What’s Going on in Aqua? 225 N. Columbus in Streeterville
Aqua, at 225 N. Columbus in Streeterville, has won numerous design awards for its exterior.
The building consists of a hotel on the bottom floors (has yet to open), apartments in the middle of the building and 264 condos on the upper floors.
The building, at 82 stories, is among the tallest in the city. It is a “view” building, obviously.
Closings started in late 2009.
Before the financial crisis, the building was sold out. And now there are a couple dozen units currently listed for sale. Some are flips but some are from the developer (and most likely all of the developer’s inventory is not listed.)
This 2-bedroom unit on the 61st floor recently came on the market. It is a re-sale.
At 1218 square feet, it has the new construction bells and whistles such as stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.
The listing says it has been upgraded with 1.25 inch granite on the breakfast bar and french door refrigerator.
Has this building kept the allure it once had just a few years ago when the units were sold out?
What will happen to the flippers?
Tricia Fox at Keller Williams Gold Coast has the listing. See the pictures here.
Unit #6106: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1218 square feet
- Sold in May 2010 for $722,500 (usually includes the parking- but I don’t know for sure on this one)
- Currently listed for $750,000 (plus $50,000 for parking)
- Assessments of $652 a month (includes doorman, cable, pool)
- Taxes are “new”
- Central Air
- Washer/Dryer in the unit
- Bedroom #1: 14×12
- Bedroom #2: 12×11
- Living room: 20×15
- Kitchen: 10×10
I love French Doors… too bad they’re on the refrigerator. Clever that.
How things HAVE changed for this building!
Right before I came back to NYC last year, I spoke with the reps to find out only 2 units were left on the 65th floor, I believe, that faced N/E/S and the developer was ‘saving’ them for a combination unit. While I was impressed (still am) with the units and was seriously considering making a combo unit, the process was not going to be an easy one and I would not be able to have any input on the process as I had in other new buildings in the past.
As I was told then, ALL of the units were under contract or had already been closed. Strange how now there are numerous units back on the market. I realize many must have backed out….or was this the plan to market only one or two at a time to retain that exclusive title?
A few red flags for me (and other investors) the many rentals in the building, the undecided upon hotel, amenities that seemed to be changing by the month (understandable to an extent on a new construction), pricing for the units was very strange…there would be a huge increase if one was to buy only one of the units on the 65th. To me, it it was ‘planned’ as a combo unit, then combine it and sell it as such instead of playing this ‘we are so exclusive’ game and attempt to sell them seperately even though they almost ‘requirted’ a combo unit be made of them.
Still, beautiful places, but this one seems so bland compared to the finishes that are available to the point it seems to be in a totally different building. Although we went back and forth on these two places, I still really do love the place.
I would do a lot of due dilligence before making a purchase on the ‘suddenly remaining’ units…flips or not.
Only the view, otherwise unimpressed
The “emperor has no clothes” here. This high-rise is a cheaply constructed and poorly detailed building that has received undeserved “design buzz” due to its affiliation with architect Jeanne Gang. It’s another Loewenberg building; no more than a Target garment with a guest designer working with cheap fabric and fabrication. Look carefully, and you’ll see a high-rise building that will quickly have significant construction problems costly to its homeowners association. Check out the balcony and railing detail, in particular, plus the storefront glazing system used as a curtainwall. Buyer beware.
sabrina posed the question: “what will happen to the flippers?”. The likely answer is: probably nothing. Most people who buy pre-construction are investors (not primary home buyers). Those that invested in this particular building have a lot of money. If they lose 100k-200k, it hurts but is not at all devastating. These losses will be treated like any other market loss. Not a big deal at all (especially when compared to their losses in the stock market)!!
From what I understand,there are very few lenders who are willing to lend in the building due to the mix of residential,commercial, and apartments.
If there is no lending,this in my opinion will destroy the values.
“If there is no lending,this in my opinion will destroy the values.”
Yeah – like it did for all of the coops on ELSD!! Actually, TomB, I agree w/ you. Not allowing or being able to get financing works on ELSD but likely not in this particular building in this particular location.
There are about 264 units in this building. It is bigger than most of the co-ops on ELSD, which, by the way, the units that are in the all-cash buildings usually sit on the market for sometimes years waiting for a buyer (or even the units where you have to put 30% or 40% down.) You might sell a unit that requires a large downpayment here and there- but 264 of them?
