Regarding the tallest building decision, whatever. I'm a Chicagoan and I'm totally ok with 1WTC regaining the title for NYC. It's always been a relatively benign and friendly competition between Chicago and NYC, and I'm always baffled and amused by all of the childish fuss regarding decisions like these. Also, considering all of the ridiculously tall buildings being built elsewhere in the world, this title is somewhat 'meh' to begin with. If 1WTC or another building in either Chicago or NYC were taller than Burj Khalifa for example, then I'd consider it a serious debate.
So congrats NYC and 1WTC...and remember, competition is a good thing....and that nothing lasts forever
NAR takes steps to build ‘Rockefeller Center’-like headquarters in Chicago
Mixed-use, 2 million-square-foot project to be branded with Realtor logo
Andrea V. Brambila Associate Editor
Nov 11, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO — Chicago may have its own Realtor Plaza in the not-too-distant future, modeled on New York’s iconic landmark, Rockefeller Center.
'Cheers and applause followed a vote by the board of directors of the National Association of Realtors today in which the board approved a redevelopment project for the trade group’s Chicago headquarters at 430 North Michigan Ave. The project would involve demolishing the existing building, which is more than a half-century old, and combining it with an adjoining parcel to create a mixed-use development that would include retail, condominiums, a flagship hotel, and office space...
...NAR Treasurer Bill Armstrong noted that he and NAR CEO Dale Stinton had been in discussions with the partner for “a long time,” but had been prohibited from mentioning the project to members due to nondisclosure agreements.
The partner, which has “billions to invest,” proposed a 93-story, 2 million-square-foot building that would be a “Rockefeller Center-type venue,” Armstrong said.'
http://www.inman.com/2013/11/11/nar-...rs-in-chicago/