the architects.

Aqua Tower, Chicago

In an increasingly dense city like Chicago, views from a new tower must be negotiated between existing buildings. Aqua tower considers criteria such as views, solar shading and function to derive a vertical system of contours that gives the structure its sculptural form. Its vertical topography is defined by its outdoor terraces that gradually change in plan over the length of the tower. These terraces offer a strong connection to the outdoors and allow inhabitants to occupy the building façade and city simultaneously. The result is a highly sculptural building when viewed obliquely that transforms into a slender rectangle from further away. Its powerful form suggests the limestone outcroppings and geologic forces that shaped the great lakes region.

Architect: Studio Gang Architects
Architect of Record: Loewenberg & Associates
Owner: Magellan Development
Program: Hotel and Residential High-rise with
retail and commercial spaces
Size: 1.9 m SF including parking, 823 feet high
Construction Begins: 2006

http://www.studiogang.net/studiogang.net/projects/pages/lakeshoreeast.html

[Adam186]

I'm going to ask again. Has anybody been to the sales center? What is the percentage sold thus far?

[Urban Sky]

im kind of mixed aboutnthis one...i'll have to see how this one progresses.

[the urban politician]

I'm going to ask again. Has anybody been to the sales center? What is the percentage sold thus far?

^ Relax.

Somebody will report something eventually

[Norsider]

I'm going to ask again. Has anybody been to the sales center? What is the percentage sold thus far?

Call them yourself and find out.

[JuniorReb]

who is building aqua?

[budman]

I was at the sales center last week, and at that time I was told that there are only two three bedroom units left (they are approximately $1.2 million, for 1982 sq ft., there is one three bedroom per floor, I think). I was also told that prices are guarenteed to increase 20% - 25% throughout the different stages of the development. They are negotiating with a hotel operator, but if that doesnt work out, the bottom part of the building will be APARTMENTS. They are planning a twin tower just to the south of the building, but it isnt certain whether it will be built right in front of Aqua, or just to the southeast of it...those expensive views could very well be blocked, depending on whether and where the sister building is built (although the 3 bedroom units all face northeast). Also, the top 4 floors or so are not for sale yet, as the developer is considering making those full floor, or half floor penthouses. Right now, there are 9 inits per floor. The finishes and upgrades will be identical to the Chandler. The ceiling heights are 8'8"...for this reason alone, I would never buy in this building (although there are other reasons too). All indications are that the developer believes (rightly, I think) that this will be a high demand building, and will sell quickly. I think this is a great building for the developer (I believe the same for TTC), but not as great for the purchasers, from an economic standpoint.

[honte]

:previous:

Thanks a lot for the information. Glad to hear it's moving quickly.

I agree that the ceiling heights are a disappointment, although it's been clear from early on that this is to be a high-style building on a tight budget.

Personally, I am disappointed by the idea of a twin to the south. It will cheapen the overall concept and make this building less of a standout. Hiring Studio Gang to do another would be fine with me, but the firm has proven that it is certainly not short on ideas. Let them come up with something complimentary, but similarly unique (and taller!).

[HK Chicago]

If Gang was for real about all the contextual design put into the undulating surface defintion then the twin should have a different pattern because of the location, neighboring structures, sightlines, etc... which would be pretty damn cool IMO.

I didn't realize the southern lot next to BCBS was part of LSE... does Magellan control this site? Or would the twin be added to the oversized base?

[honte]

I didn't realize the southern lot next to BCBS was part of LSE... does Magellan control this site? Or would the twin be added to the oversized base?

They purchased that lot when the Fitfield deal fell through, as I recall.

I hope it turns out nicely and doesn't overwhelm things. I love that little BCBS plaza.

[HK Chicago]

Thanks!

Knowing this, it'd been cool to integrate the base of Aqua, Aqua 2, and the village market into one setup that provided a pedestrian and retail connection for Upper Columbus and Park... or just brought Lake down to Park.

[honte]

Thanks!

Knowing this, it'd been cool to integrate the base of Aqua, Aqua 2, and the village market into one setup that provided a pedestrian and retail connection for Upper Columbus and Park... or just brought Lake down to Park.

Yeah, I tend to agree.... things should be more coherent over there, although I welcome the introduction of many architects. But I think they blew the possibility of creating a really special environment, which could have been done with more vision and closer attention to detail.

