Feeling Freshii at Water Tower Place

The new Freshii is now open at Water Tower Place.  It's in the space that was once a Nuts on Clark outlet. We told you last year about Nuts being shelled from its Gold Coast location.  The new eatery takes us from nuts to fruits and vegetables.

Interestingly, the smart folks at Freshii have found a way to make use of the old carport at Water Tower Place.  The four-lane through street used to allow people to be picked up and dropped off from both the mall and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel safe from Chicago's weather.  But worries over car bombs closed that route long ago.

Now it's being used by Freshii as an outdoor seating area, and should be perfect for a little al fresco dining, even if it's raining.

Chicago Brick of the Day: Mark Twain Cave

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:

Mark Twin Cave in Hannibal, Missouri . This is yet another one of a number of Tribune Tower artifacts that are mislabeled.  There is no "Injun Joe" Cave.  There is an Injun Joe's Treasure Room inside the Mark Twain Cave, however.

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 Brick of the Day: Mammoth Cave

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:

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky .

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.

Status Update: Walton on the Park (2)

Walton on the Park continues to grow.  Now that the parking garage is done, the building is growing quite quickly and starting to take on its final skyscraper form.

TweetEcho: July 4-12, 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. Heavy lift helicopter is putting a huge new antenna array on the roof of the Aon Center.7:54 AM Jul 11th from web
2. Another piece of Chicago's historic architecture crumbles before our eyes: http://bit.ly/2EdM1K8:28 AM Jul 10th from bit.ly
3. The new Freshii is now open at Water Tower Place. They're even using the former carport as covered outdoor seating. Clever.7:12 AM Jul 10th from web
4. Collective Soul fans are already lined up for today's concert at the John Hancock Center. http://twitpic.com/9vxou6:49 AM Jul 10th from Tweetie
5. The winners and losers in the Burnham Memorial for Chicago: http://bit.ly/7Q8cv3:43 PM Jul 8th from bit.ly
6. Winner chosen for Chicago's Burnham Memorial:http://bit.ly/H90Hq3:41 PM Jul 8th from bit.ly
7. Correction to an earlier tweet: The new Italian boutique at 840 North Michigan will actually be on Chestnut next to the dermatology spa.6:17 AM Jul 8th from bit.ly
8. Lavazza will open an Espressions cafe in the MetraMarket:http://bit.ly/pLGXz6:16 AM Jul 8th from bit.ly
9. Black smoke has turned back to steam at Northwestern. Fire department still responding, though with fewer sirens.2:45 PM Jul 7th from web
10. Loud popping noises across Streeterville. Can see black smoke coming from the roof of Northwestern University's Feinberg Pavilion.2:42 PM Jul 7th from bit.ly
11. Italian boutique Culti will take the space on Michigan Avenue soon to be vacated by Victoria's Secret: http://bit.ly/A7bi53:16 PM Jul 6th from bit.ly

Slice of Life: Blimps Over the Beach

The best view of Oak Street Beach isn't from the shade of a tree at the edge of the sand. It's from the Good Year Blimp hovering overhead.

Chicago Brick of the Day: Independence Hall

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:

Independence Hall in Philadelphia. 

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.

Slice of Life: Going Down

There aren't many places in the world where the elevators stops on 103 on the way down.  Though Chicago has been surpassed by buildings in the Middle East and Asia, we should still be proud of this feat, accomplished half a century before the rest of the world.

Slice of Life: Soul Patch at Hancock Center

A group of Collective Soul fans stake out their patch of front-row real estate for today's concert in the sunken plaza at the John Hancock Center more than four hours before the band is scheduled to perform.

Later in the day, Collective Soul will perform at Old Saint Patrick's Church's annual summer festival.  OSP likes to call it the "World's Largest Block Party," but it's not.  It's not even the largest in the Midwest.  But don't mention that to people who run the church.  Hostile and dismissive responses are de rigeur any time we've brought that up to the bosses over there.  Even from pastor Father Tom Hurley, who sent us a nastygram when we most recently inquired about the false boast.

