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A Wee Bit of Scottish Flair in Chicago Design

By Ross Renjilian

The Scottish Manor in Deerfield, IL

Orren Pickell is one of Chicago’s leading residential home designers which specialize in grand homes, classy styles, and luxurious details finished with the industry’s finest materials. This summer Pickell is at it again with not just one house, but with an entire development. “Tarns of the Moor” is located in the Deerfield, IL and is the setting for one of Orren Pickell’s newest masterpieces-the aptly named “Scottish Manor.” This grand, super-sized, European-styled mansion has set the tone for what we can expect from this housing development in terms of scale and style with its castle-like feel.

After visiting the “Scottish Manor”, I left with a desire to pack up all of my belongings and move in the next day. The truth is all of my stuff would fit into a small corner of this estate home as it is “nearly” 9,000 square feet boasting 6 bedrooms, 5.3 baths, 7 fireplaces, and to top it off- a pub in the basement!  Unfortunately, upon learning that the price tag was but a “mere” $4.8 million, my desire was quickly demoted to dreaming.

The house has several interesting layout features from a design standpoint. Yet, despite its size, the “Scottish Manor” actually possesses a very quaint feel.  It’s worth noting that the entrance was not overdone or extremely dramatic as many are apt to be for this type of high-end residence. To create a more old-style feel, the front windows were leaded which also adds privacy, but also sets a tone for anticipation of what’s inside.  The dining room is located right in the center of the house, visible upon entry. This was a bold move because the foyer was toned down in order to put a hierarchy on the center table.

The house is split up into two different sections; one side is for formal entertaining whereas the other side has a more rustic-home feel and is designated as the living area. In order to create this contrast, different materials and languages were used to create these divergent spaces. The formal section used many curves, to give it a smooth flowing feel. These curves were used in the arched doorways, the barrel vaulted corridor, an oval shaped dining room, and a cylindrical foyer accompanied by a spiral staircase. The area used much cooler colors and shades of light gray and creams in the walls and furnishings. The floors were a combination of acacia wood and travertine stone. The rustic side, although not devoid of any luxury does carry a much warmer feel. It does so through its use of materials such as hand scraped oak floors, granite countertops, slate stove back drop, cherry cabinetry, and limestone. The house is suited with top of the line appliances which are masked in order to keep the rustic feel.

A new and unique design decision was to create, not one, but two master suites in strategic locations. While the primary master suite is located on the first floor, Orren Pickell has placed another essentially versatile suite on the second floor. The idea behind this is to make the house more flexible to the eventual owner who would be able to exercise a preference of locating their sleeping quarters on the first floor, second floor or maybe even both.

My overall impressions were that the “Scottish Manor’s” interior is very well-organized with ample space for living and storage. Within the context of high-end residential design, this house makes a definite statement with its grand size, intricate details, and lavish use of materials. It is this skillful approach the “Scottish Manor” masters in creating an elegantly cohesive living space which make this type of luxury a dream destination not just for this writer but for many.

                  Green is the New Pink

Inside of one Chicago’s more trendy residential complexes

By Ross Renjilian

Interior of the newly opened Emerald

CHICAGO, IL, JUNE 16, 2008-Styles and trends come and go. At one time bellbottoms were the must haves, the yoyo was one of the most popular toys, and everyone had, yes, a pet rock. The truth is that the realm of architecture also goes through many cycles of different styles and trends, and right now that trend is “going green”.

The Emerald is a recently completed residential building that is ironically and perhaps intentionally located on “Green” Street. Chicago-based architects Pappageorge/Haymes, Ltd.  designed The Emerald and have ownership of numerous other projects throughout Chicago. The residential building is a twin tower set-up, which is connected by an 8,000 square-foot foyer and lobby space. What makes the Emerald truly unique is its substantial effort to bring green, recycled and sustainable materials into the built environment. These materials were demonstrated in their $4 million lobby, which included: LED/ Fluorescent lighting, Bamboo veneers, recycled glass terrazzo/ quartz floors, recycled glass countertops, and even green furniture made from sustainable materials. Beyond the Lobby, The Emerald also gives residents the option of putting green features into their residences including recycled counter tops and bamboo flooring. With this idea in mind, the Emerald’s selling point is a green lifestyle, in which they create an image for themselves, and that is making green design trendy and fashionable.

On the surface the Emerald demonstrates many innovative uses of green materials, but unfortunately missed the mark by not being a LEED certified building. The building has been in planning for the last three years, and three years ago green technology was still under development. Therefore architecturally the building does not demonstrate innovative technologies, or design efforts, which cater to a more sustainable or green design. With the new trend being “green”, even though the LEEDS criteria was not established when the building was originally conceived, Pappageorge/Haymes, Ltd made a good effort to incorporate sustainable finishes into the completed building in order to minimize its environmental impact. Overall, The Emerald is a nice residential building, with beautiful panoramic views of the city, and inviting spaces that create a fun and trendy atmosphere. The use of sustainable and green materials is also a ever-widening sphere of innovation in today’s residential design program. It was a great idea to think about sustainable and green solutions into the final finishes to keep pace with current green trends. The Emerald demonstrates that even though a building was not originally designed to fulfill LEED’s standard, it can incorporate aspects of sustainable design prior to its final completion and thus reducing its carbon footprint on the earth.  

Chicago Firms Show Their "CAN-Do" Attitude

Canstruction of Chicago Skyscrapers

Chicago, IL, June 10, 2008-If you didn't have the good fortune to have grown up using LEGO's, viewing the 2nd Annual Chicago Canstruction at the Merchandise Mart might bring back memories of your of your innovative childhood improvisations. In conjunction with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (CFD), 20 top local architectural and engineering design firms unleashed their precocious inner-child as they utilized over 86,000 full cans of food ranging from Spam to Campbell's Soup to construct scaled-models of notable figures. These food items will be donated to the CFD at the conclusion of the exhibition. Among the obvious favorites on display were Booth Hansen's "paCmAN," RJN Group, Inc.'s A SOUPer Bowl of Nutrition and 4240 Architecture's "Tuna City."  Maybe this exhibit represents the next step in renewable and sustainable building resources for environmentally-conscious design or maybe its just cool and fun way to contribute to a good and noteworthy cause. Canstruction Chicago 2008 will be on display to the public now thru June 22 at 350 W. Mart Center Drive (Apparel Center). The AIA-Chicago, SEAOI, SMPS and other were sponsors.

