CHICAGO | General Developments - Page 642

J_M_Tungsten · #**12821** Posted: **May 15, 2011, 3:32 PM**

On Orleans and Ontario, right before the highway onramp. I think it was painted wood before this, but I still don't think it fits the buildings look.

george · #**12822** Posted: **May 15, 2011, 4:32 PM**

That's a shame... and the 1st floor windows lost their arch.^

george · #**12823** Posted: **May 15, 2011, 4:46 PM**

Bond Building/Benson & Rixon, renovation slowly continues...

the urban politician · #**12824** Posted: **May 15, 2011, 6:28 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_M_Tungsten

On Orleans and Ontario, right before the highway onramp. I think it was painted wood before this, but I still don't think it fits the buildings look.

^ Yeah because, after all, deteriorating sooty brick is all the craze these days...

BWChicago · #**12825** Posted: **May 15, 2011, 7:24 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by the urban politician

^ Yeah because, after all, deteriorating sooty brick is all the craze these days...

And 1950s Lannon Stone Veneer is?

Nobody seems to care what anything looks like in this part of town, anyway.

J_M_Tungsten · #**12826** Posted: **May 15, 2011, 8:07 PM**

I actually really like that building. It has that gritty look that you don't see in downtown anymore. It's a cool reminder of the past, I think... But the stone work sucks, the contrast is ridiculous.

the urban politician · #**12827** Posted: **May 15, 2011, 9:42 PM**

^ What's "cool" and what helps you pay the mortgage are two very different things.

Personally, I don't mind the stonework, at least based on what we're seeing so far. And in regards to your comment about the contrast, I'm pretty sure they will be rehabbing the entire building, not just the first floor. (if not, then I agree that it will look horrible)

J_M_Tungsten · #**12828** Posted: **May 15, 2011, 10:12 PM**

^^^ I don't understand the mortgage comment? Just that they will get more business for having a cleaner looking building?

Mr Downtown · #**12829** Posted: **May 16, 2011, 1:29 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by the urban politician

I'm pretty sure they will be rehabbing the entire building, not just the first floor.

Most likely being done for a particular retail tenant—probably an onramp bar or restaurant for skittish suburbanites that will be gone a year from now.

Hayward · #**12830** Posted: **May 16, 2011, 5:58 PM**

If re-imaging a building with weathered brick is desired, I've always liked metal mesh screens placed over brick. The mesh can give an updated and noticeable appearance for a retail or restaurant tenant, but you still see the old brick behind it. It creates no harsh contrast, but maintains the tones or colors while only changing the texture and depth.

spyguy · #**12831** Posted: **May 16, 2011, 6:24 PM**

I originally thought the work going on in this dark and vacant office tower on Ontario was for a new retail tenant. But apparently the building is being transformed into a 60 room eco-friendly boutique hotel.

Directly to the east, the former Playboy HQ/ MCA/ Film & Tape Works building is going to become a fast food destination, possibly with a Qdoba, Five Guys, Pei Wei (PF Chang's spinoff), along with office space.

Directly to the west, the old post office was purchased with the intent of converting it into office space + retail.

Via Chicago · #**12832** Posted: **May 16, 2011, 8:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hayward

If re-imaging a building with weathered brick is desired, I've always liked metal mesh screens placed over brick. The mesh can give an updated and noticeable appearance for a retail or restaurant tenant, but you still see the old brick behind it. It creates no harsh contrast, but maintains the tones or colors while only changing the texture and depth.

Agreed. I would also imagine that kind of solution would cost less, and look far more modern than what they've attempted.

FWIW, I love weathered brick, especially the faded ads. Dont understand why so many are eager to hide those characteristics, rather than play off their strengths.

Buckman821 · #**12833** Posted: **May 16, 2011, 9:51 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hayward

If re-imaging a building with weathered brick is desired, I've always liked metal mesh screens placed over brick. The mesh can give an updated and noticeable appearance for a retail or restaurant tenant, but you still see the old brick behind it. It creates no harsh contrast, but maintains the tones or colors while only changing the texture and depth.

Might you or somebody else have a photo example of such a screen?

J_M_Tungsten · #**12834** Posted: **May 16, 2011, 10:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Via Chicago

Agreed. I would also imagine that kind of solution would cost less, and look far more modern than what they've attempted.

FWIW, I love weathered brick, especially the faded ads. Dont understand why so many are eager to hide those characteristics, rather than play off their strengths.

You would love The historic third ward in Milwaukee.

aic4ever · #**12835** Posted: **May 17, 2011, 1:56 AM**

Bad news in Bronzeville today on 35th street as the McDonalds removed all of the trees they had lining 35th. They've left two on Prairie, and one or two on Indiana, so it looks like they remain within the landscape ordinance requirements, but they've just effectively destroyed the only semi-attractive block of 35th street that existed.

Hayward · #**12836** Posted: **May 17, 2011, 2:31 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckman821

Might you or somebody else have a photo example of such a screen?

I know I have a couple examples somewhere on my hard drive. I'll try to find them.

ChiTownCity · #**12837** Posted: **May 17, 2011, 3:16 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by aic4ever

Bad news in Bronzeville today on 35th street as the McDonalds removed all of the trees they had lining 35th. They've left two on Prairie, and one or two on Indiana, so it looks like they remain within the landscape ordinance requirements, but they've just effectively destroyed the only semi-attractive block of 35th street that existed.

well that sounds like good news to me

and I also would like to see the screen-over-bricks example....

OhioGuy · #**12838** Posted: **May 17, 2011, 2:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiTownCity

well that sounds like good news to me

Why is the removal of trees a good thing?

the urban politician · #**12839** Posted: **May 17, 2011, 4:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by spyguy

I originally thought the work going on in this dark and vacant office tower on Ontario was for a new retail tenant. But apparently the building is being transformed into a 60 room eco-friendly boutique hotel.

Directly to the east, the former Playboy HQ/ MCA/ Film & Tape Works building is going to become a fast food destination, possibly with a Qdoba, Five Guys, Pei Wei (PF Chang's spinoff), along with office space.

Directly to the west, the old post office was purchased with the intent of converting it into office space + retail.

^ You know, that is very great to see.

It's about time Streeterville got more retail options, and fewer vacant lots (thanks to NWU's demolition rampage of late)

Steely Dan · #**12840** Posted: **May 17, 2011, 5:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by aic4ever

but they've just effectively destroyed the only semi-attractive block of 35th street that existed.

not that i'm ever in support of wanton tree removal, but i'm failing to see how that McD's on 35th street could ever be considered "semi-attractive", trees or no trees. it's a straight-up suburban standard McD's, with the freaking drive-thru fronting the street to boot, that only detracts from any limited standard of urbanism that stretch of 35th currently has.