CHICAGO | General Developments - Page 886

the urban politician · #**17701** Posted **Jan 30, 2013, 6:23 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wierdaaron

This Casino talk is vexing. I come from Detroit, where they thought throwing up a few casinos would magically fix the city with tourism. I dont have any figures in front of me, but I'm fairly sure Detroit isn't fixed. I don't have any moral objection to casinos, but it feels like an act of desperation to try to put one in downtown Chicago on the river, a block from Sears tower.

That said, the old post office is a big tan box sitting useless in a valuable spot of the city, and the idea of it being developed into something makes me excited.

Detroit also has art deco skyscrapers, a downtown waterfront, and mass transit, and those haven't fixed the city either.

The point I'm trying to make here is that just because a casino didn't "magically fix" Detroit doesn't mean a casino can't benefit Chicago. These are two different cities with very different challenges and opportunities.

nomarandlee · #**17702** Posted **Jan 30, 2013, 6:41 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wierdaaron

This Casino talk is vexing. I come from Detroit, where they thought throwing up a few casinos would magically fix the city with tourism. I dont have any figures in front of me, but I'm fairly sure Detroit isn't fixed. I don't have any moral objection to casinos, but it feels like an act of desperation to try to put one in downtown Chicago on the river, a block from Sears tower.

That said, the old post office is a big tan box sitting useless in a valuable spot of the city, and the idea of it being developed into something makes me excited.

Those selling a wholesale revitalization of all of downtown Detroit or even revitalizing huge segments of the city from it were obviously duplicitous or very naive. Would downtown Detroit have the modest rebirth it has had though if the Casino and a few other major downtown projects (like the stadiums) hadn't happened in the last fifteen years though?

Just because it can't be counted on to restore old glory it doesn't mean that in some circumstances a casino can't contribute to the vitality or economy that helps give the local economy a notable bump. A casino may have not saved Detroit but as far as from what I can tell it hasn't ruined Melbourne, Montreal, Sydney, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Lisbon etc. either.

Chicago is easily the 3rd largest market for Casino gambling in the nation. I would argue it would be almost derelict of duty to not give serious consideration to getting in on and taking a cut of the +2 billion market pie.

Chicago_Forever · #**17703** Posted **Jan 30, 2013, 9:12 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by the urban politician

Detroit also has art deco skyscrapers, a downtown waterfront, and mass transit, and those haven't fixed the city either.

The point I'm trying to make here is that just because a casino didn't "magically fix" Detroit doesn't mean a casino can't benefit Chicago. These are two different cities with very different challenges and opportunities.

Very well said, TUP. I'd also like to add that Chicago already has a robust tourism industry so having a casino in the city's center would an extra form of entertainment for these tourists.

wierdaaron · #**17704** Posted **Jan 30, 2013, 9:45 PM**

So is there not a patina of sleaziness that comes with adding a casino to a city? I should apologize, most of my knowledge in these areas comes from SimCity.

Rizzo · #**17705** Posted **Jan 30, 2013, 10:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wierdaaron

So is there not a patina of sleaziness that comes with adding a casino to a city? I should apologize, most of my knowledge in these areas comes from SimCity.

There's social costs indeed. But city residents already gamble. Geography is no boundary to those that gamble addictively or responsibly With free transposition to those casinos from Chicago, it's obvious this city is missing out on the game

And you know there isn't much sleaze to the casinos in Detroit. They are decently integrated within the fabric or renovated historic buildings....including a catholic school. They're good urban participants without being tacky. Part of the reason MGM went with an Art Deco design.

SamInTheLoop · #**17706** Posted **Jan 30, 2013, 10:35 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Downtown

Dave Roeder reports that Bill Davies is now working with Joe Antunovich on a more modes plan for the Old Post Office that would include the casino.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/178...st-office.html

I was perplexed by the following in Roeder's article: "it's Joseph Antunovich of the firm Antunovich Associates, which has received substantial praise for its work around town.". Huh? WTF!?!? Is that one of those literary devices columnists occasionally plant to do a quick check if anyone's actually reading? Or, are there two Antunovich Associates??

Mr Downtown · #**17707** Posted **Jan 30, 2013, 11:23 PM**

^I think he meant in the context of preservation.

BWChicago · #**17708** Posted **Jan 31, 2013, 2:19 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamInTheLoop

I was perplexed by the following in Roeder's article: "it's Joseph Antunovich of the firm Antunovich Associates, which has received substantial praise for its work around town.". Huh? WTF!?!? Is that one of those literary devices columnists occasionally plant to do a quick check if anyone's actually reading? Or, are there two Antunovich Associates??

Antunovich did a good job with DePaul Center. I think they can pull it off when they have an existing building to work with. As long as the facade of the Post Office doesn't get screwed up, it should be fine.

ardecila · #**17709** Posted **Jan 31, 2013, 2:32 AM**

Did Antunovich really do the Reliance Building? I always assumed that was some specialist like Gunny Harboe.

BWChicago · #**17710** Posted **Jan 31, 2013, 3:05 AM**

For the Reliance, Antunovich was the Architect of Record while McClier (Harboe) was the restoration architect.

Mr Downtown · #**17711** Posted **Jan 31, 2013, 4:40 AM**

And I though DePaul Center was Daniel P. Coffey & Associates.

BWChicago · #**17712** Posted **Jan 31, 2013, 6:11 AM**

DePaul Center was both. My impression was that Coffey handled the planning of the overall building and Antunovich handled the DePaul-specific elements. I'm no fan of either firm but both can do pretty well on rehab.

J_M_Tungsten · #**17713** Posted **Feb 1, 2013, 8:48 PM**

Today
SRAM World Headquarters

Milwaukee/Grand/Halsted

I must remember my actual camera from now on!

NYRY85 · #**17714** Posted **Feb 1, 2013, 9:40 PM**

Is the area around the United Center going to be developed? The empty parking lots are a sore sight. They really should.

Ch.G, Ch.G · #**17715** Posted **Feb 2, 2013, 1:05 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYRY85

The empty parking lots are a sore sight. They really should.

No shit.

i_am_hydrogen · #**17716** Posted **Feb 2, 2013, 2:33 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYRY85

Is the area around the United Center going to be developed? The empty parking lots are a sore sight. They really should.

There are some projects in the works to fill some of those surface lots:

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2...dison-wood.php

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2...ted-center.php

J_M_Tungsten · #**17717** Posted **Feb 2, 2013, 4:51 PM**

Now
DePaul

NYRY85 · #**17718** Posted **Feb 3, 2013, 5:32 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ch.G, Ch.G

No shit.

Well, they are used for parking, but still, you dont fucking need that much.

There needs to be more development around the arena.

Figured thered be some by now. Wasnt sure if id be dealing with NIMBYs on here crying, since I know nothing about Chicago's rep for building. NIMBYs are an issue in NYC.

harryc · #**17719** Posted **Feb 3, 2013, 7:05 PM**

spyguy · #**17720** Posted **Feb 3, 2013, 8:46 PM**

Loyola is apparently seeking developers to build a hotel at Sheridan and Albion. And like DePaul, they too want to close part of Kenmore. More info here.