CHICAGO | Aqua | 858 FT / 262 M | 87 FLOORS [Archive] - Page 50

djvandrake

May 14, 2009, 5:23 PM

Am I the only one who has a Love - Hate view of this building?

*ducks*

Seriously. From some angles it looks fantastic, and from others it looks messy and dark. The balconies in some areas terminate so sharply or the curvature changes quickly and it looks like it's incomplete. The floors that are double height without the balcony totally destroy the flow of the pattern too.

It all depends on the angle you look at it I suppose, and wether or not the glass catches the light.

I know it's not finished yet, but I think enough of it is completed that we're getting a good sense of the finished product.

lawfin

May 14, 2009, 8:37 PM

^^^I go back and forth but bottom line I find it gimmicky

Steely Dan

May 14, 2009, 8:52 PM

i can't think of a single highrise tower constructed anywhere in this city (or indeed much of this nation) in the past 3 decades that comes anywhere close to touching the magic of Aqua.

that might be faint praise considering the time period in question, but still, this tower is the real deal and LONG overdue.

ardecila

May 14, 2009, 9:22 PM

I don't know about magic, but we've had some pretty cool towers go up. These are just the progressively modern ones: Hyatt Center, 1 South Dearborn, Skybridge, 235 West Van Buren, 340 On The Park, etc.

If you, like me, also think buildings like OMP, OMPW, Legacy, 353 North Clark, and Trump also contribute to the architectural vitality of the city, then there are those as well.

Nowhereman1280

May 14, 2009, 9:38 PM

Aqua is one of my favorite buildings of the boom and one of the few that actually represents innovation in architecture and engineer and best of all it is entirely homegrown, offering hope for the future of the Chicago architectural community.

EarlyBuyer

May 15, 2009, 2:39 AM

Update released by Magellan 5/14/09:

"...landscaping featuring interesting topography was installed on the outdoor deck this week along with the framing for the gazebos. The tiling around the indoor lap pool is near completion and looks gorgeous! Additionally, IPod docking stations are being installed throughout the Shore Club amenities for custom music options. Furniture for the Skygarden and Party Rooms were delivered this week. Framing is still at floor 70 and drywall is installed through floor 56..."

george

May 15, 2009, 3:06 AM

5-14-09

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7421/aqua1.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3592/aqua2.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4051/aqua5.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7830/aqua4b.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2850/aqua3.jpg

Aleks

May 15, 2009, 5:55 AM

Umm... I really thought this would come out better. I still like but now that I see the finished product I would like it more in Dubai Marina or someplace of the sort [Panama would be nice too].

It's just that it doesn't strike me as "Chicago". I'm not sure if that makes to everyone else but it makes sense to me. Compare it to Trump [well, you can't really but whatever], which fits perfectly in Chicago. Aqua is nice, it's really nice, but not in Chicago. I think the thing that bothers me are the "waves". They don't look as good as I expected and again, compared to another buildings, the Beekman, which also has "waves", Beekman looks better in terms of surroundings, design, the way it's coming along, the flow of the waves, blah blah blah.

I'm not hating on this building, I'm just not as big of a fan that I thought I was.

modkris

May 15, 2009, 6:15 AM

Ardvark

May 15, 2009, 2:21 PM

It amazes me how much the Aqua in George's pictures (post 4907 (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=4250845&postcount=4907)) resembles the original drawing in the first post.

Stunning use of existing materials, and relatively cheap too...
I think it's a masterpiece.

the urban politician

May 15, 2009, 3:09 PM

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2850/aqua3.jpg

^ I can't get over this staircase. It's just so cool. I hope they don't paint it.

I imagine all these different neighborhood grade separations connected by outdoor public staircases is emerging as another "Chicago" thing, if you will. Of all of them, though, this one pictured above seems to be the most stylized

ardecila

May 15, 2009, 5:13 PM

The spiral definitely has its share of blemishes, though. The ugly amalgam of variously-sized CMUs and columns in the back is rather ugly, the red detectable warnings on the stairs are glaringly bright, and the water drainage sucks (one step was flooded with 3" of water on Wednesday).

I'm also hoping the handrails are temporary - right now they're just galvanized pipe with electrical tape on the ends. The other fixtures are kinda ugly, too - there are security lightsaffixed to the inside of the spiral that look off-the-shelf from Home Depot, and the scupper that drains one of the steps does not project the water far enough out, so it gets blown back onto people descending the stairs. The water from this drips down the concrete, and it's already staining.

