CHICAGO | Aqua | 858 FT / 262 M | 87 FLOORS [Archive] - Page 44

Jibba

Jan 13, 2009, 5:16 AM

Basically the same a Jibba's, but with light.

Ha, we keep following in each other's footsteps. Great minds think alike, right? Your has much better lighting, and I'm a little jealous that yours turned out better than mine :). One of these days I will find the time to catch a sunset/sunrise. Sweet shot, though, and doesn't Aqua add a fantastic element of depth from that angle?

honte

Jan 13, 2009, 5:21 AM

This discussion about the base is kinda like a bad rerun...but I really enjoy this one as people have interesting opinions now that there is more to look at....however, I'll stick with my original impression that the complex is a strip mall with a building growing out of the top ala Presidential Towers (albiet, the actual tower is amazing). I put up a great rendering once, but it got deleted (a strip mall with a 7-11, dry cleaner, etc with Aqua popping out of the top) :-)

Yeah, in that now-deleted conversation, I put forth the sick-and-twisted theory that Aqua observes the Chicago vernacular by repeating the parking podium trend. Like it or hate it, it is indeed a defining part of Chicago's urban landscape. I still think there is some curious merit to this.

alex1

Jan 13, 2009, 5:39 AM

Aqua seems to me a building truly in the spirit of Chicago architecture, but only because it can't decide how much of our tradition to carry forth vs. how much to follow larger, global trends. That's been a perplexing problem here since at least the 1980s.

seeing that Jeanne worked in Rotterdam and that Chicago has long stalled as an architectural powerhouse, this does not come as a surprise to me. Nor do I think it's a huge problem considering the current state of Chicago architecture. For one, the work outside of a few very talented designers and architects is weak. A gap exists, for sure.

It took me all but 15 minutes in Holland to realize how strong their design sense is and how the locality dictates the forms and decision making processes. There is a level of discovery that is embedded in their history, landscape and regional evolution that doesn't seem forced. It's all very natural. For some reason, Chicago's history of innovation in design and architecture has been spotty despite many years of ingenious work.

What I do find very interesting is when I see the Dutch export that process elsewhere. It seems out of place, no matter the architects sensitivity to a region, culture or landscape. Student center at IIT (rem) has that problem. I like certain components of it, but it would be a much better building in Holland then it is in Chicago.

Likewise, Aqua works and fits into Chicago quite well. It might fit into Rotterdam's sometimes frilly and fanciful financial district but beneath those curving balconies lies a box. And that language is Chicagoan, not Dutch. (although Jeanne was getting closer to a Dutch language with her original colored glass-paned balconies).

Anyhow, I think you nailed this tower in your post Honte.

Busy Bee

Jan 13, 2009, 3:32 PM

Easy one, it's all about the Dutch Light (http://www.dutchlight.nl/).

wrab

Jan 13, 2009, 4:18 PM

^ Thanks for the Dutch Light link!

The Dutch have something of an historical obsession with light & optics, going back at least as far as the 17th century (lenses, caravaggisti, the camera obscura):

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/little-street.jpg

Chicago also has a special light - more than just myth - something about latitude + luminosity from the Lake + flat terrain + NSEW grid pattern. Hadid commented on it recently while she was in the region for her work on the Ann Arbor project. There is a real clarity to it, and it rewards interesting surfaces (one reason why precast panels can look so cruddy here, IMHO). Underestimated as a force in shaping the building culture here.

Ch.G, Ch.G

Jan 13, 2009, 4:52 PM

For one, the work outside of a few very talented designers and architects is weak. A gap exists, for sure.

There are more than a few very talented architects here; the problem is that their firms are young and/or they haven't had the exposure of some of their more mature/prolific peers.

(although Jeanne was getting closer to a Dutch language with her original colored glass-paned balconies).

Jibba

Jan 13, 2009, 5:14 PM

Chicago also has a special light - more than just myth - something having to do with the latitude, luminosity from the Lake, the flat terrain, and the NSEW grid pattern. Hadid commented on it recently while she was in the region for her work on the Ann Arbor project. There is a real clarity to it, and it rewards interesting surfaces (one reason why precast panels can look so cruddy here, IMHO). Underestimated as a force in shaping the building culture here.