Consistency was the power of the original SOM plan - even though the buildings shown were PoMo and kind of dull, everything worked really well as a complete picture.

Unfortunately, I don't think that's going to happen at all with Lakeshore East. So, I still think it's a poor idea for the two Gang towers to be too closely related. It will give us an idea of what might have been, but won't help the situation too much overall. So, I stick with the idea of just letting each one make its own statement. And the idea of two of those podium bases blocking views of the park from Columbus almost entirely does not sound like a good idea.

I wish they could figure out a way to keep that vista of being 50' or so above the grade of the park, just to emphasize the urban nature of the whole place. The more I think about it, I am rather annoyed (like many who have written here) by that giant base that Aqua is going to sit on. It's pretty exciting now as it is, to walk along the "cliff" formed by the BCBS plaza, especially at night, and see these towers rising out of a pit.

I'm annoyed by these "gradual" changes that Daley and the rest of his planners seem so keen on. (For example, I'm sure Daley would like to create a gentle slope down to the river all along Wacker if he could. Remember that goofy grassy picnic hill that was shown in the original plans where the Vietnam Memorial thankfully now has been built?) We should celebrate the bizarre urban situation at LSE, not try to ignore or negate it.

[budman]

When I said that the developer is considering a "twin" tower, I didnt mean that the tower would be identical to Aqua. ALthough that may be the case, I wasnt told that specifically. I asked how high the building would be, and was told that it was going to be "Aqua's twin". This at least suggests that the height will be the same. I would guess they would share that same podium park (which looks incredible and huge). However, I cant imagine that the new tower would ALSO be able to get a hotel operator, and I am guessing, therefore, that the new tower would be a mixture of condos and apartments. Yuck. (THe current Aqua building faces the same possibility, although from what I am told, it is unlikely).

[Frankie]

hey vic since you sort of have a relationship with Gang (or her husband) could you maybe ask her if she has been hired to design an "Aqua 2" and whether or not it will be identical to Aqua?

if its too much trouble then don't worry about, will just have to wait until official renderings are released

thanks

[Chi_Coruscant]

If Jeanne Gang decline, Helmut Jahn or Sir Norman Foster should do Aqua2. With either name attached, the LSE developers will not have any problem with sales.

[spyguy]

Well didn't the masterplan always state that the tower to the south of what is now Aqua would be around the same height?

[BVictor1]

hey vic since you sort of have a relationship with Gang (or her husband) could you maybe ask her if she has been hired to design an "Aqua 2" and whether or not it will be identical to Aqua?

if its too much trouble then don't worry about, will just have to wait until official renderings are released

thanks

i'll see what i can find out.

[honte]

Well didn't the masterplan always state that the tower to the south of what is now Aqua would be around the same height?

Yes, but it didn't stipulate anything as high as Aqua anyway, I believe. They had to go to the city to revise for Aqua, so at this point, anything goes at the second site.

[BVictor1]

I heard from a source that the base is being modified. I haven't seen anything, but that's what I heard.

[budman]

After reviewing some of the new posts here, I was reminded that I was also told when I visited the sales office that (lower) Lake Street is going to be extended to somehow connect with Aqua. I cant remember exactly how though.

[HK Chicago]

I heard from a source that the base is being modified. I haven't seen anything, but that's what I heard.

Awesome. Good news is good news, regardless of details!

[honte]

After reviewing some of the new posts here, I was reminded that I was also told when I visited the sales office that (lower) Lake Street is going to be extended to somehow connect with Aqua. I cant remember exactly how though.

There is an updated map on the LSE site that shows pretty clearly how that would work.

Also, great news about the possible removal of that base.

[denizen467]

After reviewing some of the new posts here, I was reminded that I was also told when I visited the sales office that (lower) Lake Street is going to be extended to somehow connect with Aqua. I cant remember exactly how though.

Lower meaning the bottom level? I wonder if they will extend all 3 levels.

[headcase]

Lower meaning the bottom level? I wonder if they will extend all 3 levels.

Unless I'm absolutly crazy, extending upper Lake would require Aon giving up it's driveway, and I do not see that happening.

[HK Chicago]

And the Aon/Pru exterior pedway entrance would have to scrapped. Unfortunately this one isn't gonna happen... and unless Upper Lake found it's way in the center of LSE then it doesn't matter that much. Just a missed opportunity on both sides.

