Work in progress: Superior 110 out of the ground
Posted 10/16/2007 by Kate Hawley
Construction on JFJ Development Company's Superior 110 is moving along. Since last we checked, the superstructure has emerged at the site, at 110 W Superior St. The 27-story building, designed by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, will tower over its River North neighbors. As a recent feature in New Homes Magazine explained:
The mechanics of Chicago’s zoning ordinance allowed JFJ to build tall on the former site of a police station. Because the buyer of the northern piece of the site constructed a building of just four stories, JFJ essentially was able to borrow the allowed height (or “floor area ratio”) not used by the other project.
“Instead of being able to build two buildings that were only 14 or 15 stories tall, they gave the floor area ratio over to us,” says Jon Zitzman, JFJ’s president.
As we've mentioned, deliveries are planned for late next summer.
Comments
10/17/07
Alan said:
"The mechanics of Chicago’s zoning ordinance allowed JFJ to build tall on the former site of a police station. Because the buyer of the northern piece of the site constructed a building of just four stories, JFJ essentially was able to borrow the allowed height (or “floor area ratio”) not used by the other project."
Can someone clarify this? Did they build the 4 story building next door? If not, did they have to pay the owner (or sign an agreement) to "borrow" the rights? If not, what if the owner next door wants to build up to 7 floors now? Are they restricted because of their neighbor? I'm surprised that this doesnt go on more often.
Cliff said:
Did they build the 4 story building next door?
>I don't think so, its some community organization building.
If not, did they have to pay the owner (or sign an agreement) to "borrow" the rights?
>Don't know
If not, what if the owner next door wants to build up to 7 floors now?
>They can't becuase the floor area ratio has been used up on that parcel.
Are they restricted because of their neighbor?
>Yes
I'm surprised that this doesnt go on more often.
>My guess is whoever built the building to the North was not interested in maximizing square footage, they probably built the building to meet there own funcitonal needs.
Kate Hawley said:
Cliff's got the right idea here. I believe the northern parcel belongs to Access Living (115 W Chicago Ave), an organization that promotes independent living for people with disabilities.