This is an interesting point, and one that I would not have really dwelled upon unless someone brought it up specifically like you have. Certainly a valid point, too; the way the city lights up sometimes is literally brilliant.

VivaLFuego

Jan 13, 2009, 5:19 PM

Yeah, in that now-deleted conversation, I put forth the sick-and-twisted theory that Aqua observes the Chicago vernacular by repeating the parking podium trend. Like it or hate it, it is indeed a defining part of Chicago's urban landscape. I still think there is some curious merit to this.

This is a sentiment I've been coming around to for a while, as well. Certainly since our FAR-based zoning code of 1957, the tower-over-podium form is clearly a local vernacular. It's not inherently a bad thing, but the bad examples that obliterate streetscapes ruin the image/perception of the more tasteful, elegantly-functional podia. I'm not yet quite sure what I'll think of Aqua's podium but my instinct is that it will be a pretty decent effort, particularly given the unique peculiarities of the multi-level site.

alex1

Jan 14, 2009, 12:02 AM

Chicago also has a special light - more than just myth - something about latitude + luminosity from the Lake + flat terrain + NSEW grid pattern. Hadid commented on it recently while she was in the region for her work on the Ann Arbor project. There is a real clarity to it, and it rewards interesting surfaces (one reason why precast panels can look so cruddy here, IMHO). Underestimated as a force in shaping the building culture here.

I remember moving to Chicago after my undergrad and falling instantly in love with the yellowish hue in the light.

Some people might not like the light quality in Chicago but I think it's quite wonderful.

alex1

Jan 14, 2009, 12:09 AM

There are more than a few very talented architects here; the problem is that their firms are young and/or they haven't had the exposure of some of their more mature/prolific peers.

I don't disagree with this but I've seen more then a few really talented architects move to Holland or elsewhere due to how conservative developers tend to be.

The bigger problem is that designers and architects aren't getting a consistent flow of good commissions in Chicago. Without this the city will have a hard time truly developing its talent.

Jibba

Jan 14, 2009, 2:28 AM

Today:
http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/738/dsc069819158746pq0.jpg
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/4963/dsc069869188834ew9.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6077/dsc069929223584ck8.jpg
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2273/dsc06996a9239077yt1.jpg

The fact that the Gang crew eschewed "fake" balconies on the mechanical floor is excellent--it gives a whole new layer to the aesthetic in terms of its functional origins and program.

harryc

Jan 14, 2009, 7:34 PM

Another pair of river shots.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SW44Cygo8BI/AAAAAAABCkM/UmlE6nBuMGM/s800/P1200576.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SW44EQvakuI/AAAAAAABCkY/z5L2GrgDXMI/s720/P1200580.JPG

Jibba

Jan 14, 2009, 8:01 PM

^By my count there are only about 7 more floors to go. Anyone else have an estimation?

Oh, and I'll be damned if those bridges aren't dead sexy. The geometry displayed in the bridge in the foreground of your shot looks so sweet, harryc.

dropdeaded209

Jan 14, 2009, 8:08 PM

I agree, those bridges look fantastic. Also, it looks like Hotel 71 is trying to mimic Aqua's curves, the way sunlight is reflecting off the facade. :cool:

harryc

Jan 14, 2009, 9:07 PM

I agree, those bridges look fantastic. Also, it looks like Hotel 71 is trying to mimic Aqua's curves, the way sunlight is reflecting off the facade. :cool:

That may be light reflected from Trump Tower, but yes cool effect.

