CHICAGO | Highrise Projects & Construction - Page 50

Taft · #**981** Posted: **Feb 16, 2009, 7:47 PM**

I can't believe I forgot to post this...

I went past the site at Kinsgbury and Erie (on the NE corner) on Friday and there was a ton of activity. A large semi was parked nearby and had a dozen pieces of ribbed, metal tubing on it that was at least 5-6' in diameter. They were moving around a lot of dirt.

Sorry I can't be more technical about the details, but maybe someone can guess what they were up to by my lame description.

BorisMolotov · #**982** Posted: **Feb 16, 2009, 9:20 PM**

I went to the Auto Show on Saturday and parts of the roof of Museum Park Place 2 looked to be topped out.

aspiringArchitect · #**983** Posted: **Feb 17, 2009, 3:41 AM**

Hey guys, I was just downtown yesterday visiting the Field Museum and snapped a few pics from the car to share with you guys. I don't know what this building is called, but I don't think there is a thread for it so i'll post it here:

cityofblindinglights · #**984** Posted: **Feb 17, 2009, 3:43 AM**

110

blurry windows

silver

orleans

Jibba · #**985** Posted: **Feb 17, 2009, 3:56 AM**

Walton/T.E.D./Elysian:

Streeter #2/Palomar:

Superior 110:

scalziand · #**986** Posted: **Feb 17, 2009, 4:08 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by aspiringArchitect

Hey guys, I was just downtown yesterday visiting the Field Museum and snapped a few pics from the car to share with you guys. I don't know what this building is called, but I don't think there is a thread for it so i'll post it here:

One Museum Park West

lawfin · #**987** Posted: **Feb 17, 2009, 8:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Busy Bee

Jeez, what can be said about this one that has not already been said. You'd think we would be living in a world where an 'architect' would be completely embarrased to produce work like this, especially for such a primo site. I guess we do not. Being constrained by budget is one thing, being constrained by imagination—and for that matter taste—is another. Houston circa 1987, we have a problem.

So hold on a second....this is still on the table....I could have sworn it was dead

harryc · #**988** Posted: **Feb 18, 2009, 12:20 AM**

Jibba · #**989** Posted: **Feb 18, 2009, 6:17 AM**

Roosevelt Collection:

harryc · #**990** Posted: **Feb 18, 2009, 12:45 PM**

red crane in the background is Flair tower.

harryc · #**991** Posted: **Feb 18, 2009, 3:27 PM**

Anyone know what this is for ?

OhioGuy · #**992** Posted: **Feb 19, 2009, 1:17 AM**

Since I keep posting this information in the wrong part of SSP, hopefully third time's a charm.

In the State of the University address presented on January 28, 2009, Dr. Charles Middleton, President of Roosevelt University, provided some information regarding the University's plans to construct a highrise tower primarily for student housing on the site of the Herman Crown Center (located on the east side of Wabash between Van Buren & Congress).

In the power point presentation that was used, two renderings were provided to give somewhat of an idea of what to expect in the coming years. Dr. Middleton referred to the building as, "an expression of our continuing success and a public statement about where the University is and where it's going, and of future excellence to come." I've included a link to where the video is located on the RU website, however it cuts off before he concludes his speech. The information regarding the highrise is near the end of the video. I remember him providing further details about the building, though unfortunately that commentary is beyond where the video ends. I seem to remember him commenting that this will be a LEED certified building. He noted that education infrastructure is an element that the new Obama administration is keenly interested in providing assistance to, and as a result it's possible the University may be able to receive some financial assistance. He also commented about the construction timeline, indicating that the building is basically ready to go once the Board of Trustees makes the final vote in June. I do know the building is somewhere between 400 - 500 ft, though I'm not sure on the number of floors.

Here's a link to the RU President's page with the State of the University video & power point presentation.

The two renderings below are taken directly from the power point presentation.

(View from Grant Park - it's the tallest building between the red CNA tower and the Sears Tower)

(View from the El on Wabash Avenue heading southbound toward Roosevelt Road)

And here's the timeline that was presented in the power point presentation:

January 2009: Design/Development documents 100% complete
February 2009: Application filed with Dept. of Planning and Development
February 2009: General contractor identified for main project
Spring 2009: Periodic meetings with community and landmark groups
Spring 2009: Demolition of Herman Crown Center begins
Summer 2009: Demolition to be completed
May 2009: Construction drawings 90% complete
May - June 2009: Ordinance published
June 2009: Board of Trustees deliberation
August 2009: Ground-breaking
June 2011: Substantial completion
August 2011: Occupancy for teh 2011/12 AY

cbotnyse · #**993** Posted: **Feb 19, 2009, 1:23 AM**

^^ very cool. That will have an impact on the skyline for sure. I like it.

the urban politician · #**994** Posted: **Feb 19, 2009, 2:05 AM**

I don't know much about the Herman Crown Center (besides the picture provided), but is it really necessary to demolish it?

There are already a good handful of vacant lots along south Wabash. Why aren't these being developed?

I like the rendering of the tower, though--very cool design. Nevertheless, I give this project a D+ for unnecessarily demolishing an already existing highrise especially in a neighborhood that already has plenty of vacant lots.

OhioGuy · #**995** Posted: **Feb 19, 2009, 2:29 AM**

The Herman Crown Center is an ugly old building from the early 70s. There is nothing about it that's even remotely worthwhile saving. It's not as if we're talking about tearing down something of architectural significance. And placing the building on any other site that's open would prevent it from being connected to the Auditorium Building unless they built an elevated walkway over a street. And who's to say further developments of the other nearby sites won't occur? Really there is no reason at all for keeping the Herman Crown Center.

the urban politician · #**996** Posted: **Feb 19, 2009, 3:01 AM**

^ Okay, I'll bite--here's a second question--the HC center is already used as a dorm for RU, so how much increase in the number of dorm rooms is expected from this new project?

BTW, thanks for the info. It's at least nice to know that, in the midst of this plundering doom and gloom and as Chicago's inventory of u/c highrises continues to drop, something of prominence will begin to rise. Nevertheless, I'm not a fan of a highrise placing an already existing one--it doesn't add to the city's total inventory of skyscrapers.

the urban politician · #**997** Posted: **Feb 19, 2009, 3:22 AM**

Just did a bit of a web search. It appears that receiving aid from the Obama administration is highly important, and may make or break this project.

FlashingLights · #**998** Posted: **Feb 19, 2009, 3:26 AM**

Herman Crown Center is a dump get rid of it.

spyguy · #**999** Posted: **Feb 19, 2009, 3:53 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlashingLights

Herman Crown Center is a dump get rid of it.

I agree and don't care for it, but saying you want to be green while tearing down a 20 story building doesn't make a lot of sense. Anyway, I'm more concerned about the fate of Fine Arts Annex right next to it.

left of center · #**1000** Posted: **Feb 19, 2009, 4:11 AM**

http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=485135

im worried about the fate of that very narrow 6 story structure to the left of the HC Center in the above photograph. is that going to be demolished as well? it looks historic, is it landmarked at all? it would seem difficult to take down the HC Center and not damage that building at all...