I know it's terrible.  Technically Clark and Division is my most convenient stop, but I get off at Chicago for the past two years.  Once I got off at Clark and Division and I swear they were spraying everything down with some caustic acid.  The vapors burned my throat and eyes.  I was like, damn this is what it takes? 

 

Its crazy but the Chicago stop has a lot of the same issues, the McDonalds right next to it is a hotbed for crazy stuff - I see an army of police there all the time and have heard many a story of flashmobs and fights.  At least on that Stop I've pinpointed the source, there is a particularly rough YMCA in the same building as the Foot and Ankle clinic.  Its crazy because again its the gold coast, and not only that but also a huge touristy/suburbanite nightlife district.

 

I'm glad they are cleaning up the Clark/Division stop, I think its the last really decayed red line stop - I still remember Grand looking like something out of the third world and now its quite a showpiece for the rest of the system.  I think Rahm's administration has done positive for the design of new stations - the ones put in under Daley have a lot of issues esp the brown line stations without proper shelter and already rotting wood.

I know it's terrible.  Technically Clark and Division is my most convenient stop, but I get off at Chicago for the past two years.  Once I got off at Clark and Division and I swear they were spraying everything down with some caustic acid.  The vapors burned my throat and eyes.  I was like, damn this is what it takes? 

 

Its crazy but the Chicago stop has a lot of the same issues, the McDonalds right next to it is a hotbed for crazy stuff - I see an army of police there all the time and have heard many a story of flashmobs and fights.  At least on that Stop I've pinpointed the source, there is a particularly rough YMCA in the same building as the Foot and Ankle clinic.  Its crazy because again its the gold coast, and not only that but also a huge touristy/suburbanite nightlife district.

 

I'm glad they are cleaning up the Clark/Division stop, I think its the last really decayed red line stop - I still remember Grand looking like something out of the third world and now its quite a showpiece for the rest of the system.  I think Rahm's administration has done positive for the design of new stations - the ones put in under Daley have a lot of issues esp the brown line stations without proper shelter and already rotting wood.

 

They should have used synthetic wood.  I realize there's this historic attachment with wood platforms, but there's nothing cool about it when people laugh at their condition.  The synthetic wood could have been done tastefully, provide better slip resistance, better ADA travel surface, better color retention, and much easier to clean. 

 

I'm also not pleased with using concrete at Fullerton and Belmont years ago.  They should have used some sort of diamond / hone finish granite that looks even, doesn't stain, and will last a century.

 

 

Here's a pic of the new Target construction in Cabrini Green.  It will be 3-stories and totally concealed parking

 

http://www.skylinenewspaper.com/news/07-27-2011/Cabrini_Target_reveals_design

 

I actually wish the target was built at Halsted and Division, not Division and Larrabee.  I also don't understand why CDOT had not begun improvements on Division in late summer early fall.  They are supposed to replace the bridge and widen the street but that could take over a year.  Things just seem badly coordinated.

Man, I need to land a J-O-B in the 312

That is one outstanding urban Target store design.

I actually wish the target was built at Halsted and Division, not Division and Larrabee.  I also don't understand why CDOT had not begun improvements on Division in late summer early fall.  They are supposed to replace the bridge and widen the street but that could take over a year.  Things just seem badly coordinated.

 

Knowing how long it takes anything to get done here, I think they are probably right on Target (yes unintentional pun, harharhar).

 

I seem to remember the Uptown Target taking FOREVER to get going as well as the one in the Loop.  By the time both of them opened I was either living or working in less convenient places to get to them even though when I heard about them it seemed like a great thing.

^ Yeah that Uptown target took long.  But maybe because it included apartments?  I kind of wish this one did too.  I wish Division became a bit more midrise.  It's safe to be said nothing really gets above 4 stories except around Polish Triangle and a block from the lake.  Last time something was proposed at 5 stories in WP, residents balked at how tall it was and the shadows cast would ruin the neighborhood.  FIVE stories!!! :yap:

 

 

As reported by crains, 35 story tower proposed behind soon to be constructed 9-story business school. 