Aqua Plumber

Jan 15, 2009, 12:03 AM

75 east was to be poured today but was cancelled do to the weather.....it will not be poured until monday. 75 west is decked but not ready to be poured. crane will be down until monday as well

Jibba

Jan 15, 2009, 12:06 AM

^Thanks; good to know.

cbotnyse

Jan 15, 2009, 1:23 AM

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SW44EQvakuI/AAAAAAABCkY/z5L2GrgDXMI/s720/P1200580.JPGharry, you really nailed this composition. really well done. :tup:

Jibba

Jan 18, 2009, 1:07 AM

Today:
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/6711/dsc070788490392er8.jpg
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/8507/dsc070708286906jp4.jpg
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/1408/dsc070878511635jd4.jpg
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/6269/dsc07077a8296495ue1.jpg
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/7065/dsc070908431883gf8.jpg
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/7323/dsc07083b8499665ld1.jpg

harryc

Jan 18, 2009, 3:17 AM

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXKevtOYfbI/AAAAAAABDI0/BMXAIjLZfRU/s800/P1200709.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXKewmZMljI/AAAAAAABDJA/BzMW1-Rf4XQ/s800/P1200714.JPG

spyguy

Jan 18, 2009, 8:24 PM

Various LSE updates (http://www.lakeshoreeast.com/community-blog/?p=289)

Aqua
- The hotel component still in the negotiation phase. Magellan has 2 -3 contenders to replace the previous contracted hotel vendor (Strategic - Fairmont Suites).
- Pedway, Grand Staircase and public elevator will be open to the public summer 09.

Village Market
- Magellan is currently working on securing a new, larger grocer as well as a few other restaurants and an extension of 5th 3rd Bank.
- Treasure Island is no longer the grocer. The new plan expands from the previous 30,000 square foot boutique grocery store to a proposed 50,000 square foot full service grocery store. At this point Magellan is in the final stages of negotiating the lease. Grocer will be announce as soon as we have a secure lease.
- Once we have signed leases for multiple tenants and final city permits Magellan will feel more confident about securing financing and breaking ground.
- Magellan feels the new permits will occur in late spring.

School
- As of today the school is on hold.
- Discussion with the city and the Chicago Public School District isto incorporate a K-4 or possiby a K-8 school at the base of a future high rise development.
- Funding and population are challenges.

EarlyBuyer

Jan 18, 2009, 10:33 PM

Thanks for the updates Jibba, harryc, Aqua Plumber & spyguy!

With regard the replacement grocer at the Village Market, it's my understanding it will not be Dominick's or Jewel; so that narrows it down a bit.

the urban politician

Jan 18, 2009, 10:57 PM

Maybe it will be Piggly Wiggly?

In all seriousness, I'm guessing Roundy's

EarlyBuyer

Jan 18, 2009, 11:19 PM

:previous:

Yeah, Roundy's would be a good bet. How about Whole Foods?

I'm thinking the CVS lease at Aqua likely has a non-compete (Pharmacy services) clause in it. Whole Foods doesn't have Pharmacy services. Also, the architecture of the newer Whole Foods stores matches the general look of the Village Market.

Tom In Chicago

Jan 19, 2009, 7:08 PM

the urban politician

Jan 19, 2009, 9:44 PM

^What a disaster. . . the school and the market are long overdue and it sounds like we're going to get no school and a much larger grocer than we need in the area. . . and another bank branch??? What for?!?

. . .

^ I don't understand why a large grocer is a bad thing. Larger grocer=more variety. And what's wrong with bank branches? Every neighborhood needs them..

spyguy

Jan 20, 2009, 12:51 AM

And what's wrong with bank branches? Every neighborhood needs them..

There's already a Fifth Third bank at the base of the Shoreham and a Chase in 340OTP. But besides banks, a grocery store, and some restaurants, I wonder what kind of tenants they'll attract. Maybe a big box store?

trvlr70

Jan 20, 2009, 3:32 PM

It sucks about the school. I know many young families specifically moved into LSE because of the proximity to the proposed new school. It was certainly one of the best selling points of the development.

Tom In Chicago

Jan 20, 2009, 6:20 PM

^ I don't understand why a large grocer is a bad thing. Larger grocer=more variety. And what's wrong with bank branches? Every neighborhood needs them..

Larger grocery store = more car traffic

Bank Branches = aside from the fact that there are already bank branches in that building (Chase), they already have a 5/3rd on the other side of the park. . . totally unnecessary. . . that space could be used for retail or restaurants. . . or anything that generates sales tax receipts for the city!