[budman]

I think it is the middle level of Lake that will be extended.

[honte]

I think it is the middle level of Lake that will be extended.

I think the idea was to have pedestrian access extended along Lake Street, not vehicular? Perhaps I have it totally wrong. But the new LSE map shows a large stair on axis with Lake street, descending from upper Columbus to the level of the park.

It's a great idea to have a pedestrian access point to the park aligned with the Aon porte-cochère. I don't see much utility in vehicular access, although that perimeter road around the park is woefully underscaled and I think there are going to be major backups there in years to come.

[spyguy]

So Aqua's site was finally updated with some real info.

The Shore Club
Tantalize your sense of reality in the largest outdoor pool deck in Chicago. Aqua’s palatial 80,000 square foot outdoor space enables you to engage the sun during the day and dance with the stars at night. Swim in the pool and relax in the hot tub while warm lake breezes fill the air. Walk or jog on the Shore Club running track winding through the lush landscaping. At night, grab a drink and sit at the fire pit watching the flames try to compete with the skyline. Let your mind absorb the view of The Park at Lakeshore East, the six-acre neighborhood green space that features award-winning landscaping. The choice is up to you.

Building Features
At Aqua, your opportunities are endless. The media room gives you the capability to expand the party by enjoying a movie in a theater setting. Afterwards, fill in the stylish lounge or the private party room to share reviews. The cool billiards room is waiting for the times when you want to rack the night up, or lay down a pair on the poker table. Wind down in the skygarden, business center or library for some of that essential alone-time you’ve been craving. Or Whether toning up or soothing down, the sports club and spa is ready to welcome you and satisfy your needs. Break down muscle fibers in the cutting-edge weight room with resistance machines and free-weights. When it’s time to work the cardiovascular system, step machines and treadmills are ready to put you through your paces. An indoor lap pool and whirlpool offers a great way to finish off a grueling workout. Improve your core strength and inner balance in the yoga/pilates room. Plan a special spa day, take a steam, sauna or get a massage to recharge your batteries.

-------
Aqua really has some greatest amenities I have seen of any building in Chicago, especially at its suggested prices

Building Features:

Condominiums starting on the 53rd floor
The Shore Club 80,000 sf Outdoor Pool deck including:

-Sundeck & Gardens
-Running Track
-Pool & Hot Tub
-Gazebos & Poolside Cabanas
-Fire Pit
-Barbeque Areas
-Outdoor Shower

The Shore Club Amenities

-Fitness Center & Spa
-Cardio & Weight Room
-Indoor Lap Pool
-Massage Room
-Hot tub
-Locker Rooms
-Sauna & Steam Rooms
-Yoga & Pilates Studio
-Business Center & Internet Café
-Game & Billiards Room
-Skygarden
-Club Suite with Catering Kitchen
-Library
-Coffee Bar & Lounge
-Media Room with Theater Style Seating

Private High-Speed zoned elevators
Bike Room
24-hour doorman service
On-site dry cleaners and parcel pick-up
Enclosed private deeded parking
Expansive river, lake, park and city views
On-site retail
Pedway Connection
Balconies & Terraces (where shown)

[budman]

I am not sure, now that I think about it, whether I was told that Lake would be extended for vehicular or only pedestrian access. I just remember coming away thinking that it would be vehicular, but that could have been a misunderstanding on my part.

I totally agree that the amenities are among the best I have seen. My only hesitations are: an 80,000 sq ft area with everything they are talking about will be very expensive to maintain...if they dont get a hotel in there, and it is just apartments, the assessments will be through the roof, or it wont be maintained well. A billiards parlor and screening room sound pretty cool until you see a crappy, bar-room type pool table and a beat up old dvd player with 5 plastic chairs and an old tube-style tv in a 10 ft by 10 ft room. Also, since there will be two towers, both 80 stories tall, there will be a LOT of people trying to enjoy all these amenities. Look for huge crowds, and very little "alone" time that is advertised. Having said all that, if done right these amenities will kick ass. But I still think the cost of upkeep after the developer has sold all the units will be enormous...I would be curious what others think of this. By way of comparison, TTC will have a 60,000 sq ft amenities complex, and their assessments are enormous.