I agree Sabrina. I DO think that this building is in trouble. However, w/ regard to ELSD, just remember:
owning on Columbus – 500-1000k
owning on ELSD – priceless!!
It took me 2.5 years to sell my tiny tiny coop on ELSD (in the mid 2000s – the height of the market!!) to move into a bigger place around the block. I regret that decision all the time – nothing compares with the feeling of ELSD (neighbors, staff, etc.) – it truly is like being transported to a different era!!
The finishes in this unit are barely better than sloop standard, and the floor plan, or at least the curving hallway and the awkward cutout for the open kitchen, look like somebody else’s leftovers. $750,000 buys a lot more than this.
I believe this will be a Radisson Blu hotel and they are targeting late 2011 to open.
I am surprised they didn’t include any pics of the outdoor pool/terrace area. To me, that is the best selling feature of this building. It would have also been better to take a pic of the view on a clear, sunny day or include a pic of the view with the Navy Pier fireworks off the balcony, as the view is the second best feature of this unit.
Why would you ever pay this much to live in this building? You have to share everything with a bunch of recent post college transplants. Eventually, when the hotel opens, you’ll have to share it with a bunch mid-western tourists too.
Someone explain to me how this is above a rental grade unit? I guess the high floor is nice, but you can rent in the 60’s in other buildings.
Doesn’t 800k (with parking) get you into 340 park territory?
“Why would you ever pay this much to live in this building? You have to share everything with a bunch of recent post college transplants. Eventually, when the hotel opens, you’ll have to share it with a bunch mid-western tourists too.”
I agree – this also the exact way I feel/felt about Trump Tower.
when i think of Aqua, i always shake my head at how their website continued to show an unimpeded view south over Millennium Park, even as the BC/BS building was obstructing it.
just another example in a long list of why no one should ever trust a developer. i wonder how many buyers were dumb enough to jump at those south facing without ever doing their homework…in this day and age i bet there were several.
that’s still a nice view, but $600+/SF will get you a lot in this town…no parking in that price, either?
hope they’re prepared to wait.
$616/sqft is a lot of money when you’re basically paying for a slightly nicer than run of the mill condo and a heck of a lot of view. Pass.
Clio- absolutely cannot compare this and Trump. If you live at Trump, you never see the people that stay at the hotel, not even downstairs.
Aqua will be a very good place to live eventually, when the grocery store opens and millenium park essentially turns into a new, smaller LP with shopping, etc…
The biggest issue with aqua in my eyes is the gross amount of concrete that surrounds the pool and grounds. Not much vegetation, grass, or trees…just concrete. Welcome to the concrete jungle I suppose.
ahhhhhh, the suburb on the lake. there is nothing urban about Lakehore East, maybe the radiation but thats gone, right (wink).
Its a welcoming visual to the recent sky line additions, after the Park Monroe Frankenstein monster, and One museum park West crapshack, its good to see a nice design be built.
I like the outside of the building…..if it were in South Beach. For that kind of money, I’d rather buy a lakefront 2BD in 1212 or 1300 N Lake Shore. I’m no expert but the Aqua was built very quickly and doesn’t look like a quality building.
Aqua looks fantastic from below and I love it that way, but at a distance it’s an eye sore with that hideous mechanical penthouse sticking out. Somehow most buildings are able to dress that up (especially in that price range), but star architect Jeanne Gang was too incompetent for that?
As for the units themselves, pretty generic mostly. Views can be spectacular, but you’re in the middle so you’ll always have bcbs and everything else in your way no matter how much money you spend. I considered Aqua, but will spend my money elsewhere.
What should be the going rate for a new construction condo with ss appliances, granite counter tops, maple cabinets, in unit w/d hardwood floors, doorman, etc with a decent view of the Chicago skyline. I’m considering both one bed one bath and two bed two bath. Say like a unit in silver tower or 757 Orleans, etc
“Aqua will be a very good place to live eventually, when the grocery store opens and millenium park essentially turns into a new, smaller LP with shopping, etc…”
Its only befitting the flippers at Aqua are underwater!
A smaller LP? LOL that’s a good one, A-Fed. Gave me a bit of a chuckle. NEVER buy real estate with the expectation of future positive changes in the neighborhood.
Also I think Aqua looks hideous–those balconies remind me of cheap hotels constructed during the age of Aquarius.
