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TOWERING ACHIEVEMENT COMPLIMENTS OF... CHICAGO 

L. DARRELL JONES | CHICAGO JAN 11, 2010 -– If you happened to catch the news clips of the celebratory opening of the Burj Khalifa, you probably couldn't have imagined the extent to which the hoopla welcoming the arrival of the latest world's tallest building could rise. The 2,716-foot "super-scraper" official unveiling was accompanied by fanfare which would rival most New Year's Eve's celebrations and perhaps some past Olympic Opening Ceremonies. The worldwide spotlight was indelibly upon Dubai, U.A.E. But Dubai wasn't exclusive as the focus of global attention for this record-breaking engineering and construction achievement. Although Chicago hasn't held the title of the world's tallest building since the Sears Tower lost it to Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers in 1998, Dubai's newest claim to fame has a direct Chicago connection. Designed by the internationally renowned Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and Adrian Smith now of his own firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the Burj Khalifa was born of design concepts and principles founded in the Windy City. The cloverleaf plan was patterned after Chicago's Lake Point Tower and the vertical progression with its varied and offset heights seems to be the logical evolution of a Willis Tower for the next millennium.

So, although Chicago fell embarrassingly short in its bid to land the 2016 Olympic Games last fall, it can bask in the Burj Khalifa's glory due to its involvement in the design. We'll take it. Of course research and travel will arguably reveal that much of the world's innovative contemporary structures are not typically in Chicago or the U.S. for that matter but in Asia, the Middle East and the Netherlands. This isn't due to a greater talent pool as much as its due to an abundance of capital and carte blanche civic cooperation. Yet, the "Chicago school" of design has long been recognized as an incubator of innovation and except for a brief down period is once again measuring up to high expectations. In time, who's to say that Chicagoans will have the privilege to not just be acknowledged by association with the next iconic accomplishment, but will take center stage in showing the world how its done.    

ACCOLADES FOR AREA ARCHITECTURE FOR 2009 

CHICAGO DEC 13, 2009 | -– Despite the recent pronouncement that Chicago's architecture community has been devastated, the reports of its death are greatly exaggerated. Yes, the recession has stalled and shelved a number of notable building projects - not the least of which is the Spire, but there was a healthy amount of exhibitions, media, and even high-rises which made their way to the forefront this past year. Here is a list of some of our most noteworthy (and notorious) architectural events in Chicago for 2009: 

Best Completed High-Rise

Aqua Tower designed by Studio Gang Architects

Most Innovative Entertainment Architecture

"The Ledge" at the Skydeck of Sears Tower - SOM

Most Uninspired Opening of an Anticipated Building Project

Block 37 Mall -  Joseph Freed and Associates LLC, developers

Most Exciting Civic Project Initiated

Extension of the Riverwalk along the south bank

Best Restoration Effort

The 1920 Michigan Ave Bridge Railings

Most Disappointing Temporary Exhibition

The Burnham Pavilions

Most Bitter/Sweet Architectural Project that Wasn't

2016 Olympic Architecture (the snub - bitter to some, sweet to others)

Best Temporary Exhibit to Become Permanent

The CAF Model City

Most Popular New Architectural Space

The Rooftop bar of the Wit Hotel

Best Depiction of Chicago in a Video

1,2,3,4 by the Plain White T's

The Best Case for Filing a Missing City Report

Public Enemies (If you blinked you missed anything recognizable)

Most Overrated Completed Building Project

Modern Wing of the Art Institute

The Biggest Elephant in the Room

Trump International Hotel & Tower

Coolest Architectural Archeological Find

Sullivan facades at 18 S. Wabash and 22 S. Wabash

Best 100 Year Celebration

Burnham Plan of Chicago area-wide activities

Greatest Example of Senseless & Stubborn Destruction

Gropius Buildings on the former Michael Reese Hospital campus

COUNCIL REDEFINES BUILDING HEIGHT CRITERIA 

CHICAGO NOV 23, 2009 | Press Release -– The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH)—the international body that arbitrates on tall building height and determines the title of “The World’s Tallest Building”—has announced a change to its height criteria, as a reflection of recent developments with several super-tall buildings. 

The new criteria wording—“Height is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to…” allows for the recognition of the increasing numbers of multi-use tall buildings with often several different entrances at different levels, whilst also accommodating buildings constructed in non-traditional urban or suburban locations. The CTBUH Height Committee has determined that the previous description of where to measure tall building height from—“Height is measured from the sidewalk outside the main entrance to…” is now no longer sufficient.

This will have an impact on both the height of tall buildings and their relative international height rankings. Burj Dubai, set to open as the world’s tallest building in January 2010, will now be measured from the lowest of its three main entrances (which opens into the entrance lobby for the tower’s corporate suite office function), while the recently completed Trump International Hotel & Towers in Chicago will be measured from the lower, publicly accessible Chicago Riverwalk. In the case of Trump, this additional 27 feet means that it will surpass the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai to occupy the rank of 6th tallest on the current list of completed buildings.

“Beginning in 2007, with the knowledge that Burj Dubai would be significantly taller than any structure ever built, the CTBUH Height Committee met to review the criteria by which we recognize and rank the height of buildings,” said Peter Weismantle, Chair of the CTBUH Height Committee and Director of Supertall Building Technology at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture in Chicago. “As one might guess, with the committee being made up of architects, engineers, contractors, developers, building owners and academics, a variety of opinions and views were expressed. The resulting revisions almost two years later reflect a general consensus of the committee in recognizing the most recent trends in tall building development around the world.”

Also in response to the changing designs and forms of tall buildings, the Height Committee has elected to discard its previous “Height to Roof” category. “The roof category just doesn’t make sense anymore,” said CTBUH Executive Director Antony Wood.  “In the era of the flat-topped modernist tower, a clearly defined roof could usually be identified, but in today’s tall building world—which is increasingly adopting elaborate forms, spires, parapets and other features at the top of the building—it is becoming difficult to determine a ‘roof’ at all, even less so to measure to it.”

The revised CTBUH Height Criteria and diagrams of the tallest 10 buildings in the world as of November 2009 can be found at criteria.ctbuh.org, ranked according to the three height categories now recognized by CTBUH. These are: (i) Height to Architectural Top, measured to the topmost architectural feature of the building including spires, but not including antennae, signage, flag poles or other functional-technical equipment; (ii) Height to Highest Occupied Floor, measured to the level of the highest, consistently occupied floor in the building (thus not including service or mechanical areas which experience occasional maintenance access); and (iii) Height to Tip, measured to the highest point of the building, irrespective of material or function of the highest element. 

ARCHITECTURE CRITIQUED FROM COAST-TO-COAST

L. DARRELL JONES | CHICAGO NOV 9, 2009 -– In a unique way to enjoy an usually warm Thursday evening for Fall in Chicago, hundreds of architectural enthusiasts turned out to hear A Conversation with the Critics : Imagining the Future of the City at the 50 East Erie Murphy Auditorium.  The event was sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation and was a component of the inaugural American Architecture Organizations conference the weekend of Nov. 5 - 7. A panel of esteemed journalistic critics was brought together from coast-to-coast and  included Christopher Hawthorne, (Los Angeles Times,), Paul Goldberger (The New Yorker), Sarah Williams Goldhagen (The New Republic), and Blair Kamin (Chicago Tribune).  Edward Lifson, cultural critic and creator of Chicago Public Radio’s Hello Beautiful! moderated.

Paul Goldberger introduced the conversations with a synopsis of New York City's Highline adaptive-reuse project which is converting an unused elevated stretch of freight lines into landscaped public space. The New York Times critic evoked widespread laughter as images of the ideas competition for the project which included uses as linear swimming pool and a roller coaster venue were shown to the audience.

Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin was next and began by declaring he "would not be talking about Millennium Park!" but on the contrary would bring to focus one of Chicago's great streets - Wacker Drive. Actually, Wacker Drive was the necessary context to highlight what he referred to as "the [city's] most important infrastructure projects" - the emerging Riverwalk. A connection was drawn to Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago as the historical context for this iconic endeavor which has transformed "what could have been a mere road repair... into an urban amenity - done without star architects."

The Boston Globe's Sara Williams induced probably the loudest gasp when she calculated the total coast of the "Big Dig" and the Rose Kennedy Greenway to be the most expensive public works project in U.S. history at $21 billion. She went on to bemoan the lack of an initial design process or plan which has produced nothing more than miles of uninspired and disjointed green space with few successful stretches in between.

Christopher Hawthorne of the Los Angeles Times bookended the introductions and spoke in a self-effacing manner of the L.A. area's confused and misguided sense of any kind of civic design direction where things seem to center around their many highways. He did give a glimpse of brighter possibilities for the future of the Los Angeles area as they recognize the need to "retrofit the city for a more denser population. commercial districts and green considerations."

Finally, the evening's moderator. Edward Lifson sought to generate a debate about how we in the U.S. could compete with or learn from China's success in taking iconic projects from concept to construction in minimal time. The consensus group response was that we're not a communist dictatorship but a democracy and must succeed within the constraints of the system of government and commerce we have.

CTBUH: CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

NATHALIE RAZO | CHICAGO OCT 25, 2009 -– On October 22 and 23, Chicago welcomed the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat for the second time in the past three years. Three years ago, the organization moved the headquarters to the IIT campus. This past week they brought international delegates to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the organization and to discuss the future of super tall buildings given the economic situation of the past year.

The conference, entitled “Evolution of the Skyscraper: New Challenges in a World of Global Warming and Recession,” featured presentations covering a range of topics such as sustainability, building technologies, the future of the industry, and growing markets in the world.  The presentations brought together multiple speakers on a single topic, creating a forum from which conversations and ideas were provoked. The conference began with the most locally relevant presentation - “Chicago- City of Big Shoulders.”

Eric Trump and Andy Weiss of The Trump Organization spoke about Skyscrapers as Business Strategy during which the recently completed Trump Tower of Chicago was discussed. In this project they implemented a phased occupancy, which allowed financial gains before the project was completed.  William Testa of The Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago talked about the history of Chicago and the need to grow up.  As a result, he suggested that Chicago has a role in the global economy and will continue to grow. This led to Richard Tomasetti of Thornton Tomasetti in New York who spoke primarily about the development of the Chicago Spire. This project features some of the most innovative solutions to structural concerns that have been proposed for tall buildings, once again showing that Chicago is at the forefront of global recognition. Together these presentations represented not only external factors that affect the success of large-scale projects, but the economic and technical conditions that make them relevant. This combination of speakers created buzz about an ever-changing skyline in Chicago that was founded on a scarcity of land.

The conference also presented an award for best tall buildings and the Lynn S Beedle Lifetime Achievement award. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to John C. Portman Jr. from John C. Portman and Associates.  The building winners included Manitoba Hydro Place for the Americas, Linked Hybrid for Asia and Australasia, The Broadgate Tower for Europe, and the Tornado Tower representing the Middle East and Africa.  Congratulations to these projects for creating a precedent to which the world can aspire.  The Council continues to look forward at the changing market of world structures, and is planning next year’s conference in Mumbai, India. The world stage has been set and we can only wait to see how super structures have been influenced by the environmental and economic times.

CALATRAVA OPTIMISTIC ABOUT SPIRE

NATHALIE RAZO | CHICAGO OCT 18, 2009 -– On Wednesday, October 7th, 2009, a group of people got to experience a rare lecture by Calatrava as part of the official opening of the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago.  The event brought together a great mix of people including people from the architecture community and many who were not.

“Beyond the Spire” was a look at some of his well-known and upcoming projects, a sort of reflection on how he feels about his work up until now. He emphasized his desire to gap the bridge between architecture and engineering in his projects, specifically the Milwaukee Art Museum.  Calatrava has also recently focused many projects on infrastructure including high speed rail, bridges, and transport depots across the world. This work he says is a great way to landmark areas while being dedicated to the hundred of thousands of people that use the transportation everyday.  His lecture was entertaining, thought provoking, and inspiring.

However, one of the best parts, by far, was the dialogue between Calatrava and  Blair Kamin, Architecture Critic of the Chicago Tribune. It was an informal discussion that resulted in train of thought tangencies that often led back to a “message of boldness” in his. Calatrava is optimistic that these economic times are turning around, and that he will be able to see the addition of the Spire to the Chicago skyline. We all hope he is correct.

NO OLYMPICS BUT A NEW OPPORTUNITY ARISES

L. DARRELL JONES | CHICAGO OCT 12, 2009 -– So now that we've crashed from our collective Olympic "sugar high," a resulting opportunity to achieve something great beckons for our attention. I'm speaking of the prime southern lakefront property currently occupied by the Michael Reese Hospital campus once targeted for our Olympic Village - now owned by the city which looks to develop it as residential.  I don't doubt that a new mixed-use residential community there would be nice, but is it the best we can conceive for it in light of the former grandiose plans and its significant location?

I believe that just because we've been deemed not Olympic-worthy at this time, is no reason to not make grand plans for our city going forward into the next decade. Opportunities to make a truly great architectural statement due to the opening up of prime land on out southern lakefront only come around in a generation. An example of this is the currently stalled Spire skyscraper. The buzz created by its innovative twisting torso design was heard the world over. Lets hope for brighter days ahead for that undertaking.

Certainly, one of the unique opportunities we have related to the diverted use of the Michael Reese from an Olympic Village is the renewed hope that many more or most of the rare Gropius-designed and influenced buildings could be saved through adaptive-reuse. Often, mid-century modern examples such as these are difficult to garner much public support because they typically are not the most attractive structures comparatively speaking. But if one of the nuances tourists love about Chicago is how the architecturally old is juxtapositioned against the new so commonly throughout our city. We have blown many past opportunities to progress in this area, so here we stand at yet another significant juncture to respect and retain our past or to junk it.

Here's hoping that our impetuous mayor does not stiffen his resolve on going forward with a new residential district without seriously considering the merits of alternate ideas being floated for the use of that campus. Among the ideas put forth by aldermen and others are a casino-entertainment complex, a hospitality-based high school and maybe a future presidential library. Regardless of what eventually is chosen to emerge there, a public competition, public forums and dialogue would appear to best serve our interests in insuring an outcome that we all could eventually be proud of. 

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS CONVENE IN CHICAGO

CHICAGO SEPT 28, 2009-– Chicago recently welcomed the largest annual gathering of landscape architects in the world at the McCormick Place Convention Center. More than 5,000 attendees affiliated with the American Society of Landscape Architects enjoyed the the sights and sounds of an early Fall season in the city. In addition to participating in several tours, over 125 educational sessions were available along with an expo of 400 industry-specific exhibits displaying the latest in green roof technology, outdoor turf and furnishings, playground structures, innovations in skatepark design and more.

Mayor Daley was one of the featured speakers and received the ASLA's LaGasse Medal in recognition of his management and conservancy of public landscapes. Other notable dignitaries in attendance were President Obama's senior environmental policy counsel Lisa Heinzerling, Kermit Baker, the chief economist for the the AIA, as well as many more top design and sustainability experts.

"Chicago serves as a model for landscape architecture and sustainability, featuring some of the world's best examples of green roofs, public parks and urban streetscapes," said Angela Dye, FASLA and president of the Society. "Landscaper architecture can address a multitude of economic, environmental and social problems facing large urban environments, and we are delighted to visit a city that puts so many excellent design practices into use - especially on the 100th anniversary of the 1909 Burnham Plan."

Since 2000, ASLA has awarded Chicago nine national awards for landscape architecture, including Lurie Garden in Millennium Park, Chicago City Hall Green Roof, Spider Island Chicago Botanic Garden, Michigan Ave., One North Wacker Drive and the Chicago campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology. 

OPRAH'S SHOW SHOWCASES SHOPPING MECCA

                                         AP PHOTO/DAVID BANKS

CHICAGO SEPT 13, 2009-– Crowds estimated at upwards of 20,000 descended upon Chicago's premier shopping district - The Magnificent Mile - Tuesday, September 8 to "kick-off" Oprah's 24th season anniversary. With the iconic backdrops of the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower, Oprah staged a party featuring Jennifer Hudson, the Black-Eyed Peas, James Taylor and hoards of her adoring throngs for the millions of viewers who watch her show daily. Oprah stated her motivation for shutting down this tourist hub for 2 days was 2-fold. First, she related the need to do something spectacular to garner the level of attention which this would; and second, to help promote Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympic Games of which Oprah is a supporter. Certainly her first objective was accomplished by any standards. As for the second - a correlation to the Olympics not being entirely clear - remains to be seen. Although Oprah's show is broadcast in Chicago at the out-of-way Harpo Studios, precious few tapings occur in the public realm of the city to the extent that the average viewer could easily forget that Chicago is the city of broadcast origin. If Oprah truly believes that this is "the greatest city in the world" and one of the most beautiful global cities - and we believe she does - then we challenge her to make this kick-off event not just an opening to her 24th season, but also the beginning of incorporating more of the city -minus the shut-downs - into her show's broadcast.    

ADRIAN SMITH HONORED AT STREETERVILLE AFFAIR

ALEX TSPARIS | SPECIAL PROJECTS | CHICAGO AUG 30, 2009-– BLUEPRINTs, an annual event that celebrates the unique Chicago neighborhood of Streeterville was generously hosted by the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) the Museum of Contemporary Art on Monday, August 10th.

This year’s event honored the world-famous architect, Adrian Smith.  A former partner of Skidmore Owings & Merrill and a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, Adrian Smith has been responsible for such masterpieces as the NBC Tower, the Trump International Hotel and Tower, and the Burj Dubai – soon to be the world’s tallest structure.  In 2006, Adrian Smith co-founded Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, a prestigious practice with current projects around the world. 

SOAR presented Smith with the Vision Into Reality Award at the BLUEPRINTs event.  This award was inspired by the forward-looking city plans by Daniel Burnham that were conceived one hundred years ago.  Naturally, this award recognizes individuals whose progressive ideas will impact the city of Chicago into the next one hundred years. 

Dubai, once a small fishing village in the United Arab Emirates, is now a globalized megapolis with very high architectural demands for Smith and his firm.  Along with the Burj Dubai, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture currently have other projects planned in that city, but those remain concepts after the stock market crash in 2008.  Aside from the prestigious projects in Dubai, Smith and his practice are currently working on projects in Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Vancouver, and right here in Chicago. 

The BLUEPRINTs event also involved a live auction selling conceptual drawings by Adrian Smith and a silent auction featuring photographs of Streeterville and Calatrava Buildings along with works by up-and-coming local artist DeMarcus Pulham. 

ABOUT SOAR

The Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR), is a volunteer organization that works to see that Streeterville remain “a unique vibrant and beautiful neighborhood.  For over 30 years, SOAR has worked to improve the public transportation in Streeterville, promote a healthy and safe environment, and increase the amount of green and open space.

GREAT RENDERINGS, AVERAGE OUTCOMES

ALEX TSPARIS | SPECIAL PROJECTS | CHICAGO AUG 16, 2009-–This summer, two temporary pavilions were erected in Millennium Park to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago.  The north pavilion, designed by Van Berkel of UN Studio, is formed by two parallel rectangular planes joined by curving scoops covered in white plywood.  The planes are meant represent the city’s orthogonal, grid-like texture while the curving scoops offer unique vistas of the cityscape and represent the diagonal boulevards Burnham had originally planned.  The south pavilion, arriving weeks late due to contractor issues, was conceives by Zaha Hadid and is formed by 24 custom-made canvas pieces zippered together and precisely stretched over an aluminum shell.  Hadid combines various naturalistic forms complete with a video projection to create a unique and inviting fluid space that invites us to contemplate the future as Burnham once did. 

The pavilions work very well symbolically and artistically and both frame vertical the city skyline in an engaging way.  However, both of these spaces are lacking in a single fundamental aspect; the reality of public interaction. 

UN Studio’s Pavilion is white – correction – was white; it is now pretty much gray from all footprints and scuffmarks. [note: currently closed for repairs]  Kids have naturally been climbing in the “scoops” which have caused permanent gouges in the white façade.  Circulation proves to be a bit awkward as the pavilion is elevated a bit too high off the ground.  Additionally, the ADA accessible ramp on the north end is an odd addition that completely detracts from the “floating” effect. 

Hadid’s idea of a fluid transition from the park through the pavilion is sadly clogged up by people habitually standing too far back to watch the projection on the screen and not allowing any space for passage.  Unfortunate as this may be, all these issues should have been designed for when conceiving an outdoor, public space.  If kids want to interact with the artwork by climbing on an accessible and safe part, they should be able to. 