[DeaconBlue]

I don't think that the blue renderings give it justice, but the models are incredible! This is exactly what Chicago needs, another worldclass, unique building.
-D

[BVictor1]

I went to the sales center yesterday. i was told that reservation were going good. i was unable to get a percentage, because the aldy at the front desk didn't know.

I was also told that unfortunately there will not be a detailed model. that big ass plexiglass box a few pages back is what will be.

i think that we need to remember that not all that many units actually need to be sold. condos begin at 52 and go up to about 80 or so. floors 20-51 are rental, and below that are hotel rooms.

[budman]

I was told the hotel is a high probablility, but not a certainty. Has that changed?

[STR]

I went to the sales center yesterday. i was told that reservation were going good. i was unable to get a percentage, because the aldy at the front desk didn't know.

I was also told that unfortunately there will not be a detailed model. that big ass plexiglass box a few pages back is what will be.

i think that we need to remember that not all that many units actually need to be sold. condos begin at 52 and go up to about 80 or so. floors 20-51 are rental, and below that are hotel rooms.

Any chance you could get a 4 way elevation render like Mandarin? I'm really wanting to get started on a model (which will be the best yet IMHO based on what I've worked out already) and don't want to be guess for half the building only to re-do it a month later.

[BVictor1]

Any chance you could get a 4 way elevation render like Mandarin? I'm really wanting to get started on a model (which will be the best yet IMHO based on what I've worked out already) and don't want to be guess for half the building only to re-do it a month later.

I'm attempting to get renderings, but no ones gotten back to me, and I don't want to be a pain in the ass.

[honte]

I went to the sales center yesterday. i was told that reservation were going good. i was unable to get a percentage, because the aldy at the front desk didn't know.

I was also told that unfortunately there will not be a detailed model. that big ass plexiglass box a few pages back is what will be.

i think that we need to remember that not all that many units actually need to be sold. condos begin at 52 and go up to about 80 or so. floors 20-51 are rental, and below that are hotel rooms.

Thanks for the update.

[UptownChiBoy]

So is this approved yet?

[spyguy]

I'm really not sure where to put LSE that's not really high-rise news, but I think it was mentioned before that there was a glass escalator thing for the LSE market.

Could this be it?
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/606/lseshops1ka.jpg
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/8549/lse2wu.jpg
http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/1508/market0027zi.jpg

[UptownChiBoy]

So it's approved? Emporis says so.

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=190323

[UptownChiBoy]

So it's approved? Emporis says so.

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=190323

[Adam186]

^Then yes, it's approved. They need a source to be able to change the status, heights, etc.

[VivaLFuego]

I don't think this one requires a new zoning change, so the only "approval" steps needed are the necessary permits. Also I don't think this qualifies as a PUD, so again, no approval.

Someone correct me if i'm wrong.

[honte]

http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/1508/market0027zi.jpg

Pretty cool. It's not all PoMo and tacky like I was expecting...

[Rechucher]

I like it...It's perfect for Chicago!

:)

[trvlr70]

I'm really not sure where to put LSE that's not really high-rise news, but I think it was mentioned before that there was a glass escalator thing for the LSE market.

Could this be it?
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/606/lseshops1ka.jpg
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/8549/lse2wu.jpg
http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/1508/market0027zi.jpg
Much better than I expected. I knew Studio Gang wouldn't let me down.

[2PRUROCKS!]

^ Based on those renderings I don't think this is the base of Aqua, but the base of the marketplace just north of 340 OTP.

[Steely Dan]

^ you are correct, sir.

[trvlr70]

^^^^^^
Damn! You're right.

[woodrow]

CHICAGO READER cover story about new architecture. Leads off with great discussion with Jeanne Gang and the design of AQUA

http://www.chicagoreader.com/pdf/060505/060505_cover.pdf

[Steely Dan]

^ good article, thanks for posting the link. i've fallen in love with this beautiful tower all over again.

[Suchgreatheights]

Gang is the architectural prophet of the Chicago Renaissance. I'm thrilled to see her get this kind of respect. It's a pity that the Man wouldn't let her slap on those multi-colored curtains. But it’s her pragmatism, after all, that won her the project.

[HK Chicago]

^I saw that article on the streets tonight, the rendering on pg24 is hot - it appears even more of the base structure is exposed at spaces where the "waves" pull in. Looks great... I'm ready for this to get going.