Chicago Brick of the Day: John Brown's Cabin

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:

John Brown's Cabin in Osawatomie, Kansas .

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.

Status Update: Things Coming Together at Block 37

Things are starting to come together at Block 37/108 North State.  After more than two years of disarray, the ground floor of the building is starting to make sense to the casual observer.

Some of the barriers have been lowered so we can get a peek at what's going on.  The near completion of the sidewalks is a good sign that most of what is left to do is cosmetic and interior.  With glass walls marking entrances it's easier to get an idea of what the finished project will look like.  

Of course, it still doesn't have a name other than the industrial "Block 37" or the bland "108 North State."  How about Daley Mills?  Or maybe "Field's."

Chicago Brick of the Day: Antarctica

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:

Antarctica .  And collected either during Operation Highjump or Operation Windmill .

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.

Status Update: Michael Kors at 900

With Stuart Weitzman now down at the Shops at Northbridge, the retailer's old space at 900 North Michigan Avenue is under construction.  The Michael Kors Collection is Kors' second store at 900, after opening in what used to be the first floor of Club Monaco.  We detailed that move almost exactly one year ago.

Chicago Brick of the Day: International Peace Garden

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 International Peace Garden Canada United States , which straddles the border between North Dakota and Manitoba.

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.

Slice of Life: Chicago's Vertical Malls

An American and Chicago Olympic flag hang in the elevator well of Water Tower Place.  A lot of American tourists don't understand vertical malls, which may have contributed to the demise of Chicago Place.  But they're quite common in Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, and other places.  Water Tower Place manages to thrive thanks to the halO effect, and the mall at Northbridge seems to be holding its own.

Chicago Brick of the Day: Chimney Rock, Nebraska

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:

Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Nebraska. 

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.

Slice of Life: Plumbers Protecting Chicago

This mural is on display in one of the stairwells of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130 union hall at 1400 West Washington in the Near West Side.  It features Buckingham Fountain, the old Chicago Water Tower, the Wrigley Building, and other Chicago landmarks.

Chicago Brick of the Day: Princeton University

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:

Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. 

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.

Sticking Bricks Together at the Old Gino's East

After nearly a year as one of Chicago's most prominent vacant lot, workers are plowing ahead with earnest on 930 North Rush.

The retail development on the corner of Rush and Walton was formerly the location of Gino's East Pizza, which was torn down several years ago.  After that it was used as a storage lot for construction equipment from the Elysian Chicago skyscraper going up across the street.

Now that the Elysian is almost done, construction is finally starting.  The result is expected to be a row of faux brownstones fitted out for retail.

So, who's coming?  It's hard to say at this point.  Every time we hear a name we hear another name, too.

Latest word from Crain's Chicago Business is that it's going to be Varvatos, the men's clothier.

Slice of The Taste

If you haven't been to the Taste of Chicago in a while because of the crowds, this is probably the year to make a return trip.

There are fewer restaurants, fewer vendors, fewer PR booths, and fewer people than in any year since we started going in 2004.  During some weekday afternoons this past week it was downright eerie.

The Ledge Unveiling News Conference

The Ledge Unveiling News Conference
Originally uploaded by Artefaqs

This is the complete news conference announcing the opening of The Ledge on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower).

This is the entire unedited news conference, though we did add music to the construction montage because the handout video from Skydeck Chicago's PR firm lacked the musical track that was included when it was shown to the press.

Otherwise, it is substantially in tact.

Chicago Brick of the Day: Londonderry

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 walls of Londonderry, Northern Ireland 

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 Brick of the Day: Orote Peninsula

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 Orote Peninsula in Guam. 

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.

The Ledge at Sears/Willis Tower Opens to the Public

It's not often that a new tourist attraction opens that is guaranteed to be seen by millions of people each year.  Such Chicago gimmies as Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, and the Shedd Aquarium have all had their naysayers who predicted that no one would care and no one would ever see them.

This time it's different.  The new glass ledges installed in the facade of Chicago's tallest building are guaranteed to be an attraction.  That's because the observation deck that is their home is already one of the largest tourist attractions in the Midwest.