Overall, these logistical flaws in the pavilions sadly detract from their original artistic beauty and intellectual appeal. Lets hope that not only the re-ordering of these two imaginative pieces produce a better outcome for public interaction but that they also serve as a lesson for any such future endeavors.

A QUEST FOR QUALITY IN THE WEST LOOP

KYLE THOMAS | SPECIAL PROJECTS | CHICAGO AUG 2, 2009-– This unique structure doesn’t just tell its own story but embraces the existing fabric of the city with its eleven-story new steel tower on an existing seven-story old concrete loft. The Belgravia Group took an existing old and extremely structurally-sound building which is not exactly a historic landmark but is architecturally noteworthy and brought it into the 21st century. This unique hybrid design style - merging the old with the new - is an example of how a design can be sustainable all on its own without using fancy technology to give it a “green” label. Although the architect might not have had the intentions of a sustainable design, one may believe the building speaks for it’s self by preserving an existing older building and turning it into new one.

565 Quincy has a lot of offer with eighteen stories of 241 condominiums units. In addition to contemporary-styled condominium units, there are also a selection of lofts which range from “true” lofts to “den-style” two bedroom lofts. Overall, this notable addition to the West Loop has thirty-five different floor plans ranging from 600 square feet to its largest of 1,227 square feet.  On the exterior, a thoughtful design feature was to stagger the private terraces so as not to have the sun blocked by neighboring terraces directly overhead. The roof features a large community sun deck with kitchenette which is on top of the existing older building. For “in-building” recreation, designers fashioned an extremely unique “Q” room located on the bottom floor.  The “Q” room features a private bowling ally, movie screening room, putting green, video arcade, lounge with bar, and fully-equipped fitness center for the exclusive use of 565 Quincy homeowners.

These hip and stylish condos seem to be geared towards the younger professionals of Chicago. Located in downtown Chicago’s West Loop, just a block away from Union Station, this up community offers an array of up-scale restaurants and endless shopping boutiques. The Belgravia Group with more than 50 years of experience and countless award-winning building designs has done it again providing a new and sophisticated addition to Chicago’s condo collection. For inquires about 565 Quincy. contact Dan Katz, Belgravia Group at Dan@BelgraviaGroup.com, or call 312.751.2777 x157.

A CHICAGO ICON IN JEOPARDY 

L. DARRELL JONES | CHICAGO JULY 26, 2009-– We really had no idea of the impending demise of one of Chicago's most unique treasures - The Prairie Avenue Bookshop - when we filmed there just last June. But according to a recent Tribune story, Bill Hasbrouck, founder and owner of a collection of literature much beloved by area architects, the store is scheduled to close its doors for good September 1st. Through no fault of its own, Prairie Avenue is falling victim to the modern trend of internet retailing with big volume and deep discounts. This has affected street-level businesses including books, movies, music and T-shirts. Recently even Borders announced its intention to shutter its North Michigan Avenue store. As it is with other like-brick-n-mortar establishments, people more often browse than buy. I must confess, this has been true of me on a few occasions. Certainly, being in the midst of recession hasn't helped matters as people have less disposal income to purchase non-essential items. I can't help but think that having a more prominent market effort and internet presence may have precluded this unfortunate scenario from coming so perilously close this ending. We may never know. But with the history and rare volumes that's tied up in this resource, we're hoping someone sees the value in investing in whatever it takes to save this Chicago icon.   

ANOTHER ICONIC MUSEUM FOR CHICAGO?

L. DARRELL JONES | CHICAGO JULY 12, 2009-– With the recent opening of the new Modern Wing of The Art Institute of Chicago. has the city filled its quota for iconic cultural additions? Apparently one local visionary doesn't think so. Paul Poloz, principal of Poloz Architects, sees room for one more - a 55,4000-square-foot Museum of Native American Culture and Spirituality to honor the diverse American Indian culture and the millions which perished after foreign contact and conquest. According to indiancountrytoday.com The Chicago-based architect is spearheading the effort to erect a $90 million museum and monument in Chicago or perhaps another city. The monument is to be a 15-20-foot statue of a yet-to-be-determined historically-significant figure to stand in the building's courtyard.

Again, according to Indian Country Today, the design includes interior portions housing artifacts, artwork, and indoor and outdoor sculptural gardens. The exterior will include about 120,000 square feet of landscaped space and a courtyard where cultural activities such as pow wows will take place.

The interior will be “designed with structures referencing traditional Native American architecture from tribes around North America to create an intertribal village community,” according to Poloz. The design “is based on the concept of the cosmic circle, a strong symbol of life, with endless forces spinning around the center. The central part of the circle is the Great Tipi surrounded by swirling streams of water.”

Poloz plans to present the project to Chicago mayor Richard Daley and thinks Chicago would be an appropriate place for it. “The project has been designed for a city site, contributing to the urban environment as an oasis of nature to provide people with an escape from the sterility and hectic pace of the city.”

He is currently also involved in setting up a nonprofit foundation for the project, which will include tribal involvement and help raise the money needed. Poloz said it will apply to the federal government for grants and also the private sector. He hopes to have the foundation up and running in the next couple months. While Poloz says “it is difficult to estimate a time of completion with the current economic crisis, we are doing what we can to give exposure to the project.”

SEARS TOWER STEPPING OUT 

L. DARRELL JONES | CHICAGO JULY 7, 2009-– Just halfway through 2009 and Chicago has already experienced more momentous architectural coming out parties than most places experience in a decade. We we initially treated to the much anticipated opening of The Art Institute of Chicago's new Modern Wing by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Before we caught our breath from that event. one of two Centennial Celebratory pavilions also premiered in Millennium Park. And now rising up to steal the spotlight from these two showstoppers is unveiling of The Ledge at Skydeck level atop the Sears Tower. The long lines leading up to the remodeled Skydeck and the innovative suspended viewing ledge testify to the excitement generated by this new opportunity to step out a few feet from the tallest building in America.

The architectural firm of Skidmore Owings & Merrill designed the 3 (eventually 4) 10'x10' protruding glass boxes which extend 4' out from the building's west side providing views which glass-pressed foreheads could only hope to obtain. For the nervous crowd, the glass bottom only 1.5" thick has been designed to hold 5 tons - twice the weight capacity required to be safe.

According to the Metal Miner online resource, The “Ledge” is essentially a suspended glass structure with no steel framing. The 8’ x 8’ x ½’ structural ceiling front hangs from high strength steel beams, custom fabricated plate and high strength tube, custom machined pieces, stainless steel connections and a lot of little pieces. The entire box is suspended from bearing rollers, similar to wide flange beam traveling rollers. The system is run by a rigged chain drive overhead motor. Think of it as a “very expensive garage door opener.”

Always a destination for Chicago's many tourists, The Ledge will no doubt renew the interest of locales who have scaled this man-made mountain once in the past and also for those who coyly have to admit they have yet to experience it. Seems like they've waited for the perfect time.

 MODELING CHICAGO'S PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

By Darrell Jones

CHICAGO JUN 15, 2009-– After observing the child-like twinkle in the eyes of various on-lookers of the Chicago Architecture Foundation's Chicago Model City in the atrium of the historic Santa Fe building, I left feeling this surely looks to become one of its most successful exhibitions to date. This perspective is in addition to my own love of finely-crafted scaled models and the difficulty I experienced trying to tear myself away from this giant-sized one. One comment overheard from a college student was, "I was I could grab some "Hot Wheels" miniature-sized cars to roll down the streets of this thing." The 25-foot by 35-foot model is one of the centerpieces of city's celebration of its 1909 Plan of Chicago by architect and visionary Daniel H. Burnham.

Although the Foundation has always featured a similarly-scaled model of Chicago in its visitor's center at 224 S. Michigan, this new  updated offering boasts approximately 400 blocks of over 1000 highly detailed buildings achieved through a laser-cutting process. 

In addition to the large-scaled mono-chromed model city (its Sears Tower stands almost 3-feet tall), kiosks surround its perimeter recounting Chicago's historical emergence as a global city. Some of the themes throughout include Chicago as the Beautiful City, Global City, Connected City, Green City and New City.  Several other smaller models also tell the story of where the city is now and where its going as they highlight current major urban re-development projects.

From the constancy of photography and the ease at which various locales and landmarks were being pointed out within the model's environs, Chicago Model City is off to a rousing start. It appears to be effective in tying together our past, present and future with clarity and visual substance allowing the average patron to make a comfortable approach and eventual connection with it all. The exhibition is free and open to the public until November 20th.

 NEW ADDITION STRIKES BALANCE  

By Erik Munck

CHICAGO MAY 23, 2009-– As swarms of people gathered around the Art Institute on Saturday, it was obvious that the opening of the $294 million Modern Wing addition was highly anticipated, as it should be. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Renzo Piano, the 264,000 square foot space creates a memorable experience for observing the modern works of art that it houses. Upon entering, one is bathed in natural light, emanating from the many windows and Piano’s own “flying carpet” skylight, made up of rows of aluminum blades. His clever use of glass diffuses the light and surrounds the works in natural daylight. Not only does this make for ideal gallery viewing conditions, but also cuts down on the building’s electricity demand. The natural daylight, coupled with the white walls, also gives the sense that the viewer is in a studio, taking a first hand tour of the artist’s work. Hardwood floors and railings contribute to the warmness and keep the space from looking too institutional.

As viewers progress through the interior, it seems that the linear space offers a clearer path of travel than the old museum, with a large central atrium and exhibitions branching off from it. However, after turning into an exhibition, I found that the viewer is still subject to the same flaws of minimizing the need for simplicity of navigation which plague most art museums. Winding rooms with multiple entry ways often bring the gallery goers to rooms they have already been in, or unfortunately, as is the case with the architecture/design gallery, a walled off dead-end. Things get especially confusing in the abstract art sections, where there is a strong chance that someone will accidentally step on a floor installation, or mistake an art piece for meaningless wires or wood.

The building does offer clear views of downtown Chicago though, with many vantage points that almost show off the city as an exhibition in its own right. The sense of lightness, which Piano is known for, is carried in a cantilevered bridge that crosses above Monroe Street. Walking across it, I got a great view of the stunning Millennium Park music pavilion, designed by Frank Gehry, whose work I had just seen in the museum. Also in view were the crowds of people enjoying the free concerts, giveaways, and other attractions of the carnival-like atmosphere surrounding opening day. The Modern Wing was not only designed to be open to light, but to the public as well. In many ways, it appears that a concerted effort was made to connect the new wing with its exterior environs, Millennium Park in particular. But a museum designed by a top architect using high-end materials has its price, as does the constant maintenance of light surfaces and hardwood floors. This could be one reason for the increase in ticket prices. Regardless, the Modern Wing does try to show that modern art is not something solely reserved for scholars and critics, but also to be appreciated by the general public.

RIVERWALK FROM VIRTUAL TO REALITY

By Darrell Jones

 Animated walk-around by Ross Barney Architects

CHICAGO APR 27, 2009-– The construction of Chicago's Riverwalk is one of the more exciting civic projects taken on by the city since the planning out of the Museum Campus. This ambitious carving out of a new and significant public realm represents perhaps the third leg of a paradigm shift in our relationship to the river. With the cleaning up of this waterway after the historic reversal of its flow in 1900, developers eventually awakened to the realization that a location along this body of water which embraces rather than shunning it can be profitable. Of course it didn't hurt that the city also began to insist on the creation of public access areas and "green space" to be a part of new riverfront developments.  Now, the anticipation of billions of dollars from local, state and federal funds to construct a continuous path from the lake westward on both banks of the Chicago River has given this final piece of its re-adaptation a new sense of certainty.

With New York City's identity closely tied in to the man-made canyons of Manhattan, San Antonio being known for its Riverwalk, and Miami for its beaches, it hardly seems fair that Chicago will soon benefit from the possession of each of these. Of course, the inclusion of the right type of commercial establishments, pedestrian amenities (i.e. lighting, benches, landscaping, etc.), and interactive opportunities will determine the overall success of this endeavor. Our hope is that unlike Navy Pier (which yes is the city's #1 tourist attraction to date), we think through how to maximize the use of each stretch of the Riverwalk without having to revisit its design 5-10 years after its completion in the near future.  

2009 DRIEHAUS AWARD

By Darrell Jones

Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil 2009 Driehaus Prize laureate

CHICAGO APR 6, 2009-– On the weekend of March 27-28, 2009 The University of Notre Dame School of Architecture honored the 2009 recipients of the the most significant award for classicism in the contemporary built environment. Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil was presented with the 2009 Richard H. Driehaus Prize at a colloquium at the historic John B. Murphy Auditorium in downtown Chicago.  Also present were over 40 5th-year students from the school of architecture along with WTTW which was recording the proceedings for future broadcast.

The $200,000 Driehaus Prize is awarded annually to an outstanding architect whose work applies the principles of classicism in contemporary contexts, including sensitivity to the historic continuum, the fostering of community, and the impact on the built and natural environments.  It is the largest unrestricted prize of its kind. Fabio Grementieri was also honored at the event with the $50,000 Henry Hope Reed Award, presented annually to an individual whose work has supported the cultivation of the traditional city through planning, preservation or promotion.

At the colloquium honoring the 2009 laureates, Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil will discussed his career in a one-on-one interview with New Yorker architecture critic Paul Goldberger.  Fabio Grementieri was featured in a group conversation on public policy and preservation with Adele Chatfield-Taylor, president of the American Academy in Rome, and Russell Keune, former director of international relations for the American Institute of Architects.

"VAN DER  VOGUE"

By Darrell Jones

OrganiK Revolution modeling a 111 S. Wacker-inspired creation

CHICAGO MAR 30, 2009-– Architecture + Fashion. On first glance one would think these two design communities have little if anything in common. Yes, architecture is about artistic beauty as much as the science of construction; and fashion can be distilled down to the simplicity of form and function of what we wear. But can the two share meaningful expression and interplay in design theory with cutting-edge results? Well, apparently a few fashion designers and architects set out to make it happen as they came together with their productions for "van der vogue" - an Illinois Institute of Technology hosted event celebrating the 123rd birthday of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and his contributions to architecture by featuring the creations of local fashion designers inspired by his buildings and similar modernist examples around the Chicago area. Among the buildings from which inspiration was derived for these one-of-a-kind dress creations were the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, south on Michigan Avenue, the God-Box Mies-designed chapel on the campus of IIT, and 111 South Wacker designed by Goettsch Partners.

Some of local fashion designers participating included Kristin Frieman of Red Shift, Lindsey Boland of Habit Chicago, Cynthia Ryba of Cynthia Ryba, Lara Miller of Lara Miller, Alice Berry of Alice Berry, Kristin Hassan of Organi K Revolution, Lidia Wachowska of Evil Kitty and Laura Lambert of Scarlet Designs present their architecturally-inspired creations. According to Laura Miller of Laura Miller, "we were following through on very simple elements and began with functionality in mind. [Our goal was] not just design for aesthetics, but [design with] purpose." Also on hand for the celebration were architecture firms Goettsch Partners, Dirk Denison Architects, UrbanLab, DePree Bickford Associates and Krueck + Sexton Architects. Dirk Lohan open the evening with a brief introduction to the celebration and its fashion component and commented that "Fashion designers give us new ways of looking at these buildings and structures."  Visit the Architecture + Fashion Page to view photos from the evening's presentation.

ARCHITECTURE - FOR FREE

By Darrell Jones

Rada Architecture's Clybourn Point

CHICAGO MAR 16, 2009-– With the official arrival of Spring just around the corner, Chicagoans will no doubt find it to be a welcome sign that despite no matter how adverse the season, new life is sure to follow. In this context, the current economic downturn has been and continues to be a winter of discontent for many. But in spite of the realities of  tightening of budgets and disposable incomes, recent statistics have shown that Americans are finding the resources to enjoy the escape Hollywood provides and a few other entertainment outlets like it. One thing this shows is that we value the means by which we can put our issues on the back burner for awhile even if they cost us some of our hard-earned income.

Despite this fact, there are many others who still can't afford many of the high-priced entertainment venues or traveling to far-flung corners of the world to take in breath-taking memorable sites. Consequently, not only have we seen a decline in our foreign tourists, but the locals are finding more affordable ways to escape closer to home. As our thoughts begin to turn toward a long-anticipated Spring and Summer and the ways we can enjoy the outdoors without going broke, Perhaps one of the best means to do this is to go out and listen to free outdoor concert, relax at the beach or stroll around town and check out the architecture which brings the world to our doorstep.

Yes there are a myriad of tours available at nominal rates, but the thing about Chicago's museum of architecture is that its open and accessible for free 24/7 year round. You may not hear all about the history of these places of interest from a tour guide, however with the wealth of information made possible through the internet today, we all can be experts on art deco if we choose to be. While its true that more than a few developments have been stopped and many others scrapped, its a good bet that Chicago's neighborhoods hold enough newly built surprises to satisfy any architecture enthusiast. For an added twist, maybe a surveying of the area's halted projects could be someone's idea of fun.  So whatever your tastes, make a point to get out and enjoy all that Chicago has to offer - for free!

HALSTED STREET-THAT "GREAT STREET"

By Darrell Jones

University Village, Chicago

CHICAGO JAN 18, 2009-– During a recent snowstorm (take your pick), a colleague of mine bemoaned the unfortunate circumstance of having to detour to work through the congested University Village Halsted Street corridor. A section stretching from Roosevelt Rd north to 15th Place to the south. Of course if the planners of this new community had fully envisioned what a successful outcome of their project might look like, perhaps they would have considered requesting a 4-lane or at worst a turn-lane throughway down one of the more heavily trafficked gateways into downtown Chicago.

Of the many notable roadways throughout the city, few can rival the rich history and continued significance of Halsted Street. From its place as the epicenter of the meat-packing stockyards industry at the beginning of the 20th Century through the ethnic outdoor markets of Maxwell Street to emerging university communities today, Halsted Street is indelibly meshed into the warp and woof of the "City of big shoulders."

Although only a small section of the meat-processing business remains there, and Maxwell Street has been neutered into insignificance, University Village seeks to instill a sense of place along a stretch of Halsted which can extend street-level vitality from downtown several blocks southward. With human-scale lighting, public spaces, and curbside parking, the area is beginning to awaken with residential and retail traffic. Still needed are more green spaces, additional parking and better traffic flow to enhance the effort underway there.

The story is reversed several miles south at 63rd and Halsted Street where Kennedy-King College's new 40-acre campus is spearheading a re-vitalization in the heart of economically-distressed Englewood. This is an area which enjoyed the limelight as an intercity retail destination back in 50's and early 60's. The locating of the city college campus there is the first injection of new life into the area as the streets have been re-paved, the CTA station improved, and noticeably more green space has appeared. 

According to CBS2chicago.com, a new Walgreens next to the college is expected to attract more commercial development. New housing, retail centers and a new police station are all opening near the college. A large, stately vacant building sits a block north of the campus and could be a critical piece to changing the personality of the neighborhood. What once was a former temple of worship could with re-investment become a central focal point through re-adaptation as a cultural center, a community center, a jobs center or of course a church again. This restoration, taken with all the others could signal sincerity to this community that hope for change will be more than just political rhetoric but can be in fact a visible reality along that "Great Street." 

FOUNDATIONS TO THE FUTURE

By Darrell Jones

The stalled Waterview Tower on Wacker Drive

CHICAGO DEC 29, 2008-– In our determination to make it through an early winter onslaught here in the Chicago area, its easy to experience the natural memory fade of all the headlining events in architecture from this past year. But as a new year is already upon us, a compelling question arises from the ruble of all the promise of 2008. What are the top stories which are foundational for what could be future headliners in architecture for 2009? Well, of course there were many candidates from which to choose, such as the impact the new administration will have on the nation's infrastructure and planned re-dos of Grant Park and woeful stretches of North Michigan Ave. But we settled on three which might have the greatest continuing impact on into the new year.

Heading up this list has to be the ongoing crippling effect of the economic recession not only here but globally. Extremely fortunate are some projects of note which were well into construction and secured financing before the downturn hit. Case in point, Trump Tower (which still is challenged to sell out its units), The Legacy, Aqua Tower, and One Museum Place lead this group. Conversely, one of the most anticipated and acclaimed projects in the world - Calatrava's Spire -remains just a gigantic "hole in one." In spite of the liens and shriveling up of needed capital to restart and finish this iconic building, we predict that all parties involved will find a way to overcome extraordinary odds to get this thing done.