 

 

^ Yeah that Uptown target took long.  But maybe because it included apartments?  I kind of wish this one did too.  I wish Division became a bit more midrise.  It's safe to be said nothing really gets above 4 stories except around Polish Triangle and a block from the lake.  Last time something was proposed at 5 stories in WP, residents balked at how tall it was and the shadows cast would ruin the neighborhood.  FIVE stories!!!

 

That doesn't make any sense, even in the mansion area on Hoyne it wouldn't be a big deal as long as they weren't tearing down a mansion for it.  Aren't there like 5 story 1910-1930 apartments scattered in the neighborhood anyways?

No there was lots of stuff from the late 1800's.  Stuff built immediately after the Great Fire.  A 1915ish building is being torn down for the business school.  I kind of like it though I realize it's dime in a dozen in the city.  But I think older buildings effectively balance the neighborhood.  Gold Coast is nice because there's mid and lowrise gaps that provide variety in the city fabric.  But the "Chill Bar" building or whatever people call it is looking raggedy.  It's missing prime elements of its defining architecture so I won't lose sleep.  However there's question whether the two red brick old buildings shown here will be retained.  I keep hearing they will, and from other people they won't. 

 

http://goo.gl/maps/uKQqg

 

EDIT: Just read that they are orange rated in the landmarks survey.  They may be protected which is why the taller part of the proposed building appears to step back.

^-I guess there is some confusion, I was talking about the 5 story one in Wicker Park being proposed.  Most of Wicker Park is late 1800s but there are larger post 20th century buildings scattered throughout.  I know most of the 1800s ones are 1-4 storys (a few taller on Milwaukee and the post 1900s stuff tends to be larger).

Oh I'm sorry, I misread.  It seems like residents wanted a building no more than 4 stories.  Basically... everything the same height.  I remember of concerns of traffic entering and exiting the building which is absolutely silly.  When you consider FAR and existing traffic in the alley it might increase 5-10%...Hardly noticeable.  And it was replacing a lumber yard....Big trucks anyone??

 

Really I don't see the big deal. Set the max height at non-rail / commercial neighborhood intersections at 70' and everyone wins.

Traffic is already so bad in the city that concerns about additional traffic are at the point of diminishing returns (plus its better than truck traffic that was there beforehand - it seems that when an area gets yuppified enough people start complaining about the silliest things).  That and most people (at least who I know) who live in areas like Wicker don't drive that much - enough things can be got within walking distance/train/bus/bike that there isn't much use for a car other than specific instances (for me its going far north in the city to places like Devon Ave - though I hope that BRT is done right and done fast so that I can finally have a good way to get to the north side without going the wrong way on EL trains).

Kennedy Expressway Cap

 

 

Images from suntimes.com

Dallas is getting everyone on the non-terraced park trend.

More information here on the cover of the Kennedy Expressway: http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20130111/CRED01/130119945/west-loop-ii-ambitious-plan-would-cover-kennedy-create-office-hub

I find the price estimates for this interesting. Not being super knowledgeable about the construction techniques of this or the caps over Fort Washington Way in Cincy, how would this be so much cheaper for what appears to be a similar amount of capping? Isn't the current estimate for Cincinnati around 100 million? Or does that include some other things (such as the actual park buildout) that maybe this 45 million estimate does not. Does anyone have any information on this? It would be interesting to see if this happens and whether or not it is a good precedent for other cities to follow suit.

Like it or not, the private sector tends to do things cheaper than the public sector does.  Though it is Chicago and TIF money is being proposed, I'm pretty sure the price will inflate as details are hammered out.  Not only that, but I think that this proposal won't require buildings on top of the cap, which would lower the price IMO.

 

Also this whole thing seems pretty pie in the sky I hadn't heard anything else about it.  I'd love to see the Kennedy capped from the Circle Interchange (290) all the way up to Milwaukee Ave (the entire area the Kennedy is recessed instead of elevated) - it would do a ton to reconnect the neighborhoods with the downtown area.  This would be a great first step towards that.

 

I'm wondering if this is some PR move to promote this architect's new firm, just as the economy is gaining steam again.