A-Fed
You are absolutely incorrect. You see the hotel guests waiting for their cars, running around with their kids out front etc.
Yes, there are separate lobbies but it is a very congested and uninviting entry area.
“Park Monroe Frankenstein monster”
I used to work in that building, what an abortion that is
David: (re:Trump) “You see the hotel guests waiting for their cars, running around with their kids out front etc.”
Thanks D, I totally agree. That factor was the deal-breaker for me. In addition, you have “transient-looking people” hanging out in the lobby waiting for their friends who, undoubtedly, are renting as well as food delivery people bringing fast food (pizza/chinese food) to residents. Terrible, terrible design – might as well live at the Hancock!!
“I used to work in that building, what an abortion that is”
they took a ugly building and said “what the heck lets continue with the them and go up”
i have respect for the engineering that went into doing what they did, but its just….ummm… no word for it but fugly.
David – I rarely see them and I am there quite frequently. THE biggest issue with trump is that it was a Bovis job (if you don’t understand that, well, u dont know shit about Chicago condo consturction).
Bob – To each their own but I’m a big fan of investing in up and coming neighborhoods with future plans for grocery stores, shopping, etc…I’m not a fan when it’s more residental contrustion, no issue regarding commercial.
At least, I rarely see the creeps or what not…sure the families and the delivery guys, but I have been able to snag a pizza and some Chinese food from someone else who ordered so fine by me!
I’ve been in the lobby on a Saturday afternoon. What you have is a bunch of People that don’t live there trying to sneak into the pool. It’s a major cluster f&@k. For 800k I want some privacy and not see the renters.
“NEVER buy real estate with the expectation of future positive changes in the neighborhood.”
We should only buy hoping the hood stays the same or gets worse?
“i have respect for the engineering that went into doing what they did, but its just….ummm… no word for it but fugly.”
I did a smidge of work on that project, and the engineering wasn’t really anything special anyway. Nothing really any different than a gutted and built-out floorplan, adding some balconies and then re-configuring part of the lobby. The views are really great though.
Of the Aqua to be more specific
with the exclusion of 340, isnt lakeshore east majority speculators/investors and in-towners?
maybe that is why most retail is skipping on this sub-division because in-towners are hitting the usual suspects of dining and arts in the city and the main shopping strip north of here.
Groove- Yes! 100% It is mostly investors and in-towners, retail is skipping because the lease on retail space is too expensive. But, even in-towners don’t like to travel to a grocery store, that is why the Jewel or Dominicks or w/e is going in there is already approved.
Barry,
isnt all the mechanicals separate and the extra floors added i tough engineering feat? i am a complete lost on this area but it would seem to be logistically a pain to perform this or is it a cake walk?
I’m an Electrical Engineer so mechanical stuff basically makes my eyes glaze over, but there weren’t any extra floors built. They just took the top 8 floors of offices and turned them into condos. Risers were reconfigured and a new transformer was added as well as metering, but nothing really enormous. Elevators, I believe, weren’t really changed beyond cosmetically.
I’m not trying to understate that it was some small job, but it was hardly a feat of engineering.
You might be thinking about BCBS, which added on top of the existing building.
“You might be thinking about BCBS, which added on top of the existing building”
i swear i read that the park monroe added floors, when i get home i need to go through my photos and check it visually.
“But, even in-towners don’t like to travel to a grocery store, that is why the Jewel or Dominicks or w/e is going in there is already approved.”
A-fed,
i thought is was supposed to be a fox and obel or potash bros in that spot?
and the some retail was waiting on the decision of the childrens museum debacle there?
“We should only buy hoping the hood stays the same or gets worse?”
Yes. And as far as the getting worse aspect, I would only seriously consider it if the ‘hood was recently gentrified and had never been through a recession. If it has been gentrified for 10+ years (long enough to stay gentrified through the last recession), then I think the risk of it deteriorating is minimized.
Groove – could definitely be a fox and obel or potash bro’s…Im just privy to some insider info from a sub-contractor, so alls I knows is thats its a grocery store. Retail, I have heard the rumor about the Childrens musuem but I just refuse to believe it. I mean unless they are charging alot for entry or receiving some cash from Chicago, I just don’t see it. Just my 2 cents. I see a starbucks, maybe five guys or potbelly’s or Chipolte…
“i swear i read that the park monroe added floors, when i get home i need to go through my photos and check it visually.”