My impression of the stair was probably influenced by the generally awful day on which I visited it, but if it can't handle rainwater, there's a serious problem. Many points of cost-cutting and design compromise exist on these stairs - I really hope that most of these are temporary problems, and that the stairs have plenty more finishing work to be done. If not, then Jeanne Gang will have seriously disappointed me in what is perhaps the grandest public gesture of the entire project.

God, I still can't get over the idea of those god-awful red detectable warnings... because I KNOW those aren't going anywhere, and they can't even fade since they're in the shade. They're obviously available in less jarring colors.

This photo illustrates most of my gripes, although EB's excellent composition makes it seem rosier than reality:
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/6425/dsc0626o.jpg

avngingandbright

May 15, 2009, 5:39 PM

Hate to be a party pooper, but doesn't that staircase provide quite an opportunity for crime?

djvandrake

May 15, 2009, 5:51 PM

Maybe I should have been a touch more specific rather than make such a generalized statement.

(and also let me state for the record I'm a HUGE fan of Chicago architecture. 340 on the Park to me is the essence of beauty. :slob: )

If I can point out from the excellent pictures posted by George;

5-14-09

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7421/aqua1.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3592/aqua2.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4051/aqua5.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7830/aqua4b.jpg

In the first three images above, I'll agree with Steely. Magic, with the one glaring exception of the floor where they skipped a set of balconies about 2/3 the way up (Why? :shrug: Destroys the flow! :( ). From this angle looking up at the tower a full appreciation of the form is visible, and of how much inspired genius went into it's design.

In the fourth image with the higher vantage point the effect of the form goes from inspired to......well? Messy. It looks dark, cluttered, and the overhangs eliminate the availabilty of glass surface area to catch the light and really shine. The contrast is semi-lost. Now you could argue the play of foucs from the white balconies to the darker colored glass area achieves that, but in my opinion the higher up your vantage point (or the farther away you view it) this building loses it's magic.

Steely Dan

May 15, 2009, 7:17 PM

with the one glaring exception of the floor where they skipped a set of balconies about 2/3 the way up (Why? :shrug: Destroys the flow! :( ).

it's a mechanical floor, there would be no functional reason to have balconies located at that level. it makes sense to me.

In the fourth image with the higher vantage point the effect of the form goes from inspired to......well? Messy. It looks dark, cluttered, and the overhangs eliminate the availabilty of glass surface area to catch the light and really shine. The contrast is semi-lost. Now you could argue the play of foucs from the white balconies to the darker colored glass area achieves that, but in my opinion the higher up your vantage point (or the farther away you view it) this building loses it's magic.
i wholly disagree. the building is perhaps even more magical from a distance because it drifts into relative anonymity as just another chicago box, and yet as you draw closer it morphs into this other-worldy form. i love how this building pulls off that trick. it doesn't draw attention to itself until you're right on top of (underneath) it. that's a neat trick and i'm certain there's a fair bit of genius behind it.

Busy Bee

May 15, 2009, 8:57 PM

it's a mechanical floor, there would be no functional reason to have balconies located at that level. it makes sense to me.

Purist functionality vs. non-functional ornament is one thing, but I don't think any architecture critic or modernist diehard would drag Jeanne Gang into the street and stone her for including a much needed visual continuance at this mechanical floor. I'm with the others in saying that it doesn't ruin the building, but it does take away from the wave effect.

Aleks

May 16, 2009, 12:09 AM

Maybe you don't understand what "Chicago" is then. People were saying the same thing about Trump not too long ago. I think the architect, Jeanne Gang knows Chicago architecture better than most. The balcony "waves" are inspired by the rock formations that can be found all over the great lakes. Personally I don't think this building belongs anywhere but Chicago. Hopefully it will help change people's narrow minds about what Chicago architecture "is" now and can become in the future.