. . .

ardecila

Jan 20, 2009, 7:22 PM

In this market, Magellan can't afford to be picky with their retail tenants. If Fifth Third is willing to pay the rent, then they should get the space. Either LSE can sustain two locations a block apart, or it can't, and traffic will be spread too thin. In that case, Fifth Third will probably end up closing one location or the other.

photoLith

Jan 20, 2009, 7:52 PM

One of the only cities where a freakin 820 ft tower doesnt make an impact on the skyline. lol

Nowhereman1280

Jan 20, 2009, 8:09 PM

Larger grocery store = more car traffic

Where are people going to drive from to use this store? No one will come from north of the river since there is already Fox and Obel and Dominicks (which is a particularly big Dominicks) within a block from the north bank. No one is going to come from Illinois center because its not residential. No one is going to come from the loop since there is already two potential grocers going in at Carson Piere Scott and/or B37.

So unless people are planning on driving from 175 Harbor drive or something to get groceries, I just don't see traffic being any higher than it already will be.

Jibba

Jan 21, 2009, 12:21 AM

One of the only cities where a freakin 820 ft tower doesnt make an impact on the skyline. lol

Depends where you're at. Although, if we are taking the term "skyline" to mean the silhouette of the entire downtown and vicinity from afar, then yeah, it doesn't really make that much of an impact. But from certain areas within the city it makes quite the impact (much to my surprise):

From today:
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/1875/dsc071326109976rv9.jpg
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/5066/dsc071376608288ds9.jpg
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5901/dsc071346589606sn8.jpg
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/2227/dsc071386124606gl7.jpg
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/1760/dsc071156075873xy2.jpg

Actually, Aqua makes quite the visual terminus for the eastward view corridor of the main branch, much more so than I had anticipated when the project was first announced.

EarlyBuyer

Jan 21, 2009, 1:53 AM

The total square footage of the Village Market will be 100,000. The revised grocer space is 50,000, so there's space for several 2,000-5,000 square foot retailers or another medium box retailer.

LSE is in need of a casual breakfast restaurant. Additionally, an ice cream shop (such as Cold Stone) as well as a Bar-B-Q (like Smoque), would be a hit.

Jibba

Jan 21, 2009, 4:50 PM

An informative article on Aqua published by the CTBUH was posted over at SSC. Among other interesting tidbits about the building, there is an explanation paraphrased from the Project Architect at Studio Gang, Mauricio Sanchez, about the balcony railings:

"Studio Gang Architects decided to use black painted steel balustrades to achieve the effect of them disappearing against the façade. A glass balustrade may have offered greater panoramic views and a translucent space perception but would have boosted the construction cost considerably. Thus the black steel balustrade was considered an acceptable solution."

Source: http://www.ctbuh.org/Events/StudyTours/AquaTowerTour/tabid/779/Default.aspx

There was a fair amount of conjecture about the railings before from a few posters here, but I have not heard from someone within Gang about them until this article. The entire article is worth checking out, and there are some fantastic photographs at the end of it.

10023

Jan 21, 2009, 5:04 PM

Why is the school on hold?

I'd assume that it's not being built privately, so it can't be an economic decision on the part of Magellan. Can't Daley just call Obama and get him to send a little of that stimulus scratch his way for the LSE school?

EarlyBuyer

Jan 23, 2009, 3:23 AM

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4531/dsc0345gc9.jpg

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/341/dsc0347bt1.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/7979/dsc0353ol3.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/729/dsc0376dv9.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/9833/dsc0377lp3.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4126/dsc0384fg5.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/5359/dsc0385bb3.jpg

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/6523/dsc0387fp0.jpg

EarlyBuyer

Jan 23, 2009, 3:42 AM

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/4673/dsc0361di9.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6443/dsc0360gu8.jpg

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/948/dsc0362an1.jpg

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/3043/dsc0363en0.jpg

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3721/dsc0372yh5.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1905/dsc0366wd8.jpg

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/8549/dsc0367mx6.jpg

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8590/dsc0368ag1.jpg

EarlyBuyer

Jan 23, 2009, 3:58 AM

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8571/dsc0373mo8.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/9917/dsc0374up1.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6403/dsc0380es0.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/7024/dsc0383df9.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8884/dsc0397te5.jpg

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/6909/dsc0396dl2.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/579/dsc0391lg2.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/5044/dsc0393oi3.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8034/dsc0398zk7.jpg

EarlyBuyer

Jan 23, 2009, 4:12 AM

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/4310/dsc0405ua0.jpg

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/1964/dsc0406br7.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8648/dsc0407pd0.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/844/dsc0414zh8.jpg

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/9015/dsc0415xg6.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4643/dsc0428eh5.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2957/dsc0430wl9.jpg

Ryan81

Jan 23, 2009, 4:15 AM

Any Railing Haters out there? I am convinced that the railings will not distract from the waves.