Chicago's Not So Magnificent Seven

By Darrell Jones

Museum of Contemporary Art

Chicago, IL, May 26, 2008-Over the last 20 years, Chicago has seen the construction of more architecturally significant projects than most cities around the nation could ever imagine for themselves. While these projects represent signs of economic health and growth in our city, they also represent additional pieces to the overall mosaic which defines the character of our built environment. For better or for worse, once these structures are thrust upon us they become new "in-laws" among our family of buildings.

Chicago over recent decades has grown increasingly more conscious and more proud of its architectural heritage and place in the world. When great architecture which is innovative or an aesthetic-knockout is produced, we share a collective pride and joy-not unlike a proud proud parent or child. So, it stands to reason, we feel diminished, perhaps more so than other municipalities, when an opportunity for greatness is lost or squandered by the new construction of a bland, unattractive, or backward-reaching structure.

Recognizing the long term negative impact these underachieving buildings have on our visual environment, Chicago Architecture Today has compiled a list of what we believe to be seven of the city's greatest missed architectural design opportunities. Perhaps you agree with our list, have others which should be on it or some which you think shouldn't have made it. Feel free to let us know what you think.

The Museum of Contemporary Art - 1996, designed by Berlin architect Josef Paul Kleihues: An above ground bunker or handball walls extreme.

Soldier Field -2003, designed by Wood + Zapata, Inc: The resulting renovation brought about a delisting of the stadium as a national historic landmark. This marriage of old and new (which doesn't pass muster as good contemporary design) may be the most hideous I've ever seen.

Rock n' Roll McDonald's - 2005, designed by McDonald's corporate in-house group: Great forward-looking designs submitted by Helmut Jahn et. al rejected for this giant happy meal box.

Harold Washington Library - 1991, designed by Hammond Beeby Rupert Ainge, Inc.: This oversized retro-styled behemoth eclipses all light and life in the south loop.

U.S. Cellular Field -1991, designed by HOK Sport, Kansas City, HKS, Inc,: Parked resides in the no-man's land of mediocrity between the great neo-classic designs and the exciting contemporary facilities.

Navy Pier - 1992, Renovated: 1992 by Benjamin Thompson and Vickery/Ovresat/Awsumb: Despite its popularity everyone knows it needs another major redo.

Trump Tower - scheduled completion 2008, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Honestly, the building isn't half bad, but the footprint somewhat overwhelms the site, the glass used for the curtain wall is not the the first and best choice, and the shape once again seeks to evoke the designs of past local icons instead of stimulating new architectural dialogue for contemporary construction as is occurring today in Asia and the Middle East.   

Looptopia + Architecture = ?

By Darrell Jones

A Looptopia musical performance at Federal Plaza

Chicago, IL, May 12, 2008-So another Looptopia has come and gone and with it the renewed expectations of a better showing than last year's offerings of Chicago's now annual Spring all-nighter. The multi-venued artistic event been auspiciously with another mid-Spring date which in the minds of most Chicagoans is just asking for trouble with our extended winters. Yet, despite the torrential rains at the outset, mother nature relented and brought clear skies and acceptable temperatures to the delight of in-coming suburban and city crowds anxious to find a good time" hanging-out" downtown till dawn (Although many of the "late-nite" wristbands were already out from the designated pick-up stations by 6 p.m.). 

From an architectural perspective, the idea of staging free concert events throughout the loop (Daley Center, Federal Plaza, etc.) under the stars amidst the backdrop of Chicago's urban cliffs is a great experience. Also. the utilization of the city's cultural, academic and retail interior spaces is a nice opportunity to enjoy those venues by people who may not normally have reason to patronize those places. There were a couple of specific architectural goings-on at the Santa Fe building. Nestled among the current exhibition on preservation in the buildings atrium was a number of human-scaled Lego-like model buildings of Chicago giants being constructed by a gentleman seated at a table. Later in the evening an improvisation troupe performed architecture-inspired themes at the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

Apart from the afore-mentioned architecturally-related events, there wasn't much more to be experienced in this area at this year's Looptopia. Some suggestions for next year which could make for a more memorable night architecturally-speaking are: first, line-up a number of our river-worthy vessels and ferry people down the south branch for a taste of one of Chicago's most popular vistas; second, open up the offices of Chicago's largest architecture firm-Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM), the mayor's office and Aon Center to rarely scene Loop interior spaces; and three, recruit local architects to lead public sketching and/or modeling sessions using simple materials. These kind of offerings along with free looks into some nearby historical landmarks and luxury Loop residential spaces we believe would make this night on the town a truly much talked about and anticipated event.

Observations, Opinions & Rants about Architecture

By Darrell Jones

The South Loop's Emerging One Museum Park Skyscraper

Chicago, IL, April 28, 2008-The Chicago Tribune's editorial alternatives for re-locating the Children's Museum away from Grant Park and to either Northerly Island, Lincoln Park, and the near West side are 3 great ideas which will be totally ignored by city hall.

Does anybody else think Calatrava's original Spire design looked more elegant than the current chubby one? Does anyone even remember?

I think an antenna or something would make the Spire look a bit more complete; don't you?

Every summer since the cows "paraded" around town, the city has tried to re-capture that glory with as much success as the Bulls current playoff run... Oh wait...nevermind.

Come on, admit it. You dislike the look of Trump Tower just because of Donald Trump. That works for me.