I'm not saying the design is ugly. But it's not as good as I expected it to be. And it's also not that the architecture isn't "Chicago", I just don't think the building was designed well enough. Maybe it's not even that! The waves from one side aren't good looking. Like in this (http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7421/aqua1.jpg) picture, the waves don't look as graceful, as random or as good as the waves on this (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3526419532_bd57459539.jpg?v=0) picture. And Trump was the complete opposite for me. I thought it would look ugly and it wouldn't fit but now that I see the finished product it looks even better than the renderings! Which is a pretty hard accomplishment for nearly all building in general!

i wholly disagree. the building is perhaps even more magical from a distance because it drifts into relative anonymity as just another chicago box, and yet as you draw closer it morphs into this other-worldy form. i love how this building pulls off that trick. it doesn't draw attention to itself until you're right on top of (underneath) it. that's a neat trick and i'm certain there's a fair bit of genius behind it.

You're right on this part. The actual building is designed nicely. The box "beneath" the waves looks really good and I feel like if it was by it's self it would look pretty modern, sleek, and fit in. But as you get closer I feel different, especially from the bottom. And like I said in my other response, some sides look good, while others look too randomized.

But I haven't really seen this building in real life so I can't be too sure about it. Maybe this Summer I'll check it out [maybe] and I'll be able to see the entire building and actually experience it instead of just looking at pictures.

Nowhereman1280

May 16, 2009, 12:10 AM

^^^ I think the lack of the mech floor wave is genius. Not only would it be a completely stupid waste of time and materials to build it, but it being a blank spot allows you to see the true box that exists inside. Besides, if you've ever actually seen the building in real life you can't ever see the lack of the wave from any angle where the wave pattern is truly spectacular, its only from a few blocks away that it is visible. The entire essence of this building is that it never looks the same. From a distance it is only a box. From right underneath, if you move but 5 feet in any direction, its appearance is completely altered.

Soaring_Higher

May 16, 2009, 7:10 AM

this building rocks! It has exceeded my expectations.

lawfin

May 16, 2009, 8:11 AM

lawfin

May 16, 2009, 8:15 AM

Originally Posted by modkris View Post
Maybe you don't understand what "Chicago" is then. People were saying the same thing about Trump not too long ago. I think the architect, Jeanne Gang knows Chicago architecture better than most. The balcony "waves" are inspired by the rock formations that can be found all over the great lakes. Personally I don't think this building belongs anywhere but Chicago. Hopefully it will help change people's narrow minds about what Chicago architecture "is" now and can become in the future.

Boy...I lived here....actually born and raised in the city for well over 30 years...I am a dying breed...and I would never be arrogant enough to claim I know....:what "Chicago" IS or How "Chicago" something X is.....

some people are so convinced they can reconcile complexity and fully understand chaos......

To them I humbly offer Chicago

wrab

May 16, 2009, 4:01 PM

.....Stunning use of existing materials, and relatively cheap too.....

There's the clincher - S/G did this all on Magellan's (low) budget, which impresses the heck out of me.

-----

Balconies and glass are organically tied into view corridors and seasonal solar angles at this specific latitude, so Aqua is site-specific; talk of it not fitting with Chicago, or of it looking better elsewhere, are therefore misguided IMHO.

george

May 16, 2009, 5:45 PM

5-14-09

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4051/aqua5.jpg

djvandrake

May 16, 2009, 5:59 PM

it's a mechanical floor, there would be no functional reason to have balconies located at that level. it makes sense to me.

Functional? No. Aesthetically? IMO yes. The break in the repeating pattern is the first thing that my eye is drawn to. (But I'm an engineer and wierd like that, so :shrug: ) It couldn't have been that much more $$$ to continue the balcony pattern there.

i wholly disagree. the building is perhaps even more magical from a distance because it drifts into relative anonymity as just another chicago box, and yet as you draw closer it morphs into this other-worldy form. i love how this building pulls off that trick. it doesn't draw attention to itself until you're right on top of (underneath) it. that's a neat trick and i'm certain there's a fair bit of genius behind it.

Hmmmm. I can respect that and is something I haven't considered. Granted I haven't seen this tower in person for 12+ months and the relative close up shots are what I'm basing my perspective on. I'll be in town again this summer, and will have to take stock of that aspect from various locations.

J_M_Tungsten

May 16, 2009, 7:58 PM

I think this building did exactly what it was meant to do, get people talking and interested in the building in order to increase sales. On this website alone, it has the fourth highest amount of views, only behind the most popular building projects in the world, The Burj Dubai, The Trump Tower Chicago, and The World Trade Center. It has inspired many people, not by its height, but by its distinctive shape. Although I think the so called "missing" balconies does look some what odd from certain angles, it definitely doesnt take away from this unique building. Also I really like what this project has done for this part of the city...FINALLY connecting the different street levels!