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/7024/dsc0383df9.jpg

EarlyBuyer

Jan 23, 2009, 4:25 AM

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/5894/dsc0434ea9.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/9061/dsc0440ia8.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/2579/dsc0441nf5.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2585/dsc0446ix4.jpg

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6315/dsc0450au9.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5157/dsc0462mn0.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6118/dsc0457sa3.jpg

EarlyBuyer

Jan 23, 2009, 4:39 AM

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9990/dsc0490bg2.jpg

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/4715/dsc0486wk6.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/4485/dsc0480mx3.jpg

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/3748/dsc0476qb0.jpg

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8616/dsc0464so5.jpg

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3039/dsc0465ot5.jpg

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/460/dsc0483gf4.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/1783/dsc0484ws3.jpg

EarlyBuyer

Jan 23, 2009, 4:57 AM

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/7427/dsc0495te4.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/8944/dsc0498yp5.jpg

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/3562/dsc0502po7.jpg

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/9016/dsc0508ei1.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/731/dsc0512qk0.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/1781/dsc0511ut4.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/8015/dsc0519yl5.jpg

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/3518/dsc0521cz3.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/1730/dsc0526ny5.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/5488/dsc0527as0.jpg

EarlyBuyer

Jan 23, 2009, 5:39 AM

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/6118/dsc0534wu9.jpg

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/3922/dsc0536xo3.jpg

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8981/dsc0541jl0.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4431/dsc0543ne9.jpg

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/3380/dsc0553yt8.jpg

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/5012/dsc0558pp9.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/2076/dsc0565nl8.jpg

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/5674/dsc0571zo3.jpg

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/7219/dsc0570yl5.jpg

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8299/dsc0559uv3.jpg

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7987/dsc0578np7.jpg

honte

Jan 23, 2009, 5:55 AM

Wow EB, that was intense!!

Jibba

Jan 23, 2009, 6:38 AM

Dang, EarlyBuyer; thanks for the wealth of varied and detailed shots.

Here are some of mine from today (some of the stitched ones are a little absurd looking):
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5470/aqua30995645yn1.jpg
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/3117/aquaillinoiscenter10099qn3.jpg
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/6024/aquafromcolumbus2886243ar1.jpg
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/5619/dsc073231232124jv2.jpg
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5919/trumpandwacker1019696wv6.jpg

harryc

Jan 23, 2009, 11:43 AM

My 2cents
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXms8c3uh4I/AAAAAAABDoo/MJa7ZPFAcTA/s800/P1210424.JPG

alex1

Jan 23, 2009, 11:55 AM

^ I don't understand why a large grocer is a bad thing. Larger grocer=more variety. And what's wrong with bank branches? Every neighborhood needs them..

larger grocery stores can sometimes hurt a neighborhood's intimacy. It's the one thing I much prefer out here on the East Coast over Chicago. There's an abundance of smaller grocerers.

But on the flip, you pay more at smaller grocery stores. That's alright by me, but many people would prefer themselves a cheaper alternative.

the urban politician

Jan 23, 2009, 2:45 PM

larger grocery stores can sometimes hurt a neighborhood's intimacy. It's the one thing I much prefer out here on the East Coast over Chicago. There's an abundance of smaller grocerers.

^ A well-designed large grocer doesn't have to diminish the intimate neighborhood feel.

But when you have crap like that Dominick's at Roosevelt what can you do?