Nope. They did add a rooftop garden, which I haven’t seen and know nothing about. Other than that, it was a conversion of office space on the top 8 floors.
A -fed,
your info is most likley correct i am working off dated brain cells on this.
i think the museum may get a fare shot even with preservationist trying stop it, i say this as daley as a track record of when things are rough “build it they will come”. that my random 2 cents. i would rather see it built to cover the tracks in grant park if it is to be built. the thing is if the childrens museum gets built it will open the flood gates of loop holes in the city.
Barry,
i remember seeing renderings of said rooftop garden, the duplex units open up into it. i wonder if they stuck with that plan?
anyone view any units at the Monster(park) Monroe?
groove77 – regarding park monroe, they didn’t add any floors. they did change the facade of the upper floors to distinguish the residential from office. terrible look in my opinion.
regarding the grocery store in LSE, it’s going to be a Roundy’s.
to be more clear, the Roundy’s Supermarket will be called Mariano’s Fresh Market
Hardly any of the conventional lenders will touch Aqua or any building with a hotel and designated rental units. The problem with a lot of these buildings like Trump, Aqua, etc is that when they were preconstruction financing was readily available for marginal speculators/investors (stated income, 10% down, option arms, etc). Now that they are complete and closings happening, there is very little financing a lot of these buyers qualify for without huge down payments if they are lucky. Many are draining their assets to close with whatever financing they can get or walking from earnest money.
Most of these buildings were overrun with specuvestors which is what really fueled the market in many of these buildings.
thanks marco, you saved me from digging through old photos.
btw, i differ in that i like the removal of the “columns” it kind of gives the building a “cap/crown” to such a bland box. I also have a few fliks of them removing the spine/columns those or digital no digging required.
Park Monroe had to remove the columns. They had sliver windows that blew the whole point of living in a place overlooking MP. There was a dramatic change from the inside looking out but I think that the outside view is compromised. Not my thing thats for sure. Also I recall parking being an issue. Was it lease only or was it just a really high floor and therefore an endless series of turns up and down the ramp every time you go into the car?
Architectural Record, a professional journal for architects, did a cover story on Aqua several months ago. After championing undulating “wave” design, article noted cheap details for balconies and puny rails, and noted absence of any thermal break between outside balcony concrete slab and the interior slab. Cold temperature will radiate into the living space, and slab concrete problems will occur soon. Aqua’s condo association will have major maintenance headaches of rust, spawling concrete, staining, and structural problems.
Rule of thumb regarding residential high-rises: avoid exposed exterior concrete on exterior walls; building exteriors that are entirely curtainwall function far better with less maintenance and repairwork.
“spawling concrete”
?
spalling? No? honest question.
Groove,
I live over here (and have for the past three years) and didn’t have any knowledge of or done any research into this radiation! Just came across this: http://www.epa.gov/region5/sites/lindsaylight/pdfs/lindsay_radrow_ebenton_place_north_westshore_drive_200709.pdf. Frightening, to say the least. I wonder from where in the area it hasn’t yet been removed and would be interested in reading that early 2001 report.
Apart from this recent discovery, I really enjoy living over here (proximity to work combined with peace from the lake/park vibe) and just moved from one of the new construction buildings over to the Park Shore. I think the Park Shore building is pretty great value comparatively (I’ve been making use of the rooftop pool and deck area this summer); many of the units have been completely remodeled to excise the early ’90’s feel. The layout also gives more useable room per square ft because there aren’t as many hallways.
My enjoyment is dampened, however, by the thought of the radiation. What else do you know?
“Also I recall parking being an issue. Was it lease only or was it just a really high floor and therefore an endless series of turns up and down the ramp every time you go into the car?”
Here’s an article about the parking garage there:
http://www.icri.org/PUBLICATIONS/2008/PDFs/novdec08/CRBNovDec08_55EMonroeSt.pdf
“My enjoyment is dampened, however, by the thought of the radiation. What else do you know?”
5 yards of material is tiny.
Stay away from DuSable park (east of LSD, north of the river) if that makes you nervous, even tho it has been remediated.
The parking lot that was where the Streeter now is was closed for several years b/c of the thorium contamination, which apparently lead to the lot attendant developing cancer.