It's practical if you are a developer in that area and building a park over the freeway will increase the value of your future developed property.  Especially since they are suggesting additional towers. 

 

 

It's practical if you are a developer in that area and building a park over the freeway will increase the value of your future developed property.  Especially since they are suggesting additional towers.

 

Good point.  The level of demand is high enough in that part of town to probably justify the expense by private companies.  Pretty amazing isn't it.

It looks like Cubs ownership wants to do a "Fenway Park" type renovation of Wrigley Field.  Basically, to upgrade and modernize the ballpark without changing the appearance or character of it.  There's just a few sticking points with the city and neighbors...

 

WGN-TV: Is a Wrigley Field renovation deal close?

 

Chicago Tribune: Photos: Proposed modifications to Wrigley Field

 

Chicago Tribune: Video: Wrigley Field renovations: A closer look

They also have plans to build a hotel (Sheraton) across the where the mcdonalds exists.

I  hope the soundproofing is good on that hotel, that area is quite rowdy, lots of very douchey bros outside at all hours of the night.  Other than that its a fantastic location, and its nice to see the small surface lot eliminated.

625 W. Monroe Revision.

40 Stories.  Although if markets permit, 35 additional stories may be added.

 

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20130215/CRED03/130219807/fifield-plans-taller-building-in-west-loop

 

 

Currently, the site is surface parking.  With all West Loop Proposals, the proposed clinton street subway would seem more urgent than ever.

http://blog.chicagoarchitecture.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/CUS-Public-Meeting-Presentation-2011-1212-FINAL-dragged-4.jpg

Chicago's Landmarks Commission approved a modified signage plan for Wrigley Field.  This signage plan includes a more modern "Jumbotron" scoreboard in left-field.  The owners of the Cubs and Wrigley have said this was a key component to their $500 million renovation plan - $300 million of which would go to Wrigley Field and $200 million for a nearby hotel and park.

 

Below is a link to a report from Chicago's ABC station:

 

ABC 7: Wrigley Field renovations: Chicago Cubs, city agree on jumbotron

Chicago City Council gave the approval to the Wrigley Field renovation project - which was the final city approval needed to begin construction.  Barring any lawsuits, construction could begin as soon as the regular season ends.  More below from CBSChicago:

 

CBSChicago: City Gives Final Approval For Wrigley Field Renovation

The so-called Pizza Hut tower is ready for showing:

 

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130809/wicker-park/photos-wicker-parks-commuter-pet-friendly-apartment-tower-opens

 

 

Those prices are pretty steep even for that part of town.  1500 for a studio?!  That's normally a 1BR price, though rents have been going up astronomically in Wicker Park (even if technically the building is in the East Village).

 

Btw the architectural style appears to be a new thing, there is one other building that looks very similar to this one being put up in the South Loop.  I even see similar design elements to the Mercer Commons garage down in OTR.

That's nuts; my girlfriend lives in a really nice huge studio (or something in between a studio and one-bed) in Streeterville, and it's only $1625. not much of a difference. Ashland/Division is  a cool area - lots of fun restaurants and bars (and a cool Wiccan book store, I believe) -  but that triangle definitely has some funny characters. Plus there's still some grit there and a lack of upscale stuff.

 

I'm sure occupancy will be 100%; it just mistifies me why some people accept those prices.

 

Then again, I guess walking distance to Porn & Chicken night at Evil Olive is a big plus. Saves a cab ride.

Oh yes the porn and chicken place.

 

As for the prices, they aren't too far off the mark. It's an ammenity building so everything is included. Not everyone is paying that much though. There was a 2 BR that rented for $2000.  That's a steal for central Chicago in a new building.  Rents should ease their climb in the next year with downtown hanging around the $2.50 - 3.00 per sqft range.  Right now I'm at about $3 per square foot a month.  Pizza Hut tower may not be so bad to check out come to think of it.  I think you're going to see alot more apartment buildings going up in the outer nabes. Pretty much everything is over $1000 in any decent place.

 

 

Btw I noticed Tower of Pizza Hut's location is "Division Triangle of Shadyness" on social networks...oh my.