Anyhow, I appreciate the photo updates, everyone. Thanks also for that sneak peak at the parkhomes, EB

andydie

Jan 23, 2009, 5:53 PM

Hello Friends and Aquafans,

to finish my Construction 2008 Series for Aqua here I present you my latest video with construction till 12/31 2008:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAMis8hwEzA

Music: First State featuring Anita Kelsey - Falling (Extended Mix)

At the End of Next Week I will post another video with Construction 2009 then for you all to enjoy!

EarlyBuyer

Jan 23, 2009, 6:37 PM

Thanks andy for the time invested into making another great video!

Ryan81

Jan 23, 2009, 11:43 PM

I'm not sure if this has been discussed before or not, but does anybody have any idea how the windows on this thing will be washed? Probably won't need it that often....Just curious though.

denizen467

Jan 24, 2009, 9:55 AM

^ Balcony railing = done from balcony; no balcony railing = traditional roof-suspended platform... oh wait, that doesn't work. Maybe it has to be suspended from very far outwards from the roofline, and have the ability to extend back inwards (with some sort of counterbalance?) when at the burnouts?

Aqua Plumber

Jan 24, 2009, 1:36 PM

Manus in Chicago

Jan 24, 2009, 3:04 PM

there are shells that are placed into the side of the balconies every 5 floors.....it has something to do with the window washing equipment, maybe for an I bolt for a lead line to go through? i don't know, maybe u guys have a better guess than i do but u can probably see what im talking about with a little help from one of your zoom lenses
The buttons are placed every other floor 5’ on center which is used to help stabilize the window washing stage by using a tie back that inserts into the shell. The window washing unit provided by Tractel http://www.tractelswingstage.com/ runs on a track on the roof so it can get to the whole perimeter.

ardecila

Jan 24, 2009, 5:40 PM

I never gave much thought to window washing systems before. Just one more in the HUGE litany of systems that every skyscraper must address...

harryc

Jan 24, 2009, 9:46 PM

from Michigan / Lake
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXuLqvaYxPI/AAAAAAABD5A/vAjqocWgKCY/s720/P1210686.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SXuLsP-QlpI/AAAAAAABD5M/lgrK0f_fmrI/s720/P1210691.JPG

andydie

Jan 25, 2009, 1:48 AM

just 5 more floors till its done:cheers:

george

Jan 25, 2009, 3:29 AM

I like the subtle railings & they work with the waves. One day some inspired spiderman will step over those low railings and walk the waves just because. Good chronicle EB.

Aleks

Jan 25, 2009, 5:25 AM

Hmmm... I never even thought about the washing system. Does anyone have a more detailed description/pictures/renders on how the system works?

KevinFromTexas

Jan 25, 2009, 5:40 AM

Great pics guys. This must be one of the coolest buildings to come along in a while. Very neat design. I like it a lot.

wrab

Jan 25, 2009, 5:57 PM

1/24

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3382/3225238813_6f0cc0065b_b.jpg

jc5680

Jan 25, 2009, 6:48 PM

:previous: :slob: !!!

Ilan

Jan 25, 2009, 7:18 PM

Awesome pic wrabbit!

hawkeye view

Jan 25, 2009, 8:44 PM

Getting hard to capture the whole building in 1 shot from here with my camera :)

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/1127/img2518ex7.jpg (http://img183.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2518ex7.jpg)

Jibba

Jan 25, 2009, 11:45 PM

Hot photos wrabbit and hawkeye view.

wrab

Jan 26, 2009, 2:15 AM

Thanks, Jibba.

More from 1/24:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/3226474325_699269bfce_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3226567669_9c6f0b62f5_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3226606217_440cfd4749_b.jpg

Jibba

Jan 27, 2009, 5:03 AM

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/4288/eastwacker12051804kw2.jpg
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4848/mainbranch12072464gq8.jpg

Steely Dan

Jan 27, 2009, 7:40 PM

I never gave much thought to window washing systems before. Just one more in the HUGE litany of systems that every skyscraper must address...

not every skyscraper. here at marina city there is no window washing system, individual unit owners are responsible for keeping the glass of their unit as clean as they desire. my glass is freaking disgusting right now, but it's been too damn cold to do anything about it. the first warmish weekend in february i'm on it.

ardecila

Jan 27, 2009, 8:35 PM

Good point. You have to admit, though, that Marina City is rare in having a balcony outside every window. Any tower that has windows without balconies needs a system to keep those clean.