What defines "Chicago" architecture? I am glad to see that there are new and more modern designs coming to our city. We can appreciate the past, but we can't live in it, or build the same style buildings for that matter. I will always respect the buildings that have been built in the years past, but its time to start thinking outside the box. If the building projects in Dubai have showed me anything, I think the world (and Chicago) is ready for new and more unique architecture. Now I'm not saying all the buildings in Dubai would look right in Chicago, but I feel many of todays architects can use Chicago's past architectural designs as a base to make great buildings for the city's future.

wrab

May 17, 2009, 5:37 AM

5/14

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2049/3538206532_b3b0b5e48f_b.jpg

george

May 17, 2009, 12:41 PM

^Love the contrast in shapes & surfaces!^

harryc

May 17, 2009, 1:44 PM

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/ShAUOcYYDSI/AAAAAAABMDg/YRzRHyOx8-4/s800/P1370006.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/ShAUPm2shcI/AAAAAAABMDo/rSGhspcBLpk/s800/P1370096.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/ShAUQ9oRVCI/AAAAAAABMDw/paG7TGEb9VA/s800/P1370129.JPG

EarlyBuyer

May 17, 2009, 2:26 PM

Thanks for the updates george, wrabbit and harry.

Nice work, looking good!

Nowhereman1280

May 17, 2009, 4:53 PM

^^Young, Ardent and of course never wrong......a ..shall we say.....volatile....mix

As much as you contribute sometimes, the tone of your posts and constant personal attacks are extremely off topic and have got to end...

chrslyp

May 18, 2009, 2:48 PM

[QUOTE=djvandrake;4251784]Maybe I should have been a touch more specific rather than make such a generalized statement.

(and also let me state for the record I'm a HUGE fan of Chicago architecture. 340 on the Park to me is the essence of beauty. :slob: )

i totally agree with you on this. those views of the park from the south side are some of the most amazing i've ever seen.

as for aqua, it appears to be coming along quite nicely. the last time i was in chicago was a year ago, and i don't remember the floor count, but it was significantly shorter. wish i could see it now.

Chitown

May 18, 2009, 6:20 PM

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/ShAUPm2shcI/AAAAAAABMDo/rSGhspcBLpk/s800/P1370096.JPG
Woah. I hadn't noticed how much higher the penthouse ceilings are. That must be awesome.

Mojava

May 18, 2009, 10:46 PM

Today from Millennium Park

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4796/img0691.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3402/img0682y.jpg

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/8708/img0698.jpg

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/8426/img0688h.jpg

EarlyBuyer

May 19, 2009, 1:16 AM

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer 5/18/09, lunchbreak

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/9950/dsc0527c.jpg

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/9412/dsc0530.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/2172/dsc0531.jpg

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/8711/dsc0532h.jpg

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8206/dsc0536a.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1037/dsc0537.jpg

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/4136/dsc0538d.jpg

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/9484/dsc0539n.jpg

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/3096/dsc0543a.jpg

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8443/dsc0544.jpg

TorancisOMP

May 19, 2009, 1:31 AM

Do we know if there will be any water fall or fountain in the lobby, hence the tower's name?

EarlyBuyer

May 19, 2009, 2:31 AM

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer 5/18/09

http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/3416/dsc0571.jpg

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/4897/dsc0560.jpg

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2252/dsc0558.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/55/dsc0562.jpg

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/1132/dsc0563.jpg

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/4932/dsc0565.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7752/dsc0547j.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2489/dsc0550.jpg

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/3/dsc0551.jpg

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4652/dsc0553v.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/4879/dsc0554.jpg

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2886/dsc0568.jpg

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/397/dsc0574.jpg

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/4006/dsc0576x.jpg

O-tacular

May 19, 2009, 3:46 AM

Wow. This is my favourite building ANYWHERE right now. You guys are lucky. Sigh. I have to visit Chicago one day.

denizen467

May 19, 2009, 5:41 AM

Do we know if there will be any water fall or fountain in the lobby, hence the tower's name?
The name itself is contrived already (since the inspiration is stone+wind, not water), so it would be pushing it to carry any expression of it any further. Not that this is beyond the Magellan crew; in fact they may think it essential to the average renter. The sidewalk planter people certainly didn't shrink from the temptation. So there is a non-answer answer to your question.

denizen467

May 19, 2009, 5:42 AM

CVS opens May 31.