If you've never been on one of those river boat tours or its been a few years, shame on you!

With the exception of the Spire, is there any more highly anticipated building than Jeanne Gang's Aqua Tower?

Will the new home of the Museum of Broadcast Communications ever get the funding for construction to become the amazing resource that its ready to be?

Is it me or has the latest behemoth-One Museum Park-in the south Loop snuck up on you too?

One of the coolest things will be the opening of the Nickerson House at 25 East Erie Street as a public museum preserving its exterior and interior furnishings. 

The Power of a Place

By Darrell Jones

Chicago, IL, April 6, 2008-As America's pastime heralds the arrival of Spring, the faithful are religiously populating the temples of the athletic idols of their affection. Most of these "temples" or

stadiums though loaded with fan-friendly and high-tech amenities, tend only to hold the attention and allegiance of their patrons as long as their team is playing well. Fair enough. Notably, there are a few venues which stand out because of their place in the history of the sport i.e. Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden, Wimbledon, Augusta National, etc. Yet, one place stands out in defiance of continuous championship moments because of its inherit power in the psyche of its visitors--Chicago's iconic Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs. As the Chicago National League Ball club plays out the century mark since its last World Series championship, its 94-year-old facility is notoriously cramped, crumbling and out-dated in its infrastructure. Nevertheless, Wrigley Field has been filled to capacity and is almost as sought a ticket as when Jordan's Bulls graced the United Center. In a recent AIA survey of the nation's most beloved architectural spaces, Wrigley Field led the list among Chicago's nominees.

In spite of this iconic popularity, Wrigley Field has been named this past week to the list of Illinois' top 11 most endangered landmarks by Landmark Illinois due to its impending sell and talk of possible renovations. Needless to say, concern for the historical integrity of this ballpark has been loudly voiced by its passionate patrons. Make no mistake, the passion for this place is real and intense. Although we may rarely vocalize it, we do care deeply about many of our significant spaces. For you it may be an iconic place or a place on a smaller scale like the local bar, a favorite club or workout facility, a park, bedroom or rec room area.  Regardless of the preferred venue, the time spent, experiences shared and emotions invested, cherished spaces often reveal the power an endearing built environment can have in all of our lives. Perhaps this fall Wrigley Field can will finally reward the Championship-weary Sun worshippers with memories so positive as to solidify the power of that place in the consciousness of its faithful forever?  

Re-Making  the "Un"-Magnificent Mile

By Darrell Jones

Chicago, IL, March 4, 2008-In an article reported last week by Crain's Chicago Business, the less magnificent portions of Michigan Avenue may be receiving an extreme makeover. Anyone who has traveled the length of Michigan Avenue from Randolph Street to the south, and as far as Wacker Street to the north, knows that there is little reason in between  to slow one's pace. With a hodgepodge of cheap retail, dark cavity-like spaces, and uninspired plazas, this strip has long been the architectural and retail pimple on the princess that is North Michigan Avenue and its newer sister - the southern end dubbed the "Cultural Mile."  According to Crain's, the Chicago Loop Alliance and the city's department of planning and Development along with 42nd Ward alderman Brendan Reilly have brought on a group of architects, retail experts and urban planners to submit a plan to elevate the the profile of the section in scrutiny.

On the table for consideration are the construction of two sets of "landscaped, ornamental steps leading from Michigan Avenue to the Illinois Center Office complex" not unlike the Spanish steps in Rome. The stairs would be designated for the southeast corner of Michigan and South Water Street and at 321-325 N. Michigan Ave. where a low-rise currently sets. Additionally, plans are to extend Lake Street to Columbus Avenue and add new lighting at street level in concert with the modernistic tones of Millennium Park. The planning department has indicated that they will most likely not be accepting all the proposals. Nonetheless, we assume that they are aware of the chance for a bold and forward-thinking solution to truly make a lasting, indeed world class statement here. We trust that they will sign on to the ideas which will not only be the most feasible financially but also architecturally innovative and functionally sensible.  

Environmental Facility Set to "Nest" in the Calumet Region

By Darrell Jones

Chicago, IL, February 11, 2008-Beijing isn't the only place that knows how to put together an imaginative, oversized bird's nest. Looks like Chicago is going to put together its version of one of nature's most basic living arrangements. The Chicago Plan Commission has recently approved the development of the 27,000 square-foot Ford Calumet Environmental Center. Located in the far southeastern community of Hegewisch, the "Best Nest Building" so-named by its designers - the Chicago-based Studio Gang Architects - is scheduled to begin construction this June.  Studio Gang was awarded the commission after winning a 2004 city-sponsored national design competition for a "green building" project.  According the firm's website, the new center will serve to "educate visitors on the past and the present of the Calumet region's unique patchwork of industrial and natural areas."

Although the site selected is most associated with the nearby Ford Chicago Assembly Plant, the area is also home to the 4,000-acre Calumet Open Space Reserve of marshes, wetlands and prairies. The project, funded by the Ford Motor Company, the city of Chicago, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources was delayed due to land-acquisition issues.

The building's nest-like design incorporates indigenous materials which are abundant and even discarded. The structural composition of the building utilizes "salvaged steel from the Calumet industrial region and other recyclable materials such as slag. Studio Gang's website also reveals that the south facing porch is enclosed within a basket-like mesh of salvaged steel which protects the migrating bird population from collisions with the glass they cannot see.  Additionally, an outdoor classroom will be the result for visitors and becomes a window for observing wildlife.

Jorge Perez, executive director of the Calumet Area Industrial Commission, in statements to nwi.com has stated his excitement for the project. "We're excited that it passed the Plan Commission and building will proceed." Perez said. "It feeds off the Calumet land use plan that looks at opportunities for industrial projects and open space, and what can be preserved and reclaimed. It will be a great gem for the area."  

