Whatever, this is just further bastardization of a priceless landmark. I like 75% of what Rahm has done with this city, but he’s completely and utterly neutered the landmarks commission. It’s time to get some real commissioners (gee, maybe at least one architect?) and slap landmark status on some of these landlords who are destroying our architectural treasures…
Proposed SRO Preservation Ordinance Lands in City Hall
If you want more affordable housing, then allow new SRO’s to be built. Wait what’s that? You don’t want a new SRO by your house? Then stop complaining or allow more density…
That’s what people have always said about Chicago architecture. Just read the reviews of the Burnham and Root Monadnock Building from the era. The East Coast "thought leaders" of that day thought everything being built in Chicago was cheap crap. Then it turned out that literally all relevant design for nearly 100 years straight originated here. Not saying everything going up today is a masterpiece, but Chicago design always had and continues to shun the extravagance and flamboyance of European and East Coast design. That’s the nature of this place and also happens to be the entire root of Modernism. Who cares if they are building squiggly looking buildings in the Meatpacking district, just because we can build something doesn’t mean we should. It’s pure exhibitionism in NYC, not experimentation with actual challenging design issues.
Alderman: Finkl's Zoning is 'Almost Like a Set of Handcuffs'
Are you kidding me people? PMD has to go. There is no shortage of land for commercial use in this area which is exactly why the North/Clyborn mess exists. How do I know that? Because all of the commercial development everyone is worried about "pressuring" is apparently getting such a good deal on their rent that they can afford to have massive surface lots in front of each building. Until those lots start disappearing in favor of mutli-story retail and parking garages, I don’t think anyone can argue that the commercial district is under threat or too expensive.
This entire site should be dense, mixed used, redevelopment that puts an emphasis on facing the river and, hopefully, results in an extension of the Bloomingdale from it’s current terminus at Ashland, across the river, and down to North Ave. Eventually maybe we can even commendeer that sweet swing bridge to Goose Island just south of North Ave. and connect to the new developments planned down there and ultimately the downtown riverwalk.
Chicago-based Kara Mann tapped for interior design of Helmut Jahn’s South Loop tower
I mean, good for her and all, but I feel her aesthetic is more befitting for a renovated greystone. Ideally i would have liked to see norman foster, curiosity architects, or OMA. Its very safe, but it’s to be expected.