Steely Dan

Jan 27, 2009, 9:05 PM

^yeah, marina city is somewhat unique in that regard, at least in this city. i was just pointing it out as an exception.

anyway, back to Aqua.

(four 0 four)

Jan 27, 2009, 10:37 PM

Stunning photo...thanks for sharing!
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9990/dsc0490bg2.jpg
What an incredible building. I hope to be in Chicago this summer and this will be one of my first stops.

harryc

Jan 29, 2009, 1:45 PM

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYGyjdgZkdI/AAAAAAABEf4/i8fNjSAYIYA/s720/P1220293_4_5.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYGyjooGq5I/AAAAAAABEgE/l-6jId4-kF4/s720/P1220297.JPG

Mojava

Jan 29, 2009, 4:19 PM

^^In Harry's last photo, is that concrete or just some temporary protective barrier where the exterior wall will be. It would seem odd for it to be concrete and not put any condo units there.

harryc

Jan 31, 2009, 3:14 AM

Never went E of Michigan, but this keeps on popping up, with all the nicest neighbors.

Jan 28 - am
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYPAkC9GtuI/AAAAAAABEso/DWX-3zSNzKs/s800/P1220414.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYPAlCoTyHI/AAAAAAABEs0/nbcUMmJkaiQ/s800/P1220415.JPG

Jan 30 - am
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYPAlz_olzI/AAAAAAABEtA/EDsG--ZSiF8/s720/P1220691.JPG

Jan 30 - noon
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYPAnLS9H1I/AAAAAAABEtM/mlLOW-yo4qA/s800/P1220769.JPG

I love the way the winter sun catches the waves in the balconies.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYPAoe4siNI/AAAAAAABEtY/uknmHDEUUBA/s800/P1220911.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYPAp74UfJI/AAAAAAABEtk/3fp8C92yLYU/s800/P1220918.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SYPArCeTaAI/AAAAAAABEtw/LIVDPSrkNaQ/s800/P1220940.JPG

i_am_hydrogen

Jan 31, 2009, 3:36 AM

^Nice shots. Quite the architectural assortment. I love Aqua from the slim sides, not so sure about the broad sides.

EarlyBuyer

Jan 31, 2009, 6:05 AM

Thanks for the updates harry!

EarlyBuyer

Jan 31, 2009, 3:26 PM

Jibba

Jan 31, 2009, 5:10 PM

^Almost done...

Thanks for the update.

lawfin

Jan 31, 2009, 5:42 PM

I'll probably get piloried for this....but I find Aqua "gimmicky"

wrab

Feb 1, 2009, 12:17 AM

^ Nah - the more opinions the better. Not that I agree ;)

Anyway, 1/31. Still tweaking this one, so it may be up & down for a while:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3242668659_9612847180_b.jpg

Ch.G, Ch.G

Feb 1, 2009, 12:31 AM

lawfin, I think it depends on whether or not you believe the rationale for the balconies. Regardless, you're not the first to hold that opinion.

Jibba

Feb 1, 2009, 12:33 AM

Tweak away, but that's an awesome frame and comp. as-is.

wrab

Feb 1, 2009, 6:55 AM

lawfin, I think it depends on whether or not you believe the rationale for the balconies. Regardless, you're not the first to hold that opinion.

Yeah - that is the crux - the balconies extend into predetermined view corridors. Also, Mangellan is responsible for the "Aqua" monicker - I get the feeling that Gang would rather it be called something else LOL - but the balconies aren't trying to evoke breakers.

1/31, w/Trump

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3421/3242661623_deabf2e2dd_b.jpg

wrab

Feb 1, 2009, 6:57 AM

1/31

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3242651671_aeb2c58891_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/3242646885_ca306a437b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3511/3243349976_aa1024032c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3243476288_c3dd835296_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/3243491006_1e3c0c734f_b.jpg

FlashingLights

Feb 1, 2009, 12:51 PM

I'll probably get piloried for this....but I find Aqua "gimmicky"

I find it gimmicky also, I feel it could have been executed different. The white concrete slab balconies look cheap and contrast the modern windows.The entire waves thing seems gimmicky, it's like the building is trying to be revolutionary and fails at it. It also seems like the entire window should have come out to the level of the wave balcony, and entire large sections of the building should have been in the wave budges, not just the balconies. It was probably not done this way because it would be to expensive to build and condo buyers want balconies. (This was already talked about earlier in the thread.) I think if it was done with higher end material it might look nicer too, but it seems cheaped out on like other Lowenberg buildings.