The Making of Convention City-Chicago style

By Darrell Jones

Chicago, IL, January 14, 2008-Plans have been announced for new 21-story hotel towers to be constructed across from the recently completed McCormick Place West building on 2.7 acres of land on east 22nd street. When built, the 1,500-room facility will also include restaurants, retail shops, 100,000 square feet of meeting space, and possibly a casino if the approved by the Illinois General Assembly. The Alter Group Ltd. which may have beaten McPier to the acquisition of this parcel of land has chosen architect Lucien Lagrange to design the hotel.  Lagrange has several current projects in various stages of development around the city ranging from the traditionally-designed Elysian Hotel at 11 East Walton to the distinctly contemporary and publicly-contested X/O Condominium also in the south loop. 

Alter Group's hotel complex would be the 4th largest hotel in the city. If they land the casino they covet for this prime venue near McCormick Place and key expressway interchanges, this somewhat stark, uninviting outdoor local could be transformed into another major tourist destination within the city. In some cases, this emerging convention complex-especially with casino-if realized, will be the first prolonged experience these tourists will have with Chicago. The design of this hotel is a choice opportunity to not only put our best foot forward aesthetically but to also thoughtfully shape the architectural character of an emerging streetscape. The no-nonsense clean, contemporary lines of the new McCormick Place West has set the standard. The placement of another separate high-profile hotel across the way form it will most likely enliven outdoor areas with pedestrian traffic between facilities.

In the context of this unique opportunity, we're hoping that Lucien Lagrange will seize it to smartly and pleasingly integrate the now dormant landscape into a vibrant theme which ties all parts into a cohesive whole. This entails the design of "green space," human-scaled building entrances, lighting, public seating, walkways, and casino marquee's (if applicable). We see this as a chance to define a singularly specialized "neighborhood" with an architectural flair and functionality while not sacrificing a new modernity which proudly proclaims "Chicago!"         

Area Architectural innovation Goes Back to the Future

By Darrell Jones

Chicago, IL, December 31, 2007-Worldwide, Chicago is known to be, among other things, the birthplace of the modern skyscraper. It is an urban center which boasts world class cultural institutions like The Art Institute if Chicago. Yet, there is no need for this city to memorialize its architectural treasures through the confines of four walls. On the contrary, what remains among our past structural masterpieces which have not thoughtlessly been destroyed comprise exhibits of a living, functional museum of design innovation on a grand scale. Although Chicago has had its moments of breakthrough with cutting-edge architectural design, recent history has given us more noteworthy projects in Europe, Asia, and as of late, the Middle East. In some ways, we seem to be only reflecting the glories of our past. But, the city which has been challenged "to make no little plans." has re-awakened to discover the freshness, fearlessness and fun of edgy design as it once again embraces this creed through the work of several bright, young members of our architectural community. Projects completed this year such as 340 on the Park, the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, and Optima Old Orchard Woods along the Edens Expressway are a few of the shining stars which appear to lead Chicago back to its former status as leader in modernistic design.

Yet, the new year brings with it the threat of slowing or even sidetracking some of the city's latest architectural forays into the future. The economic downturn in the housing market with its ripple effects throughout the lending community have jeopardized the viability of such projects as the Waterview Tower, X/O condominiums, and even the Spire itself. Since most of these on-the-board projects have a greater residential component to them than other uses, they find themselves at a greater risk of stalling. With the optimism that any year brings. lets hope that we've seen the worst of our housing woes but just the beginning of a future re-establishing Chicago as the place to experience the next wave of architectural innovations.    

Downtown Edifices Shine as Stars during the Holiday Season

By Darrell Jones

Dec 17, 2007

Who says only single-family homes can have all the fun during Christmas time getting decked out in lights, holly and reindeer? Well, certainly not some downtown edifices in Chicago. In what has become an annual installment during the holiday season, a fair number of our old mainstays like the Merchandise Mart and the Hancock Center, and a few of our new arrivals on the block i.e. 191 N LaSalle and 311 S. Wacker dress-up in their Yule tide best for locals and tourists alike to enjoy. Many of these office buildings flood their upper floors with alternating red and green lights in either vertical or horizontal patterns. In addition to this, the placing of large wreaths over entryways and the stringing of lights through the trees along their fairways have become staples to our streetscape during this time of year. It has been pleasing to observe-at least in a few cases-how our buildings tend to mimic us as they aspire to wardrobe changes befitting the various celebrations of life. Office towers such as the AON Center, the Blue Cross Blue Shield buildings even utilize their facades year-round by arranging their interior lights to announce certain events or causes like local professional athletic team playoffs, breast cancer awareness or Chicago's Olympic bid. So here's to our big shouldered neighbors in the loop and beyond and their desire to shake off the doldrums and step out into the night wearing their holiday best. Party on!  

New Spertus Facade Flashes onto Historic Michigan Ave. 

By Darrell Jones

Nov 26, 2007

While vacationing in Chicago this summer from France, a tourist cited one of the things he liked best about the city was how the older buildings where everywhere in juxtaposition with the new.  Nowhere is that more evident than at 610 S. Michigan Avenue where the new home of the contemporary-styled Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies sits wedged between its more traditionally-designed neighbors. The $55 million multi-purpose center which includes galleries, a library, a 400-seat theater, high-tech classrooms, a Wolfgang Puck cafe and a gift shop will be officially unveiled to the public Friday, November 30. The jewel-like 10-story designed by the Chicago-based architectural firm of Krueck + Sexton, also lauded for their innovative work in Millennium Park which includes the Harris Theater and Crown Fountain, stands out along the historic Michigan Avenue streetwall in many ways. The multiple angles of the 161-foot-tall, 80-foot-wide glass facade turns a corner from the norm of flat-surfaced curtain walls of typical post-modern skyscrapers. The structure boasts an exterior composition of 726 individual pieces of glass of which there are 556 diverse shapes. To further add to the gem-like appearance of the facade, the size of these pieces vary in size though most typically are 4'x 7' with a lower section extending out as a canopy over the entrance approximately 4 feet. The glass facade has a light smoky-gray tint to the passerby owing to the interior and exterior lamination for solar glare reduction.