Otherwise, I'm tired of all the "we looked at every angle" story... I'm sure they did at first, but there's no way that much randomness was the result of finely quantifiable analysis. It just looked good ;)

[UrbanSophist]

"The Third School" :) I'm lovin' it.

[denizen467]

I thought the rendering on pg24 was kind of grotesque. I am scared we could end up with a hulking monstrosity.

This building has been really hard to pin down because of its unique design. A wood model here, a rendering there, a closeup here; when will we know we've got an image that actually would be close to reality?

[Thefigman]

Thanks for the link Woodrow! A good read.

[honte]

Wow, a rave review from the usually staid Mr. Becker.

People have been calling out the coming of the Third Chicago School for years. I'm still very excited about this tower, but I highly doubt it's going to be quite that good.

[HK Chicago]

I thought the rendering on pg24 was kind of grotesque.

I agree the eerie blue glow coming from the apartments is grotesque, but I'm lovin those empty spaces.

[Awkab]

I'd like to see a rendering where they show how the railings are going to look on the balconies

[wrabbit]

Images courtesy of The Chicago Reader:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/slideshow6.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/slideshow2.jpg

These renders just blow my socks off!

[Rivernorth]

^ holy crap! those renders are INCREDIBLE! I mean... WOW!

[HK Chicago]

^ thanks for the renders... way-to-go blue jell-o

I'm gonna reverse my op on the missing mechanical floors. It doesn't look good from street level (though it looks good in the inital bird's eye pics).

[denizen467]

Those are the renders I thought were grotesque. It just looks ill. The earlier renders on page 1 had more understated features, with gently undulating curves and gradations of blue and beige. Now, especially with the stark contrast between blue glass and beige concrete, we've got a glass box that looks like it's been overgrown with uncontrolled, bulging varicose veins.

People are going to be waiting for Sigourney Weaver to come blow it up.

Unless a new set of renders comes out showing the effect will be different, I'm against this. Various observers can herald the onset of a Third School, but that doesn't mean everything that comes in the door should be accepted. This would work as a bold 30-story experiment in River South or River North; I think it's too much of a risk overlooking Grant Park and the Lake, and at 83 stories.

Other forumers who have been hesitant to criticize amidst all the celebrations so far might want to speak up now. Who knows, maybe Jeanne herself (or maybe one of Loewenberg's henchmen, testing the marketing waters?) is paying attention and might refine it into something that will better stand the test of time.

[bayrider]

Images courtesy of The Chicago Reader:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/slideshow6.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/slideshow2.jpg

These renders just blow my socks off!

There are a lot of unique buildings in the world, but most of the 'unique' ones are just ugly. I wouldnt call them unique as much as they were just 'different'. This one is unique and BEAUTIFUL.

WOW

[trvlr70]

^^^^^^^
Looks as if Salvador Dali is the architect.

[Steely Dan]

Other forumers who have been hesitant to criticize amidst all the celebrations so far might want to speak up now. Who knows, maybe Jeanne herself (or maybe one of Loewenberg's henchmen, testing the marketing waters?) is paying attention and might refine it into something that will better stand the test of time.

you'd have to be pretty naive to think that the architects and developers of 100 million dollar projects care about the opinions of a bunch of nerds on the internet. they listen to people like blair kamin and lynn becker, both of whom have had immensely positive things to say about Aqua's design.

[Suchgreatheights]

you'd have to be pretty naive to think that the architects and developers of 100 million dollar projects care about the opinions of a bunch of nerds on the internet. they listen to people like blair kamin and lynn becker, both of whom have had immensely positive things to say about Aqua's design.

Absolutely, we are big Internet nerds. Presumably Jeanne Gang can relate. Developers, on the other hand, are generally self-serving Willy Loman's. :slob:

[HK Chicago]

Unless a new set of renders comes out showing the effect will be different

Imagine the same form with a standard glass curtain and minimal variation in balcony lighting. That's what this tower will look like. These are pretty far from photorealistic, we've just got to be good at filling in the blanks.

