CHICAGO | Highrise Projects & Construction - Page 415

ardecila · #**8281** Posted: **Jul 29, 2012, 5:11 AM**

I can't say for certain, but AFAIK the facades will not be the typical Heritage/Legacy hack job. All parking is going in the existing garage, so the tower bases will be active use of some kind. I also believe they will be saving much more than the facades; the plans seen to suggest that there will be depth saved as well.

HomrQT · #**8282** Posted: **Jul 29, 2012, 11:01 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by spyguy

While everyone will probably be focused on the plans presented tonight for redeveloping Children's Memorial into a mixed-use development, St. Anthony has introduced a plan for a new hospital at 31st and Kedzie that already includes a park, community spaces, and retail.

http://focalpointchicago.org/

Less field, more structure.

Hayward · #**8283** Posted: **Jul 29, 2012, 4:42 PM**

Might I ask what is people's rationale for opposing the park? Have people spent time in this area? Understand the demographic? You're receiving density and open park space in an area that has neither. From what I see, the building is also trying to be a focal point for the community by not just trying to be a hospital but a place for recreation and shopping.

This isn't like downtown or the Northside where parks are abundant, and density is a necessity.

untitledreality · #**8284** Posted: **Jul 29, 2012, 5:55 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hayward

Might I ask what is people's rationale for opposing the park? Have people spent time in this area? Understand the demographic? You're receiving density and open park space in an area that has neither. From what I see, the building is also trying to be a focal point for the community by not just trying to be a hospital but a place for recreation and shopping.

This isn't like downtown or the Northside where parks are abundant, and density is a necessity.

I had been thinking the same thing over the last few days. There is absolutely nothing in the area... additionally, the neighborhood has been clamoring for new open space for years now. They have been eyeing the superfund site to the NE of this proposal, but that could take decades... while this park infusion could be an immediate benefit to the neighborhood.

ardecila · #**8285** Posted: **Jul 30, 2012, 12:38 AM**

^ That's the former Bridewell prison quarry, right?

HomrQT · #**8286** Posted: **Jul 30, 2012, 9:06 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hayward

Might I ask what is people's rationale for opposing the park? Have people spent time in this area? Understand the demographic? You're receiving density and open park space in an area that has neither. From what I see, the building is also trying to be a focal point for the community by not just trying to be a hospital but a place for recreation and shopping.

This isn't like downtown or the Northside where parks are abundant, and density is a necessity.

I am not against delivering quality public spaces (especially green) to neighborhoods, I'm just biased for density. This area is not far from downtown, and already has a bunch of grassy areas and a few parks. It just seems like a little too much to throw in an entire full length soccer field, plus more park.

Mr Downtown · #**8287** Posted: **Jul 30, 2012, 2:37 PM**

^No parks for a mile in any direction:

Not far from downtown??? It's as far away as Wrigley Field.

Hayward · #**8288** Posted: **Jul 30, 2012, 5:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by HomrQT

I am not against delivering quality public spaces (especially green) to neighborhoods, I'm just biased for density. This area is not far from downtown, and already has a bunch of grassy areas and a few parks. It just seems like a little too much to throw in an entire full length soccer field, plus more park.

It's one thing to argue a tower in Lakeview needs a few more floors vs an entire neighborhood advocating for a soccer field that has so graciously been accommodated into the plan. Who are we to tell them they can't have something they want because we are some sort of urban density elitists from the other side of town. Even then, the type of recreation expected by the neighborhood is just part of the urban chemistry.

I don't see any reason to pack the site with hundreds of townhouses and half dozen midrises that aren't even necessary.

Tom In Chicago · #**8289** Posted: **Jul 30, 2012, 6:58 PM**

Construction started today at the Summit building on Lake/Wabash. . .

This is the second caisson they drilled today. . . maybe we want to start a separate thread for this one?

. . .

spyguy · #**8290** Posted: **Jul 30, 2012, 7:35 PM**

Video: https://new.livestream.com/AldermanSmith43/cmh726
Presentation: http://ward43.org/wp-content/uploads...-FINAL_s-1.pdf

J_M_Tungsten · #**8291** Posted: **Jul 30, 2012, 8:19 PM**

It has my vote! Sweet!

ChiTownCity · #**8292** Posted: **Jul 30, 2012, 8:41 PM**

^ So will they be demolishing the midrise that currently sits behind that white building on the first rendering?

Quote:

siunate2324 · #**8293** Posted: **Jul 30, 2012, 9:17 PM**

That looks really impressive, I love that area of the city and I believe that will greatly enhance the neighborhood. I have a family member who attends all the meetings and I've heard the neighbors have been pretty receptive to this plan since it seems pretty appropriate and they understand McCaffery is trying hard to bring the best proposal to the area. Hopefully it avoids getting scaled back.

jpIllInoIs · #**8294** Posted: **Jul 30, 2012, 9:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom In Chicago

Construction started today at the Summit building on Lake/Wacker. . .

This is the second caisson they drilled today. . . maybe we want to start a separate thread for this one?

. . .

OK Ill give it a dancing banana. Great infill project that will improve the street views on 2 important streets and bring more residential to the Old Loop. And it replaces a surface lot and an ugly 2 level deck. This is going to get overlooked in the Chicago developments, but any other city outside of NY would love to have this project.

the urban politician · #**8295** Posted: **Jul 30, 2012, 9:29 PM**

Great news on both fronts: The Lake/Wacker construction start, and the CMH redevelopment plan.

Once they get community and zoning approval, this project should have little trouble getting financed. Lincoln Park really is a gold mine right now. I imagine people would BADLY take an apartment there if one were available.

We are forgetting that, amidst this talk of an apartment bubble, the vast majority of apartment construction has been downtown. The neighborhoods have seen very little.

Hayward · #**8296** Posted: **Jul 30, 2012, 10:02 PM**

I'm impressed with the CMH plans. I did have an earlier concern with that location of that plaza. The parking garage across the street needs improvements and I don't think it's a very good visual edge to the plaza. But what they propose with preserved structures and fine grain components is very rich.

The mid century old Children's Hospital is hideous and I can't wait to see it disappear from the landscape.