The Skydeck Ledge, as the four glass pods are collectively known, fulfill something that's always been something of a half-joke / half-wish among Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) visitors: to see the building from the outside.  Even Ferris Beuler and his friends once stood with their heads against the glass.  That glass is no longer a barrier.

Now it is actually possible to step beyond the building's curtain wall and look left, right, up, back, and most terrifyingly -- down 1,353 to South Wacker Drive below.

It really is a fascinating and unique experience.  It's nothing at all like other glass floors I've been at places like the CN Tower in Toronto, or The 63 Building in Seoul.  This isn't just a piece of plexiglass popped into a hole in the steel.  This is actual white glass hovering outside of the building's main structure.

The glass is crystal clear and even though it's tempered, it lacks most of the greenish tint you're used to seeing in tables and other furniture made with similar material.  Unlike pretty much every other "glass" floor in skyscrapers around the world, this one is actually glass, not plastic that gets scratched and scuffed so much that it's hard to tell what you're looking at.  The floor of each of the four pods has an additional layer of "sacrificial glass" on it to absorb the scuffs, dings, chips, and dirt that come from millions of yearly tourists.  When this layer gets sufficiently scratched, it can be removed and replaced, thus preserving the view.  It's a far superior solution than is used on the glass walkway over the Grand Canyon.  There, people are required to don little fabric booties to keep from scratching the bridge.  The designers of The Ledge decided doing the same thing in Chicago would detract from the magic of the experience.

The way the pods seem to hover in mid-air is certainly magical, but "hover" is probably not the right word. "Hang" is better, because that's what they do.  Each of the pods is a five-sided box hanging from a steel truss projecting from the ceiling out into free air.  There is no reassuringly supportive steel frame to look at while taking in the views of the city below.  That's all done above you, and in a way that you hardly notice it, until you're safely back inside.

Once safely back in Skydeck Chicago (formerly known as the Sears Skydeck), you can see the mechanical system in the ceiling.  It allows the pods to be smoothly retracted back into the building for cleaning and maintenance.  The mechanism is similar to ones used to move sets around at plays, so it's able to move very heavy objects with precision.

And the pods are heavy.  Each of the sides is formed from three layers of glass bonded together.  They are designed to hold at least 10,000 pounds.  But even though they're mostly glass, the ledges are incredibly strong.  In early testing done on the 103rd floor, the glass was deliberately broken.  But the bonding material was enough to maintain the structural integrity of the pod and support its load.

A few notes:

• The ledges are on the west side of the building because that's the only side that goes all the way down to ground level uninterrupted by setbacks.
• The ledges extend four feet, four inches from the building's facade.
• The ledges were designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; the same architecture firm that designed the building.
• The glass and metal engineer was MTH Industries, the same company that brought Cloud Gate to life.  Halcrow Yolles was the structural engineer, and Berglund Construction was the general contractor.

Q: How many news reporters and photographers can you fit in a ledge? 

A: All of them!

The Ledge: Official Press Release

Here's the official press release and official photos of the Skydeck Ledge.  Our review of the attraction will be published tomorrow morning.  All photos in this post are courtesy of Skydeck Chicago.

Skydeck Chicago’s The Ledge Now Daring Visitors to Stand Out

New Skydeck experience takes visitors on journey through the best of Chicago and brings the city to their feet – literally

CHICAGO – July 1, 2009 – Skydeck Chicago dares visitors to be among the first to step onto The Ledge, a series of glass bays that extend from the building’s 103^rd floor, when it opens to the public Thursday, July 2. Reaching out more than four feet from Skydeck Chicago’s west side, visitors have unobstructed views of Chicago – 1,353 feet straight down. In addition, guests will enjoy brand new interactive exhibit spaces that offer a “one stop Chicago” cultural experience on their way to the top.

“The Skydeck has evolved to challenge our visitors’ curiosity,” said Randy Stancik, general manager, Skydeck Chicago. “You only need to see the forehead prints on the windows to know that visitors are constantly trying to catch a glimpse below. The Skydeck attracts more than one million visitors annually who enjoy views of up to 50 miles and four states. Now, they have a fifth view right at their feet.”

The Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), the building’s original designers, provided an innovative plan for this architectural and engineering achievement. SOM designed The Ledge so that the fully enclosed glass boxes rest between conveyer belts. The boxes retract into the building, allowing easy access for cleaning and maintenance. Each box provides unobstructed views of people, taxis, boats and bridges over Wacker Drive and the Chicago River.

“The Sears Tower set architectural and engineering standards when it was first built and now we are able to carefully craft new elements that expand the capabilities of the original design while retaining its integrity,” said Ross Wimer, design partner, SOM.

“The Sears Tower has always been about innovation. For this new Skydeck experience, we have kept with that tradition. Cantilevering out from the side of America’s tallest building, the viewing platform will allow visitors to see the incredible city of Chicago literally beneath their feet. This is a great addition to the Sears Tower and to Chicago,” added Bill Baker, structural engineer partner, SOM.

An unmatched view is not all that Skydeck Chicago offers. From the moment visitors arrive, they enjoy an entirely new queuing experience, and interactive and educational museum-quality exhibits. The exhibits highlight the iconic landmark, and celebrate Chicago’s sports, architecture, pop culture, history, food, music and people. Interactive displays feature the city’s rich history, major Chicago attractions and fun facts. And visitors can stand on video screens to see what Chicago staples would look like if they were standing on The Ledge, 103 floors above the pitching mound at Wrigley Field, Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate, North Avenue Beach and more.

The multimedia elevator gives visitors one of the fastest rides in the world up more than one hundred flights, while giving visitors points of reference for the heights they are ascending along their journey to the 103^rd floor. Combined with The Ledge, the Skydeck Chicago experience will provide visitors from all over the world an encompassing view of the building and the city.

“Skydeck Chicago celebrates Chicago’s rich history and culture through architecture and educational programs that enhance the Chicago experience for all ages,” said Stancik. “In a single trip up to 103, visitors will see and learn about the best the Windy City has to offer.”

MTH Industries, the Chicago-based 120-year-old glass and architectural metal contractor that installed Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, installed The Ledge’s glass panels. Each glass box is comprised of three layers of glass laminated into one seamless unit. The low-iron, clear glass is fully tempered and heat-soaked for durability. In addition, the motorized system that projects and retracts the boxes from the building utilizes steel LinearBeams.

Skydeck Chicago is open daily September through March from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and from April through October from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, please visit www.theskydeck.com or call 1.877.SKY.DECK.

About Sears Tower

Sears Tower is the premier corporate office building in Chicago, offering more than 4.5 million square feet of office and retail space. Located in Chicago's West Loop at 233 S. Wacker Drive, the skyscraper is easily accessible from the commuter rail stations, highways and all forms of public transportation. Standing 1,450 feet and 110 stories tall, Sears Tower is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and an integral part of Chicago’s culture. Originally opened in September 1973, it is home to more than 100 different companies, including prominent financial services firms, law firms and insurance companies. Sears Tower boasts spectacular vistas of Chicago, with views that can reach nearly 50 miles on a clear day. Sears Tower also boasts a tremendous infrastructure system, which includes enormous telecommunications capacity and unsurpassed electrical capacity and reliability. The Sears Tower Skydeck on the 103rd floor attracts more than 1.3 million visitors per year.

About U.S. Equities Asset Management, LLC

U.S. Equities Asset Management, LLC, is a leading full-service commercial real estate firm headquartered in Chicago. The company serves as a strategic real estate advisor to clients throughout the United States, providing development, program management, build-to-suit and construction oversight services; asset management and leasing; tenant representation, consulting and advisory services; and financial and investment services. For more information, visit www.usequities.com.

More First Pics: The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago

The Sears Skydeck is now Skydeck Chicago.  Here are some first pictures of one of the new features -- The Ledge.  More to come.

First picture The Ledge at Sears Tower

Live blogging from the 103rd floor of the Sears Tower. The glass
ledges are very cool. Much more to come.

Chicago Brick of the Day: Another Petrified Forest

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 Petrified Forest in Calistoga, California. 

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.