[wrabbit]

Wow - this baby is really garnering some polarized opinion on the forums, which is a good thing. I know, for instance, that when Detroit chooses which concept vehicles to move into prodution, the input of focus groups is crucial; the concepts which generate strong opinion (both for & against) usually don't make the cut (call it risk aversion), but when they do make the cut, they are wildly successful. So with Aqua - few seem indifferent to it.

[Norsider]

^^^^

No wonder we never see any intriguing designs from the big 3 (PT cruiser aside). The process skews towards blandness.


/OT

[honte]

Those are the renders I thought were grotesque. It just looks ill.

I've got to agree with you - the renderings make it look hideous! Especially when you think about all of those concrete balconies discoloring and getting stained by water damage, we have a potentially nasty sight on our hands. I love raw, unpainted concrete, but in this case, the team would be wise to coat the concrete in something that doesn't discolor.

HOWEVER, I can't wait for them to build this. Even if it does end up hideous, it's 20x less hideous that all the other buildings in LSE (except 340), and you can't argue with risk-taking architecture. They're not tearing anything down, so I don't see a downside. It's certainly going to be functional, unique, and fun, even if it's not an aesthetic triumph.

[pyropius]

Have any of you read Bruce Sterling's Holy Fire? It's set in the late 21st century, and at that time Indianapolis has been rebuilt with a few giant living organic skyscrapers that sway in the breeze, are made of edible materials, etc. This design, while not edible or mobile, is a little like what I imagined an "organic" skyscraper to look like. The "waves" in these renders look more to me like giant vines, or the gnarly trunk of a tree. It's very interesting. I hope it's built.

[STR]

^Editble towers? Reminds me of a quote from Futurama:

It's food or shelter, not both.

[denizen467]

you'd have to be pretty naive to think that the architects and developers of 100 million dollar projects care about the opinions of a bunch of nerds on the internet. they listen to people like blair kamin and lynn becker, both of whom have had immensely positive things to say about Aqua's design.

Well, certainly that's the case, but I was thinking this forum could be more than just a bunch of "nerds on the internet".

Heck, architects, even people who know Jeanne Gang, might even be reading this. So it's not pointless to energize the debate. Or put another way, where else on the internet can people trade opinions on Chicago architecture? (If there's somewhere else, maybe I'm just uninformed.) I would hope anybody in the city who is interested in this project would come here. It's rare that such a cutting edge project comes along, so now is the time.

Anyhow, Blair Kamin's opinion in his article was not a conclusive thumbs up on Aqua. If I remember right, he said it would depend on the execution -- for example, how the concrete turned out.

[rgolch]

Hmmm.....

Some of those looking strait up renders remind of the old movie "The Elephant Man." Although, I must admit, I've come around and come to like this one.

If I remember, some of you said there is going to be a twin tower, right? This could be the new age marina towers.

[Steely Dan]

Anyhow, Blair Kamin's opinion in his article was not a conclusive thumbs up on Aqua. If I remember right, he said it would depend on the execution -- for example, how the concrete turned out.

no architecture critic ever gives any conclusive judgements before a work is actually a built object. my point was that kamin and becker have both given a thumbs up on the design of aqua. obviously a full judgement will only come if and when it's completed.

[wrabbit]

The light which floods downtown Chicago has a special clarity & intensity that really rewards texture & surface variation. The light plays off Brutalist (concrete) buildings like 55 W Wacker & the Metro Correctional Center especially well, IMHO - it seems to morph them from moment to moment as the angle of the sun or degree of cloud cover changes; conversely, Chicago's light seems to cheapen flat, undifferentiated, reflective surfaces like those on Bofill's Chase Plaza (an exception, though, for the concave 333 Wacker, which is like a funhouse mirror...)

What excites me most about the Aqua design is its promise of surface & texture variation, and the tension it creates between smooth glass box & brutalist terrace - it will fascinate as the light & weather change, or as one moves towards or away from it.

Of course, the devil is in the details, so a good execution is really, really important...But what I've seen to date in the renders makes me really happy. :)

[Steely Dan]

conversely, Chicago's light seems to cheapen flat, undifferentiated, reflective surfaces like those on Bank One (an exception, though, for the concave 333 Wacker, which is like a funhouse mirror...)


huh? bank one plaza (now known as chase plaza) has nothing approaching a "flat, undifferentiated, reflective surface". perhaps you're thinking of a different tower?

chase plaza:

http://www.richmangalleries.com/images/BankOnePlzaChi281.jpg

[HK Chicago]

no architecture critic ever gives any conclusive judgements before a work is actually a built object.