Here is another: http://epa.gov/region5/sites/lindsaylight/pdfs/lindsay_radrow_184_north_harbor_200803.pdf
Don’t sweat it too much JDM. Wade Allison, a nuclear and medical physicist at the University of Oxford (a pretty smart dude) thinks you’ll be fine.
http://www.radiationandreason.com/
Thanks anon. I should have researched a bit more about what the numbers mean before posting. I have a friend who does this for a living and this is what he said:
I think the primary exposure pathways for human health concerns are 1) direct physical contact with contaminated soils; and 2) exposure to radon gas which can occur as the thorium in the contaminated soils decays into a gaseous component (radon) and comes up into a structure and accumulates.
As I recall, you are high up in the building? So that limits your exposure to the gas (unless the intake air supply for the building’s HVAC is drawn from a ground level or sub-grade source like a parking garage). And I assume you aren’t trying to garden in that spot, so as long as you don’t handle the contaminated soils or take a nap everyday on top of that area, I would think you have limited to no exposure at that point.
So I suppose I can check into the HVAC issue and get a test kit before participating in any more park gardening projects 🙂
Interesting, Barry. Gracias.
They signed a hotel deal in Aqua with Radison Blu but not sure what the quality is.
Probably shouldn’t go swimming in the “spire hole” either 🙂
“Don’t sweat it too much JDM. Wade Allison, a nuclear and medical physicist at the University of Oxford (a pretty smart dude) thinks you’ll be fine.”
Yeah… tell it to your oncologist – better yet, buy your oncologist or radiologist this book – I’m sure they need a good laugh.
“Yeah… tell it to your oncologist – better yet, buy your oncologist or radiologist this book – I’m sure they need a good laugh.”
This is neither here nor there, but if my oncologist or radiologist had a laugh at the work of an esteemed researcher like Wade, I’d find a new oncologist or radiologist.
JDM,
oh gosh i am so sorry didnt want to taint your view of your home, it was tongue-in-cheek with that remark. I believe you will get more radiation from our mobiles and other random everyday things than you will get that high up from the ground radiation.
out of respect for you i will hold back any other J/K health comments for this area.
anon touched on what i remember i read, the parking lot dude and i think you found more than i know on the internet. i have been drilling into my brain to find anything else i remember about it (either read or word of mouth).
i have question i ask everyone i meet who lives there, do you get a vibe that that LSE complex is a complete disconnect from the loop?
“Aqua’s condo association will have major maintenance headaches of rust, spawling concrete, staining, and structural problems”
Architect i want to buy you a beer and pick your brain one day, the random lectures and tours from the CAF are not cutting it.
“anon touched on what i remember i read, the parking lot dude and i think you found more than i know on the internet.”
Anon is the internet. Either Aria from Eagle Eye or Asimov’s Multivac. You should see how much $ Google pays him (or it).
“This is neither here nor there, but if my oncologist or radiologist had a laugh at the work of an esteemed researcher like Wade, I’d find a new oncologist or radiologist.”
U can’t – your HMO/PHO/PPO won’t allow it !! (OK, I’ll stop).
I have a friend who bought in aqua. he is having trouble getting financing and has to decide whether to walk away from 75k earnest $ or find financing, close and flip: he’s been relocated. any opinions?
“I have a friend who bought in aqua. he is having trouble getting financing and has to decide whether to walk away from 75k earnest $ or find financing, close and flip: he’s been relocated. any opinions?”
For ease of mind, I would walk away – especially because he has been relocated. Remember, that 75k can be deducted from his income as “ordinary losses” so, if he is in the top income bracket, is losing 50k (still hurts, but less than 75k).
Aqua is one of those building that I would rather see out my window than live in.
It is beautiful on the outside, and when my husband and I went there to look at units, they could only show us rental units. Those units were basically cookie-cutter poor finishes, small, etc. The floorplans were unremarkable and per the staff would be the same in the condos. There are lots of nice rentals in the sloop now, no need to settle for poor finishes.
As far as condos – all I can say is that Aqua, 1211 S. Prarie and many others are dark, dark, dark at night. Amazing since they are 99% “sold.”
Soon, someone will announce that the emperor has no clothes and the prices I would think *have* to fall. I serously don’t know how 1211 is making it right now, and they just finished that large building next door…
I love the Sloop and I am WORRIED about it.
PS not to add to the constant neighborhood debate here, but isn’t this River East, not Streeterville?
