Several high-rise proposals stalled for '08
Posted 1/24/2008 by Patrick RollensHigh-rise development has its winners and losers, and 2008 will certainly prove to be a watershed year for the entire building community.
For New Homes Magazine's March 2008 issue, we've begun to compile a comprehensive directory of high-rises being developed right now in the city. Along the way, however, it's become clear that - for a variety of reasons - a few of these projects aren't going to move forward as planned this year. Some are off the books entirely; others are simply in a holding pattern, waiting for the right market conditions to move forward.
Here's what we've been able to confirm lately.
- Azure Tower, 1330 S Michigan Ave - On hold until at least 2009, according to a representative with Concept Developers and Realty Group. Instead, the firm is moving forward with The Interior Furniture Company Building Lofts at 1340 S Michigan (next door to the Azure Tower site), which looks to be a luxury loft rehab.
- Aristocrat Tower, 2039 S Prairie Ave -This one is off the books entirely. However, Provence Development Group is still building Astoria Tower at 8 E 9th St.
- 541 W Cornelia Ave - Four luxury single-family homes are planned for the site, replacing a 24-story tower concept in Lakeview East.
And we're hearing rumblings about 2100, Rokas International's high-rise planned for 2100 S Indiana Ave.
The developer has been in dire straits lately, dealing with a lawsuit over unpaid contracts at Motor Row Condominiums and a canceled proposal near the Sears Tower. In the last month, things have gotten worse; the phone numbers to both the sales center and the developer's office have been disconnected, and Equity Marketing Services has confirmed that they're no longer handling pre-construction sales. Even the development's official Web site seems to be offline.
Comments
1/24/08
Sheridan B. said:
And don't forget the Andrew and 5440 Sheridan are also both hovering in a holding pattern up in Edgewater (the Andrew's in a lower orbit, since locals are worried a plane might hit it).
Jason said:
2100 is a combined high-rise AND low-rise loft project. Does this mean only the high rise portion is in trouble?
Architecture said:
Fine by me that they have been stalled….Have you seen whats proposed??? Everyone of those towers adds nothing new to the skyline. Everyone is dull and cookie cutter!
Joe Zekas said:
Architecture,
Without "dull and cookie-cutter" we wouldn't have a skyline at all. Have you seen Lake Shore Drive? Sheridan Road in Lake View and Edgewater? Marine Drive? Etc?
People have a right to buy dull and cookie-cutter if that's what they want. They have a right to set a higher priority on affordability than aesthetics. And architects have an obligation to stop whining and design what people want - which they do.
I have some questions for you. If a developer builds an exact replica of an architectural masterpiece 36 times over, is that "dull and cookie-cutter?" The developer of 860-880 loved Mies because his designs were 20% cheaper to build than more conventional ones. Something wrong with that?
Architecture said:
Just because its affordable doesnt mean it has to be cookie cutter. I am not saying build master pieces, but the developemnts above that have "stalled" are not even worthy of being built! We have enough ugly architecture!
Joe Zekas said:
Architecture
a/k/a Ryan
a/k/a Suburban
a/k/a rml1662
You can either stop your misleading linking of your screen names to a URL that we own or have future comments deleted. I have no idea what you're trying to accomplish with this deceptive practice, but I have zero tolerance for it. All of your links have been purged.
This is your final warning.
paulj said:
Joe,
You seem to have no tolerance for those with opinions on architecture and design. These may not be areas of expertise for you, but no reason to feel threatened. Your tone as of late to certain bloggers such as Architecture and Jane border on paranoia.
Is it time for you to shut down your site?
I like this site, but you seem way stressed…..
Joe Zekas said:
paulj,
Thanks for the kind words and for your concern.
Anyone who knows me knows I don't stress easily - or at all.
I've repeatedly stated that I have no expertise in architecture and generally shy away from expressing opinions on aesthetic aspects of architecture and design. I'm happy to see others express their opinion.
Are you suggesting that I ought not control who's able to use our URLs in a way that implies that they have our authorization or that they have some connection with us? Wouldn't you be testy if someone masqueraded as you? Misappropriated a core piece of your identity?
There's no paranoia about Jane and his / her ilk. When people repeatedly break into discussions - no matter their subject - to shout the same opinion time after time it's time for them to go. They degrade the experience others have of being on this site.
1/25/08
Sheridan B. said:
Yeah, the Andrew and 5440 were by far better than average. Hardly cookie cutter or poor design, 5440 in particular was (or will be) very handsome.
Jason said:
Joe,
Is there anything you can add to my question about 2100? Do you know if the whole project is in jeopardy or just the highrise portion only?
Thanks.
Joe Zekas said:
Jason,
I know nothing. Perhaps Patrick or Joe Askins might have more info or be able to get it for you.
Patrick said:
Jason,
2100's problems stem from larger woes that Rokas International is dealing with. The phone number to the developer's main office is currently not working, which suggests that there are systemic problems afoot at Rokas that will have some effect on all their developments.
Again, this is all speculation based on the conversations I've had with the various firms that have worked with Rokas on 2100. Sorry I can't offer something more substantive.
Edgewater said:
I just passed the 5440 site and there are yet more signage items there for a sales office. Word on the street (well, over the phone - it's too cold outside) is that the sales office is going to be opening very soon; in the next couple of weeks.
1/28/08
Patrick Rollens said:
Edgewater,
I drove by this morning and snapped a photo of the construction trailer and signage. Where did you hear that tidbit about the sales center opening? I'd like to follow up.
Edgewater said:
Patrick, sorry I didn't reply sooner. I heard it from a friend who knows someone at Booth Hansen. Somebody or other let them know I guess.