As one would expect judging from the building's exterior composition, the interior utilizes transparent walls, skylights and clean open spaces to promote the entry of natural light throughout. Although some of these interiors areas can be publicly viewed at no cost such as the gift shop and lobby, the galleries will require a fee to enter. 

The newly-remodeled facility represents another radical step toward out-of-the-box post-modern design framing Chicago's front yard. With the recent approval of Lucien Lagrange's XO Condominiums, Jeanne Gang's Aqua tower in Lakeshore East, and other similar proposed projects, the Chicago architectural design community is showing an increasing comfort level in flexing its innovative-muscle moving the city once again toward the forefront of cutting-edge architectural design.     

Final Identity of Block 37 Could Define a Revamped State Street 

By Darrell Jones

Nov 5, 2007

As construction continues at pace as brisk as Chicago's pre-winter weather on the once thought-to-be accursed Block 37, rumors about possible future high-profile tenants are also moving at a similar pace.  While the attention-grabbing development bounding State, Washington, Dearborn and Randolph Streets already claims CBS2 News and a David Barton Gym, plans are in the works for an 800-seat, seven screen movie complex.  In addition, the multi-use project to be completed in phases by Joseph Freed and Associates of Palatine has been mentioned in conversations as a possible location of the city's first casino. Now that this key tract of property in Chicago's central core is off and running, it is naturally attracting interest from parties and projects looking to capitalize on the opportunity of partnering with an exciting development at a high profile site. With the embracing of the street and public by the re-designed WLS7 State Street studios, the refurbished Chicago Theater, and the relocation of the Joffrey Ballet in Smithfield's soon to be completed MoMo mixed-use construction, State Street may be auditioning to become (forgive the comparison) Times Square-lite. 

The type of tenants and how those tenants within the Block 37 development architecturally herald their presence to the surrounding streetscape will most likely significantly influence the character of that section of the Loop for years to come.  Let's hope that the final architectural statements made by Block 37's streetscape serve to lift what was once known as "that great street" to not just a glitzy exclamation but to a renewed vibrant urban space which contributes to the elevation of the spirit.  

A Dilapidated Building Awaits Rebirth As a Place of History 

By Darrell Jones

Oct 8, 2007

By all accounts, Chicago seems to take its museums seriously. With the Chicago Children's Museum currently the focus of a passionate debate as to its future location and a modern wing for the Art Institute currently under construction, these civic facilities don't figure to be playing second fiddle any time soon. With so much of our storied past well represented in various receptacles of history around the region, one omission is conspicuous by its absence. At the corner of Chicago and Exchange in the Southwest side communities of Canaryville and Back of the Yards sits an old, neglected building-the former Stock Yards National Bank-which was once a part of Chicago's reputation as "Hog Butcher to the World."

The city has given a nice nod to the famed Union Stock Yards by its creation of Stockyards Industrial Park incorporating with it the preservation of the limestone gate (designated a National Landmark in 1981) which served as the entrance to the Union Stock Yards originally designed by John Wellboorn Root of Burnham and Root around 1875.

Although nearly all of the architectural structures have been destroyed to make way for the modern facilities which now populate the area, the building at 4150 S. Halsted which mimics Philadelphia's Independence Hall has sat vacant for more than 20 years still remains. Already proposed as a move which would undoubtedly be an economic and cultural asset to the city and the local community, the Community Design Workshop Department of the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign and neighborhood organizations have envisioned this as an opportunity to contribute to a greater renaissance of an area striving to refine and re-assert itself as significant in the fabric of this city.  This facility and surrounding industrial park would become not only a top destination for historically-minded tourists but would be a boon to Chicago's educational community as well. Re-adapting this building into what would be a museum of Chicago's stockyard history complete with images, artifacts, and even the sounds and smells of that period would be a long overdue and invaluable addition to Chicago's museum community.

Is Grant Park the Best Location for New Children's Museum?

By Darrell Jones

Sept 23, 2007

Who could have ever foreseen that when it came time for the highly successful Chicago Children's Museum to re-located to accommodate its success that that move would engender so much angst and controversy. As the mayor went public with not only his support for the move from Navy Pier to Richard J. Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Grant Park, but his charges of racism toward those residents opposing the use of this location, the ghosts of Daniel Burnham and Montgomery Ward have been drudged up to witness for one side or the other. Its obvious that the intent of those civic pioneers to keep Chicago's front yard clear and free of buildings and obstructions has not been honored since the first building to erected, the Art Institute of Chicago, was allowed to "fudge" on that stated intention in 1891 along with other subsequent "structures." Yet, that doesn't justify throwing the flood gates wide open to every "worthy" new project coming down the pike to fill what remains as open space in Grant Park.

In a recent conversion with one of the city's many international visitor's, Sebastian, from Santiago, Chile remarked that compared to New York's Central Park, our lakefront parks lacks the "feel of being away from the urban environment as you still hear and see the roar of traffic around you along with the proliferation of buildings placed throughout." Additionally, he commented that there was no easy access to the lakefront from the park due to having to ford Lake Shore Drive. Although there is some ease of access with the museum campus re-design, much remains to be improved upon. Sebastian does make perceptive observations. We need to be careful to preserve our parks as green space first, everything else second. In lieu of all the focus upon our South Loop area, both because of the recent construction boom and its consideration as a possible 2016 Olympic venue should the Chicago receive the bid as host city, locating such a popular cultural institution there as an "anchor" of sorts in the midst of new developments would seem to make more sense. Hopefully, museum officials, the park district and the mayor will put aside the politics and be open-minded to an alternative location for the Children's Museum which would "spread the wealth" of significant developments and not just seek to cram everything into an already greatly populated central core. 

