Friday, October 30, 2009

Chicago Brick of the Day: Andersonville Prison


In an effort to showcase the magnificent architecture of Chicago's Tribune Tower, and to help people understand just how powerful and influential the Chicago Tribune newspaper once was, the Chicago Architecture Blog presents: Chicago Brick of the Day.
Each day we'll show a photograph of a rock, brick, or other piece of stonework embedded in the exterior of the Tribune Tower .
If you haven't done it yet, play tourist for a couple of hours and wander around the outside of 435 North Michigan Avenue and marvel at an architectural work that will not be equalled in our lifetimes.

Clark and Grand Hotels Plan Revised

A couple of days ago we told you that the plan to build three hotels on half a block in River North had been revised.

Well, we finally got our hands on the latest revision made by HOK, and it looks like it does indeed address a number of concerns local residents and businesses had.



In this first diagram we see how the western alley would be transformed from a regular alley into a place where hotel guests could be picked up and dropped off and a valet, area.  This would keep most of the hotel traffic off of Grand, Clark, and Illinois Streets.  Illuminated glass awnings, signage, and bollards would make the alley more inviting and help direct clueless tourists.

Deliveries get moved to a loading zone off of the eastern alley, adjacent to the proposed Fairfield Inn.



Trees and planters installed along the sidewalk designate pedestrian entrances to the buildings, but discourage cars from stopping along the street.




I don't know if we got to see this last time, but here is the green roof plan.  It shows that around 10,555 square feet of roof would be "green" (9,500 square feet of plants and 1,055 square feet of hardscape)  That's about 50% of the total roof space.




The Aloft hotel is now more glass and less brick.  Compare the old and new designs:




The glass facade is really more in line with the direction the neighborhood is going than the old brick.  Recent examples include 353 North Clark Street and 300 North LaSalle Drive, as well as venerable buildings like 321 North Clark Street.

For your further edification, here are the edifices' façades (changes noted in red):




This project is going by the address of 501 North Clark, but at this point retains the "Clark and Grand Hotels" name.

You can see our older posts on the project here:

Status Update: Children's Memorial Hospital

It's not often we have a status update that lacks a photo, but this is one of those cases.

We've received word from Children's Memorial Hospital that the new hospital at 225 East Chicago Avenue will be topped off by early December, maybe a little sooner if the weather cooperates.

Right now, the project has entered a new phase of construction -- building the portion of the skyscraper that cantilevers over the northeast side of the building and contains the sky lobby.  That should be done in the spring.

A hospital spokeswoman also sent over a revised fact sheet.  Maybe I missed it the first time around, but this was new to me:



Sky Garden: The 5,000 square-foot sky garden, a unique activity and respite area, will include a translucent interactive light wall that changes color as children approach.

That sounds pretty neat.  Maybe it will turn flashing red when a helicopter approaches so the kids know to run for cover!  Seriously, though -- I'm all in favor of the continued greening of Chicago's roofs, and the sky garden will be 11 stories below the heliport anyway (12 if you count the 13th floor, which doesn't exist).

Slice of Life: Perspective Under the El





Horizon lines on the ground merge with their lofty counterparts created by the CTA's Brown and Pink line tracks near the Ashland Station (1601 West Lake Street) above Lake Street.

Big Plans Afoot for Congress Parkway

One of the streets that welcome thousands of cars barreling into the Loop or fleeing for the suburbs each day is going to get a big makeover.

Construction is expected to start in the spring on a Congress Parkway screetscaping scheme that will transform the street between Wells and Michigan into a gateway to downtown Chicago.


Drawing from the CDOT presentation linked below of what Congress Parkway might look like

Over a year ago we mentioned the plans to light the parkway with LED bollards.  Now we know more about the project.

It includes adding trees to both sides of the street wherever possible, adding trees in the medians where they fit, and a dramatic lighting system.  The lights would take the form of illuminated gateway markers as well as LED floodlights coloring the bordering buildings.


Drawing from the CDOT presentation linked below of what the Auditorium Building might look like


The current, rather hazardous, pedestrian crosswalks would have their stripes replaced by fake bricks, in an effort to make the area more pedestrian-friendly and to remind drivers that they're no longer on I-290, and to slow down in this residential zone.  In addition, there would be places in the median for pedestrians to wait for the next signal change if they're not able to make it all the way across in 40 seconds (the new time to cross). In some places, the road is eight lanes wide.