J_M_Tungsten

May 19, 2009, 5:45 AM

fantasitic shots earlybuyer, this building is going to be great for its tenants, an amazing pool and garden floor. Will that also be available to the guest of the hotel that will one day come here? that wont be fun for the tenants if day comes!

george

May 19, 2009, 12:48 PM

^EarlyBuyer, Well done, incredible detail!^

andydie

May 19, 2009, 5:26 PM

Hello Aquafans and Friends,

another month has passed and here comes my latest update for the more and more complete Aqua:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8thLdOLAApM

Music: Reflekt feat Delline Bass - Need to feel Loved (Thrillseekers Remix)

Enjoy in HQ :)

Also thanx to EarlyBuyer for his awesome updates :)

djvandrake

May 19, 2009, 5:35 PM

Great set of pics EarlyBuyer. Thanks.

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1037/dsc0537.jpg

Not a job for the faint of heart! :lol:

EarlyBuyer

May 19, 2009, 11:51 PM

Thanks andy for another terrific video update, the work you put into these I know is appreciated by all!

:tup:

EarlyBuyer

May 20, 2009, 1:32 AM

Architecture in Chicago Gains New Life

"...GANG: See how it’s kind of buried in between all these other buildings? So we thought if we just bump out this edge of the building here, we might be able to see around the corner, so it’s really a three-dimensional game.

The undulating balconies allow views of landmarks like Navy Pier and the Bean. Gang uses different types of glass, too, so areas that get a lot of sun are more reflective. Now her firm plans to build a high-rise in Hyde Park and angle it to let in light in the winter, and block it in the summer.

Gang says new tools and materials are letting architects dream in different shapes and forms..."

http://www.wbez.org/Content.aspx?audioID=34128

Zerton

May 20, 2009, 2:27 AM

It's weird how this building looks like a rendering in person!

This will be on postcards soon.

docsmody

May 21, 2009, 1:52 AM

The CVS hours will be 630a - 8p according to an employee at the 205 N Michigan Location. That stinks -- I had heard rumors it was 24 hours which I was excited for.

docsmody

May 21, 2009, 3:23 AM

Haven't seen any night shots. Don't have a great camera, but here's a shot of the deck from the west.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/7319/img5160.jpg

Avanine-Commuter

May 21, 2009, 5:11 PM

Haven't seen any night shots. Don't have a great camera, but here's a shot of the deck from the west.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/7319/img5160.jpg

Is it just me, or does the base of this beautiful building look awfully outdated and tacky? With such a great aesthetic up on top, the first few floors looks just like 80's office block from suburbia...

And not to mention the pool/roof deck area doesn't look especially appealing as well.

Aleks

May 21, 2009, 11:37 PM

I don't know what people are talking about. Personally I find the base very appealing and I love the simplicity of it.

Chicago Shawn

May 22, 2009, 1:41 AM

From John Hancock observatory 05-04-2009
http://community.emporis.com/nwimages/6/2009/05/704866.jpg

Abner

May 22, 2009, 3:32 AM

And not to mention the pool/roof deck area doesn't look especially appealing as well.

I haven't been there in person, but judging from the pictures, I have the same problem with this deck that I do with the new "park" at State/Van Buren. I try to imagine myself using that space, and I just can't. What am I going to do, stroll through those zig-zaggy sidewalks as I stare at the plants, each variety given its own little segregated zone? People have amassed a lot of knowledge about how to design gardens. If somebody had made use of even a little of that knowledge, that could be a first-rate place, even in the first season.

wrab

May 22, 2009, 4:52 AM

5/20

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3549291781_6bb8c4c2a3_o.jpg

denizen467

May 22, 2009, 7:46 AM

http://community.emporis.com/nwimages/6/2009/05/704866.jpg
Totally OT, but has a green roof ever been discussed for McCormick Place North or East? The expanse of dismal grey kind of mars these observatory views a bit. Not to mention the environmental and image benefits.

harryc

May 22, 2009, 11:07 AM

Yes a green roof is shown in the Olympic bid material.