Are We Again the Epicenter of 21st Century Design?

By Darrell Jones

August 20, 2007

In its September 2007 addition of Chicago Magazine, Jay Pridmore listed and commented on what the magazine dubbed as 10 buildings which best "illustrate" Chicago's re-established leadership in innovative contemporary architectural design. These buildings according to the magazine are a testament to the fact of Chicago being "once again, the global epicenter of architecture". While we enthusiastically assent to our city's awakening out of what could be described as a 20-year innovation slumber-ending with the cutting-edged design evident over the last two decades-we hardly think we have arrived yet. The design dialogue has certainly been elevated as referenced by such works as John Ronan's Gary Comer Youth Center, Jeanne Gang's under construction Aqua Tower and Santiago Calatrava's Spire also presently under construction.  But with the free flow of funds and unbridled freedom to express their ideas given by attention-happy local governments to architects, Asia, the Middle East and even Europe have emerged as probably the most fertile soil for avant-guard design in the world today.  Nevertheless, even as Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin noted in a recent story, many of the newest concepts in skyscraper construction are taking place right here which are revolutionizing and pushing the boundaries of design to greater heights physically and aesthetically.

We feel the publicizing of a list of ten masterpieces of modern design in the city of Chicago is a good thing.  It fosters recognition, conversation and debate in the public arena about issues and structures which may not have brought to the attention of many. As for most of the list, we are on common ground although we are in greater agreement with the alternate list of ten garnered from a survey of AIA members. They included Skybridge, 111 South Wacker, the Peggy Norbert Nature Museum and the Hyatt Center. The only one we were surprised to see there was the soul-less concrete bunker that is the Museum of Contemporary Art.  Overall, as these recent buildings are taken together in evaluation, it bodes well for the future of 21st Century architectural innovation finding an enduring home in Chicago. 

Millennium Park: Fun Follows Function

By Darrell Jones

August 12, 2007

A hot summer day in Millennium Park finds your typical "Bean-gawkers" and Crown Fountain "splashers," but wait, what's taking place over there in Wrigley Square? Looks like a wedding!  Yes, indeed a wedding, but not the type of high-society affair one would tend to expect in commandeering a space such as this-but a small, simple common matrimonial celebration shared with the hundreds who stopped in wonder at the sight of this venue's unusual spectacle, and to see the bride of course. When the over $400 million symbol of the millennium celebration was finally completed about 4 years after the event for which it was named, not a few people consigned the park as a Daley pet project for the well-heeled and tourists. Although the park has been inaccessible to the public on a couple of occasions for private functions to schmooze its corporate donors, the wildly popular space is growing increasingly ulitarian in its function.

This past weekend saw the 2nd annual Great Performers of Illinois invade the every vestige of the park as sounds of from different musicians could be heard within a few hundred feet of wherever you might have been. In addition to the showcasing of local bands, midway performers, dancers, poetry readers, storytellers could also be found throughout the area. Even the little-used Wrigley Square came alive with the sounds from various alternative and rock bands vying for a chance at "making it." Utilizing all areas of Chicago's new front yard to showcase local talent brought this venue to life in a way the park planners may not have ever envisioned. Here's hoping that this kind of free and full-use coverage would not only continue, but in fact grow in diversity and frequency, which would make Millennium Park worth more than its weight in time and money giving us a consistent model in teaching us how fun can follow function.

Edgy Design May Be Cut Short

By Darrell Jones

July 30, 2007

When Lucien LaGrange laid out the plans for the construction of his unconventional X/O Condominiums, one of his least concerns had to be any future challenges to the height, especially in the city which boast several of the world's tallest buildings. Yet, that is exactly what he and Kargil Development are facing in the Prairie District of Chicago's South Loop. As reported by the Chicago Journal, Prairie Avenue District residents and their new alderman-Bob Fioretti are raising objections to the radical contemporary design and the height of the two towers. Their concern is that the building  conflicts with the dominate architectural style of the area and would awkwardly tower above its neighbors. According to the Journal, Tina Feldstein board president of the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance-a community organization formed to fight the X/O development-stated, "We're not against the design or developer. It's not in keeping with the character and scale of the neighborhood. It just doesn't make sense." Currently, an ordinance has been introduced to re-zone the area for a height ceiling of 225 feet. The 490-unit condominiums to be developed at 1712 S. Prairie, will have two towers-one at 310 feet and the other to be 450 feet tall. The X/O complex would be situated across from the historic Glessner House, a landmark. Kargil principal Keith Giles stated in the Journal that "being a historic district doesn't mean you have to duplicate historic buildings; we are building a unique, architecturally significant building."  Along with Jeanne Gang's Aqua Tower, Calatrava's Spire, and the emerging new Spertus facade on the south Michigan Ave. street wall, X/O looks to be another bold step toward forward-thinking architecture in a city whose recent skyscraper designs have either been wandering in the past or just plain lackluster too often with too few exceptions. Lets hope a solution is found that is workable and profitable for the community and the city to move this project along.