Next at the top of this list is the conflict over locating the new Chicago Children's Museum - formerly of Navy Pier, although when the mayor makes his mind up about a project (see Meigs Field), it is all but gift wrapped and delivered. Yet, the jury is still out on the finalities of this project. In the face of editorial alternatives touting better locales, reports slamming subterranean children's museums, and increasing public scrutiny of the project, the pro-Grant Park forces march forward undaunted. We anticipate additional design concessions, but ultimately expect to see another building staking a claim in Chicago's front yard.

What may be regarded as surprise inclusion here are preservation concerns. With each passing decade, the issue of preserving as many of our historical architectural treasures as we can has heightened in the public consciousness. In the spotlight  of late has been efforts to recognize, rescue and restore mid-century modern masterpieces.  Additionally, mainstays such as Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House in Plano, IL continues to be ravaged by the floodwaters in its Fox River Valley locale. On another front, little movement seems to be detected in raising the necessary capital to fund the restoration of Louis Sullivan's fire-decimated Pilgrim Baptist Church on south Prairie Ave. On a more positive note, the discovery of a few Sullivan-designed storefront facades at 18, 22 and 28 S. Wabash Ave are in the process of restoration by Chicago architects T. "Gunny" Harboe and Douglas Gilbert. With numerous other projects due to be unveiled or re-adapted, look for 2009 to yield a few more pleasant surprises in the preservation effort.

ANOTHER  PROPOSED UNIQUE TOWER IN JEOPARDY 

Hines Interest development at 444 W. Lake St.

CHICAGO DEC 16, 2008-– These days it seems all too frequent that the "best laid plans of mice and men come to naught." So it is with another statement-making downtown structure - 200 N. Riverside Plaza. The 52-story office tower proposed for development along the Chicago River by Hines Interests L P is being crunched by the current credit crisis. According to ChicagoBusiness.com, Hines needs a $328-million construction loan but has only $200 million committed by a group of four banks thus far. Another $30 million in equity is required from Hines or an outside investor before making any additional loans for the project. Hines has already appropriated $128 million in equity to this point and would be incurring a greater percentage of risk with further personal investment.  The $536-million skyscraper designed by Pickard Chilton Architects Inc. of New Haven, CT was scheduled to begin construction in 2009 and has already secured two high-profile tenants: investment bank William Blair & Co. LLC and law firm Baker & McKenzie LLP.

A RESIDENTIAL RENAISSANCE

By Darrell Jones

Residences of Bradley Place II near Addison & Western

CHICAGO NOV 24, 2008-– While much has been made of the effect the current economic slowdown has had on Chicago's high-rise boom, the city's low-rise residential projects continue to spring up at various locales around town. This trend exists despite the downward spiral in new housing starts which typically reflect the suburban market more because of its greater availability of buildable space. Several examples of new and soon-to-be-completed low-rise residential tracts in the "windy city" include: Parkside homes at Lakeshore East, Residences at Bradley Place, Hartland Park, The Jazz District, Oakwood Shores, Chicago Haven on West Madison and Park Boulevard at 35th and State. Taken together, these new housing developments comprised of similar exterior elements are indications of movement toward the next generation of distinctive architectural housing.

For more than a century, Chicago has quilted together neighborhood patterns of single-family and 2-3-flat homes defined by bungalows, Victorian and European-styles, Prairie-style, ranches, brownstones, Cape Cod interpretations and other eclectic blends. These houses have each featured their own unique mix of layouts, materials and colors. Although today's current projects don't adhere to one identifiable design style, they do appear to share a few common characteristics. Among them are: the use of brick throughout, earthtone colors of browns, reds, and off-whites, front steps leading to a porch on a 1 1/2 to 2-story building many sporting a large arch over an entryway or window. One reason for the consistent look across residences is that only a few developers are responsible for them.

Generally speaking, these new single and multi-family units do project a grit, strength and character expected in urban areas. This is a hopeful trend because of how easy it might be for developers to conceive suburban-style enclaves within city limits if they were so inclined to go in that direction. So while Chicago will maintain its architectural eclecticism beyond any current dominant design trends, don't be surprised to see a slight directional shift in architectural housing styles filling pockets of our urban landscape for some time to come.   

SULLIVAN ICON READY'S FOR REBIRTH

By Darrell Jones

Sullivan Center, 33 S. State St.

CHICAGO OCT 20, 2008-– One of Chicago's most revered architectural mainstays is poised to begin yet another of its seemingly "9 lives." The former Schlesinger & Mayer department store which most us identify as the long time home of Carson Pirie Scott & Co. is now morphing into its latest personality - the Sullivan Center. Though this 1903 national landmark's facade has been under wraps for months at the intersection of State & Madison, vibrant and visible change has continued within its interior.  Over 1 million sq. ft. is being divided up for office, academic and retail use. Among the Sullivan Center's new tenants is the project's developers - Joseph Freed and Associates LLC whose headquarters will occupy the fourth floor.  Additionally, the architecture and engineering firm of PSA-Dewberry has leased almost 11,000 sq. ft. and is consolidating its Naperville and South Loop offices there by Dec.1.  In 2007, the architecture and fashion departments at the School of the Art Institute moved into its new digs at the Center. Recently, the SAIC opened 32,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space on the seventh floor for its new Sullivan Galleries. Utilizing 25,000 sq. ft. of available space opened by the vacated Carson's department store, current plans are to have the high-end retailer Fox & Obel store taking occupancy upon completion of the renovations. Several pictures of what looks to be an elegantly restored lobby and various sections of the facade can be viewed at www.jfreed.com.

DEVELOPING A COMMUNITY

By Ross Renjilian

Glen Tower Center, Glenview, IL

CHICAGO SEPT 28, 2008-– Many architecture firms become recognized for creating beautiful, sleek, and innovative buildings. Whether these buildings shoot up into the infinite blue, demonstrate values, or house some of our most prized possessions, they typically stand alone in solemnity. Today's architecture firms take on these "breakout" projects focusing all their energy on this one structure by creating what they hope to be an "icon" from start to finish. Pappageorge and Haymes Ltd. has been a firm with much of their focus in the Chicagoland area via large contributions to housing restorations, townhome communities, and even residential skyscrapers. In Chicago's continually emerging, constantly evolving cityscape, this is a firm that seems to be determined to be front and center in the discussion as to what shape this city's built environment is going to take in the near and distant future. Creating whole "walkable" communities with local restaurants, retail, entertainment, accessible transportation and communal green space has become a primary way in which Pappageorge & Haymes is leading the way in fostering interaction between people and the built environment.

One of their best examples of this firm's community approach is the Glen Tower Center located in Glenview, IL. This project focused on the redevelopment of an abandoned naval air base through providing high-density housing and mixed-use programs. The Glen Tower Center incorporates townhomes, apartments, retail shops, department stores, a movie theater, parking facilities , and of course, restaurants. The area also takes advantage of open park spaces, allowing people to escape from the congestion of main street. Glen Tower Center has been extremely successful in its objective to create an environment in which people can comfortably interact with each other and their surroundings.

LOCAL ARCHITECTURE'S UPCOMING SEASON

New mezzanine at Grand & State substation

CHICAGO SEPT 8, 2008-– If you had an opportunity to see any of China's iconic contemporary architecture during the 2008 summer games, you no doubt couldn't help but be impressed. While Chicago doesn't have an upcoming season of anticipated projects which would quite measure up to any of that, we do have a number of exciting developments to look forward to this season and beyond. Some of these new design/build projects will potentially have an immediate and lasting impact upon our urban environment, visually and functionally. Several are as follows:

• The Grand/State CTA - Red Line Station. Work continues to progress on this vital transportation hub which services an estimated 8,000 patrons daily. The renovation will add over 2,000 sq. ft. of mezzanine space along with new granite floors and stairs, glazed wall tiles, new elevators & escalators, kiosks and more.

• The Roosevelt Rd. Metra Station. Truly an overdue renovation  project if their ever was one. This station is one the city's more strategic portals near Soldier Field and the Museum Campus. The old platforms have all but been replaced along with new heated shelters . Elevators are currently being installed with the rickety wooded pedestrian walkway to be made kindling next.

• The Residences at Lakeshore East. Chicago's newest major neighborhood is in the midst of its final phase as it adds a number of single-family residences and retail spaces to ring the perimeter of its ventrally-positioned iconic park area. Additionally, Jeanne Gang's Aqua Tower sits to the west of this development and is sure to be an attention-grabbing part of the entire area.

• Roosevelt Square. Driving through the circle one can see a noticeable section of construction framework and scaffolding rising from among the glut of structures in the south Loop. This new urban plan promises to bring new life and vitality to this section of Chicago's South Loop through the development of a "walkable" community of residences, retail, restaurants, entertainment and public space.

• Carson Pirie Scott Store. As frustrating as it has been to have Sullivan's historic landmark work under wraps all year for restoration, its good to hear that interior spaces are being re-adapted and utilized for School of the Art Institute classes and a public gallery. Its ultimate success will no doubt be measured by the installation of a proposed food market in the lobby space.

• Additional Projects of Note. Several other projects with high expectations moving toward conclusion which will command our attention are: Block 37 and 22 W. Washington CBS2 Studios, One Museum Park and the Blue Cross Blue Shield building vertical addition.

COULD CHICAGO TOP BEIJING IF 2016 BECOMES OUR TURN?

By Darrell Jones

National Center for the Performing Arts - Beijing

CHICAGO AUG 25, 2008-– Wow would probably be an apt exclamation for the effort and outcome resulting from the XXIX Olympiad held in Beijing China. As exciting as the summer Olympics can be and Michael Phelps doing a fine impression as Aquaman, much of the buzz this year was generated from the cutting-edge Chinese architecture both old and new. Along with the CCTV irregularly-shaped building, the Bird's Nest stadium and the Water Cube have presented worldwide-watchers with stunning backdrops, night shots, and aerial images of these structures. Total costs for these games have been reported at over $44 billion.

So where does Chicago fit in the game of 'one-upsmanship" in its hopes of impressing a good part of world still ignorant of Chicago's emerging presence of the world stage in the vein of New York, Paris, London and Rome? Well, for one, we certainly aren't expected to spend with the fanatical abandon of the Chinese government. Second, China is seeking to show its positioning itself as a 21st century player in economics, culture and architecture. Chicago, I believe is that already as its markets, politics, cuisine, and of course architecture has put it on the map in subjects of global opinion.

With Chicago's present world-class mix of classic and contemporary architecture, we don't need to blow anyone with new Olympic structures. However, we do need to design to a standard of excellence and innovation we've already set for more than a century. The hope is that if we land the 2016 games, we would proudly improve the design/build environment and transport infrastructure which currently exists. Landing these games should be see as an opportunity to show the world how and why we defined progressive architecture.

CBS 2 BROADCAST SCREEN OUT OF PLACE

By Darrell Jones

View from Washington St.

CHICAGO AUG 3, 2008-– Forget the "curse of the Billy goat;" the "curse of Block 37" yet lives!  No, its not that the 17-story office building at 22 West Washington is not going to be completed-on the contrary; its due to be finished this summer with what looks to be a well-designed and well-placed shinny new broadcast studio. Although its retail neighbors hit a snag with the axing of the super transit station project, it is otherwise on track as well. No, my beef is with the past week's revelation of what its new outdoor broadcast screen will look like. Too many times when given a seminal moment to make an architectural statement which is worthy of our reputation and could move us forward, corporate or civic heads go brain dead and we're left with a legacy of less. Several notable examples ever with us are the River North McDonald's on steroids and landmark-stripped re-fitted Soldier Field to name a couple (see Chicago's Not So Magnificent Seven in local archives).

Unfortunately, Chicagoans are left once again with second-tier design results as WBBM-Ch 2 president and general manger, Joe Ahern and other suits chose to overrule their architect's opinions for the size and location of this screen fronting Daley Plaza at Dearborn and Washington Streets. Ralph Johnson of Perkins + Will planned for a screen, I believe, that was much anticipated in the playful energy it would add to an enlivening State Street theater district.  Johnson's designs called for a unit which would be larger and stretch horizontally 80' to the corner or at least would've had the smaller unit asymmetrically placed. We got neither. Instead of contributing to a mini-Times Square-like feel emerging in the area, the little screen (30' x 19') they settled for seems more like an afterthought or typical video billboard found on many buildings today. Worse yet, the exposed framework behind it looks as though its unfinished. If CBS 2's goal is to step into the arena with the broadcast news big boys (ABC 7 and NBC 5), it just embarrassingly tripped on the way up to center stage. 

Public sentiment at least in the blogesphere seems to be revealing a general angst at the broadcast screen's size and placement. I hope that CBS 2 reconsiders this design in consideration for Chicago's architectural reputation and the wishes of the community it purports to serve. Our hope and our appeal is that they will give is something to readily embrace and be proud to show-off for years to come.

DOLLAR BILLS, PALM TREES & OTHER GREEN THINGS

By Darrell Jones

Bridge to Millennium from New Modern Wing

CHICAGO JULY 27, 2008-– Somehow I imagined the bridge leading from the Art Institute's New Modern Wing to Millennium Park would be thin, flat and somewhat transparent. Seeing it now for the view-obstructing "half-pipe" structure that it is, my impressions are--not cool.

In light of the stalled construction at the future home of Chicago's Museum of Broadcast Communications and the recent radio ad appeals for contributions, its unbelievable and shameful that this project is not more widely supported or sufficiently funded.

Speaking of stalled projects, I hope the Waterview Tower on Wacker is able to resume construction soon. Looks to be a nice riverfront addition.

Funny how the idea of a Public Housing Museum here in Chicago always seems to draw chuckles and sarcasm from whomever I mention it to.

Along that line, unsolicited suggestions for possible rides included an elevator which stalls, drops and breaks for several days and a courtyard obstacle course complete with a hot asphalt barefoot walk and sniper- evasion run. 

Since green roofs are all the rage, how long before we start to see actual "green" buildings covered with Wrigley Field-type ivy on all sides?

No matter what they do, they'll unfortunately never be able to make a continuous Riverwalk along the Chicago River. 

Did anyone hear about the Palm trees purported to be brought in for this summer's AVP tournament at North Ave. Beach? What next, faux mountains placed as a backdrop for the next PGA Tour event in here?

Has anyone noticed the textbook-like layout of the city's skyscrapers in view as you drive into the Loop on the Dan Ryan Expressway?

Isn't the silence deafening now that the mayor has appeared to come through victorious in placing his new subterranean Children's Museum in Grant Park?

Are plans in the works or deals on the table bringing Chicago its first major movie studio lot yet?   

CHURCH STREET VILLAGE

THE REVITALIZATION OF EVANSTON’S WEST SIDE

Press Release

Evanston, IL – Cyrus Homes has partnered with Indie Energy to provide affordable year round heating and cooling from geo exchange systems provided by Indie Energy at their newest development, Church Street Village.  Church Street Village, a Townhouse Green located at 1613-1691, offers 40 brand-new, all-brick two and three bedroom town homes from $389,900. The development is 50 percent sold as of this month.

The town homes at Church Street Village will be built to LEED certified standards in order to ensure that it is a truly “green” community.  It is one of the first residential communities in the country to offer geo thermal energy systems which, in addition to Energy Star appliances and double insulated windows cut energy usage.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the geo exchange system is the most efficient HVAC system on the market.  Not only does the use of the geo exchange system reduce wasted energy but it also reduces the cost.  As a result of the over all efficient system a homeowner can expect to see up to 70% energy savings on annual operating costs. 

The developers have recycled over 6,000 tons of material that was on site that would normally be taken away to landfills and re-used it for the community’s construction.  In addition, they are offering non-V.O.C. (Volatile Organic Compound) paint and the option for non-V.O.C. carpeting, as well as exploring environmentally safe alternatives to insulation which includes made from recycled blue jeans! 

In addition to their mission of providing eco-friendly option in Evanston, Cyrus Homes and Indie Energy teamed up with Community Builders to offer guidance and jobs to local residents.  Community Builders, overall goal is to provide workforce development and life skills acquisition opportunities for young people in a wide variety of fields.  Many of the people that come to their program are high school dropouts who had been unemployed or working dead-end, low-wage jobs before starting the program. Some had also been involved in illegal activities.  These individuals are trained in a skill and then work on projects within the community, such as Church Street Village.

“We are pleased to see such a great response to this unique living opportunity that Church Street Village brings to Evanston”, notes Walter Kihm, Jr., Chairman of Cyrus Homes and a life long resident of Evanston.  “As native Evanstonians, we want to give back to the community not only by bringing an attractive and high-quality development to its west side but also by contributing to this forward thinking community with an energy conscious neighborhood”

Indie Energy, located at 1020 Church Street in Evanston is a clean-technology energy services company.  They design, finance, install and maintain energy systems based on an innovative combination of new technologies and renewable energy sources: geothermal and solar.  Visit www.indieenergy.com for more information on Indie Energy and geo thermal energy systems.

Church Street Village is located at Church Street and Florence Avenue within walking distance to parks, the CTA, Metra and downtown Evanston.  The Sales Center is now open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 PM or by appointment.  To schedule your visit to Church Street Village, please call 877-879-5900 x 101 or visit www.churchstvillage.com to request more information on this new community.  

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 Halsted 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 Football game which is displayed on a 15’ screen in the middle of the arena. The hands-on games take you away from the buttons and joy sticks, they include: golf, baseball, basketball, bowling, skeet shooting, football, fishing, skiing, boxing, hockey, and racing. These games use motion-capture technology which senses you swinging a club or making a punch and presents the action onto screen. It is the perfect way to test out your skills in any area of interest.

The second floor is also where the serious sports fans gather. The Screening Room broadcasts almost every sporting event on a dozen 36” televisions surrounding the 16’ big screen which shows the most popular game of each day. There are plenty of tables and lounge chairs to relax and enjoy your favorite sports. This area is also contains one of three available bars. Chicago’s ESPN Zone is perfect for any outing day or night. It is the ideal place for kids to play the games while their parents dine to the site of their favorite teams in action. Private events can also be hosted on the second floor and is often the venue for many large public events put on by ESPN. Overall, the atmosphere is upbeat and the people are kind, combine this with the awesome video games and an amazing amount of TVs, and you have one great night.    

Location: 43 E. Ohio St.

Phone: 312-644-3776

http://www.espnzone.com/chicago      

Seven Wonders of Illinois Announced

Once again after the tally of a popular vote, Wrigley Field stands alone in representing Chicago as our greatest places of note. In march balloting conducted by the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, the beloved baseball shrine was chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois. A structure which seems to be gaining more and more notoriety-and deservedly so-the Baha'i Temple in the northern suburb of Wilmette was also selected to the list. Rounding out the rest of the Seven are as follows: Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello, Rock Island, Rend Lake in Benton and Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway in Alton.

"The Seven Wonders of Illinois program was not only an exciting contest for our communities to rally around their favorite destinations, but it's going to continue spreading the word about all our unique offerings across the state. These innovative tourism programs are bringing visitors from near and far, expanding our economy and helping create more good jobs," Gov. Blagojevich said. More information can be accessed at www.enjoyillinois.com

Old Main Post Office Targeted for Re-development

By Darrell Jones

 April 30, 2007

Now that all the excitement of the filming of Batman: The Dark Knight and the non-related fire in the old main post office has died down, we can get on to some real business. The Chicago Plan Commission has recently approved the redevelopment of the 2.5-million-square-foot structure at 401 W Van Buren by Chicago developer Walton Street Capital LLC. The property which has remained vacant for over a decade is to be converted into a multi-use facility consisting of a 340-room hotel, 300 residential units and nearly 500,000-squsre feet of office space. To make this happen, approximately 800,000 square feet would have to be demolished. But don't look for any construction to be visibly identifiable any time soon. Interior work such as asbestos removal must precede any significant construction. Also, the cost of financing the project has yet to be determined by the developer who is currently seeking tax-increment financing (TIF) money for this project. Walton Street is reported to be in talks with banks for construction financing and presently has a letter of commitment from one of those banks.

The massive 1921 Art Deco building (expanded in 1933) has been considered for a host of uses during its dormancy including a water park, an auto mall, a casino and even a mausoleum. With the current glut of downtown office and residential space, some question the viability of the use of this structure as planned. In many ways the facility seems an ideal space for a Smithsonian-type museum-making the West Loop another tourist-centered destination in the city. That may well yet be an option someday as time determines the success of this current proposal.