On this thread we do it all the time ;)

[Steely Dan]

On this thread we do it all the time ;)
but none of us are architecture critics.

we're just a bunch of web nerds.

[wrabbit]

huh? bank one plaza (now known as chase plaza) has nothing approaching a "flat, undifferentiated, reflective surface". perhaps you're thinking of a different tower?

You are absolutely right, Steely. I meant the Chase Building (Chase Plaza):

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/190017.jpg

I've corrected my post accordingly.

Bank One is one of my faves (incidentally - what's up with the night lights on the upper portion of Bank One? Refurb?)

[Steely Dan]

^ LOL we confused each other. but you're still a bit mixed-up. let me set it all straight for you.



the building you were originally intending to talk about is ricardo bofill's 2002 Chase Center (formerly named Bank One Corporate Center).

Chase Center:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/190017.jpg






the building i was talking about in my post is CF murphy's/P-dub's masterful 1969 Chase Tower (formerly named Bank One Plaza, originally named First National Bank of Chicago Plaza).

Chase Tower:
http://www.richmangalleries.com/images/BankOnePlzaChi281.jpg







when Chase bought out Bank One a year or so ago, both buildings changed to their current Chase monikers. confusing, ain't it?

[UrbanSophist]

:previous: What was this building originally called?

[denizen467]

Bank One is one of my faves (incidentally - what's up with the night lights on the upper portion of Bank One? Refurb?)

Yup - the tenant occupying that entire upper block of floors moved out recently (across the street to the new 1 S Dearborn, no less); likely there's major refurb going on. Especially when you consider that it's a space with incredible views at a prestigious address, but is three decades removed from being Class A office space; renovation should address some of that.

[BVictor1]

Something that has come into my possession.

https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2006/05/456686.jpg

https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2006/05/456690.jpg

[Pandemonious]

Well, it looks better than the first base they showed us. You can really see (moreso than in other previous pics anyway) how the building itself is a big glass box with wavey concrete balconies added on.... and, you can see the railings in there very lightly now. They appear to be almost the same style used on Marina City.

[Steely Dan]

are those town homes integrated into the Aqua base facing out towards the park in that first image?

[trvlr70]

Very interesting rendering. It has answered some questions and opened up a whole bunch more.

I'm not really digging the switchback staircase. Skaters will, indeed. I was hopeing for something, I don't know, more revolutionary or interesting....perahps outside escalators or something?

[BVictor1]

are those town homes integrated into the Aqua base facing out towards the park in that first image?

sure are...

[Chi_Coruscant]

I like it! I really like the pedestal structure which will make upper Columbus Dr look more ped-friendly. One question: how did the sales go?

Thanks for the update, BVictor.

[poidog]

I think I'm interested in buying a place here. I think I'll head down to the sales center this week. Does anyone know now much the 2 bedrooms are going for, or how much they are asking for the reservation?
Thanks!

[Steely Dan]

^ the Aqua Website (http://www.lakeshoreeast.com/aqua/home.html) offers next to nothing in terms of pricing or reservation information, so you'll either have to call or visit the sales center directly, but i do STRONGLY encourage you to do so. aqua, and buildings like it, are way out of my price league, but we need all you wealthy folks to buy up as many units as possible in this beauty so that it becomes a reality and broke-ass shlubs like me can at least walk down the street and marvel at it from below.

[Latoso]

I believe that most available 2 bedrooms are starting around $600k and up. I know because my brother was looking at buying there and he brought over a huge portfolio so I could see it. Needless to say, it was very nice. It even included a $25 gift card to Brazzazz.

[poidog]

mmmm...gift card, maybe I sould go over to the sales center this weekend :). I just got an email from them with some floor plans of 2 brs and 1 br + den. She said the prices are mid 600's to 800, but I don't know if that is just for 2 brs or for the 1 br too (yikes).

[wrabbit]

https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2006/05/456690.jpg
I'm lovin' the Jetsons-style shelter roof over the vehicle unload/pickup area on the left side of the render!

Thanks, BVic, for the update.

[UptownChiBoy]

The base is too wide.

[spyguy]

Cool renderings. I wish that the glass on the bottom was more curvy however.