 

 

Speaking of Division St, the new Lasalle auxiliary subway station is very far along.  Structure is done and granite floors and tile ceilings installed. Finishes to the mezzanine should begin soon.

 

Also heard the Regina court building on state near Division is toast.  It just leased a bunch of spaces to new retail tenants but if the project passes there will be a new tower there. 

The Polish Triangle really is underdeveloped relative to the rest of Wicker Park/Uke villiage.  I hope the Pizza Hut tower gives it a shot in the arm, it could be a really cool district.  I feel like the mid century co-op further down milwaukee is probably what really has hurt it due to its anti urban design.

 

Speaking of Division St, the new Lasalle auxiliary subway station is very far along.  Structure is done and granite floors and tile ceilings installed. Finishes to the mezzanine should begin soon.

 

Where is this exactly?  Near the Lasalle Metra?

 

 

Nope. Clark and Division Red Line.  New entrance at Lasalle.  I also keep heading rumors of a Division St Brown Line Station.

If the brown line wasn't already slow enough through that part of town :P  Though I do see why they'd consider it...

Renderings of the very controversial basketball arena going up in the South Loop just across from McCormick Place.

 

The arena will be a new anchor for the convention hall and hopefully bring more life to the historic motor row district that the city hopes to turn into a mega entertainment destination.  The controversy stems from the massive subsidies McPier will receive to build the stadium and fund the total overhaul of navy pier.  Like it or not, the city had 47 million tourists last year, so investment in civic infrastructure is a big priority to keep that number going up.

 

 

 

 

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2013/09/23/pelli-clarke-pelli-serves-ravioli-as-likely-depaul-arena-design.php

 

And of course, cannot forget the new Marriott across the street.

 

 

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=207501

 

 

I'm pretty happy with the designs.  And they all replace crappy surface lots and a suburban style bank.  Only one historic row house stands in the way and that structure will be saved and relocated nearby.

 

Here's where they will go.  Also, the city will be building a new green line L station there.

 

http://goo.gl/maps/f7wDL

Here is the proposal for 200 N. Michigan next to the historic Carbide and Carbon building.  A 1930's 7-story art deco structure stands in the way with a bunch of tenants.  Kind of sad unfortunately the building looks pretty raggedy and I really don't know if a restoration could help it.  It wasn't deemed historical despite that it's surrounded by many neighbors with landmark status.  Regardless this new tower looks like a proper replacement.  The setbacks preserve viewsheds of prominent pre-war skyscrapers.  I love the treatment of the ground floor.  Looks very classy Michigan Ave to me.

 

http://blog.chicagoarchitecture.info/2013/09/09/bkl-answers-your-questions-about-200-north-michigan-avenue/

This is the proposal for 150 N. Riverside.  Just across lake from the 50-story McDonald's pie container going up right now.  I retrieved these images from my Alderman's website.  Sorry they are small.

 

 

 

This building is constructed overtop of Metra and Amtrak lines.  Hard to believe how much rail infrastructure is going underground in Chicago!!

 

For this and more development in the 42nd Ward, visit Brendan Reilly's development compilation

http://www.ward42chicago.com/pending_development_proposals.html

I dig them all.  I really like the Marriott.

Replacement for the suburban dunkin donuts. 

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2013/10/01/developer-assembles-10story-proposal-for-clark-belmont.php

 

Is it just me, or does this building look like something I'd find in some city in Ontario?

 

New tower in Parkside / Cabrini-Green.  Right across the street from the new 3-story target

 

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2013/09/30/18story-checkeredglass-apartment-tower-to-plant-opposite-target.php

 

Good riddance. There's too much questionable, if not rough, activity at that parking lot after midnight.

Nice.

^-No more groups of *insert youth culture* hanging out in front of that parking lot.  It was listed on tourist guides for that :)

 

However, the replacement is wonderful, its fantastic to see such density in such an intense and transit friendly district bravo! :)

 

New tower in Parkside / Cabrini-Green.  Right across the street from the new 3-story target

 

There's those staggered windows again.

Yes. The staggered windows trend is certainly "in

" these days.  Kind of wish our infill looked a bit more like Milwaukee's. We do a lot of glass boxes in Chicago which bores me

150 riverside is a funky unusual bldg i hope it gets built!

