Quote:
Originally Posted by Zapatan
The negativity in this thread really depresses me, I guess Chicago doesn't have the greatest track record but that can change can't it?
It would be pointless to spend so much money tearing down an already massive building like Thompson Center just to build a sub 50 floor building.
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What goes up on the JTC site has more to do with who the state sells the site to than Chicago's track record. Unfortunately, Block 37 was a result of backroom deals brought to you by crooked Mayor Daley. The site ended up in the hands on a crooked suburban developer who lacked the wherewithal, ambition, or even the desire to take advantage of the site's full potential. Btw, I believe that crooked suburban developer ended up spending some time in prison on unrelated crookedness/thievery.
This same mistake could have taken place at One Chicago. I remember Fifield (one of the worst developers in Chicago) was in the running to buy the land when the Church first put it up for sale. At the time, I thought Fifield gaining control of the site would be the worst possible outcome as they wanted to throw up a couple of their usual 40 storey beige boxes on a podium there. Luckily, JDL won out and surprised everyone when he revealed the proposal for Chicago Square (One Chicago).
Again, thank God CIM/Golub took control/bought the Tribune Tower and adjacent lot. That prime site could have also ended up in the wrong hands.