Chicago Shawn

May 22, 2009, 12:24 PM

^Indeed a green roof has been shown, but in all honesty, I doubt McCormick Place East could take on a green roof given the nature of the building's structure with such long spans on the roof. Of course, the structure could be beefed up during a renovation, and perhaps one is planned while it is outfitted for Olympic events. McCormick Place West was specifically built without a green roof, but rather was designed to funnel the rainwater it collected into a tunnel dug below the complex, discharging it into Lake Michigan. The intent was to return rainwater to the lake, as the draining basin inside the city has been entirely altered to drain away to the Mississippi valley via sewers and the sanitary-ship canal.

Sorry, getting really off topic, back to Aqua.

EarlyBuyer

May 22, 2009, 11:14 PM

Four new(ish) YouTube videos posted by Magellan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeJ2hmxkZco

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpTobEQaR7k&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoLyrw6f9zU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifpcnnIJJ9M&feature=related

EarlyBuyer

May 23, 2009, 1:47 AM

Will anything ever be photographed more than the Bean? Here’s two new contenders.

"...As the administrator of the Chicago Public Radio Flickr group, I thought the Bean would always be the most common subject submitted. However, in recent weeks I’ve seen a surge in submissions of two new landmarks: The Modern Wing of the Art Institute and Jeanne Gang’s new building, Aqua..."

http://apps.wbez.org/blog/?p=3624

EarlyBuyer

May 23, 2009, 1:52 AM

DESIGN 100: The People Shaping our World

"...Jeanne Gang
This rising American design star is making a mark on Chicago as few female architects before her have done—no small feat in the Windy City boys’ club. Gang’s firm, Studio Gang, experiments with innovative materials, forms and sustainable technology in projects as diverse as SOS Children’s Villages Lavezzorio Community Center on the south side of Chicago to Aqua Tower, a sculptural, 82-story hotel and condo whose rippling terraces echo the profiles of weathered seaside cliffs. She’s also garnering plenty of attention abroad, with visionary urban projects in the works from Hamburg to Hyderabad..."

http://www.pointclickhome.com/image/tid/4749?mag=PointClickHome&page=2

wrab

May 23, 2009, 2:47 AM

^ EB, thanks for the links. I expect that we'll be seeing a whole lot of press, professional & trade coverage of this tower in the near future.

-----

5/20

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3555054907_a6b47eea03_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3555006615_173e72ecd4_b.jpg

EarlyBuyer

May 23, 2009, 3:46 AM

Absolutely outstanding shots wrabbit!

Can you tell us about the equipment or process you're using?

Wow!

wrab

May 23, 2009, 4:49 AM

Thanks, EB - glad you liked them. I'm shooting in RAW mode now with a Panasonic G1.

EarlyBuyer

May 23, 2009, 1:03 PM

Thanks for the info wrabbit.

andydie

May 23, 2009, 1:14 PM

:previous: have to agree with early, great shots wrabbit! Amazing talent on here from many awesome chicago photographers:tup:

spyguy

May 23, 2009, 7:06 PM

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=31794

Aqua lands a hotel
By: Thomas A. Corfman May 25, 2009

...Kimpton Group Holding LLC, a San Francisco boutique hotel firm, is in negotiations to buy 15 floors in the wavy, 82-story tower two blocks north of Millennium Park, where residents began moving in this month.

...Key to the transaction is $28 million in earnest money that Strategic forfeited and which allowed Chicago-based Magellan to cut the sale price. To further sweeten the deal, Magellan will let Kimpton spread out purchase payments and make them partly contingent on the hotel's success, sources say. Because Kimpton stresses its upscale eateries, it also would get a prime restaurant space, sources say.

...To boost revenues, Kimpton intends to increase the number of rooms from the 225 originally planned.

EarlyBuyer

May 23, 2009, 8:05 PM

spyguy, thanks for finding and posting this! Excellent news!

Kimpton's already strong presence in Chicago is now most impressive with Allegro, Monaco and Burnham long in place, and Palomar and Aqua now under construction.

Chicago Shawn

May 23, 2009, 8:07 PM

^That is so awesome!