The historic Rees House stands directly in the way of the new stadium and will have to be moved to a new location. This includes relocating the coach house.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Harriet_F_Rees_House_Chicago_IL.jpg

 

 

Notice of landmark building relocation here.  I didn't google the new the site, but I'm certain it's still part of the historic prairie district

http://www.illinoishistory.gov/PS/IHSAC/2013-10-25Meeting/Chicago%20-%20Rees%20House%20Relocation.pdf

 

 

EDIT. Sorry that's big.

Lakeshore Drive South Extension soon to open!

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-getting-around-1014-20131014,0,1478530.column

Does the road pictured above cut through the property of the former USS South Works?

 

^ Passes by it.  This was designed in anticipation of the Southworks community with all of those future stub connections. 

http://burnhamplan100.lib.uchicago.edu/big_bold_visionary/the_lakefront/south_works_lakeside/

Just heard in the rumor mill that the owner of buildings on the 3800 block of Broadway wants to upsize his developments. 

 

Shown below is a streetview of a building that would have additional floors added to the top of it if that happens. 

The street needs more density and you save a nice terra cotta structure.  I'm in favor

 

- Link removed - Google streetview malfunction

^Here is a link to the story: http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20131107/lakeview/owner-of-spin-wants-raise-buildings-across-from-chateau-six-stories

 

This is very good news.  The owner of these properties did a nice job seamlessly integrating the building next door to Spin(belmont and Halsted) into part of the nightclub expansion.  I have no doubt he'd do a nice job here. The Hotel Chateau SRO (across the street) has been a blight for a long time, and since I own in Buena Park, this is the bridge that fills in the gap between North Lakeview and South Uptown (Buena Park) along Broadway.  The Hotel Chateau rehab is what is driving this investment. Now if only we could get Thorek crap-ass Hospital to stop buying up property and tearing down everything around the Sheridan Red Line at Irving Park and Sheridan/Broadway!! 

 

Hate that hospital..they recently bought this: http://www.uptownupdate.com/2013/09/nicks-uptown-to-close-its-doors-bought.html

 

They have bought and torn down most of the properties on the block and left them as weed filled empty lots or turned them into parking, including an historic 3 story walk up condo that was gut rehabbed only a few years ago.  The Alderman is trying to Landmark Nicks Uptown building from the link to keep them from turning it into another empty lot.

Realtor's Building to be demolished on Michigan Ave

Looks like this 1960's mish-mash Bob Newhart building will come down and be replaced by a tower.  The building received a facade reclad in 2010

 

http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Building/3498/Realtor-Building.php

 

Plans call for a "Rockefeller Center" type of building that could rise up to 93 stories.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-mag-mile-project-20131111,0,2769834.story

 

http://www.inman.com/2013/11/11/nar-takes-steps-to-build-rockefeller-center-like-headquarters-in-chicago/#sthash.YzURq4Ly.dpuf-

New 95th Street CTA Station

 

Here are some great renderings on the CTA's flickr page  You can view them all here:

 

Quick Data:

Construction Start: 2014

Cost: $240 million (projected)

Customer Service Area: 300,000 residents within walking distance

Modes: CTA Rail, CTA Buses, PACE Buses, Greyhound, Indian Trails

 

http://www.transitchicago.com/95thTerminal/

 

View of the station driving Northbound lanes of Ryan Expressway

 

95th Street overpass with skywalks

 

Station Lobby

 

Another view of the station lobby

 

Full Station enclosure and column free platforms

 

Skywalk

 

Bus Station

 

Aerial view of the transit complex

I dig.

Sears to close flagship Loop location in April

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-sears-close-loop-flagship-20140121,0,6152367.story

 

Sears Holdings said Tuesday it plans to close its flagship location in the Loop this spring.

 

The troubled Hoffman Estates-based retailer will start its liquidation sale at the location at 2 N. State St. on Jan. 26 and shut its doors in April.

 

"The store has lost millions of dollars since opening and we can no longer continue to support the store’s operating losses," a spokesman said in an email.....