"Chicago Spire" Advances Past Another Hurdle

By Darrell Jones

 April 20, 2007

Okay. that was the easy part. Now comes the real test. The Chicago Plan Commission in a unanimous vote approved the zoning for the so-called "Chicago Spire" designed by Santiago Calatrava and promoted by Dublin-based developer Garrett Kelleher. The 150 story and 1,200-unit condominium structure would not only be the tallest building in Chicago, but in the United States as well. While the city's zoning approval was expected to be a foregone conclusion, most analysts seem to agree that the main issue in the realization of the construction of this project will be the financial viability of what could approach a $2 billion price tag.

Finally! Metra Announces Extreme Makeover for Eyesore Stop

By Darrell Jones

 April 27, 2007

Can it be? Is this embarrassment of a major public transit location about to receive a long overdue facelift? The Daily Southtown is reporting that an extensive renovation has been approved for the Metra Line's Roosevelt Station by the Chicago Department of Transportation.  The work is set to begin upon the issuance of the necessary building permit. Statements from the CDOT indicate that the work could commence within the next few weeks. The projected completion date is summer 2008. The station currently consists of rickety wooden stairs, rusted structural members and an antiquated passenger shelter facility. The irony has been that this stop stands in negative contrast to the recent development of the South Loop and the redesign of the Museum Campus with its elegance and ease of access to Soldier Field.  According to the Southtown, plans call for tearing down the old facility, rebuilding the platform and stairs, adding two new station houses with elevators, canopies and warming areas. The project awarded to Blinderman Construction Co. is estimated to cost $10 million.
 

Architecture Week in Chicago

PRNewswire/ -- As the birthplace of modern
architecture, Chicago is a city where buildings matter. Perhaps more than
residents of any other American city, Chicagoans know their architecture.
Home to masterpieces by such visionaries as Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis
Sullivan, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Chicago is a place where
architecture is talked about, admired and appreciated.
    And what better time to celebrate Chicago's stunning architecture than
during the first-ever "Architecture Week," which kicks off today? The
Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects offers up the
following five ideas for Chicagoans looking for a way to honor their city's
incredible tradition of architectural excellence:
    -- By attending internationally recognized architect Edward Mazria's
       lecture on how buildings are more to blame for global warming than are
       cars ("Resuscitating a Dying World," a public lecture on Wednesday,
       April 11 at the Art Institute)
    -- By visiting http://www.illinoisgreatplaces.com , a newly launched
       website that showcases "150 Illinois Great Places" as selected by
       Illinois architects, historians, and preservationists
    -- By registering for a free "Working With an Architect" seminar to learn
       more about how homeowners can work with residential architects to
       achieve the house of their dreams
    -- By picking up a one-of-a-kind treasure at the Chicago Modernism Show
       and Gala, which runs April 13-15
    -- By stopping for a moment to enjoy the breathtaking architecture that
       helps define our city.
    Architecture Week in Chicago begins Monday, April 9 and is part of a
nationwide celebration of 150 years of the American Institute of
Architects. For 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects
have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable,
healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. For more
information about Architecture Week events in Chicago this week, visit
http://www.aiachicago.org

Latest (and Final?) Twist in Spire Design

by Darrell Jones

 March 28, 2007

Haven't we been here before?. So now we have version 4 of the perpetually spiraling designs of Santiago Calatrava's and developer Garrett Kellerher's Chicago Spire.  Although this promises to be the final major re-design, I was hoping for a few more to make a complete set to trade or sell at a future date. I don't know about you, but the latest look recently unveiled to the public this week doesn't quite have that "Yo" factor as Randy Jackson of American Idol would put it. The iconic 2000-ft twisting tower has lost a few pounds from its previous big-boned frame for sure. It also has recovered some of its "verve" now that the rotation has been brought back to 360 degrees from the uninspired, scaled down 270 degrees offered up as a previous sacrifice.  Yet, this current shape which tapers toward the top in a conical fashion fails to elicit the anticipation of pride which the first design scheme engendered. In some ways, the building's finishing apex as is (and of course there's sure to be deign tweaks and alterations done the road, if this venture comes off) kind of mimics a few of the more recent Asian skyscrapers erected. That in itself is not really a problem. As with every design concept floated thus far, the public and critics assign the name of the first descriptive thought that comes to mind-drill bit, candle, tree trunk-well, you get the idea. So, the question now is "what image does our latest version conjure up? Many of our nations monuments and skyscrapers of like fashion are often accused of phallic subtleties-some arguably stretched to fit that implication-but in this case, it doesn't appear to be a stretch. Anyway, Calatrava rightly implies that this skyscraper will re-define Chicago for decades to come. With a building sure to become a signature edifice of this city, I for one wouldn't mind just one more re-design. Chicago deserves no less and I still hoping to put together that trading card set.

State AIA Lists Its 150 Illinois Great Places

by Darrell Jones

March 23, 2007

Now this is more like it. Having recently had foisted upon us the national AIA's interpretation of what was supposedly the nation's favorite architecture (with a Chicago structure not breaking the top twenty), its refreshing to see the deserved prominence given to many of our beloved buildings and spaces. This is an excellent way to launch the celebration of the Illinois AIA 150 Year anniversary. Quoting from their website, "these places are recognized for how they enrich our quality of life. We celebrate the great variety of places that make up the fabric of the Illinois community." Not only are your typical landmarks structures present in this listing but such diversity of treatments as our state's college quadrangles, the lakefront, housing styles i.e. the Chicago bungalow, and significant intersections such as State and Madison. You can view and read a brief description of each selection and why it was chosen at www.illinoisgreatplaces.com  One of the obvious benefits of an exercise of this nature is that it fosters discussions about our built environment and directs our attention to magnificent places and spaces we may otherwise have not been previously cognitive of. Absent from the list are some of the more recently completed projects by a number of Chicagoland's up and coming design innovators like John Ronan's Gary Comer Youth Center on the Southside, Skybridge, and Douglas Garofalo's Hyde Park Youth Center. Submissions were taken from the public around the state with the finalists being chosen by AIA members in consultation with various local officials.

Farwell Building's Faux-Fate

I'm sure not a few people are wondering or perhaps don't even know or care what all the fuss is over the now certain to be re-constitution of the landmarked Farwell building on Michigan Avenue. The  Commission on Chicago Landmarks recently approved Prism Development Co.'s plan to gut the crumbling interior of this structure while preserving its limestone facade. This was done over the objections of Landmark organizations, architectural bloggers, et al. The move appears to be an unprecedented one. Although one can understand the practicality of the economics of the situation-the enormous cost it take to save this dilapidated building in its entirety, a slippery slope has been obviously been opened.  As with the Supreme Court's decision on eminent domain, the citing of a municipality's or developer's greater economic good in reference to circumventing the intended protections instituted by a landmark designation may become a grievous loophole to persevering our city's historically significant structures. When this type of situation arises again in the near future undoubtedly, let's hope that we'll have engaged in more purposeful and thoughtful dialogue to find better solutions in order to protect some of our most valued resources without sacrificing economically progressive proposals.

 by Darrell Jones

 Carson's Ready For Reincarnation

I have to admit walking down State Street and peering into the window of a trashed Carson Pirie Scott was a bit of a jolt. This was like going to see your sophisticated aunt and finding a once prim and proper lady all disheveled and somewhat threadbare. Fortunately, that disorientation didn't last as I considered that this was just a temporary re-staging, a re-arranging of props so-to-speak, leaving the venue itself intact. This kind of reassurance is one of the major benefits which come with knowing that the famed Louis Sullivan structure in transition is designated a National Historic Landmark. Sure, when this beloved space takes on a brand new function and interior look, its going to be a bit startling initially, especially when the talk is that new building owners Joseph Freed and Associates are thinking of anchoring a grocery store there. But rare is the space that's been around as long as this structure has which doesn't change names, function, and even form several times over the course of its public life. Certainly with the thousands of new residents in the loop (students & condo owners), a grocery store would be a welcome sight. Let's hope that whatever it is or however its done, it's done in a manner worthy of this sophisticated lady.

 by Darrell Jones

 Wrigley Field- Chicago's Best Architecture?

Its early February, the Bears are history, and Chicago is doing its best imitation as a freeze pop. You see Wrigley Field in the news and you think ahh..baseball..pitchers and catchers must be reporting.. Well, if that was your first reaction, you undoubtedly discovered by now that's not quite the crux of this story. In a nicely crafted marketing move this past week, the American Institute of Architects and Harris Interactive released the results of its poll on the nation's 150 best works of architecture. Survey respondents were asked to select their favorites from a portfolio of 248 structures nominated by AIA members.  The results seemed to be skewed decidedly East Coast and Classical-revival. The Empire State Building led the list with the White House second (along with many other Washington-area structures), and the National Cathedral third. Overall, New York garnered 32 of the 150 spots of this poll making one wonder if the respondents were primarily East Coasters.

But Chicago, which many consider an architecture Mecca managed to achieve its first mention at the 31st slot. That 31st place is held down by none other than the masterpiece of renown architect Zachary Taylor Davis-Wrigley Field!. Now admittedly, the nation's second oldest ballpark- a national landmark, is a classic among sports venues even with the various additions and renovations through the years. But Wrigley Field before the John Hancock (which didn't make it at all)? or Wright's Robie House? And not one of Mies van der Rohe's buildings wad to be found. Hardly. Following Wrigley, the Tribune Tower, the Sears Tower, and the Field Museum come in at 38, 42, and 53 respectively.

So what conclusions can be drawn from these selections? Well, first, that these choices were made with limited architectural understanding at best. Second, that most were probably made fro a tourist's mentality as picks such as the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and the Sears Tower would indicate. Nevertheless, the poll makes for interesting analysis and discussion. At least one of our most favored made it-333 Wacker Drive-at #62.

 By Darrell Jones

Bears Get A Different Look in Miami

Its now Miami or bust for our Monsters of the Midway-Chicago Bears. In some ways South Beach has undergone a bit of a renaissance over the past decade or so, especially since Hurricane Andrew's devastating impact leveled much of the area back in 1992. New construction has and continues to spring up around Miami and its nearby suburbs. Nevertheless, Miami is still expressly Miami. If any Bears are engaging the South Beach environs for the first time they'll find it quite distinct in its appearance from say, on I don't know...Chicago maybe?

Probably the first thing that strikes you upon approach to the Magic City (besides the weather and the palm trees) is the proliferation of color generously found in much of the architecture throughout. Containing the largest concentrations of 1920's and 1930's resort architecture in the world, these periods with their defining Art Deco, Moderne, Post War Modern, and Mediterranean styles make for a truly identifiable regional locale. When you are arrive, there's no mistaking where you are generally speaking which is in fact, a good thing.

What is easily in agreement as one of the worst mantra's heard in media-speak in reference to players coming to South Beach is that "somehow they must overcome the distractions and play well." For sure, this area can have all the feel of an adult amusement park-especially to first-timers-but I'm sure the professionalism of the players and paternal oversight of each teams coaches will be on top of that issue. Hopefully, observant and appreciative Bears will take note of the vibrant and rich culture and architecture of Miami-worthy of a vacation mentality- as a fresh change from the norm and then focus on the business at hand-handing the Colts their heads in the Super Bowl.

By Darrell Jones

2016 Olympic Facilities Unveiled

On Tuesday, the city of Chicago and its Olympic Planning Committee unveiled their designs for what would be a temporary Olympic stadium in Washington Park and Olympic village near McCormick Place should it receive the bid to represent the U.S. and ultimately gain the bid internationally.    

Although, the concepts for the Olympic village aren't widely publicized yet, the stadium in plan view and perspective have been released. The stadium's principal design team included architect Ben Wood of Shanghai-who by the way had a hand in the design of the renovated Soldier Field and Goettsch Partners of Chicago.

Instead of seating to hold 95,000, the facility has been scaled back to seat a smaller 80,000. Additionally, the amphitheater that will remain once the majority of the stadium is removed had been taken from 10,000 seats to 5,000 as to minimize its obtrusiveness to the open vistas of the historic landmark park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Regardless of these changes, some area residents and civic groups remain opposed to what they see as "marring" this landscape architect's masterwork in any way.

The stadium will sport an asymmetrical design with a visual play on the letter "C" (possibly for Chicago?) as the defining form when viewed from above. Despite being temporary, there will be skyboxes and priority seating areas. Some of those areas will be covered by the roof extending over them in an otherwise open-air structure. The roof and exterior walls would be constructed of a fabric or vinyl skin obviously intended to save on costs which were announced at an economical $316 million. The outer walls would have massive-sized images of Olympians past & present either projected or printed onto them. An opening in the front would serve as the athlete entrance. 

To alleviate the vast amount of space needed for a typical concourse in large public facilities such as this, the design team made a decision to place all the restrooms and restaurant areas outside-modeling it after the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. This alone could be an area of concern for members of the USOC and IOC in consideration of pedestrian convenience.

Both the stadium and the Olympic village-coming in a $1.1 Billion, are subject to approval by the Chicago Park District which is seen as a formality in this process.

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Looking Toward A Final Design

Chicago Can Be Proud Of

So now we've been shown the third attempt at getting right what's certain to become Chicago's signature structure and the country's tallest building this past week. I don't know about you but I'm still a bit unsettled about this latest revision of architect Santiago Calatrava's so-called "Chicago Spire," a definite improvement over the bloated, twizzler-like" second re-design. That notwithstanding, in my mind, it doesn't quite rise to level of the first design- when the priority was not to "super-size" it in order to jam as many condo units into it as possible.

Even though there is a definite possibility that this proposal from developer Garrett Kelleher of Dublin, Ireland may not be able to secure the necessary financing to be built, its not a stretch to envision its presence among the icons of this city's fabled skyline. The concern here is that I've yet to get a sense of that "wow-factor" that this will be a skyscraper Chicagoans will be proud of- a commanding presence all-the-while exuding an unmatched gracefulness. I recall holding similar misgivings toward the up and coming Sears Tower, recognizing that it would probably not set a pace for avant-guard design to lead Chicago through the non-descript 70's and 80's. Surveying the landscape of current Asian and Middle Eastern skyscrapers by industry giants such as SOM, Murphy-Jahn, and Teng Associates, it's evident that they have carte-blanche to push the edge of contemporary expression. Thankfully though, in recent years, Chicago-the birth place of modern architecture-has seen greater movement toward fresh, ground-breaking statements from Skybridge to the Hyatt Center to the UBS building. Contextually, Calatrava's "birthday candle" arguably qualifies for out-of-the-box architecture with its 360 degree twisting torso. Now, here's hoping the promised additional revisions and touches throughout the final design process will elevate the level of positive architectural conversation throughout the city and throughout the world to heights worthy of our reputation.

By Darrell Jones

A Solution in Michigan Avenue's Best Interest?

One of the topics of concern appearing in the editorial section of the Chicago Tribune this past week was entitled "Facadism on Michigan Ave". At first glance, one would assume they were about to embark on a scathing rebuke pertaining to the dangers of walking too near the precipice of "facadism" as it relates to one of the great streets of the world-Michigan Ave. Yet upon further perusal of this opinion piece revealed an entirely different mindset.

The editorial begins in praise of the grandeur of Michigan Ave. This leads into the crux of the conversation at hand and that is the Prism Development Company's planned dismantling and re-construction of the 80-year old landmark Farwell building designed by Phillip Maher at the corner of Erie St and Michigan Ave. 

Under the proposed project submitted to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks a couple of weeks ago, the Farwell would be taken down leaving only it's facade which would become a part of a new 40-story Ritz-Carlton. This would purportedly give us the "best of both worlds"-a viable representation of a crumbling historic landmark structure affixed to a new luxury complex of offices and retail space. The Chicago Tribune-seemingly a perennial proponent of this city's architectural prodigy-then makes sure we understand that the proposal worked out by the city and Prism was not haphazardly arrived at, but was forged after a year of much thought and is currently the best practical solution. Their support of this plan seems to be founded on the extraordinary deterioration of the building and the lack of a" better plan."

While the affirmation of this proposal is obviously rooted in the pragmatism of economics, it appears to completely ignore the slippery slope such a precedent would inevitably put future landmark structures on in the face of practical economic measures.  This situation obviously presents a challenge to all parties involved, nevertheless, something better than what we've been given must be found if we are to avoid the slow erosion and Disney-izing of that which has become a major tourist destination and source of pride for Chicagoans. Looks like this might  be a unique opportunity for the Trib's Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic to set the record straight for his paper.           

By Darrell Jones 

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U.S. Olympic Committee Keeps Chicago in the Race

Chicago's hope for hosting the 2016 Olympic games became a bit more realistic Tuesday as the U.S. Olympic committee decided to put forth a city. The next step step in this process will be to best it's only competition-Los Angeles- as the USOC's choice sometime in April. Chicago also helped its cause by announcing it had raised $25 million in private donations required for the bid. The city's Olympic committee made public several venue revisions for some athletic activities although the majority of them will still be retained close to the loop and lakefront. Beach volleyball moves form North Ave Beach to Northerly Island while some soccer venues could be located as far as Minneapolis, Minnesota. Field hockey will shift to Jackson Park from Washington Park and equestrian events are planned to move from Palos Hills to Lake County. 

The Chicago Tribune reports Mayor Daley's demeanor as being "heartened by the committee's decision," quoting him, "I am very pleased the USOC has decided to support a bid," he said. "They could have said they were not going to go forward. … It gives us excitement because it is LA and us in regards to bidding. "What we see is great opportunities to rebuild communities, schools, infrastructure, mass transit in preparation for the Olympics, as well as it gives you a global identification," Daley said. "From my viewpoint, there are so many pluses here for us."

Whichever U.S. city is chosen will then be pitted against what is expected to be a tough international field of competing venues likely consisting of Rome, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Qatar and Doha.

Helmut Jahn's Homeless Facility Scheduled for 2007 Unveiling

The 96-unit homeless facility dubbed Near North SRO is under construction at the intersection of Clybourn Ave and Division St near the famed Cabrini Green housing project. The forward-thinking design by Helmut Jahn seeks to help establish a much more positive attitude and discourse on the problem of providing more than adequate care for the city's homeless population. "If you want to talk about a city with a comprehensive approach to housing and ending homelessness, Chicago kind of sets the pace right now," according former housing secretary Henry Cisneros in an article by Robert Sharoff. The facility will not just house the homeless, but provide services such as counseling, employment, skills training, and case management. The building will be apart of a larger plan to create a mixed-income community with affordable rental units, single-family homes and commercial space.

The building looks to challenge tradition in the way a municipality approaches such a complex. Typically, a city would seek to expend minimal capital and prime property area to resolve the placement of the indigent. Jahn's $18 million design will sport his customary contemporary flair even calling to mind his recently completed, similarly-shaped stainless steel-clad student dormitory at IIT. "I always looked at the IIT building as kind of a prototype for low-rise urban housing," Jahn said in a recent New York Times interview. The average-sized unit will be 300 sq ft and have a private kitchen, bath, central air and heat. The building is expected to incorporate the latest innovations of "green design" and sustainable elements to meet LEED's certification. Additionally, Near North SRO residents will enjoy great views of downtown Chicago which condo dwellers typically pay thousands of dollars to have.

Oak Park Seeks to Make a Mark

in Contemporary Architecture as Well

Holiday lights shine bright on Volvo of Oak Park's newest architectural landmark, visible from the Eisenhower Expressway. Spotlights lit up Chicago's first-ever tower of cars, a vertical showcase displaying seven Volvos in glass cases stacked on top of one another. The view from the glass tower will change and stay fresh as new Volvo models are displayed and lighting reflects the changes in the season.

Last week, Chicago VIPs gathered at Volvo of Oak Park for a dazzling celebration to introduce the area's newest architectural landmark, visible from the Eisenhower Expressway. Spotlights lit up Chicago's first-ever tower of cars, a vertical showcase displaying seven Volvos in glass cases stacked on top of one another. One year ago, when faced with a growing business and shrinking amount of car display space, Volvo of Oak Park needed an innovative parking solution. Out of this challenge came Volvo's first-ever glass tower of cars. Inspiration for the innovative architectural landmark came from collaboration between Van Stokes, Sr. of Shanghai, China, who created a similar structure in Berlin, Germany and Errol Jay Kirsch's architecture firm in Oak Park.

"Not only does our new tower serve a functional, space-saving role for our dealership, it also brings a visually unique element to the Chicago suburbs," said Antonio Scalzo, Volvo of Oak Park president. "This tower solidifies Volvo of Oak Park as a cutting edge, standout car dealership in the area."