Also in the plan:

  • A new Blue Line subway entrance at Dearborn Street
  • New crossing signals with countdown timers
  • New street furniture (newspaper machines, benches, etc...)
  • New median planters
  • Wider sidewalks, where possible
  • Reconfigured turning lanes (some added, some removed)
  • A crossing signal for the blind at Congress and Wells
  • Many more trees (Elm, Ginko, Oak, London Planetree, Honeylocust, Hackberry, Kentucky Coffeetree)
  • A barrier between the sidewalk and the street where it crosses under the Chicago Board of Trade
  • Trellises supporting climbing vines in areas too narrow for other landscaping
Page 27 of the CDOT presentation highlights two city-owned pieces of land -- one on the northwest corner of Clark and Congress, and the other at the southeast corner of Congress and Plymouth.  It then shows examples of public plazas.  Does this mean that these surface parking lots could become something better, a la Pritzker Park (334 South State Street)?  We'll keep out fingers crossed.


You can read more about the plan here: Congress Parkway improvement project

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Slice of Life: Red Arches



From the El you don't see it so much, but from the sidewalk on the Wabash Street side of the Sullivan Center (formerly the Carson Pierie Scott building), you can really appreciate the red color painted into the arches at 28 South Wabash Avenue.

Chicago Brick of the Day: Custer Battlefield


In an effort to showcase the magnificent architecture of Chicago's Tribune Tower, and to help people understand just how powerful and influential the Chicago Tribune newspaper once was, the Chicago Architecture Blog presents: Chicago Brick of the Day.
Today's brick is from Custer Battlefield National Monument 
Each day we'll show a photograph of a rock, brick, or other piece of stonework embedded in the exterior of the Tribune Tower .
If you haven't done it yet, play tourist for a couple of hours and wander around the outside of 435 North Michigan Avenue and marvel at an architectural work that will not be equalled in our lifetimes.

Chicago Children's Museum Move to Grant Park Not Dead Yet

There was an interesting note at a public meeting of the Grant Park Conservancy a couple of days ago.  Bob O'Neill, the head of the organization, said that the plan for moving the Chicago Children's Museum from Navy Pier (600 East Grand Avenue) to Daley Bicentennial Plaza (337 East Randolph Street) is far from dead.



The most recent newspaper articles on the topic have made it sound like the plan was off, or at least on permanent hold.  But O'Neill says the meetings he's been to show that the plan is full stream ahead, that Jean ("Gigi") Pritzker remains committed to raising private money for the project, and that in spite of the recession, the plan is moving forward.

There were a number of opponents of the project in the audience when he made the remarks.  It will be interesting to see if there is an organized response, and what form it will take.

Chicago's Meat Packing District





We've published several photos from Chicago's meat packing district in the last few weeks.  It's one of those places that most people assume exists, but few have actually been to.

Does Chicago's meat packing district actually pack meat?  The answer is an unqualified "yes."  And not just meat.  There's a chicken nugget factory and a few places that pack seafood.

But it's clear from a recent tour of the area that it's not what it once was.  It seemed like about half of the spaces that were once slaughterhouses and cold storage facilities are now art galleries, pricey restaurants, and soft lofts.

My late father was tangentially involved in the meat packing industry and as a child I would occasionally spend time in New York's meat packing district.  Wandering the streets of Chicago's version, I felt right at home, once again dodging the fork lifts and listening to the chatter of men with large knives and long white coats.

Getting to Chicago's meat packing district by public transportation isn't convenient, but it's worth the trouble.  For a quickie self-guided tour, head to the intersection of West Fulton Street and North Halsted Street and start walking west.  Keep an eye open for a working class pub and have lunch.  Then wander around a little and head back toward the Loop.  It's a good way to spend an afternoon seeing something new in your own backyard.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Chicago Brick of the Day: Fort McHenry


In an effort to showcase the magnificent architecture of Chicago's Tribune Tower, and to help people understand just how powerful and influential the Chicago Tribune newspaper once was, the Chicago Architecture Blog presents: Chicago Brick of the Day.
Today's brick is from Fort McHenry in Maryland.
Each day we'll show a photograph of a rock, brick, or other piece of stonework embedded in the exterior of the Tribune Tower .
If you haven't done it yet, play tourist for a couple of hours and wander around the outside of 435 North Michigan Avenue and marvel at an architectural work that will not be equalled in our lifetimes.