Kimpton creates a unique hotel for every location. I assume the Aqua build out will be great.

the urban politician

May 23, 2009, 8:35 PM

That is stupendously awesome news

EarlyBuyer

May 23, 2009, 10:21 PM

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer 5/23/09

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/8421/dsc0528g.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/9412/dsc0530.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/3979/dsc0531b.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/6286/dsc0536t.jpg

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/3230/dsc0541q.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/1558/dsc0545r.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2489/dsc0550.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/8528/dsc0554x.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/1834/dsc0575.jpg

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/6408/dsc0579.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/7706/dsc0583.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/1545/dsc0586.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/3430/dsc0624.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/2341/dsc0627.jpg

EarlyBuyer

May 23, 2009, 10:35 PM

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer 5/23/09

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/4107/dsc0566.jpg

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7956/dsc0593.jpg

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4749/dsc0589w.jpg

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/1062/dsc0599.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/8468/dsc0602.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/4833/dsc0612.jpg

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/5473/dsc0617o.jpg

wrab

May 24, 2009, 1:24 AM

^ Great to see some shots of the ballroom.

And excellent news about Kimpton. I'm a big fan of their other three Chicago hotels. Kimpton has a good funk and should fit into the Aqua milieu well.

harryc

May 24, 2009, 1:24 AM

EB another spellbinding set, thank you for the detail.

wrab

May 24, 2009, 2:02 AM

5/23

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3558442684_bcd2061e0c_b.jpg

ungerdog

May 24, 2009, 4:08 PM

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/4006/dsc0576x.jpg

I apologize if this has been answered before, but I was wondering if stores will be located on this side of the base or is this just townhouses. I see the sign advertising the townhouses, but are they from the 1st floor to the 3rd floor as seen in this photo or what? It looks like there are glass doors on the ground floor which seems strange for a townhouse. Are those the townhouse entries or are they somewhere else?

SolarWind

May 25, 2009, 4:32 AM

May 18, 2009

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5338/dsc0318d.jpg

J_M_Tungsten

May 25, 2009, 6:15 AM

Wrabbit that shot looks like its from the future! So in the pics by earlybuyer, it looks as if the public has access to Aqua's pool deck? Is that so, or am I just misinterpreting what level he is on when shooting the pictures?

denizen467

May 25, 2009, 8:50 AM

I apologize if this has been answered before, but I was wondering if stores will be located on this side of the base or is this just townhouses. I see the sign advertising the townhouses, but are they from the 1st floor to the 3rd floor as seen in this photo or what? It looks like there are glass doors on the ground floor which seems strange for a townhouse. Are those the townhouse entries or are they somewhere else?
IIRC there has never been mention of any retail on the Aqua podium except at Upper Columbus level (and maybe one floor up from there too?).

I'm inclined to say the glass doors are for balconies for the townhouses ... though on the other hand, in the photo below, the balconies aren't walled off unit-by-unit as you'd expect, so it's not totally clear. Maybe they will serve as sort of back door entrances directly into a kitchen/dining room (as well as code-required fire exit?) ?
Photos taken by EarlyBuyer
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/3230/dsc0541q.jpg

denizen467

May 25, 2009, 8:59 AM

or am I just misinterpreting what level he is on when shooting the pictures?
That is correct - I think those photos by earlybuyer are from Upper Columbus / Upper Lake level, which is at the bottom of (or only halfway up, depending on the vantage point) the podium.

Fabb

May 26, 2009, 6:13 PM

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1444/dscn8317.jpg

EarlyBuyer

May 28, 2009, 12:10 AM

Great shots Solar and Fabb!

Another article from a hotel industry trade journal that's a follow-up to the article from Crain's posted by spyguy:

Kimpton Close To Deal For Chicago Flagship Property

"...According to Dow Jones, Kimpton has US$250 million in discretionary cash in an equity fund that will be used to buy hotels, office buildings and shopping centers from owners who are having difficulty making mortgage payments. "Our goal is to look for properties that we can turn into Kimpton-style hotels," CEO Michael Depatie says.

Kimpton has reportedly identified nearly 500 distressed commercial properties that could be good conversion candidates and 30 new properties under construction that could be distressed by completion..."

http://www.hotelsmag.com/article/ca6660761.html?q=aqua

EarlyBuyer

May 28, 2009, 1:31 AM

Update released by Magellan 5/27/09:

"...Windows are nearly complete and are primarily installed through floor 81 of Aqua. Framing is complete through floor 71. Progress continues on The Shore Club amenities with the third [floor] significantly completed and the second floor currently being drywalled. CVS Pharmacy is opening on Sunday, May 31st and is located on the SW corner of Aqua..."

trvlr70

May 28, 2009, 12:44 PM

Kimpton has reportedly identified nearly 500 distressed commercial properties that could be good conversion candidates and 30 new properties under construction that could be distressed by completion..."

http://www.hotelsmag.com/article/ca6660761.html?q=aqua

I wish Kimpton would buy the unfinished Staybridge Suites in River North and get that sucker done.

