CHICAGO | River Point | 730 FT | 52 FLOORS

[Skyguy_7]

^ I think I see a gold shovel!

[jarta]

Originally Posted by ardecila

Doesn't seem like much of a problem to me. Either they get a compact piledriver that can fit through the Riverbend tunnel, or they re-grade the parking lot and build a temporary grade crossing.

Staging-wise, I'm betting they will start drilling caissons on the parking lot while the interlocking tower is disassembled. Then, with the east side emptied, they can begin driving piles over there.

Hines has stated it will build the platform from the east to the west. Of course, Hines could change it's mind.

At the last community meeting for River Point, Hines said it would either float a barge in the River or use a crane to lift materials over the tracks. At that meeting, there was no groundswell of opposition to River Point.

Hines also could change that method of getting machinery and materials to the east side of the site. But the RR easement across RiverBend property might only be for track repair or railroad operations.

That would leave building a grade crossing across the tracks as an option. However, Metra, Amtrak and the Dept. of Transportation might have to appove and regulate the unusual move of creating a new grade crossing - even if temporary.

We'll have to see how it works out. I'm glad to see River Point getting started, though.

[Notyrview]

Originally Posted by Skyguy_7

^ I think I see a gold shovel!

[Rizzo]

So what's going to happen to that little rail depot tower thing. Wrap it and move it? I know the idea was floated to either integrate it or relocate the building elsewhere.

[jarta]

Originally Posted by Hayward

So what's going to happen to that little rail depot tower thing. Wrap it and move it? I know the idea was floated to either integrate it or relocate the building elsewhere.

That question was asked at the last community meeting. Hines said it had no plans to save it or relocate it. It won't be in the River Point plaza. Hines could change it's mind, I guess.

I don't think the developers of Wolf Point would want it either. No room for another structure, even a little one! (Couldn't resist.)

[harryc]

Originally Posted by jarta

That question was asked at the last community meeting. Hines said it had no plans to save it or relocate it. It won't be in the River Point plaza. Hines could change it's mind, I guess.

I don't think the developers of Wolf Point would want it either. No room for another structure, even a little one! (Couldn't resist.)

Fenced off with what looks like demo equipment parked around it,

[jcchii]

with all the special conditions, this will be a fun build to watch

[Rizzo]

Originally Posted by jarta

That question was asked at the last community meeting. Hines said it had no plans to save it or relocate it. It won't be in the River Point plaza. Hines could change it's mind, I guess.

I don't think the developers of Wolf Point would want it either. No room for another structure, even a little one! (Couldn't resist.)

Darn. I was kind of hoping they'd integrate it. But whatever it takes to get this plaza built ASAP The whole development as proposed will be a huge benefit to the area.

[jarta]

Originally Posted by Hayward

Darn. I was kind of hoping they'd integrate it. But whatever it takes to get this plaza built ASAP The whole development as proposed will be a huge benefit to the area.

Not to mention the big benefit to Hines and Larry Levy, an old college buddy who has had to wait so long for the payoff.

[jcchii]

official groundbreaking is today. tent is up

[Skyguy_7]

Originally Posted by jcchii

official groundbreaking is today. tent is up

That would make two in one day

http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,1933255.story

[Notyrview]

Condragulations, River Point, Sahantay You Stay

And 2013 is shaping up to be a great year, as interesting as any during the Boom.

[MayorOfChicago]

I'm on the 26th floor of 191 N. Wacker right across the river from this. My office window actually looks over the site. There's a tent and a big piece of machinery/shovel with the entire area empty and fenced in. No people yet, but obviously things are happening soon!

[ChiPsy]

Depot building coming down as we speak...

[the urban politician]

Originally Posted by Notyrview

And 2013 is shaping up to be a great year, as interesting as any during the Boom.

^ Seriously?

You do realize that there was a year during the boom when like 50 (or perhaps more?) highrises were u/c at the same time in the city, right?

[untitledreality]

Originally Posted by the urban politician

^ Seriously?

You do realize that there was a year during the boom when like 50 (or perhaps more?) highrises were u/c at the same time in the city, right?

It usually helps to set the exaggeration bar a tad lower.

[Notyrview]

Originally Posted by the urban politician

^ Seriously?

You do realize that there was a year during the boom when like 50 (or perhaps more?) highrises were u/c at the same time in the city, right?

I said this year is interesting b/c River Point, 111 W Wacker, Wolf Point (phase one), and 435 N Park will dramatically alter the riverscape, which is arguably more significant than boom volume (especially when much of it is cynical beige precast...blech). River Point, while not an Aqua or a 600 N Fairbanks, is on par with (maybe better) than boom trophies like 300 N Lasalle and 340 on the Park.

Also significant is the construction of Maggie Daley Park.

[Taller]

Ohh yeah!! populations is slightly growing again and crains shall pour back into the city.

[Notyrview]

Originally Posted by Taller

Ohh yeah!! populations is slightly growing again and crains shall pour back into the city.

I wouldn't go that far. Unless the economy recovers in earnest, I think we'll see another tepid period once the current rental and hotel demand are maxed.

[eaguir3]

shall we move this thread?