"The tower is a first in the nation, adding another level of differentiation from Volvo of Oak Park's innovative organization and enhancing the dealership's premier qualities," said Jeff Pugliese, vice president of Volvo's Midwestern region.

The view from the glass tower will change and stay fresh as new Volvo models are displayed and lighting reflects the changes in the season.

Source: Volvo Cars of North America

Major Re-design submitted for the Chicago Spire

So we've swapped the "drill bit" for a birthday candle. The developer for what easily will be Chicago's most significant addition to its storied skyline submitted a re-design to city hall of their 2000 ft, now less-twisting tower. In an effort to address financial concerns with the project, Garrett Kelleher (developer based in Dublin), and architect Santiago Calatrava have eliminated the hotel portion of the building and converted 3 million sq ft. to 1,300 condominium units exclusively, adding 35 more floors, bringing the overall total to 150 floors. Instead of the 400 ft. broadcast antenna, the now flatter top is accentuated by fin-like protrusions at roof level resulting from the structure's spiraling design . Additionally, the 6-story parking garage has been scrapped for underground parking consisting of 7-levels.  The base has an increased rotation with none at the top according to a quote from Calatrava in the Chicago Tribune. The "twist" is now 270 degrees instead of the original 360.  According to news outlets, Calatrava expressed a desire to "learn from Chicago" as he referenced Sears Tower and Hancock Center as to how his building recalls the "simple silhouettes" of these two icons.  To date the project has been estimated at around $1.2 billion and is scheduled to break ground mid-2007pending political approval and market conditions.

Millennium Station at Randolph Street

Comes to Life with the Color of Retail Shops

So the cavalry has finally arrived! After a few years of waiting for the arrival of retailers to fill the sheet-covered store space in the sleekly modernized Millennium Station, Starbucks is one of the first to break the ice (or glacier). Even though Starbucks is becoming more common around the loop than newsstands, they are a welcome sight to the newly renovated transit hub. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls which dramatically curve around the passenger terminal now reflect the domestic ambiance of Starbucks "homey" interior adding all the sights, sounds, and yes, smells that go with it.  Along with a just-opened flower shop (Cityscents), much needed color has brought this chrome-challenged space to life.  Metra patrons have already begun to settle in to the coffee shops comfy environs to take the edge off their commute wait.  Even though this station is much smaller than its counterparts in the loop, Millennium Station at Randolph Street with its thematic-design, brighter concourse and visual panache created by the large window-wall decor could turn out to be an important first step toward making a good first impression to travelers and tourists alike entering the city through this emerging gateway.

Major Mixed-Use Development Planned for South Loop

Centrum Properties is set to initiate a 12-acre, $1-billion project near Roosevelt road and 9th street beginning early 2007 adding to the surge of recent development in the South Loop. The community named The Roosevelt Collection is to include a 40-story condominium high-rise and a 45-story condominium high-rise on its northern end with 1,800-car parking garage, a 2.5 acre park and 400,000 square feet of retail space. The retail space is to be comprised of restaurants, a health club and a 20-screen theater. The condominiums will range from $290,000 to $600,000 in price.

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Hoffman Estates Enters the  Entertainment Venue Arena

This week the new Sears Centre will open in Hoffman Estates with the Thursday night performance of Duran Duran, Bob Dylan the following night and Lionel Ritchie with Chaka Khan Sunday Oct 29th.  The $62 million dollar 11,000 seat multi-purpose facility will not only vie for a piece of the Chicago area concert pie, but will be the home of the AA hockey franchise Chicago Hounds, the Major Indoor Soccer League's Chicago Storm as well as the Chicago Shamrox of the National Lacrosse League.  Although the entertainment complex replaces the once Popular Creek outdoor concert venue, Jam Productions has announced its intentions to construct an 8,900-seat outdoor facility next to the Sears Centre called Prairie Creek Amphitheater with a scheduled opening of May 2007.

Historical Society Gets an Extreme Makeover

The Chicago Historical Society has undergone what it hopes is seen as an extreme makeover.  Now known as the Chicago History Museum, this 150 year old institution hopes to raise its profile as well as its foot traffic for the next hundred years to come.  The 27.5 million renovation includes 16,000 sq. ft. of new exhibition and gallery space, the focal point of which is the spacious atrium area where you will immediately encounter a vintage "low-rider" illustrating a cultural expression of Chicago's many Hispanic communities.  This is just one of several new permanent exhibits accompanied also by all of the old favorites in revamped spaces.  The Chicago History Museum is located at 1600 N Clark on the edge of the Lincoln Park Neighborhood. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students with free admission on Mondays. For more visit www.chicagohs.org

Olympic-sized Opportunity

Certainly, over the past couple of years, Mayor Richard M. Daley has brought Chicago onto the national spotlight with increasing frequency-for better or worse.  From his “green initiatives” to his now renowned Millennium Park and from recent corruption probes to the announcement of the city’s intentions to make a serious bid toward hosting the 2016 Olympic Games, Chicago has gotten its fair share of national attention. 

Of course few things would command the measure of world-wide focus than that of hosting an Olympic competition. Make no bones about it, Chicago is presently a world class city; yet, if we would be honest with ourselves, there is still a civic self-consciousness about our status on the world stage-especially when compared to New York City (which few if any would ever admit).  We yearn to “strut our stuff” whenever the occasion permits to those out there still ignorant of all we have achieved and are achieving culturally, innovatively, and even athletically. 

Consequently, there are those who feel we have nothing to prove and nothing to gain from inviting “the world” here to experience Chicago for a couple of weeks.  Yet, others see an Olympic-sized opportunity to not only showcase our growth and progress to the world but also a unique moment in time to perhaps move two steps forward with bold, fresh and inventive plans to improve transportation, infra-structure and the architectural cityscape.   Whichever side you fall in this argument, take the time to voice your opinions in whatever arenas you can-work, school, social venues and through our message board, featured friends and web poll.  Chicagoland will be best served as we hash out our differences as a “family.”  We look forward to hearing your responses

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National

NEW DALLAS ARTS CENTER OPENS

RAFAEL VINOLY COMPLETES CCNY ARCHITECTURE FACILITY

CORNELL'S NEW FACILITY PUTS ARCHITECTURE FIRST

ITHACA, NEW YORK | AUG 31, 2009--Construction is currently underway for Paul Milstein Hall, the newest addition to Cornell University’s Architecture School. Designed by Rem Koolhaas and the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), this 46,000 square foot building couldn’t come sooner. The National Architecture Accreditation Board has warned Cornell for over a decade that new facilities were needed in order for their Architecture program to stay accredited. If these concerns are not addressed, the school will lose their Bachelors of Architecture and Masters of Architecture 1 programs, two losses which would be catastrophic to the university. Milstein hall will be the first building for the college of Art, Architecture and Urban Planning in 90 years, and will physically unite the three departments. This expansion of the AAP facilities was initially funded in 2000 by a gift from the family of real estate developer Paul Milstein.

            Milstein Hall will provide 22,000 square feet of open studio space, a 275 person lecture hall and 6,900 square feet for critique space, and in the words of Dean Kent Kleinman, “will make it possible to radically reconfigure the way design is taught.” However, despite these accommodations, the project has drawn strong opposition primarily from non-architectural faculty members, citing the building’s disjointed style from its traditional neighbors, high budget (52 million dollars) and standard LEED rating instead of LEED Gold rating.

The design includes an elevated second floor that cantilevers in the north side and southeast corner. This leaves space underneath for a pedestrian plaza and outdoor exhibition space protected from Ithaca’s harsh natural elements. A concrete dome in the center allows for auditorium seating, and the studio and circulation spaces are very open. Milstein Hall’s materials and finishes are economic and honest and help express its form. The upper level is mainly exposed steel and floor-to-ceiling glass facades, while the first floor is made of exposed concrete. Construction is expected to be completed in 2011.

A FRESH FACE AWAITS TO GREET NEW IMMIGRANTS

IRVING, TEXAS| AUG 9, 2009-- The new US Citizenship and Immigration Services building opened earlier this year in Irving Texas. Designed by the Chicago-based 4240 Architecture, the new  facility is a part of the USCIS' initiative to "Build an Immigration Service for the 21st Century."   The initiative is built around a foundation of three pillars designed to enhance and sustain a secure and efficient immigration system. These pillars include: "Improving Service Delivery," "Enhancing the Security and Integrity of the Immigration System," and "Modernizing Business Infrastructure." The design is striving for LEED silver certification. According to Las Colinas Online, the design team paid particular attention to providing protection from the hot Texas sun with roof overhangs, a brise soleil, and protective glass.

DALLAS COWBOYS' NEW STADIUM

ARLINGTON, Texas | Jun 8, 2009--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Dallas Cowboys Stadium officially opens on June 6 as George Strait takes the stage at the venue’s first public event. The new sports and entertainment venue in Arlington, Texas, between Dallas and Fort Worth, is the home of the Dallas Cowboys, the country’s most-watched NFL team. Designed by the HKS Sports & Entertainment Group, the venue enhances the international Cowboys brand with its modern, progressive architecture while incorporating elements of Texas Stadium’s heritage such as the shape of the roof’s opening and the Ring of Honor.

The 3 million-square-foot stadium has an approximate capacity of 80,000 fans. As the largest NFL venue ever built, the new stadium boasts the most spectacular column-free room in the world, stretching a quarter-mile in length. “In recognition of the time-honored traditions and timeless dynamic nature of the Dallas Cowboys, we chose a modern palette of simple forms and materials that creates a fittingly progressive architectural expression for the new stadium,” said Bryan Trubey, AIA, principal designer, HKS Sports & Entertainment Group.

• Designed to be open or closed, depending on weather conditions, the expansive retractable roof is the largest of its kind in the world and measures approximately 660,800 square feet.
• The stadium features two monumental arches, soaring 292 feet above the playing field, which support a retractable roof.
• The stadium features the largest retractable end zone doors in the world.
• One of the most compelling architectural features of the stadium design is the canted glass exterior wall.
• Within the seating bowl, Cowboys fans will be provided with a one-of-a-kind feature, a center-hung video board.

ATLANTA TOWER "BULKS UP" DEVELOPMENT
 

ATLANTA, GA | MAY 24, 2009 | Prudential Real Estate Investors along with Cousins Properties, Inc. has partnered to develop one of the Atlanta area's largest building projects. Terminus 200 or the Buckhead Tower at 565.000 square-feet will be a 25-story office building in Atlanta's Buckhead submarket. Terminus 200 is the latest phase of the 10-acre Terminus development which presently contains a residential tower called Terminus Place and the 656,000 square-foot Terminus 100 office building.   

CITI FIELD: PASSAGE TO THE FUTURE
 

NEW YORK, NY | APR 19, 2009 | The New York Times Jay Schreiber highlights the new home of the New York Mets, Citi Field, while tracing the historical connection of the new stadium’s inspiration - Ebbets Field, home of the Brooklyn Dodgers almost 50 years ago. The rotunda is the most notable architectural feature modeled after Ebbets Field. This new facility is far from the sterile, impersonal Shea Stadium of yesteryear, which means it’s already a winner.

BREAKING ARCHITECTURAL GRIDLOCK IN DC
 

WASHINGTON D.C.| FEB 15, 2009 | The designers of Millennium Park's Crown Fountain and the contemporary addition to the historic Michigan Avenue Streetwall with is prism-like Spertus Institute is putting its signature stamp on the nation's capital. Chicago-based Krueck + Sexton, is the impetus behind one of two 12-story, glass office buildings under construction in the North of Massachusetts neighborhood. According to Architectural Record, "the building will feature a diagonal refracted crease in its north-facing glass curtain wall." In addition, "the entrances to both buildings are pulled back under a slight cantilever, giving visitors the experience of the overhanging glass wall." The first tower is due for completion in 2009. Murphy/Jahn also is currently constructing a contemporary office building in D.C.

FLOATING HOUSES...WAVE OF THE FUTURE?
 

ONTARIO, CANADA | JAN 5, 2009 | Architects Michael Meredith and Hilary Sample are the architects behind the design of a floating house near an island on Lake Huron. According to archdaily.com "The location on the Great Lakes imposed complexities to the house’s fabrication and construction, as well as its relationship to site. Annual cyclical change related to the change of seasons, compounded with escalating global environmental trends, cause Lake Huron’s water levels to vary drastically from month-to-month, year-to-year. To adapt to this constant, dynamic change, the house floats atop a structure of steel pontoons, allowing it to fluctuate along with the lake." The complete details along with more photography is available at archdaily.com.

DOES THE PENTAGON MEMORIAL SUCCEED?
 

WASHINGTON D.C. | OCT 5, 2008 | MICHAEL PAULSON - BOSTON GLOBE It was disorienting to visit the memorial before any particular public rituals have emerged, like making a pencil rubbing of a name at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, following the chronological utterances etched into the stones at the FDR Memorial, or leaving notes or a picture at Ground Zero. We felt uncertain how to interact with the park. On some benches, there were flowers, perhaps left over from the dedication. In the dirt around a seedling, someone had stuck a tiny American flag. But in the dimness, the experience was almost entirely sensory. It was hard to make out the paths or read the victims' names, so we wandered along the gravel, stones crunching underfoot. We crouched at the benches, letting our fingers feel the engraved names, listening to the flowing water. In the air hung a faint scent from the baby paperbark maples planted to provide shade for grieving families, destined to ... To continue article, follow the link to site - The best time to take in the new Pentagon Memorial? 1 am

 PORTLAND ARCHITECT IMPRESSES MAD-LY IN NYC
 

NEW YORK, NY, SEPT 23, 2008-This past Thursday, Portland-based Allied Works and principal Brad Cloepfil gave New Yorkers their first look at their re-interpretation of one of the city's most well-worn landmarks. The new home of the Museum of Arts and Design at 2 Columbus Circle which was originally designed by Edward Durrell Stone has a distinctively contemporary edge. According to oregonlive.com, the skin of the building is comprised of 22,000 handcrafted terra cotta tiles which feature an iridescent glaze which took two years to perfect. Additionally, depending on the time of day or year, the tiles react to the light in different ways. In a recent press conference with national journalists, Cloepfil talked about respecting the building's initial design by preserving its original size, shape and color. He also referenced his efforts to infuse the interior with more natural light by slicing "ribbons of concrete" from its exterior walls and filling those carved out voids with glass. Brad Cloepfil has also done an addition to the Seattle Art Museum, an expansion to the University of Michigan Museum of Art and the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver. 

 Approval Being Sought for 1,500-ft Tower in Philly
 

PHILADELPHIA, PA, JULY 22, 2008-Walnut Street Capital partnered with Washington-based Multi-Employer Property Trust are in the initial stages of developing what will be-at least for a little while-the tallest building in the U.S. The so-named American Commerce Center will rise 525 feet higher than Philadelphia's tallest building-Robert Stern's Comcast Center just completed this year. The American Commerce Center planned for the intersection of 18th and Arch Streets was designed by New York-based architects Kohn Petersen Fox and is estimated at costing nearly $1 billion. The mixed-use building will have a 1,200-ft base and a 300-ft tall spire and facilitate offices, hotel and retail space.

Architect Dream Team Assembled for New Resort Casino
 

ARIA Resort & Casino, Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, NV, JUNE 17, 2008-CityCenter has revealed that its stunning resort casino, scheduled to open in late 2009, will be named ARIA. With an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service and spectacular amenities, ARIA Resort & Casino will immediately become the focal point not only of the Las Vegas skyline but of the hospitality industry.

Designed by the world-renowned firm Pelli Clarke Pelli, ARIA’s architectural expression will reveal itself at every turn, from its two breathtaking curvilinear glass towers to the clean use of natural elements including lush foliage, wood and stone. Soaring open spaces, ranging from ARIA’s three-story lobby and casino to its guest rooms, will fill with natural light and evoke breadth and freedom. Art and interior design will envelop guests in warm, comforting surroundings and provide a sense of human scale.

The contemporary architecture of the ARIA tower will be complemented by the resort’s lavish accommodations. ARIA’s 4,004 guest rooms, including 568 suites, will incorporate integrated technologies never before used in the hospitality industry. Guest room corridors streaming with natural light will open to areas of enclosed glass, delivering spectacular city or mountain views. Guests also can enjoy these breathtaking panoramas from the privacy of their rooms; all will feature expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. ARIA’s modern tower is uniquely designed to deliver corner-window views from every guest room.

The project began with a master plan developed by New York’s Ehrenkrantz, Eckstut and Kuhn Architects (EEK) for a high-density destination with interesting places and experiences, smooth public circulation and regard for its surroundings.

To realize this plan, MGM MIRAGE executives traveled the world and met with numerous architects to review their work and understand their approach. When the search concluded, MGM MIRAGE had assembled a dream team of the world’s foremost architects and two of the country’s foremost builders, Perini Building Company and Tishman Construction, to begin the ambitious 20-month design phase.

Gensler, the world’s largest architectural firm, was chosen to lead the design process, managing seven “star-chitects,” 90 interior designers and hundreds of consultants to take CityCenter from merely an idea, to a reality.

For Veer Towers, Chicago-based architect Helmut Jahn was a natural choice: an artist whose buildings were certain to look unlike any other. Jahn’s signature projects include the headquarters of the European Union in Brussels, Munich’s Kempinski Hotel and Sony Center Berlin.

Helmut Jahn’s design for the two residential high rises known as Veer Towers will be a masterful translation of energy and excitement into physical form; its two 37-story glass towers will shimmer day and night. With approximately 337 modern condominium residences in each tower, Veer will soar above the city and put residents close to The Crystals, CityCenter’s retail and entertainment district. Inclined at five-degree angles – a feature celebrated by the development’s name – the towers will seem to dance with each other. Lobbies and public spaces will be developed by notable designer Francisco Gonzalez-Pulido1 to showcase impressive works of glass and metal with plenty of natural light. In the residences, the renowned team of Dianna Wong Architecture & Interior Design, Inc.2 will create modern spaces that impart a sense of openness. Atop each striking tower, residents will enjoy an amenities floor featuring an unequaled view of Las Vegas complemented by an infinity edge pool, cabanas, hot tubs, a sun deck and a patio for outdoor entertaining. Within, Veer will feature recreation rooms for special events or casual celebrations, private media rooms with panoramic windows, a fitness center with men’s and women’s steam rooms, and business centers. Upscale dining, lavish shopping and electric nightlife – with entertainment as only Las Vegas can offer – will be only steps away.

For Vdara Condo Hotel, MGM MIRAGE felt RV Architecture, LLC, led by principal Rafael Viñoly, was ideally suited to design a building that would complement the nearby resort casino properties. Viñoly also designed the Cleveland Museum of Art, Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo, Uruguay.

In creating this soaring 57-story condo hotel deep within CityCenter, RV Architecture used a disciplined design approach to remarkable effect. Vdara’s distinctive crescent shape and unique skin of patterned glass will create one of the most provocative design statements in Las Vegas. Located between two of the world’s finest casinos, Bellagio and CityCenter’s gaming resort, Vdara’s approximately 1,495 residences will feature open floor plans and horizontal windows delivering expansive views of the city and mountains. Acclaimed designers BBG-BBGM3 will create stylish, contemporary environments infused with comfort. At Vdara, residents and guests will enjoy amenities commensurate with the world’s most elite resorts. From early morning to late evening, its full-service wellness spa will soothe, relax and rejuvenate. Vdara’s luxurious pool will feature fully appointed retreat and spa cabanas with semi-private plunge pools, and a high-energy bar and lounge open day and evening. Martin Heierling, the internationally acclaimed innovator behind Bellagio’s AAA Four Diamond restaurant Sensi, will serve as executive chef for Vdara Condo Hotel. Vdara’s destination restaurant will transform as the day evolves, from fresh, vibrant and energetic at daybreak; to hip, intimate and sexy at nightfall. Additional amenities will include an advanced fitness facility, 24-hour concierge service, state-of-the-art conference and meeting facilities for groups of 10 to 400, in-room dining, a gourmet grocery, housekeeping and valet parking. When a unit isn’t in use, owners will have the option to rent out their units on a nightly basis.

For The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences, MGM MIRAGE selected London’s Foster + Partners, a firm noted for the thought-provoking modernity of its work and its beautifully engineered, intelligent and efficient structures. Foster + Partners’ strikingly wide range of work includes the Beijing Airport and Hearst Tower in New York.