Green Spaces Are Needed Spaces

By Darrell Jones

July 16, 2007

On the weekend of June 22-24, the so-named "Pritzker Park" at the northwest corner of State and Van Buren Streets was all abuzz with some unusual activity. No. not a police raid, which might not be all that unusual considering its daily patrons. Hosted by Close Up 2-a local jazz club in the midst of the Financial District-sounds of their first Smooth Jazz Festival filled the corridors of the South Loop. Passer-bys paused to take in the take in rhythmic tunes with a look of discovery and amazement that said. "Whoa, what's a concert doing here!" While its true that typically concerts on this order are held in Grant Park or Millennium Park, public utilization of dormant but prime open space such as this and the proliferation of such can only significantly enhance our enjoyment of downtown Chicago. Of course in an urban concrete jungle, spaces like these are rare and when they're found they are routinely embraced. Yes, our lakefront parks are amazing; and yes, our system of expansive park district areas are community gems, but whenever there is an opportunity to carve out "green spaces" in isolated corners of overbuilt areas like the Loop, we should capitalize on it. Thankfully, to this end, the City of Chicago has established its Chicago Central Area Plan, which sets as a goal open spaces within a five minute walk of everyone living and working within the Central Area. One such current application of this plan is the park planned for the intersection at Franklin and Randolph Streets as a result from the agreement to construct the 48-story office building being developed by John Buck at Randolph and Wacker Drive. But like the long notoriously delayed "Block 37" now finally under construction, Pritzker Park has languished over the past few years as a home for the indigent while being handed back and forth between civic institutions. Once under the ownership of the Chicago Public Library immediately south of the park, it was taken over by the Chicago Park District under one project director who was involved with its imminent development, but upon leaving, the park project was passed to the next director. According to Laura Jones, an Associate Director of the Chicago Loop Alliance, "with the permit process and everything that has to happen before a final decision is made on a project of this nature, we're probably looking at being a year away from re-development."  "Certainly with all the students populating the Loop now, we could see Pritzker park as a great place to hang out."  A well-thought-out green space within a stone's throw from many of those new student residences would a convincing step toward making the Loop the 24-hour "livable" district many are envisioning it to be. 

Grand/State Subway's Time Has Come

July 16, 2007

So the Grand/State station's turn has finally arrived in "grand style" so-to-speak. The city of Chicago has announced its intentions to begin a $67.2 million renovation of one of the Loop's busiest commuter facilities to begin in September and conclude two years later. After numerous delays (since 1982), the subway portal serving the River North and Streeterville sections of the city, is ready to step up next in line for long overdue attention after the recent completion of the Blue Line's Jackson station $33.8 million project. Although this is arguably not the worst of the transit terminals in need of rehabilitation, it certainly ranks high on the list. The walls, floors and ceilings all reveal the signs of years of wear and neglect fating back from its opening in 1943. The project awarded to Walsh Construction will keep the station open as it expands the mezzanine by 2000 square feet and adds granite floors, glazed tile walls and vaulted ceilings which will feature a representation of the Chicago skyline. Also included in what looks to be a space-age contemporary-styled re-design from released concept renderings are improved lighting, wider stairwells, street-level escalators, additional turnstiles, security cameras, video information screens and a more user-friendly vending areas.

36-Year Old Vacant Riverfront Site Targeted for Development

June 25, 2007

Crain's Chicago Business is reporting a proposed $1.6 billion residential development on the western edge of the south loop along the Chicago River. Developers Rokas International Inc. and Frankel & Giles have secured a parcel of land once the site of Grand Central Station but which has since been vacant since its 1971 demolition.  The property is bounded by Harrison St. to the north, Polk St. to the south, Wells St. to the east and the river on its west side.  Designed by the firm of Adrian Smith & Gordon Gill Architecture, the project is to include over 3000 residential units consisting of a combination of condos, apartments and senior housing. A 500-room hotel is also apart of the picture, but the distant south loop location makes that aspect more of a question in terms of its attractiveness and viability. The retail portion of what is referred to as Franklin Point is planned for about 125,000-square feet of this space. The entirety of the project would encompass 3.5-million-square-feet and feature a building at least 80 stories high.  Previous proposals have been floated for this stretch of land often called another "Block 37" but never made it off the drawing board. This project's developers are hoping to gain the approval and re-zoning authorizations from the city and the nearby community to go forward.

Forward Progress on Chicago's Security Barriers?

By Darrell Jones

June 18, 2007

At In case you haven't notice, several locations around the loop have seen the unveiling of new concrete planters in front of buildings no-doubt deemed to be security concerns.  Of course since the Morrow Federal building truck bombing in Oklahoma and 9/11, building security has become a legitimate point of focus.  Many of the make-shift barriers thrown up adjacent to potential target buildings around the country have been great on function but leave much to be desired on form. Washington D.C. with all its major governmental structures which are also some of the nation's most popular tourist sites is a case in point. Chicago unfortunately has not been an exception in the "uglying up" of some of our public spaces because to the need to restrict access for our safety.  But it is heartening to observe that evidence of some aesthetic thought is beginning to shape around the loop in the form of these new barrier/planters popping up here and there. This is so obviously in step with Mayor Daley's continuing crusade in "greening" the city and its hard to argue against powerful visual impact trees, shrubs and flowers have on any environment, especially one as stark and hard-edged as an major urban landscape. Another positive observation is that it appears that they all aren't "cookie cutter" products, but designs are being fitted to some degree with the building or streetscape itself. The city would do well to follow the lead of such bold and innovative efforts as that which was produced by PWP Landscape Architecture for the UBS Tower at One North Wacker Drive. Of course, the city's efforts don't quite approach the level of the previous example, but at least it seems to be moving in the right direction.

Sweet Home-of the Gospel & the Blues-Chicago?

By Darrell Jones

June 6, 2007

At this juncture, wedged between Chicago's recently concluded 23rd annual Gospel Fest held in Millennium Park this year and the upcoming Chicago Blues Fest to take place in Grant Park, I can't help but reflect on the opportunity being squandered by the city of Chicago by not memorializing these local traditions with each having a facility designated as its own "Hall of Fame."  Regardless of plans which call for such a facility to be built to honor gospel music in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida by Dr. Bobby Jones, Chicago is acknowledged to be the birthplace of gospel music as it was once home to such greats as Mahalia Jackson, Thomas A. Dorsey, and the Rev. James Cleveland to name a few. Many in our community would agree its high time to unthaw this slow-moving glacier of resolve and bring the nation to Chicago for yet another historically significant experience.