Also I'm for modern design and I think this building could have been awesome, but when you look at it it's not comforting to the eyes at all it looks like the building has a disease growing on it and you just want to scrape it off. I shouldn't have to stare at it trying to like it for being groundbreaking it should just be. It fails to be a marina tower as others were attempting to compare it to earlier in the thread. I still think its a step in the right direction towards more modern design, especially compared to say The Elysian.

blart

Feb 1, 2009, 3:50 PM

From afar, judging just from photos, this is a really interesting building; contrasts nicely with its neighbors.

Don't know if this was brought up before, but how successful it is visually may depend on how clean those concrete balconies can stay. If they get stained or dirty, especially the undersides, it may really look like a disease growing, as FlashingLights said.

BVictor1

Feb 1, 2009, 7:29 PM

An update released from Magellan 1/30/09:

"...Magellan Development reports today that Aqua will be pouring the 79th floor next week. Windows are installed to the 65th floor. Lastly studs are being installed on the 53rd floor..."

So I suppose depending on how you count the floors, there are either 3 floors left to pour or like 8.

ginsan2

Feb 1, 2009, 7:43 PM

I find it gimmicky also, I feel it could have been executed different. The white concrete slab balconies look cheap and contrast the modern windows.The entire waves thing seems gimmicky, it's like the building is trying to be revolutionary and fails at it. It also seems like the entire window should have come out to the level of the wave balcony, and entire large sections of the building should have been in the wave budges, not just the balconies. It was probably not done this way because it would be to expensive to build and condo buyers want balconies. (This was already talked about earlier in the thread.) I think if it was done with higher end material it might look nicer too, but it seems cheaped out on like other Lowenberg buildings.

To my inexperienced eye, it just looks like they constructed a building meant to be viewed from only one angle. From the ground and the side perspectives, it really adds nothing to the street. So from that perspective, I too agree that it's very "gimmicky"; clearly built for only one angle, for only one effect.

Also, I had a biology class once where I had to cut open a cow intestine. The lining of its stomach and the intestine looked exactly like that building's waves and ripples. It makes me a little ill.

Nowhereman1280

Feb 1, 2009, 8:16 PM

How do white balconies "look cheap" in contrast to "modern glass". I find that to be really silly. Last time I checked "white" is a very "modern" color. And what makes this glass any more "modern" than painted concrete?

Also, this building would be a failure if the glass reached out to the edge of the balconies because that would defeat the entire cleverness of the design. That would throw this building into the same category of the exhibitionist thoughtless designs you see in Dubai. The genius of this building is that it is a box with balconies, an extremely efficient form, yet it hides those balconies with a clever design scheme. Also, if you put the glass out to the edge you entirely defeat the practical point of the waves which is to provide balconies that have extended lines of sight. The moment you put glass on them, you prevent a person on one balcony from seeing across the others and having waves at all is pointless... Then the curves are indeed a gimmick and completely pointless except for aesthetics.

the urban politician

Feb 1, 2009, 10:53 PM

I think that in 50 years, this building will be considered a landmark

CHAPINM1

Feb 2, 2009, 12:47 AM

I think that in 50 years, this building will be considered a landmark

I'd say it already is... :tup:

spyguy

Feb 4, 2009, 10:33 PM

In all seriousness, I'm guessing Roundy's

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=32883

Roundy’s exits West Loop lease, in talks on 2 other sites
By Eddie Baeb, Feb. 04, 2009

...Roundy’s also is in advanced talks for a new store in Lakeshore East, just northeast of Millennium Park, and would lease 50,000 to 60,000 square feet, roughly double the size of a Treasure Island grocery store that had been planned there.