Ever wonder if developers can really put their money where their mouth is when they promise you that the condo you’re eyeing will have sweeping skyline views or gorgeous lake vistas? Apparently some developers actually do the research and call in the guys from SkyPan International, a Chicago company that sends up remote-controlled helicopters kitted out with 360-degree cameras, according to a story in Crain’s Chicago Business. The helicopter’s photos also help developers and architects determine how to position their buildings.
One recent client was the Mandarin Oriental Tower. When the helicopter-operators went out to scope the site of The Columbian, suspicious Department of Homeland Security agents descended on them, according to the story. What SkyPan can’t tell you, however, is whether another developer is going to come along and build a big ‘ole high-rise right in front of your bedroom window. For that you’ll need to go to the all-knowing (or not) Chicago Department of Planning and Development.