Recently accepted as a distinguished member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences is designed for those who can appreciate the precise collision of privacy and profile. Operated by The Light Group – one of the nation’s leading hospitality, development and management companies – The Harmon Residences will define hip, exclusive living on The Strip and deliver luxurious services and amenities to its A-list residents and guests. The tower’s top 20 floors will be dedicated to its approximately 207 luxury residences, which will encapsulate The Harmon’s highly distilled atmosphere and deliver phenomenal views of the Las Vegas Strip. Munge Leung Design Associates2 will craft living spaces adorned with comfort and stunning modernity, with thoughtful layouts and beautiful color schemes to create exotic, private retreats that reflect privileged living. Residential suites will be finished with patterned surfaces of granites, marbles and onyx stones that bring color, movement and depth to the spaces. Walnut, oak or maple hardwood floors will add rich texture and warmth. Gourmet kitchens adorned with designer fixtures and spa-inspired bathrooms will complete the sensuous luxury residences. Residents will have full access to all hotel amenities including the newest creation of international cultural icon Michael Chow with his first and only MR CHOW restaurant in Las Vegas, a hair salon by world-renowned hair stylist Frédéric Fekkai, a private lobby lounge, other dining offerings, the most elite retail offerings in Las Vegas, a indulgent spa (with in-room services available), valet parking and much more. The hotel’s pool deck will be perched 100 feet above The Strip providing full views of the world’s most dynamic street below.

For the design of Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE turned to Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. The New York-based firm is recognized for the excellence and innovation of its buildings in cities around the world.

The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will set the new standard of style with state-of-the-art suites, amenities and architectural design, and become the most esteemed address in Las Vegas. Situated above the bright lights of the Boulevard on the highest floors of the 400-room boutique hotel, its approximately 227 residences will be a true limited edition. Through the provision of bespoke benefits, residents will be treated as permanent guests of Mandarin Oriental and enjoy privileged access to the exceptional services provided by the hotel.

This will include a spectacular elevated pool and accompanying cabanas; top-of-the-line fitness center; distinguished salon; internationally recognized spa; destination dining and retail; owner’s private boardroom and lounges; exclusive residential entrance, lobby, recreation quarters and elevators; advanced conference facilities and business center; and an array of concierge, doorman, housekeeping and valet services. Residential interiors will be crafted with studied, meticulous care by the distinguished design and architecture firms of Kay Lang & Associates and Page & Steele Interior Architects. Living spaces will be characterized by an artful, eastern approach, married with contemporary aesthetic splendor, in a decadent selection of color palettes, materials and finishes.

New York’s Studio Daniel Libeskind is the exterior architect of The Crystals, a faceted-roof retail and entertainment district at the heart of CityCenter. The Crystals will be an international gathering place and premier shopping destination combining art, design and experience. Libeskind became a household name in 2003 when he won the World Trade Center competition and was named master plan architect for the site. Other celebrated works include the Jewish Museum Berlin and the Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building.

For The Crystals interior architecture, New York’s Rockwell Group will introduce a series of striking environments designed to invite and engage, intrigue and relax. Noted for designs of cultural, hospitality and retail projects, Rockwell’s celebrated work includes the Elinor Bunin Film Center at Lincoln Center, the Kodak Theatre, sets for Broadway’s Hairspray and the W New York.

Soaring to 61 stories, ARIA was designed by the New Haven, Connecticut firm of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. Pelli Clarke Pelli has created four of the world’s largest private developments: World Financial Center, New York; Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Malaysia; Canary Wharf, London; International Finance Center, Hong Kong.

 Landmark Modernist Kahn House Not Moving
 

Margaret Esherick House, Chestnut Hill Pennsylvania.

CHESTNUT HILL, PA, MAY 26, 2008-The Chicago-based auction house Wright which specializes in modern art and architecture hoped to make a significant sale from the landmarked Louis Kahn-designed Esherick House near Philadelphia. Alas, it was not to be as last week the 2,500-square-foot 1961 home did not move for the $2-3 million price tag the auction house and homeowners expected to see. According to Architectural Record,

The one-bedroom dwelling is a monumental composition of two rectilinear volumes finished in beige concrete and Apitong, a Malaysian hardwood. Exterior features include a chimney offset from the facade, asymmetrically placed keyhole windows along the front elevation, and a rear double-height wall of wood and glass. Appropriately, the living room is lined with built-in bookcases that nearly reach the ceiling. The interior also features a fireplace in a bathroom, and a custom kitchen designed by Esherick’s uncle, Philadelphia-based sculptor Wharton Esherick. In 1992, the house received a Landmark Building Award from the Philadelphia chapter of the American Institute of Architects. 

Recently, a Richard Neutra house in Palm Springs, California sold at auction by Christies for $16.8 million.

New Baseball Facility in D.C. a Big Hit
 

Nationals Park, Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON, DC. APRIL 13, 2008-By all accounts, the sports facility experts HOK Sport of Kansas City and Devrouax & Purnell Architects-Planners of Washington have possibly laid the groundwork for a change of direction for new baseball stadium construction.  Instead of continuing with the dominant theme of retro-facilities, the D.C. Sports Commission has led the development of a state-pf-the-art concrete and steel structure clad in brick and limestone which has a distinctly contemporary look and feel about it. The over $610 million dollar stadium has a 41,888-seat capacity and is positioned for an enviable view of the U.S. Capital building in the foreground. Nationals Park is also aiming to be the first major league ballpark in the country to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Green Building Rating System. In an excerpt from Ballparks.com, The ballpark promises to play the major role in the Anacostia River waterfront entertainment district. In addition to government plans for the area, major development is anticipated from investors who have bought up property near the ballpark. Nationals Park replaces the former RFK Stadium which formerly housed the professional sports teams from the D.C. area.

Iconic California Home to be Saved by the Highest Bidder
 

1946 Kaufmann House designed by Richard Neutra Palm Springs, CA

PALM SPRINGS, CA. March 10, 2008-A seminal structure of American architecture is poised to take on new life as a piece of very expensive iconic art. Christie's International is hoping a house designed for Edgar J. Kaufmann in 1946 by architect Richard Neutra which became symbolic of the California lifestyle will fetch upwards of $25 million at auction. The 3,200 square foot ranch was renown for its strong multi-directional horizontal planes, unusually thin steel supports, and deft use of plaster, glass, concrete and wood in a theme which unified the indoors with the outdoors. The house had fallen into disrepair for years and was threatened with becoming a teardown. But the house and property were purchased by Brent and Beth Harris and restored by the architectural firm of Marmol Radziner & Associates over a five year period to its original condition as closely as possible. 

 Light Rail System Project an AIA Winner for UA
 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. Jan 21, 2008-An award-winning regional-planning project offers Northwest Arkansas a mass transit model that supports economic development and environmental sustainability. The University of Arkansas Community Design Center with Washington University in St. Louis has won an American Institute of Architects Education Honor Award for taking on a thorny regional planning issue: light rail. Studios at both universities explored how light rail and associated transit-oriented development could ease traffic gridlock, spur downtown revitalization and check sprawl in Northwest Arkansas.

The project launched last spring with three UA studios involving 40 School of Architecture students and four professors: Luoni, Aaron Gabriel, Gregory Herman and Tahar Messadi. Visiting professors Eric Kahn, a Los Angeles architect with expertise in scenario planning, and William Conway, a Minneapolis-based architect and urban planner, partnered on the project, as well. The UA students did not design the light rail system per se. Instead, they focused on regional development and transit-oriented district schemes that would support light rail.

Work continued last fall with an urban design studio at Washington University in St. Louis, where Stephen Luoni was the Ruth and Norman Moore Visiting Professor. Nine graduate students built on the theoretical foundation erected by UA students, developing transit-oriented neighborhoods anchored by mixed-use train stations at three key sites in Fayetteville: Drake Field, Dickson Street and the Northwest Arkansas Mall.

This marks the third year in a row that the community design center, an outreach of the UA School of Architecture, has won education honors from the AIA. Award jurors noted that "this is an effective use of scenario planning with legible, impactful graphics that can be shown to the community."

 Historical Context with a Local Flavor for New Mosque
 

BOSTON, MASS. December 31, 2008-One of the largest Mosques to be constructed since September 11, 2001 is near completion in historic Boston, Mass. The new Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center designed by the Boston firm of Steffian Bradley and Saudi Arabian architect Sami Angawi will be 60,000 square foot and accommodate 1600 worshipers when completed. The facility will include prayer rooms, an Islamic school for children, an Islamic library, a morgue with burial preparation facilities, administrative offices, a media center, store, a women's gymnasium, a kitchen, a hall for events, and an underground parking garage. The design of this unique religious edifice stays true to traditional Middle Eastern Islamic-style architecture with its street-level row of pointed peak arches and its 140-foot tall minaret. Yet, the $15 million building gives a nod to its New England location in that its exterior is clad in indigenous  red brick. The project, adjoined to the campus of Roxbury Community College, has been subject to a couple of lawsuits challenging the source of its funding but has settled both to continue construction.   

Innovative Retail Collaboration between CBS & N E Patriots

BOSTON, MASS. Dec 10, 2007-Aiming to be a distinctive centerpiece of the on-going $350 million Patriot Place retail complex under development in Foxborough, Mass., New England Patriot's owner Robert Kraft and CBS chief executive Les Moonves have teamed up to locate their new themed-restaurant concept near the entrance to Gillette stadium. Slated to open fall 2008, CBS Scene designed by architect Cambridge Seven Associates will be a 15,000 sq. ft. studio-themed eatery offering an upscale menu and will also include meeting space, a retail store, a second-floor dining area and a bar on the top floor. Among the highlights are lighting grids and 130 High-Definition televisions with state-of-the-art monitors, many of which will be table-side allowing patrons to view 20-minutes segments of past and current CBS programming. The restaurant also will feature satellites and broadcasts of live radio and television events promoting celebrities, CBS-sponsored sporting, music, and reality shows. According to the Boston Globe, other major facilities planned for the Patriot Place complex are a Patriots museum, a sports medicine and healthcare clinic, a 500-seat jazz club, and a high-end movie theater.

New Downtown Kansas City Has the "Wright" Stuff

Dec 3, 2007

Kansas City, MO (PRWEB) What does Frank Lloyd Wright and a Bahamas-inspired penthouse pool have in common: The Metropolitan, a new luxury high-rise condominium located in downtown Kansas City.

It's no mistake that one of the most luxurious urban condos in Kansas City emulates the famous architectural design of Frank Lloyd Wright. His trademark horizontal lines and use of indigenous Midwest materials such as slate and limestone are reflected in the lobby and residences of the building. The building's warm palette of colors capture guests with an inviting coziness. The Metropolitan's style has the level of sophistication of a New York City or Chicago high-rise - tasteful and timeless - but it is also unique in its context. You can only get this particular blend of style here in Kansas City.

Phillip Gesue, director of acquisitions and development of Time Equities, the company that developed the Metropolitan, was actively involved in the interior design process. "The building's modernist lines attracted us to it and its location in a great Midwest city made us think of Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright was famous for his use of local materials and horizontal lines. A lot of the color, shapes, rooflines and window lines really reflect what Wright would have done if he were alive today," Gesue said.

D.C. District is Slated for a Contemporary Upgrade

  Nov 5, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Is our nation's capital ready for the architectural flash of the internationally renown Helmut Jahn?  Apparently so. The firm of Murphy/Jahn is making its inaugural entry onto the D.C. landscape. A 12-story high-end office building is under construction on the corner of K and 20th streets NW. The new building is to be the home for one of the nation's largest law firms-Mayer Brown. In addition, the building will also consolidate all its satellite practices i.e. its Chicago office into its new Washington-based headquarters.  Jahn is noted for his European Union Headquarters in Brussels, and several works in the Chicago area including a new housing facilities for the homeless and previously one completed for students on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology.

In a quote in the Washington Post, Martin Moeller, senior vice president and curator of the National Building Museum said the building reflects an overall shift in the architecture on K Street, long associated with law firms and lobbyists. "The buildings are reflecting broader trends in architecture. The initial K Street buildings tended to be sedate and very similar in style. It will raise the bar [for office design in Washington].  The building's design is to feature a "minimalist see-through" facade which features decorative glass engineered to be ultra-clear instead of the more typical green hue found in most office building projects.  The nearly 250,000 square feet facility is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2009.

Connecticut Library Expansion Garners Athenaeum Award

  Oct 22, 2007

WILTON, CT– The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design has awarded the recently completed Wilton library expansion project by the local architectural firm of Tai Soo Kim Partners.  A press release regarding the award said, “The awards identify the new cutting-edge design direction, urban philosophy, design approach, style, and intellectual substance in American architecture today.” According to the Wilton Bulletin, The library’s expansion project began in June 2004 and was completed in June 2006. The project added approximately 33,000 square feet of space to the existing 17,000-square-foot structure which was designed by Eliot Noyes in the modernist tradition. Among the new architectural elements are an expanded courtyard and the Brubeck Room, which has been used for community events. The design solution, according to the firm's website, builds upon the original 1974 design by Eliot Noyes, a colleague of Marcel Breuer and Walter Gropius, by honoring the vocabulary of the simple opaque planes of wall and transparent planes of glass that frame both interior and exterior spaces.

Headquarters a Model For Stability and Sustainability

CHICAGO, Oct 1, 2007 – When the Washington office of architecture, planning and interior design firm VOA Associates took on the assignment of designing the build-out of the new headquarters for the International Code Council (Code Council), it was clear that the client’s expectations would be high. After all, the staff directing the project and occupying the new space would represent the building and fire communities, and the Code Council wanted to ensure that its new office would send a good message on using sustainable practices, in addition to raising the organization’s profile.

Michele Vernon, the lead project manager from VOA’s Washington office, said the client relationship was a dream come true. The new headquarters spans the sixth floor of the 500 New Jersey Avenue building, one of the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver certified buildings in the nation’s capital. Part of VOA’s assignment was to build out the space to maintain the building’s rigorous certification.

The new headquarters helps elevate the Code Council’s profile and enhance its relationships with the federal government, as well as national and international organizations. The space conveys that it is a solid organization that represents safety and stability.

The lobby welcomes visitors with the very important vision, mission and values of the safety organization featured in a prominent display. Warm, inviting colors are used throughout the space, and the tile and reception desk were selected to reinforce the solid nature of the organization.

The space showcases a variety of environmentally friendly, recycled content materials. Wood used for the doors and millwork was sustainably harvested and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. VOA worked with the Code Council to provide high efficiency lighting and recycled carpeting.

Having its offices in a “green” building reinforces the Code Council’s commitment to respect the environment. “This move fit in perfectly with the Code Council’s mission of safeguarding the public, and it demonstrates its commitment to good corporate citizenship,” Vernon said.

As the unusual building is shaped like a long, narrow boat, the entire space features floor to ceiling glass windows. Taking advantage of the daylight that saturates the space, VOA designed a conference room that could serve multiple purposes. The new conference room table seats 24 and can be configured in various ways for classes and meetings.

Ideally situated near Capitol Hill and Union Station, the building has an enviable view of the Capitol, making it attractive to numerous government affairs operations. The building, opened in 2004, is owned by the National Association of Realtors, which recommended VOA to the Code Council after VOA designed the association’s expansion space and several other government affairs offices in the building.

“This is a significant building, and it’s been exciting to work with the Code Council on bringing its mission to life in the space,” Vernon said. “We knew we’d have to be on our toes as those overseeing the project have such an in-depth understanding of construction issues, but we didn’t know until we started working together how well we could collaborate to develop a space that would engender such pride among all of us involved.”

The VOA Design Team for the ICC consisted of:

John Jessen, Principal-in-Charge
Michele Vernon, Interior Designer/Lead Project Manager
Alyssa Jahera, Designer
Justin Do, Graphics/Designer

About VOA

VOA Associates Incorporated, founded in 1969, is a leading national architecture firm organized around Areas-of-Excellence practice groups strategically located in Chicago, Washington, DC, Orlando, Columbus, Highland, IN, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The firm offers comprehensive services embracing the disciplines of architecture, interior design, landscape and master planning. VOA’s designs have received over 160 local, national and international design excellence awards from clients, peers and publications. For more information, visit www.voa.com 

About the International Code Council

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council. The mission of the International Code Council is to provide the highest quality codes, standards, products, and services for all concerned with the safety and performance of the built environment. For more information, visit www.iccsafe.org

Iconic Contemporary Project Begins in Roanoke

Sept. 23, 2207-Roanoke, Virginia is poised to receive its first truly contemporary building. Designed by Los Angeles architect Randall Stout, the $40.5 million Art Museum of Western Virginia is several months into a two-year completion schedule which will ready it for opening to the public in the spring of 2008. Located on a prominent northwest corner of Roanoke’s downtown, the new Art Museum of Western Virginia creates a physical and iconographic gateway into the city. As the city’s most contemporary structure, it represents Roanoke’s metaphorical gateway to the future for a city transforming its industrial and manufacturing based economy to one driven by technology information and services. The building’s forms and materials interpret the renowned beauty and drama of the surrounding Shenandoah Valley landscape framed by the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains.

Stratified over three levels, the building program occupies 82,000 square feet. Primary public spaces are located on the ground level, including the museum lobby, large screen theater, café, gift shop, auditorium and education spaces, along with additional support areas associated with the loading dock and art receiving activities. All permanent collection galleries, as well as the temporary exhibit galleries and art storage, are located on the second level. The third and uppermost floor holds the boardroom, director’s suite and all staff offices.

Light defines the primary circulation, fracturing the building at the second floor galleries to emerge into dynamic glass volumes at each end. Representing the hub for the entire facility, the volume of the lobby atrium connects the two floors and rises to a peak of 75 feet. The top floor splits again, causing the roofs to part for clerestory light as it, along with the events terrace, projects outward and over the street below.

The lobby atrium’s translucent, layered polycarbonate roof fills the space with softly diffused light. Undulating roofs and curving walls for other building areas are clad in stainless steel with a spectacular finish that allows the building coloration to reflect the rich variety of color in the sky and from the seasonally dramatic landscape. The many angular exterior walls, which rise to support the stainless steel roof, are surfaced in shingled cement fiber panels, while interior walls at public spaces feature a local gray dolomite limestone application. These forms and textures emphasize the striations, clefts and eroded rock surfaces found in the region’s famous caverns, cliffs and river gorges.

The Museum’s collection focuses on 18th and 19th Century American Art, Contemporary Art, Southern Decorative Art, Prints and Photographs and Non-Western Art. Through a cooperative program with the neighboring Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), the facility will house advanced state-of-the-art technology for distance learning to serve the entire region of western Virginia. In addition, the museum will feature fiber optic cable links with Network Virginia in order to enhance secondary education access to the arts. The museum will also link with Virginia Tech to provide artistic endeavors via the University’s Computer Automated Virtual Environment (CAVE).

Sustainable design components such as daylighting, passive solar, thermal conserving envelope, and computerized building management systems are incorporated into the building design. The south-facing glass façade of the lobby atrium contains light-shelves for control of sunlight and solar heat gain. Along with the two major atria, clerestories at the upper office level provide generous daylighting throughout the building.

Significant portions of the content above are from www.stoutarc.com

 Phoenix Looks Forward to First Office Tower in 8 Years

  Sept 17, 2007

As reported by the Arizona Republic. Chicago-based financial services firm Mesirow Financial Real Estate is planning to build the first high-rise in downtown Phoenix in nearly eight years. The project-entitled One Central Park East-will be a 26-wtory office tower at the northwest corner of First and Van Buren streets and will cost an estimated $175 million. In partnership with A&L Investments and National Benefits Electrical Fund, the so-named Central Park East Associates LLC is hoping to break ground for construction about mid-October. The building design is being created in conjunction with the architectural firm SmithGroup Inc. According to Michael Szkatulski, senior managing director of Mesirow Financial Real Estate. their goal for this central business district in Phoenix was to ascertain how they could use "the current technology to deliver a building [in that environment]." In an interview with the Arizona Republic, Szatulski said that "we kind of challenged the Smith Group in how you look forward in terms of tall buildings. The result is to do a building that is floor-to-ceiling glass, using the technology of glass and shading devices so that the building really fits into the desert climate but affords the dramatic views that you get with full height glass." Completion is scheduled for November 2009. 