Quickie: Landscaping the Eisenhower/Blue Line?



Just a quick note -- We hear that there is some preliminary work being done to investigate the possibility of landscaping the Blue Line in the median of the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290).

We don't know if this will mean simply adding plants in the gravel and dirt areas that the trains aren't using, or if it means adding some kind of deck over the rail line with a park.

When we know more, you'll know more.

Slice of Life: The Victor Hotel





We love old signs.  And the more neon, the better.  And we're not alone.  This sign for the Victor Hotel (311 North Sangamon Street) in Chicago's meat packing district doesn't advertise lodging, but the location of a hipster bar.  At least the sign is being preserved by a new generation.

A search of the Chicago Tribune's archives didn't turn up any information on this property.  In fact, the only Victor Hotel that came up was on North Avenue, and was the scene of a murder back in the 1950's. The last mention of it was in the 1980's, while tax records show this building was built in 1965.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Plan for Three New River North Hotels Revised

Back in August we told you about a plan to put three new hotels on half of the block bounded by Clark Street, Grand Avenue, Dearborn Street, and Illinois Street.  Well, those plans have been revised.

There was concern about the kind of parking needed for a project of this size.  621 hotel rooms mean hundreds of extra cars.  Under the revised plan, the new hotels would use the new parking garage opening December 1st a couple of blocks away at 601 West Kinzie Street.

As usual, traffic is a concern, so the alleyway has been redesigned to not only handle deliveries, but to also serve as a valet area and a guest loading and unloading zone.

42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly's office issued a press release Tuesday night stating that the architects, "[redesigned] key portions of the facades that better contemplates the architectural language of the broader River North community."  What exactly that means, we don't know because the link to the detailed documents that the alderman's office sent out doesn't work.

But what we do know is that the project also now has a proper address.  It's now going by "501 North Clark Street."  It's not known yet if the former name "Clark and Grand Hotels" still sticks.

When Alderman Reilly's office gets the link thing straightened out, we'll post an update.

Chicago Brick of the Day: New Orleans


In an effort to showcase the magnificent architecture of Chicago's Tribune Tower, and to help people understand just how powerful and influential the Chicago Tribune newspaper once was, the Chicago Architecture Blog presents: Chicago Brick of the Day.
Today's brick is from New Orleans, Louisiana .
Each day we'll show a photograph of a rock, brick, or other piece of stonework embedded in the exterior of the Tribune Tower .
If you haven't done it yet, play tourist for a couple of hours and wander around the outside of 435 North Michigan Avenue and marvel at an architectural work that will not be equalled in our lifetimes.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas (2009 Edition, Part 1)


Sure, it's just a chunk of black metal, but it's also the harbinger of the holiday season.  The base for the Christmas tree has been put in place in the plaza of the John Hancock Center (875 North Michigan Avenue).  Nearby, crews are putting the lights up in the trees that line the Magnificent Mile, and in the Loop, Macy's is working on its annual Christmas window displays.

And to think, I still have one more pumpkin to carve for Halloween.

Status Update: Zara



The new Zara store on Michigan Avenue is almost ready for opening.  The scaffolding and shroud have been taken down and the corner boasts a new sign.  The official opening is October 30, 2009.

Plans For Restoring Grant Park's Cancer Survivors Plaza

One of the more magical places in Chicago is the tiny northeast corner of Grant Park known as Cancer Survivors Plaza.  It's officially called  "Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park" (337 East Randolph Street), but many people just know it as the way to get from Upper East Randolph Street to the lakefront.

It is here that a double row (known as an allée in landscaping lingo) of cherry trees put on a spectacular show each spring.  But you have to be quick -- for only about six days are the blossoms at their peak, and the area looks like a sun-warmed winter wonderland.  Toward the end of their blossoming cycle, the petals leap individually from their blooms and ride formerly invisible whirlwinds across the landscape.

It's an singular spectacle, and one that I try hard to witness each year.



But the Cancer Survivors Plaza is in trouble.  Over the last few years, ten of the 16 plaques have been ripped off their bases, and presumably sold to unscrupulous recycling companies as scrap metal.  The pavilion is rusting badly, and I recently learned that there's supposed to be a computer kiosk on the south end.  I've never seen it, but I'm told it once existed.

The Richard and Annette Bloch (as in H&R Block) Cancer Foundation has donated $1.2 million since the garden was founded for its care and maintenance, but it simply hasn't been enough to keep up with Chicago's aggressive weather and thugs.