What better place for this to happen than the recently burned-out Louis Sullivan masterpiece- Pilgrim Baptist Church at 33red and Indiana? Although the state of Illinois through governor Blagojevich has promised to kick in a million, and money has come in from other donors, it will require millions more and a total community effort to not only restore this structure but re-adapt it to be partially available to the public as "the New Home of Gospel Music." Another possibility is to negotiate space in the soon-to-be-developed old Main Post Office over the Kennedy Expressway. Considering the current difficulties of even bringing the Museum of Broadcast Communications new digs to completion after financial challenges which has the project starting and stopping, this may appear to be a daunting task. Chicago is known as the birthplace of many renown areas such as the skyscraper, but lets hope we are proactive enough to secure the desire, the will, the funding and of course the appropriate venues to truly make this "Sweet Home, Chicago," when it comes to honoring our rich blues heritage and our unparalled tradition in gospel music.

Finding Its Place: State Street

By Darrell Jones

May 27, 2007

Like a once popular rock band trying to re-invent itself to gain contemporary relevancy in its genre, State Street is finding itself in a similar predicament. Know as "State Street, that Great Street," in times past-with State and Madison claiming the title as the busiest intersection in the world-it has in recent years had to acknowledge the comeuppance of its younger sister "The Magnificent Mile" as the place to be. This past Saturday saw the conclusion of another colorful Memorial Day Parade down this fabled thoroughfare. Although many of the city's most celebrated parades have marched down this historic location, including the St. Patrick's Day and the Christmas season parades, State Street has no exclusive claims to these as part of its major identity as several other ethnic routes are conducted on Columbus Drive and in other various ethnic enclaves around the city.

So what is State poised to become in the next 20 years? With the disintegration of its dinosaur department stores and the hodgepodge mix of low-end and mid-level merchandising, a "must-do" shopping destination doesn't appear to be in its immediate future. Besides, the Mag Mile has snagged that prize, with Lincoln Park catering to the trendy boutique crowd and Wabash Street corralling the bargain hunters. Certainly, State Street's renown architectural masterpieces and the city's efforts to accent and compliment those structures with its period signage, street-level lighting, transit coverings and so forth have carved out what could be its greatest place of standing among other competing streetscapes. But even here, State must do more to command the public's attention in declaring some exclusivity in this area of Chicago's world class reputation.

Upon the completion of "block 37's" state-of-the-art transportation hub, mixed-use facility and the new WBBM TV news studios, maybe this will contribute to a re-direction of how the area is viewed and utilized. It is arguable that the greatest transformative factor for State Street at this time is the recent infusion of student academic and residential spaces. Perhaps as the developers, commercial and civic powers that be recognize the unique and valuable asset it has in this specific population, maybe an innovative plan can be developed to not make it "college street" but a venue which uniquely accommodates and celebrates the the energy, style and edginess of its new urban neighbors.  The recent all-night fest of Looptopia was a step in the right direction. Its time to see more of that along with convenience venues, later retail hours, entertainment facilities, et al to once again make State Street a great place to be.    

Working Hard at Fun at GameWorks 

Second in a Series on Chicago's Gaming Venues

 By Ryan Ornberg

May 14, 2007

Located at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, GameWorks is the perfect place to drop off the kids and let them enjoy a day of video-gaming. The games available are directed towards any age group but more so to younger kids and teenagers. While the kids are playing though, you can hang out in the sports bar on the main floor and watch the game with a drink and a great meal. The second floor also has a bar with many pool tables, but if you want to go shopping or eat at a fancy restaurant, there are plenty near by. Focusing on the main feature, GameWorks offers 2 full floors of video gaming entertainment. From the classics of Pacman to the latest shooter games, anything you are looking for is here.  The first floor is devoted to racing, with plenty of stations for different games experiences.  An added bonus is that there is always at least two of the same game so you can go head to head against your friends in a heated race. For one racing game, you are in a seat that rotates on its sides to give the affects of being in a real car. However, the favorite feature of these games is the Indy 500. Six F1 cars are lined up and ready for the 4 minute race that is broadcasted on a big screen for the people in line. An announcer lets you know what place you are in and how many laps are left; these races get very intense so get in line early.

For the younger kids, there is a section of ticket winning games so they can eventually cash it all in for a prize. Other games include virtual and simulator games. The second floor is home to the action games. Every version of the popular Time Crisis is available along with many other shooting games. A DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) competition is usually happening in this area along with Guitar Hero. A bowling simulator is displayed on a big screen as if you were there in person. The classics from the birth of video games are also upstairs and are a fun taste of the past, but once you beat Pacman, move on to House of Dead 4 and kill some zombies in the latest release of this game. GameWorks is also the ideal place to hold a child’s birthday party; they have a private room available for rent along with game packages.  

So if you’re looking for a fun filled evening away from the city, try out GameWorks and enjoy some competitive racing or shooting games with your friends, or relax at the bar and let your kids go wild. 

Location: 601 N. Martingale Rd., Schaumburg, IL 

Phone: 847-330-9675

www.gameworks.com

A look Inside Chicago’s ESPN Zone 

By Ryan Ornberg

May 06, 2007

As most Chicagoans anticipate a non-too-hasty escape from cabin fever with the onset of spring, ESPN Zone seeks to make it difficult to leave the great indoors entirely behind. If you enjoy simulated sports, this gaming Mecca on East Ohio Street is beckoning all faithful followers to make their pilgrimages there. Typically sports are the exact opposite of video games, but at ESPN Zone, that’s what they’re all about. The 35,000-square foot facility is dedicated to entertaining you with all types of sports, be it through over 100 video games or the countless TV’s. Upon entering, you are greeted by an employee who will point you towards the action you’re looking for. The main floor features an ESPN sports shop and Studio Grill-a sports-themed restaurant serving American grill food. Making your way up the staircase you pass a great display of televisions which opens into the frenetic activity of the Sports Arena. All of the latest video games are located here in every genre. The difference between these games and those of an arcade are that each is a simulation of a sport and is increasingly offers the latest craze of hands-on play. Newly added is the Madden NFL Foot