 25-Story Iconic Tower  Envisioned for Indy

  Sept 10, 2007

Downtown Indianapolis has undergone an indisputable renaissance in recent years, but 24-year old developer Jaron Garrett had visions of taking the city's progress to the next level. According to the Indianapolis Business Journal Garrett is proposing the development of a 25-story iconic apartment tower to-be-named The Marquis Tower. Designed by WDI Architecture Inc, of Indianapolis, the twisting glass and steel structure calls to mind similar designs by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. The building would feature about 120 apartment units with rents ranging from $800 to $ 2,500 with retail and restaurant space. Targeted for the intersection of Pennsylvania and Washington streets in downtown Indianapolis, Garrett's re-development project would revitalize one of the few remaining "blighted" areas left in the central core. Yet, the linchpin in Garrett's ambitious plans looks to be the garnering the financing necessary to get the project off the ground. Estimated overall costs are currently placed near $50 million.  Garrett has indicated he has only $2 or $3 million which he plans to invest in it but is presently seeking out major investors and development companies. Garrett is a 2005 graduate of Indiana State University.

Des Moines Receives a Jewel of a Building

  July 16, 2007

New Haven, Conn. architect Jon Pickard of Pickard Chilton who has on his resume the Petronas Towers in Malaysia, once the world's tallest building has come home to flex his design muscle. Wells Fargo Financial's North new 9-story  NorthStar building in downtown Des Moines, Iowa is the architect's latest completed project on the heels of 50 and 60-story buildings in Atlanta and Chicago. The 360,000-square foot steel-and-glass building at 801 Walnut Street was envisioned as a "jewel box" that sparkles and showcases modern workspace. To realize this, Pickard wrapped extensive windows around three sides of the building "creating a more open-air feeling. He then employed a light-emitting diode lighting system with lights spaced a half-inch apart, making the building glow at night, even when the interior lights are off.  Also according to the Des Moines Register, Pickard made the columns less imposing moving them from the outside on lower floors to inside and then back outside again at the top, contributing to a feeling that everything is exposed. But, according to this review, only the north face of Pickard's building is enclosed in a white fire-retardant skin. The NorthStar building also features a 30-foot atrium north if the center of the building with flooring designed to resemble Iowa farm landscapes which the architect saw while flying over the state.

Change is in the Air for Memphis Skyline

     July 9, 2007

The intersection of historic Beale Street and Riverside Drive has been approved for the location of what promises to be a defining structure in the Memphis skyline.  Carlisle Corporation has announced its plans to construct a two-tower project consisting of a 30-story luxury high-rise and a 240-room Hyatt Regency hotel. The $175 million project will sit along the Mississippi River and offer views of it and downtown Memphis. The building will also have 29,000 square feet of office space and 500 on-site parking spaces. The $55 million Hyatt Regency will have amenities available to condo residents such as a spa and treatment facility, fitness facilities and a 10th floor swimming pool and sundeck. The project is scheduled to break ground spring 2008 and be completed 2010.

Carmel Anticipates New Development as Eventual "Shopping Mecca"

   July 1, 2007

Fast-growing Carmel Indiana has entered the downtown renewal sweepstakes, but with not your typical start at the end of the line mentality.  The city has announced that Pedcor Cos. is planning an ambitious $200 million 15-acre mixed-use project to completely re-make their central district at the corner of Range Line Road and City Center Drive.  Referred to as Carmel City Center, the city and the developers are anticipating the construction of luxury condominiums, apartments, office space, shopping and high-end dining which will make Carmel, Indiana a "shopping mecca."  Renderings released by the project's artist reveal extensive landscaping in the form of fountains, courtyards, sculpture gardens, and an outdoor amphitheater laid out to resemble an "old European village." According to the Indianapolis Star, in addition to Pedcor's $200 million investment, the city will spend at least $90 million to build a 1,600-seat concert hall and 500-seat community theater on the site. The project also entails the  widening of the Monon Greenway to provide additional bicycle lanes and greater pedestrian leisure. The city of Carmel and Pedcor "hope the completed project will draw national attention and praise" by 2010.

Planned San Francisco Towers to Alter Skyline

  June 24, 2007

San Francisco is constructing what will eventually become the tallest all-residential tower in California.  San Diego developer Urban Bay Properties and the Chicago-based architectural firm of Solomon, Cordwell, Buenz and Associates have put forth a design consisting of two "slender" concrete and steel towers: one, referred to as the South Tower, will be 55 stories featuring 368 homes slated for completion in 2008; the other-the North Tower-will be 45 stories in height and will consist of 327 condominiums and completed in 2009. Located at the western end of the Bay Bridge at the intersection of First and Harrison on top of 100-ft Rincon Hill, these buildings at 641 feet will rival the 853-ft tall iconic Transamerica Pyramid redefining the San Franciscan skyline. According to Urban Bay's website, "engineers have assured the city that construction will be two times stronger than required by the building code. The interior of the building is built around a concrete and reinforced steel core anchored in a foundation 12 feet thick. This is the first building in the United States, according to ubayp.com, to have a liquid tuned mass damper designed to reduce sway from earthquakes and powerful Pacific winds.

Southeast Michigan Plans Their Own Downtown Makeover

  June 24, 2007

The "downtown makeover" fever continues to hit southeast Michigan.  Plans have been announced for a $300,000 million retail and residential development to emerge out of the wastelands of the former 43-acre Kmart Corp. headquarters off Big Beaver Road in Troy, Michigan. Dubbed the Pavilions of Troy, the design principles incorporated into this project will follow the contemporary concept of so-called "New Urbanism."  These principles strive to create an urban environment towards a more "human scale" where building height is restricted and opportunities to live, work and play can all be had within a walkable radius. The new core community would include a long central courtyard serving as a "town square" where events such as skating and concerts are held. The lead developer, Richardson Development Group of Reston, Virginia plans to construct the project in phases.

Of the typical obstacles facing a project of this magnitude, the harsh climate economically and meteorogically may prove major challenges. In a quote form the Detroit Free Press, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson expressed his outlook on this. "I think this is great news for Troy, great news for Oakland County and for that matte great news for southeast Michigan." Also, developer Hunter Richardson acknowledged that an outdoor-oriented development faces challenges in Michigan, which typically experiences three or four months a year of wintry weather. He said his team believed that high winds and rain were bigger problems than snow, and that his planners were taking that into account as they designed the Pavilions. The anticipated date for groundbreaking if approved is 2008 with completion of the first phrase slated for 2010.

Chicago-inspired San Diego High-rise Planned

   June 17, 2007

A 34-story high-rise office building is being planned for downtown San Diego. The 480-foot tower will not be the tallest in the city because One America Plaza stands about 20 feet higher. The 650,000-foot structure named 700 West Broadway is being developed by the Irvine Co. and designed by Henry N. Cobb, co-founder of the renown New York firm Pei Cobb Fred & Partners. The tower's architecture was inspired by Chicago's 1893 Monadnock building in a statement by Cobb. “I believe that 700 West Broadway will be elegant, characterized by calm, timeless and classic architecture that will be fresh and functional in 100 years,” he said. “It will stand with quiet authority, and be a pause in the visual landscape, a cornerstone.” 700 West Broadway, once approved by the city's redevelopment agency, will stand at the corner of Broadway and Pacific Highway on a 1 1/2-acre site and according to signonsandiego.com will include architectural features on the ground level that seek to tie in with the Santa Fe Depot next door. In a departure from the typical usage of steel or concrete, Irvine Co. went with travertine stone in a building that will be 50 percent glass and 50 percent stone. Although the cost of the project has not been revealed as of yet, it is being estimated at exceeding $300,000 million based on other similar projects. Construction is scheduled to commence mid-2008 and conclude 2 1/2 years later.

Los Angeles Constructing Tallest Residential Building West of Chicago

   June 10, 2007

The Los Angeles skyline is about to take a significant step upward. Africa Israel and Namco Capital Group along with Houk Development Company are leaving their mark on downtown LA with their plans to construct a $1 billion luxury high-rise due to break ground the first quarter of 2008 according to buisnesswire.com. The project will consist of two towers, the largest rising at 76 stories and the smaller one at 43 stories which will be connected by a 15-story residential bridge. Located at the corner of Fifth and Olive Streets, Park Fifth will include 732 residential units ranging from $400,000 to $3 billion. Several notable amenities include two rooftop pools and gardens, an observation deck on the 76-story tower, 20-seat theater viewing rooms with music and video libraries in each tower and a five-star hotel. The project design was done by architect Eugene Kohn of the New York-based firm Kohn Pedersen and Fox. The interior design has been assigned to the renown international firm of Hirsch Bedner Associates.

New Art Museum Debuts in Downtown Seattle

 By Ryan Ornberg

May 21, 2007

Seattle, which is no stepchild when it comes to "starchitects" making  statements in their city has decided to make a bold statement of its own. Designed by Portland's own Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works Architecture, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) located at the the intersection of Union and First Avenue is an expansion which will bring a contemporary edge while adding an additional 118,000 of new space to its previously "star-designed" museum. The building to which this new project was joined was the original five-story Robert Venturi/Denise Brown museum building, completed in 1991.

According the museum's website, the structure features a striking vertical design and continuous ribbon of space which allows for the expression of natural light with transparent public spaces to "engage the life of the city with an immediacy that joins street and lobby, sidewalk and gallery." The building skin is a steel-and-glass curtain wall system designed to capture and refract Seattle’s ever-changing weather and daylight. It is conceived as four articulated L-shaped “shells,” which rise uninterrupted from street level to parapet, pin-wheel around the corners of the building’s floor plates and bind the building together while allowing continual visual connections to the surrounding city of Seattle, Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Each shell segment engages natural light in a different way.  The galleries have generally been reviewed as integrating "seamlessly" with the old Venturi spaces while being a bit non-descript which would serve the necessary focus of being on the art alone well.

Conservation via Architecture

 By Ryan Ornberg

May 14, 2007

Architecture is often the antithesis of nature and wildlife, but FXFOWLE’s unveiling of their latest design for the Wildlife Conservation Society suggests otherwise. The José E. Serrano Center for Global Conservation will stand as the organization’s world headquarters. With the current trends in architecture, there is no way they would settle for any ordinary building. WCS’s headquarters had to represent their values and put them into practice. Designed to be a part of nature, water management, solar energy, and use of recycled or reused products are incorporated into the three-story structure which will be at level with the tree tops. A green roof makes the building appear as though the ground still continues and cuts down on the “heat island” affect. The headquarters is situated on the Bronx Zoo’s campus in New York, and will give a face to the organization which is currently scattered about the area’s zoo. The maximum exploitation of daylight and incorporation of outside spaces make this office appear to be an enjoyable place to carry out WCS’s goals. The center will be open to the public to display information on the organization, the wildlife, and the architecture which provided an epicenter for this movement. The project is LEED Gold certified due to its global efforts in communicating conservation with the public. The headquarters is integrated into the landscape to plainly show the buildings caring relationship with the environment.

Twins Unveil New 42,000 Retractable-Roof Stadium

 By Ryan Ornberg

May 9, 2007

Minnesota state lawmakers gave final approval to a financing plan for an open-air stadium for the Minnesota Twins. The $522 million ballpark is expected to be ready in time for the 2010 season. The conceptual Twins ballpark design is a product of HOK Sport + Venue + Event, the same group that designed Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center, Baltimore's Camden Yards and San Francisco's SBC Park. Featuring just 40,000 seats on four levels (Lower Deck, Suite Level, Club Level and Upper Deck), Minnesota's new ballpark would be among the most intimate facilities in all of Major League Baseball (MLB). Highlights of the seating configuration include only 12,000 seats in the Upper Deck, which would represent the fewest number of upper-level seats in all of MLB. Minnesota's new ballpark would also feature more than 17,000 seats between first and third base; 60 private suites; 12 group party suites; 4,000 Club seats and disabled seating for more than 800.

In addition to showcasing great baseball, Minnesota's new ballpark is designed to be a family-oriented entertainment destination. Inside the ballpark, fans would enjoy the comfort of expansive, heated concourses providing open views of the playing field on all seating levels. The new Twins ballpark would also feature a Minnesota Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, a retail store, a baseball-themed Sports Bar and Restaurant, an interactive area for kids.

The exterior of the Twins new ballpark would reflect the natural beauty of Minnesota. Wrapped in native Minnesotan Mankota-Kasota limestone, it would echo the look of the state's natural stone formations. The ballpark's exterior would be complimented by Fenway green steel and seating.

Akron Jumps into the "Museum as Groundbreaking Art" Trend

 By Ryan Ornberg

April 24, 2007

Akron Ohio’s existing 1899 art museum is getting a new addition that appears to be straight out of the future. A unique and unpredictable glass structure dominates the lot and for that matter, Akron’s cityscape. The addition looks anything but normal in context of the existing structure. Viennese-based architecture firm Coop Himmelb(l)au’s approach to blending the new and old structures is peculiar yet creative and is sure to make people talk. The world-renowned firm’s 20,000 square foot gallery will be their first public building in the United States. After three reviews of 125 other submissions for the design, the firm was picked to sculpt this work of contemporary art which is set to open this summer. 

The original building that still stands was built as a post office and fully rebuilt and renovated in 1980 and currently contains 8,000 square feet of gallery space. The new structure is 64,000 square feet and in addition to the gallery, will have a grand lobby, dinning facilities, classrooms, library, and an auditorium for lectures. It is said to contain three parts: the crystal, the gallery box, and the roof cloud. The first acts as the grand atrium and is an adaptable space for any type of public gathering. The gallery box is described as an “Urban Sculpture Park”, where visitors can move above the space and enjoy art from an elevated perspective. The roof cloud is the signature covering of the building and creates a horizontal landmark in the skyline. Akron’s Art Museum is certain to be defining architecture especially on a region of the country not known for forays into innovative architectural design. It is another example of this present time in history when each new museum tries to bend in unfathomable shapes, stick out in skylines, and stir up controversial opinions. Time will no doubt tell whether this one has the staying power to be an endearing symbol of a city seeking to make its cultural mark on the world.  

SPECIAL REPORT: PART 1 OF A 3-PART SERIES

The Big "Difficult": Reflections on New Orleans' Reconstruction

by Irina Papuc

“It’s overwhelming. I went and got my Kleenex to wipe my eyes,” said Gwendolyn Guice, a resident of New Orleans’s Ninth Ward, after finally receiving a home last month. For the first time in over a year, these tears were of joy and not sorrow, but the aftermath of Katrina is still bittersweet. More then eighteen months since the tragedy struck, New Orleans is still coping with painstakingly slow rebuilding, a result of money problems, insurance issues, and infrastructure setbacks, among other things.  Guice’s new home, a replica of typical New Orleans shotgun houses, combines the old with new, replacing traditional cypress walls with mold and termite-resistant siding. When Guice was asked about the modern design of the house, she found it “kind of strange” but all right. For a city renowned for its rich historical architecture, the architect’s greatest challenge will be revitalizing the spirit of New Orleans with the perfect blend of the traditional and cutting edge. 

The New Orleans Flood, now widely considered the worst civil engineering disaster in American history, was the result of erosion of floodwalls called levees built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the turn of the century. Consequently, eighty percent of the city flooded and over fifteen hundred died. While tourism hotspots like the French Quarter and the Garden District were mostly spared, the city’s poorer areas such as the Lower Ninth Ward and many other residential neighborhoods were hit hard. If the architect’s challenge is bringing back New Orleans’ spirit, then the heart and soul of the City, the people, must be brought back. As of late summer 2006, the U.S. Census estimated that the current population is roughly two hundred fifty thousand, about half the original. More will probably return in the upcoming years as financial difficulties are tackled. Meanwhile, many residents still wait for monetary assistance from institutions such as the “Road Home” Program. The lack of proper funding has created great tension between the Federal government and the people of New Orleans, resulting in the City filing damage claims against the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers last January totaling seventy-seven billion dollars. After prolonged federal funding debates, Congress recently demanded the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development formulate a solid plan for housing developments, otherwise restoration will occur on a wider scale by August 2007.

                If the process has been bittersweet, so has the cultural revival. November 2006 saw the re-scheduling of the Bayou Classic, a traditional football game between Southern University and Grambling State, displaced to Houston the previous year. Despite many streets still doing without streetlights, the Essence Music Festival will be held in New Orleans July 2007. The New Orleans Saints are back this year, while Mardi Gras and the Jazz and Heritage Festival never left the city. Even the National Association of Realtors held their annual convention in New Orleans as planned pre-Katrina.

                In an effort to jumpstart cityscape growth, major companies headquartered in New Orleans such as AT&T, IBM, Popeye’s, and Zatarain’s have returned post-Katrina, and over ninety-five percent of businesses with over twenty-five million annual income have pledged to or have returned. This economic move is crucial for a city teeter tottering on destruction, where many streets still lay littered with abandoned cars and piles of debris. One major investor, Donald Trump, recently gave the go-ahead for building the Trump Tower after the New Orleans City Council officially approved the tower for construction on March 15th 8. Another venture, the seven hundred million dollar “Downtown Revitalization Plan” assigned to Pritzker- winning architect Thom Mayne, was unveiled June 2006, encompassing a new Hyatt Hotel (the old one had over six hundred windows shattered and had flooded), the National Jazz Center, new City Hall, Civic Courthouse, amphitheater, and residential buildings. After some of the plans were pulled, Mayne’s redesigns are almost finished 9.  “Before Katrina…this project might have encountered a lot more resistance. We have the opportunity to re-envision ourselves, and try to create a catalytic project that will help move the city forward,” stated Ray Manning, AIA, the lead local architect in the district’s design 10.

Great skyscrapers aside, however, the majority of construction in New Orleans is on a more intimate level, focusing on residential neighborhoods and schools, the buildings necessary to bring the people back. Fear has sprung about losing New Orleans’s unique leisure lifestyle. Because families and not contractors built the majority of original Gulf Coast homes, seldom addressing building codes in the process, these homes were cheap to build and thus freed the residents from debt11. It is this freedom from financial burdens that allowed New Orleans to maintain its leisurely culture, a spirit that draws most tourists. “Professionalism eliminates self-building,” states Andrés Duany, Businessweek writer, upon recently visiting New Orleans, “Somehow there must be a process whereupon people can build simple, functional houses by themselves, either by themselves or by barter with professionals.”

                Such a proposal is still a far cry from current conditions. While thousands of homes have already been gutted or demolished, thousands of residents are still living in upper stories of damaged buildings with roof holes or in trailers. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Catholic charities, and the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans have gathered hundreds of volunteers eager to repair damaged homes and construct new ones.

SPECIAL REPORT: PART 2 OF A  3-PART SERIES

The Big "Difficult": Reflections on New Orleans' Reconstruction

The Search to Recover "Cajun-style" Housing

By Irina Papuc

In an effort to encourage collaboration in unique housing solutions, Architectural Record Magazine, partnered with the American Architectural Foundation, sponsored two idea competitions, the “New Orleans Prototype House” competition for architecture students and the “High Density on High Ground” contest for practicing firms. For the Prototype competition, universities across the country were asked to submit ideas for a three-bedroom home that could withstand a variety of environmental stresses. The High Density contest sought ideas for how to house many people in a compact space in the case that decisions are made to completely abandon below sea level living housing. Emphasizing practical solutions over visionary ideas, the combined five hundred fort-four entries range from the traditional to the downright bizarre.

            Notable entries include the futuristic “Bungalette” designed by a Columbia University architecture student. Its bright orange metallic exterior, apart from flashiness, also adds durability against future Katrina’s, while the entire unit rests on a raised platform. Described by its designer as possessing “forward-looking individuality,” the Bungalette is to many a far cry from reality and a complete abandonment of the traditional New Orleans approach. James Russell of Bloomberg News stated shortly after the disaster, “Its [New Orleans’] great spirit and the architecture that enabled it, is what will lead to revival.”

            Due to critics such as Russell, many entries took careful notice of historical building styles such as Creole cottages, which are characterized by a single, ground level story with a steep roof, or the shotgun house, a one-story rectangular structure raised on brick or cement blocks.  Historical architecture, under heavy, mid-eighteenth century Spanish influence, “harnessed, not defied” nature, stated Russell. Contrary to the “fake traditionals” currently on the market with purely ornamental shutters, the original buildings made New Orleans unique by “reconciling themselves to local conditions.”  Students from Lawrence Technological University created a home in the same manner as the shotgun, thus adapting to the local climate, with a predominately wooden exterior and the entire structure lifted on cement piers. Shotgun homes, due to their straight placement, allow for maximum ventilation and shading since before air condition days. MIT’s Louisiana Lift House project, based on traditional raised bayou cottages, consists of a wooden “tree house” with the steep roof typical of Creole cottages raised ten to twenty feet above ground. Construction has begun last December, utilizing the manpower of local volunteers who can easily put together the structure because of the affordability of the materials. "The less skilled the volunteers, the more supervision they need. We have to come to grips with the reality, learned in previous hurricanes like Andrew, that the quality of construction matters: You have to use nails, not staples, for example. You have to do what works, not what seems to work," Reinhard Goethert, the endeavor’s leader and MIT professor. The structures are built on the ground and then hoisted up onto pilings. The versatile design also allows for more expansion later.