After years of this desecration, a plan has been put together to restore this memorial garden to its a more respectful state.  At a public meeting yesterday (October 26, 2009) some of the ideas for that restoration were presented.

Part of the plan includes new markers.  This time they would be illuminated to make them legible at night. This will hopefully encourage more people to visit the area after dark and discourage those who would do the park harm from hanging around.  Examples of possible illuminated podium designs were presented.  They were created by the Des Moines firm Confluence and Dimensional Innovations of Kansas.



The entire northeast corner of Grant Park, including the Cancer Survivors park is going to be completely torn apart and redone in the next few years, but the people at last night's meeting felt that something should be done in the interim to restore the dignity to the place.

The Bloch cancer foundation has pledged $100,000 to make repairs to the plaza, even if those repairs are only for the four years between now and when the major northeast Grant Park reconstruction starts.


Video: Winthrop Club in Evanston

This is the news conference for the new Winthrop Club condo block in Evanston.  It's a little long, but there's an interesting story about what the developers wanted to do versus what the city of Evanston would allow them to do.


The Market Cafe't





We found this interesting sight in Chicago's meat packing district, which is home to more than its fair share of interesting things.

So, what exactly was "The Market Cafe't" at 936 West Fulton Street?  Is "cafe't" short for café?  Cafeteria?  Something else?  Did food pass through that slot in the hole in the brick wall?  Inquiring minds want to know!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Chicago Brick of the Day: Cumberland Gap



In an effort to showcase the magnificent architecture of Chicago's Tribune Tower, and to help people understand just how powerful and influential the Chicago Tribune newspaper once was, the Chicago Architecture Blog presents: Chicago Brick of the Day.
Today's brick is from the Cumberland Gap in Tennessee.
Each day we'll show a photograph of a rock, brick, or other piece of stonework embedded in the exterior of the Tribune Tower .
If you haven't done it yet, play tourist for a couple of hours and wander around the outside of 435 North Michigan Avenue and marvel at an architectural work that will not be equalled in our lifetimes.

TweetEcho: October 19-25, 2009


For those of you who don't subscribe to our Twitter feed, here are the items we tweeted in the last week or so:


  1. The Jerusalem Post calls Chicago's Spertus building the "Jewel of Michigan Avenue": http://j.mp/3CrElG
  2. Apple spending $4 million to fix up the CTA's North & Clybourn station: http://j.mp/25NTpj
  3. The Michael Kors Collection store at 900 North Michigan opens today.
  4. Lincoln Park's Urban Fresh to close - Chicago Real Estate Dailyhttp://j.mp/1s5Yec
  5. A Near West Side condo built out of an elevator shaft is on the market: http://j.mp/2NRvvz
  6. First look at the Michael Kors Collection window display:http://j.mp/1bClr0
  7. Spertus Institute gets LEED Silver. Trib article:http://j.mp/4qa2BN CAI page: http://j.mp/zrOXb
  8. If Flavor Flav had a garage in Chicago, it might look like this:http://j.mp/23YMHD
  9. Women's Wear Daily has noticed that Michigan Avenue is starting to resemble a suburban strip mall:http://j.mp/3V4AJ8
  10. First pic of the new Michigan Avenue Michael Kors Collection store: http://j.mp/23vfxz
  11. The Winthrop Club review on Monday, but you can see the pix now, including the floor-to-ceiling glass bathroom:http://j.mp/1uRtzM
  12. PR folk - be sure to add editor@chicagoarchitecture.info to your press release list and we'll come to your building openings, too!
  13. The Winthrop Club in Evanston has 200 bicycle parking spaces for 92 condos. No wonder it's going for LEED Gold status.
  14. Just back from the media preview of the Winthrop Club - a 15-story condo building in the heart of Evanston. Full review with video Monday.
  15. Michigan Avenue Zara opens October 30.
  16. Private event at the new Victoria's Secret today. Open to the public Thursday.
  17. Tuesday Trivia: Which Chicago Starbucks doesn't use the official corporate Starbucks furniture? Answer:http://j.mp/quZhy
  18. Foreclosure suit hits Block 37 - Chicago Real Estate Dailyhttp://j.mp/7NHA1
  19. We love Chicago's religious architecture. Check out St. Gertrude Church: http://j.mp/4cnu1d