BVictor1

May 31, 2009, 1:30 AM

05/18/09
https://community.emporis.com/nwimages/6/2009/05/707092.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/nwimages/6/2009/05/707090.jpg

wrab

Jun 1, 2009, 12:41 AM

^ Great shots - thanks, BVic. The third one is almost a self-potrait ;)

------

5/31

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3583030419_79bd5ce157_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/3583021695_dffacc7659_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3582958307_bdd4503fca_b.jpg

Busy Bee

Jun 1, 2009, 3:40 AM

Gosh those shots just reiterate what a great urban PLACE Millenium Park is.

2PRUROCKS!

Jun 1, 2009, 3:44 AM

I was walking by the base of Aqua on the east side, above the townhomes and I could see through the windows display boards for a school for GEM eductaion to be built in the space between the north Agua staircase and the Tides. It appeared to be about 9 stories. There would also be space (office/adminstrative?) for GEM education in the base of Agua in the northeastern corner as well. Anyone have more info about this?

Tom In Chicago

Jun 1, 2009, 5:43 PM

^Nope. . . sounds like you've got the scoop on this one. . . but yeah. . . seems like a logical place to put something. . . wonder what they're going to do with that unused corner between the Lancaster and the Shoreham. . .

denizen467

Jun 2, 2009, 9:02 AM

I was recently marvelling at the views from the Aqua base area and the Lake Street extension, and started thinking about Aqua II. Its site is somewhat south of the midpoint between Aqua and BCBS; the newly doubled massive sheer wall of BCBS, while awesome, will be an issue for residential views and will have to play a major role in the siting and massing of the new tower. To maximize views, Aqua II will not unlikely end up taking advantage of the clear views southwest onto Millennium Park and the Loop. Thus there could be a tower rising right alongside Columbus Drive.

As a result, this view could be a short-lived thing:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3582958307_bdd4503fca_b.jpg
photo by wrabbit

harryc

Jun 2, 2009, 11:17 AM

Sun catching on the wavy balconies
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/SiUJ9jUbp4I/AAAAAAABMqQ/V1YpRCaYHYA/s800/P1390938.JPG

hawkeye view

Jun 2, 2009, 2:30 PM

5/31 & 6/1

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/179/june09001.jpg (http://img383.imageshack.us/my.php?image=june09001.jpg)

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/1492/june09003.jpg (http://img383.imageshack.us/my.php?image=june09003.jpg)

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/7893/june09008.jpg (http://img383.imageshack.us/my.php?image=june09008.jpg)

Ilan

Jun 2, 2009, 3:39 PM

^ Hawkeye view, interesting pics. First time, to me, Aqua actually looks "tall".

wrab

Jun 2, 2009, 5:01 PM

^ Ditto - no other tall ones in the pic to diminish the tower's considerable height.

Ardvark

Jun 3, 2009, 9:39 AM

... I think the lack of the mech floor wave is genius. Not only would it be a completely stupid waste of time and materials to build it, but it being a blank spot allows you to see the true box that exists inside...

I hated that break in the pattern at first when I saw it in the early renders here in the forum, but I've come to really like it now that I see it in the actual building.
One of the things I didn't realise was that the floors directly underneath are of varying height, so this would cause a break in the pattern anyway. The "missing" floor accentuates the whole design like an exclamation mark, while it hides the pattern break directly underneath.

And, strangely enough, when you focus on those varying floors underneath the break these seem to be "announcing" the approaching floor-skip.

Every time I look at this building in detail it turns out to be even more cleverly designed than I thought... :worship:

the urban politician

Jun 4, 2009, 12:41 AM

Aqua Hotel Update 6.2.09
Magellan Development Group would like to update the Lakeshore East community regarding the hotel at Aqua. Last week it was reported that the Aqua had finalized a deal with Kimpton Hotels. While Kimpton Hotels would be a welcome additional to the Lakeshore East community, this report was premature. Aqua does not have an agreement with any hotel at this time. In fact, Aqua is in active discussions with a number of hotel entities and is hopeful a deal can be announced shortly. We will continue to keep the community updated and look forward to announcing a transaction when it is appropriate.
http://aquahomeowners.com/aqua-hotel-update-6209/