            The general trend seems to be lifting the home on piers, as is the case with the Floating House, a Columbia University entry. Building on a floating dock system that can rise and fall with changing water levels, the house is mainly rectangular and strengthened with an ornamental yet sturdy outer metallic “web” that guards against storm projectiles. More contemporary than the Lift House or House Prototype, the Floating House is a balance between technological and classic touches.

SPECIAL REPORT: PART 2 OF A  3-PART SERIES

The Big "Difficult": Reflections on New Orleans' Reconstruction

Environmental and Engineering Initiatives for the Crescent City

By Irina Papuc

Despite ambitious conceptual projects, there is still uncertainty as to whether homes will be rebuilt in the areas below sea level. To address ways to prevent rebuilding while providing housing for many people in a small space, the “High Density on High Ground” contest involved dozens of entries. Winners include firm Eight, Inc. from San Francisco, whose building includes one hundred sixty units, all with room for customization due to less cost when units are pre-fabricated 22. The units, created in a shotgun style, jut out of the building in varying lengths, depending on the space need of the family. Multi-colored, the units transport one to the nostalgic days of cheerful, brightly colored Creole cottages, but without the old world charm that pre-fabrication and density take away. The other winning entries carried a common goal and design principle:  a large, rectangular building capable of housing many small units for homes.

            On the other end of the spectrum, there have been many proposals for improving the livability of the Ninth Ward by raising it. A University of Michigan proposal consists of raising the entire plane using land berms with a concrete modular system. The area below these shelves would collect drainage from future weather. Future homes could be built on twelve foot steel beams 23. 

            While many still ponder what direction to take New Orleans construction, the issue of ecologically sound architecture has been raised. “In a historic city like New Orleans, where the majority of construction is decades or even centuries old, there is an opportunity to rebuild many of the city’s structures in a sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly way that is unprecedented in this country,” stated Stephen Verderber, professor of Architecture at Tulane University 24. Possibilities include suggestions such as Columbia University’s “Ecological Crossings” housing, a series of prefabricated homes with green roofs and pathways adjoining them 25. More radical are the ideas of biologist Janine Benyus, who in the immediate aftermath of Katrina suggested architects look to nature for solutions. “[After the hurricane] notice how many trees stood among buildings that fell. When we go back to build, we have to ask those trees: How are you still standing?” 26

            As many students and architects continue to brainstorm design solutions, organized efforts are starting to take shape. An example is the “New Orleans Neighborhood Rebuilding Plan,” (NOLANRP) informally known as the Lambert Plan for Paul Lambert, the chief architect, originally Miami-based. The Plan consists of several teams of architects, each assigned to a specific district of forty-six Orleans Parish neighborhoods that were heavily flooded 27. Each team has sovereignty of design while maintaining common goals of safety and building codes. Unfortunately, the assignments of architects were not made with public input and many of the district borders, while official, do not coincide with unofficial cultural borders that contain different architectural atmospheres 28.  However, according to Lambert, approximately seventy-five hundred local volunteers have thus far helped in rebuilding.

            In an effort to bring back residents, the Lambert Plan also instituted the “Lot Next Door program” which offers homeowners that are determined to remain in New Orleans the option of purchasing a publicly owned lot next to their property which they can then use to expand their home or build another property that they can rent out for other future residents 29. The Plan hopes this program will provide a monetary incentive for those uncertain about returning and also increase affordability for renting. Over the next years, thousands of lots will be government-owned to prevent building by inexperienced owners. While cons of the program include the possibility of fewer homes as some lots could remain unbuilt and management issues since so much freedom is placed in the hands of local residents, this method is truest to the spirit of New Orleans, echoing its predecessors who built their simple homes by hand and without government interference. Meanwhile, current building codes are honored. The Lambert Plan has remained purposely vague because there is still much confusion due to insurance issues as to which homes will be demolished and which will be renovated 30. 

            After months of bureaucratic and financial hurdles, New Orleans is still not in the clear, but with consistent architectural brainstorming and increased collaboration with local and national groups, the Big Easy may shine once more.

Sacramento Adopts High-Rise Living

 by Ryan Ornberg

March 25, 2007

Sacramento, California’s skyline is drastically changing as the new Towers on Capitol Mall start to take shape. At 53 stories high, the two towers will climb into history as being Sacramento’s tallest structures. The overall building consists of an 11 stories of retail space, gym, and spa; tower one contains a 4-star luxury hotel along with 343 condominium units. Tower two also includes 467 condominium units which range in price from $300,000 to $6 million. The architecture firm MulvannyG2 created a building that combines a classic stone façade with a modern steel structure. The towers are similar in design but are both oriented in different directions to provide maximum vantage points for each unit. This clever idea makes for a unique building as its stylish rooftops add to an extraordinary design. Residents and guests will be able to enjoy this stunning architecture while dining in the building’s gourmet restaurants, swimming in the rooftop pools, or by shopping in the designer boutiques. MulavannyG2 is a Seattle based firm but holds designs from all over the world. They have been recipients of many awards, including 5^th largest retail design firm, and in the top 20 for most influential designers in China. Towers on Capitol Mall is set for completion by 2008 and will redefine high class in Sacramento, and high-rise living.

Hearst Tower Wins “Best New Skyscraper of the Year”

 by Ryan Ornberg

Atop the 1928 6-story Hearst office building is their new 40 story tower, which has just received the award for the best new skyscraper of 2006. Lord Norman Foster’s Hearst Tower won due to its extraordinary method of combining the existing building with the new. After completely gutting it in 2004, nearly all the materials were recycled, comprised of 90% recycled steel. The building was also awarded a Gold LEED certification upon completion because it is one of the most successful skyscrapers in energy conservation, a first for New York City. The diamond structure incorporated “low-e” glass designed to block heat radiation but permit maximum sunlight.

The floor plan allows this sunlight to access the core of the building which has light sensors to control the interior lights. In addition to that, motion sensors were installed in every office which shut down lights and electronics when the person leaves. By far, the most spectacular feature of Hearst Tower is “icefall”, a three story stair step waterfall which is supplied with recycled rainwater. The water is collected on the roof and stored in the basement; it then goes to the waterfall and landscape irrigation system. The waterfall, which is located in the buildings grand atrium, works to humidify the lobby, reducing the need for electrical appliances. Hearst Tower is being called the “Pioneer of Environmental Sustainability” and has won great praise in the design-build community. Hearst’s award was given out by Emporis, and faced competition from 467 other worldwide skyscrapers. 

Home Depot Avoids “Big Box” Design

by Ryan Ornberg

Residents of Carbondale, Colorado are in a dispute with Home Depot over their willingness to build a store in the small mountain town which is just 30 miles from Aspen. They fear that a big name store will crush local businesses and take away from the small town atmosphere. Many mountain towns in Colorado are notable for this type of stance, as it is rare to find chain stores and fast food restaurants. However, Home Depot is promising a unique store design that will blend into its surroundings and even be LEED certified. Ideas such as high pitched roofs, planters, and trellises will make the building similar to the region’s architecture.

The company has had trouble pushing into the Rocky Mountains before when they tried a similar approach in the town of Frisco, near Breckenridge. There, residents voted against the store’s development, but Home Depot later won over Vail and constructed there. Home Depot is beginning to think outside of the box and develop attractive environmentally sound stores; the company has also been making great strides in improving the environment through providing energy efficient supplies.  Currently, two stores exist which blend into their environment and another 11 are on the way, one happens to be in Chicago. The multilevel Lincoln Park Home Depot is LEED certified for its energy efficiency, and looks appropriate in Chicago’s urban environment. The Residents of Carbondale plan to meet with Home Depot next month to discuss the store’s plans and vote on an action.

The Times They Are A-Changin’

by Ryan Ornberg

March 3, 2007-A new design is emerging in the heart of New York City; known as 11 Times Square, it is a 40 story masterpiece of modern American architecture which was designed by the New York architecture firm, FXFOWLE. The 1 million-square-foot building is sitting on one of the last available lots in that area, which sold for $306 million. The building will offer 3 stories of retail and the remaining as commercial offices. Covered in nearly all glazed curtain walls, natural light will easily permeate into offices; providing spectacular city views and sustainable design awareness. 

In classic Times Square style, large electronic signs will decorate the sides, emitting trendy advertisements and current news. Visitors will also gain easy access to the building due to the planed subway station underneath. Atop the retail floors is the 5th story atrium where tourists can experience a breathtaking view of one of New York’s top tourist areas, and the site of the New Year’s Eve party.

11 Times Square is a prime example of the direction that modern architecture is taking. The old stone buildings of Times Square have been replaced by sleek new steel towers coated in glass and environmental consciousness. The angled and corrugated structure is attractive to the eye, and is a common type of design expected from FXFOWLE. The firm is a leader in sustainable design in New York and has recently designed many notable and inspiring structures, but 11 Times Square is expected to become an icon in Manhattans illustrious skyline.

LA's Memorial Coliseum Olympic Makeover

So Los Angeles is throwing down the gauntlet in this race for representing the U.S. for host of the 2016 Olympics.  In a bid to remain relevant with its facilities and more financially attractive to the United States Olympic Committee,  LA has unveiled a $112 million makeover to its 84-year old Memorial Coliseum. Although the National Historic Landmark can't be permanently altered, significant additions have been designed to make it more Olympic-friendly.

According to the Associated Press, this new proposal "calls for for erecting a latticed steel 'space frame' around the stadium.  The frame with its soaring pillars would be shrouded in high-tech vinyl fabric printed with stylized athletes in motion, Olympic wreaths and the games linked-rings logo. The frame would also support huge fabric sunshades, cantilevered over the stadium rim to shield about 70 rows of seats. A temporary top level would hold 204 luxury boxes with room for about 2,400 seats. In addition, the stadium floor would be raised 10 feet to build a track around the field. All the additions would be removed after the games."

Seattle's New Waterfront Sculpture Park

The Seattle Times has called their city's new and honor-garnering Olympic Sculpture Park an "image-changing landmark" on par with Chicago's Millennium Park.  Constructed at a portion of what Millennium Park cost Chicago-85 million to be exact,  this public project also has enlisted the aid of a number of notable contemporary artist to populate this new urban "green-space" with conversational pieces.  Also, like Chicago's green transformation of unused and railway space, Seattle's park takes blighted industrial land and makes it a public playground, incorporating a new beach, paths, and gardens situated or wedged between the city and the seaside.

The park was the result of a design competition won by the New York-based firm of Weiss/Manifredi Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism from a pool of 32 applicants.  Their conceptualization of the problem and solution of converted this area into a multi-use space was to design a Z-shaped configuration connecting three parcels of land into a series of four distinct landscapes. As reported by the Seattle Art Museum's website, "this design afforded a wide range of environmental restoration processes, including brownfield redevelopment, salmon habitat restoration, native plantings, and sustainable design strategies."

Dallas Cowboys Unveil Their $1Billion 'Futuristic' Stadium

The Dallas Morning News is reporting the planned construction of a new 80,000-seat contemporary facility to be home to the NFL Dallas Cowboys. On track to be the most expensive stadium in the nation to date, it will boast a retractable roof and playing surface, a 60-yard long video scoreboard, a theater and soundstage. "It says technology, media, strength and football," owner Jerry Jones told the press last week. Designed by HKS Architects of Dallas, the exterior facade will consists of "4 x 6 ft glass panels which become more transparent as they rise toward the upper levels of the structure. The side walls will curve 14 degrees in response to the seating bowl, while at the two ends massive glass doors open onto plazas for pre-game festivities." "The only nostalgic touches will be some Texas limestone around the base and a hole in the roof to evoke memories of Texas Stadium in Irving. Otherwise, in its materials, construction, transparency and structural expressiveness, the new stadium is a rigorously modern building, with considerably more architectural pop than its newest competitors" according to David Dillion special contributor to the Dallas Morning News. Certainly Soldier Field would have done well to have taken a similar path to go either wholly contemporary or fully nostalgic-not the schizophrenic mess left behind as a legacy to non-sensical compromise.

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New Air Force Memorial Dedicated in D.C.

On Saturday, President Bush dedicated a new memorial to the last unrepresented branch of the Armed Forces-the Air Force.  The 30 million dollar memorial has been over 15 years in the making consists of 3 flaring 17,000-ton steel spires which rise 270 feet skyward. The memorial is on a ridge near Arlington Cemetery and overlooks the Pentagon. The memorial was designed by architect James Ingo Freed who also designed the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington.  Greed died in December of 2005.

New Denver Art Museum Rises to the Occasion

On Saturday, Denver unveiled to the public a defining and singular work of architecture with its 90.5 million Denver Art museum addition.  This facility will mark the first project to be completed here in the states by “starchitect” Daniel Libeskind- initial designer and current planner of ground zero and it’s Freedom Tower.  The titanium-clad Gehry-like building seeks to interplay with the Rocky Mountain landscape with its sharp, jutting angles and forms.  Most likely, this radically contemporary, deconstructionist example of “architecture as art” and as the focal point of a “container of art” is sure to become the focus of civic conversation in Denver for years to come.

9/11 Focuses Spotlight on Designs for Ground Zero

As the nation commemorated the events of September 11, 2001, national attention is once again drawn to ground zero-specifically the buildings proposed for the re-development of the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan.  Enlisting the services of several “starchitects”- Lord Norman Foster, Fumihiko Maki, Lord Richard Rogers, Daniel Libeskind and others, the design for towers 2, 3, and 4 have been released.  Each being unique and striving to make a pointed statement in its own right.  Also, construction of David Childs’ of SOM Freedom Tower has begun after 5 years of wrangling about the final design.

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International

BEIJING BOASTS 2009'S BEST TALL BUILDING
 

BEIJING, CHINA | NOV 2, 2009 - The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has named Linked Hybrid by Steven Holl Architects as the “Best Tall Building Overall” for 2009.

With its rich pallet, appropriate scale and consistency in architectural language, Linked Hybrid adds a level of high quality architecture to the city of Beijing. Working well above the level of purely sculptural architecture, the project embodies, on an urbanistic scale, where the future of tall buildings and urban cities is heading, creating architecture that does not isolate, but rather connects both on the ground level and in the sky. This creates both a unique ground floor that acts as an oasis in the density of Beijing, and a real multi-use zone of connected urbanism in the sky.

The project incorporates numerous sustainable design features, but really goes far beyond its geo-thermal and  water recycling, to take on the much broader issue of social-urban sustainability itself. Its mix of residential and retail, cinemas and kindergartens, hotels and art galleries, swimming pools and parks—all within a single complex—is remarkable. The idea to weave these facilities into the complex not only at the ground level but throughout the section of the building, is fantastic. As described by CTBUH Executive Director and 2009 Jury panel member, Antony Wood, “It is only in the intensification of our cities and the inclusion of mixed urban-public facilities in the sky that the true vibrant, dense cities of the future can be realized. The Linked Hybrid building, perhaps more than any other built project, really does point the way to that future.”

Accepting the award on behalf of the Linked Hybrid project team was design architect Steven Holl. Joining Mr. Holl on stage was Li Hu, project manager in Beijing from Steven Holl Architects, Congzhen Xiao, from structural engineer on the project, China Academy of Building Research, and Stefan Holst, from environmental consultants, Transsolar ClimageEngineering.

The Council issues Best Tall Building Awards annually to give recognition to projects that have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of tall buildings and the urban environment, and that achieve sustainability at the highest and broadest level. It issues four regional awards each year (Americas, Asia & Australasia, Europe and Middle East & Africa). In addition, from the four regional awards, one project is awarded the honor of Best Tall Building Overall.

The Council announced its four 2009 regional winners earlier this year: Manitoba Hydro Place for Americas, Linked Hybrid for Asia & Australasia, The Broadgate Tower for Europe, and Tornado Tower for Middle East & Africa. Linked Hybrid was chosen from these four regional winners and announced as the Best Tall Building Overall for 2009.

The Award was bestowed at the 8th Annual Awards Dinner and Ceremony held October 22nd at the Illinois Institute of Technology campus in Chicago, USA.   Following brief presentations by each of the regional winners, the CTBUH Awards Committee Chairman, Gordon Gill of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, announced the overall winner to be Linked Hybrid, describing the project as, “rich in thought, both programmatically and architecturally, presenting an advanced typology for dense urban living.”

Excerpt from CTBUH Release

ROANOKE MUSEUM GARNERS INT'L ACCLAIM
 

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA | OCT 18, 2009 - The Taubman Museum of Art, designed by Los Angeles architect Randall Stout, has been awarded the 2009 International Architecture Award.

The US museum competed with hundreds of submissions from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas, designed as of January 1, 2006.

Co-presented by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, Metropolitan Arts Press Ltd., and The European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, the award, which recognizes the best built and unbuilt architecture from around the world, was granted to the museum.

"We are thrilled that the museum has once again been recognized as an example of cutting-edge design and has been awarded this incredibly prestigious international award,” said president of the museum's Board of Trustees Dr. Paul T. Frantz.

IRISH BUILDINGS EARN CHICAGO PRAISE
 

DUBLIN, IRELAND | SEPT 27, 2009 - The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design have designated two contemporary buildings in Ireland as recipients of the 2009 International Architecture Awards. The Alto Vetro - a  16-story residential tower - and the Elmpark - a mixed-use complex - were included among "the most important barometer[s] for the future direction of new architectural design and thinking today." Seen above, the Alto Vetro was designed by Shay Cleary Architects and the Elmpark was designed by Bucholz McEvoy Architects.

CALATRAVA BRINGS HIS BRAND TO CALGARY
 

CALGARY, CANADA | AUG 23, 2009 | Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava is certainly one designer who is as famous for his bridges as he is for his buildings - if not more so. His latest offering is a $24.5 million enclosed tubular bridge which stretches 425-feet across Calgary's Bow River. The Peace Bridge will be covered for year-round use and will also be lit at night. Designed for pedestrian and cyclists to access, it will lie west of Prince's Island Park and connect Eau Claire to Sunnyside. Its traffic use is projected to be about 5,000 people daily. Calatrava had received international acclaim for the now stalled Chicago Spire which was in line to be the tallest building in the U.S. Scheduled completion of the bridge is late 2010.

A MODERN APPROACH TO MOSQUE DESIGN
 

ISTANBUL, TURKEY | AUG 9, 2009 | The new contemporary-styled worship facility for the Muslims of Istanbul, Turkey appears to have assimilated within this uniquely historical culture quite nicely. Designed by architect Hüsrev Tayla, the Şakirin Mosque is a bit of a departure from typical expectations of buildings of this nature. The overall shape projects a shell-like appearance with a series of low arches ringing the the top of multiple entry points along the exterior. Minarets which are a staple of mosques are "rocket-like" in form.  According to the a report in the Christian Science Monitor, the interior décor is similarly radical. The mihrab, or niche to indicate the direction of prayers, is not only bright turquoise, it's shaped like a shell. The minbar, or stepped pulpit – instead of the usual carved stone or wood – is acrylic. Most radical is the fact that the interior design was created by a woman, a first in mosque architecture.

WINNIPEG AWARDED BEST BUILDING IN AMERICAS
 

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA CANADA | JUL 12, 2009 | The Chicago-based Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat named Manitoba Hydro Place in Winnipeg, Canada the "Best Tall Building in the Americas" for 2009. The CTBUH annually recognizes outstanding tall building projects in the Americas, Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.  The 23-story skyscraper was designed by Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects of Toronto and Smith Carter Architects and Engineers Inc. of Winnipeg. According to cbcnews.ca, the building uses geothermal heating and radiant cooling that makes it one of the most energy-efficient office towers in the world.

According to its jury award statement on cbcnews.ca, Manitoba Hydro Place "was designed to be completely site specific. The design could not be transplanted to another city and still work, thus making it the perfect response to the seeming homogenization of the world's skylines." The project will be formally recognized at the October Global Conference of the CTBUH at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

CHICAGO DESIGN FIRM RISES IN SAUDI ARABIA
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