CHICAGO | Highrise Projects & Construction, v7

[ardecila]

Originally Posted by Tcmetro

I thought that the pedway connection would use the tunnel to the old parking garage, which can also be accessed from the CTA bus terminal.

Yes, they are just building off the existing tunnel from the old Amtrak garage. When I went down there a few weeks ago, it was locked off and full of boxes/construction debris still. But the connection exists!

If/when they decide to build a connection to the Blue Line, I really hope they do not use this crappy path through the BMO parking garage. The architects did the best they could to polish that turd, but it's still an embarrassment to the city when we should have a proper pedway linking Union Station to the Blue Line. Really they should do a 2-block straight tunnel under Clinton St from the Great Hall down to the CTA station mezzanine.

[Randomguy34]

Wait, how did you get access to a CoStar article?

[ithakas]

Looks like construction fencing's up at 633 S. LaSalle: https://www.instagram.com/p/CbueI6qLBtn/

[ithakas]

“Our vision is to build a tower that can attract a headquarters tenant that wants to take advantage of outdoor spaces and all the things a new building has to offer.

“It won’t be the tallest building on Wacker, but we plan to build something that’s architecturally attractive.”

Hines has yet to unveil renderings for 401 S. Wacker, but Van Schaack said the design will include outdoor spaces on every floor.

Good to hear a new design is coming...

[r18tdi]

Originally Posted by ithakas

Good to hear a new design is coming...

I bet you $20 it's a blue glass box.

[Steely Dan]

Originally Posted by r18tdi

I bet you $20 it's a blue glass box.

but now with terraces!!!!!!

[ithakas]

Originally Posted by r18tdi

I bet you $20 it's a blue glass box.

When I read this I hoped it might be something more like 800 W. Fulton without the obligatory Fulton Market brick, but you're probably right...

[SIGSEGV]

Originally Posted by r18tdi

I bet you $20 it's a blue glass box.

they might spring for green.

[rivernorthlurker]

delete

[rivernorthlurker]

Originally Posted by ardecila

Yes, they are just building off the existing tunnel from the old Amtrak garage. When I went down there a few weeks ago, it was locked off and full of boxes/construction debris still. But the connection exists!

If/when they decide to build a connection to the Blue Line, I really hope they do not use this crappy path through the BMO parking garage. The architects did the best they could to polish that turd, but it's still an embarrassment to the city when we should have a proper pedway linking Union Station to the Blue Line. Really they should do a 2-block straight tunnel under Clinton St from the Great Hall down to the CTA station mezzanine.

Ok thx for info. So you're saying a tunnel from Union station to the BMO Tower (old garage) already exists?

Yeah, straight underneath Clinton is the simplest way to do it. Basically just turn Clinton into a bridge/overpass. I doubt the garage is suitable for typical daily pedestrian through traffic.

And I do recall as Klippenstein said, in some drawings somewhere, some vague recollection about construction/extension of that blue line stop to Jefferson which I don't understand. Why go west when 1 block east you could connect it to the Post Office?

[Randomguy34]

The plan is for a west entrance at Jefferson and an east entrance to OPO/Union Station


https://www.metroblog.us/2019/09/5-c...e-need-of.html

[rivernorthlurker]

Originally Posted by Randomguy34

The plan is for a west entrance at Jefferson and an east entrance to OPO/Union Station


https://www.metroblog.us/2019/09/5-c...e-need-of.html

Oh cool, thanks for this!

[Ned.B]

Originally Posted by rivernorthlurker

Yeah, straight underneath Clinton is the simplest way to do it. Basically just turn Clinton into a bridge/overpass. I doubt the garage is suitable for typical daily pedestrian through traffic.

The biggest challenge to a Clinton Street tunnel, aside from whatever utilities are undoubtedly under there is that the primary loading docks for the station are currently accessed by a network of drives that are under the sidewalks on the Adams. Jackson, and Clinton sides of the building. It may be more feasible to extend the current tunnel/corridor further south paralleling the tracks until it meets up with the proposed new Blue Line East entrance.

[PittsburghPA]

K3 as of a couple of hours ago This project has flown so far.

[thegoatman]

^such a weird location...

[rivernorthlurker]

Originally Posted by Ned.B

The biggest challenge to a Clinton Street tunnel, aside from whatever utilities are undoubtedly under there is that the primary loading docks for the station are currently accessed by a network of drives that are under the sidewalks on the Adams. Jackson, and Clinton sides of the building. It may be more feasible to extend the current tunnel/corridor further south paralleling the tracks until it meets up with the proposed new Blue Line East entrance.

Thinking about this more I can't imagine I'd really be looking forward to walking in a tunnel that connects the Blue Line and Union Station anyway.

[PittsburghPA]

Originally Posted by thegoatman

^such a weird location...

Having lived at K2 for a number of years there is not much of a better location in my opinion.

Edit: ..better location for the area* (I've only ever lived around the West Loop)

[ardecila]

Originally Posted by Ned.B

The biggest challenge to a Clinton Street tunnel, aside from whatever utilities are undoubtedly under there is that the primary loading docks for the station are currently accessed by a network of drives that are under the sidewalks on the Adams. Jackson, and Clinton sides of the building. It may be more feasible to extend the current tunnel/corridor further south paralleling the tracks until it meets up with the proposed new Blue Line East entrance.

Yeah, the current tunnel is just narrow AF and I think few people will use it if they extend it to 2 blocks long. Maybe it can be widened when the city rebuilds Canal. The goal should be something like the CTA tunnel at Roosevelt or the O'Hare Blue Line tunnels with decent wall finishes, lighting, artwork and clear sight lines for security.

[marothisu]

In the last few days, 3 high rises were issued building permits

633 S. LaSalle - 117 units
160 N Morgan - 282 units
1044 W Van Buren - 196 units

[thegoatman]

i love seeing surface lots get eaten up, but nothing makes me feel better than a strip mall or drive thru biting the dust.