“isn’t this River East, not Streeterville?”
It is *definitely* not S’ville, being south of the river and all.
I have little opinion on the proper name for this–perhaps “Upper Central Auto Pound”?
“anon touched on what i remember i read, the parking lot dude ”
That was the other side of the river, tho.
But basically everything east of Michigan south of grand or so all the way through Grant Park is an environmental problem at some level, between the railroads, the crap used as fill and the types of industrial production located there for decades.
Groove,
No need to censor yourself on my behalf. I can take it 🙂
“i have question i ask everyone i meet who lives there, do you get a vibe that that LSE complex is a complete disconnect from the loop?”
I get the feeling you are giving disconnect a negative connotation (correct me if I am wrong). There is a disconnect, but that is what I enjoy. The minute I turn the corner, the park and lake make it feel peaceful and the city far removed. They’ve put in two staircases and two elevators on the Aqua end of the park, which makes it easier to connect to Colombus and upper Wacker. Admittedly, the wind can be pretty brutal in the winter, but the ankle length puffy coat solved that problem. Further, for the winter months (and on sweltering days), it is possible to get from LSE to City Hall underground via the new pedway entrance at Aqua. It’s also easy to hop on the river walk or the lake path to get to Streeterville and Michigan ave or things North or South along the lake (i.e 10 minute stroll to dinner at Volare last night). My SO sails and he likes the proximity to the marina.
Cabs are omnipresent and if I am running late or don’t feel like the 20 minute walk to work or waiting for the bus, $7.00 (including tip) pays for the quick ride to my office. I do a lot of my shopping at the State street shops, in the Roosevelt corridor, Fox and Obel or in my basement grocery store.
It works for me. It may not for others. I am looking forward to the new grocery store and restaurants.
“I get the feeling you are giving disconnect a negative connotation (correct me if I am wrong). There is a disconnect, but that is what I enjoy. The minute I turn the corner, the park and lake make it feel peaceful and the city far removed. ”
Concur. Columbus is a really hard break b/t feeling like the Loop and very much not. It’s been that way forever, to me.
They call it “Lakeshore East.” Upper Central Auto Pound is a thought. My one positive thought when the City towed my car – at least they are towing it home.
“My one positive thought when the City towed my car – at least they are towing it home.”
I once gave directions to a guy looking for the pound (when the Par 3 was still open)–pointed him to the stairs and told him to keep going down until he found dirt, then start looking for it.
At least the condo units were built better than the ones designated for rental. I toured the rental portion earlier this year and couldn’t believe they wanted nearly $3000/mo for a 2/2 with the same shoddy apartment-grade appliances and cabinets you find at rental buildings half the price.
I must say the amenities like the pool and fitness facilities are nearly resort-quality. Very nice common areas. But I think both the rentals and condos are still an overall poor value for the money.
I remember G saying there was a little liquor store down in the bowels near the tow pound. or used to be. JDM, have you seen it?
So the primary market for Aqua et al will be “speculators, investors and in-towners?”
Oh no, you mean they LIED to us about LSE being the new “hip upscale neighborhood” for yuppies and their puppies (canine and human), complete with soon-to-be-built magnet CPS grade and high school?
I’m CRUSHED!
“I get the feeling you are giving disconnect a negative connotation (correct me if I am wrong)”
JDM,
you are correct, its a negative vibe i am pushing there. my view is when your ar in the loop your in the loop for its grittiness, bustling sounds and people, and wonderful architecture, etc. and the park there is for your ahhhhhhh peaceful tranquility moment.
TO ME lakeshore East is a sub-divsion suburb planted on the lake, secluded from its location. but that just me and my view.
JDM i am glad to see you post on here about your experiences ACTUALLY living here to counter debbie downer my experiences of just visiting.
pay another visit to lse, this time with your spray paint, if you want to up the gritty.
Park Monroe did not add any additional floors, but they did add an enclosed pool and deck area on the roof.
I worked in that building for 8 years, and did go and view a 3 bedroom corner unit. It was quite nice, with extraordinary views. But I just get the feeling that not many people actually live there yet.
The cafeteria in the basement (“Under 55”) is easily the best office building cafeteria in the Loop. You could get an enormous omlette, breakfast potatoes, muffin/bagel, and coffee for like $5.99.
“The cafeteria in the basement (”Under 55?) is easily the best office building cafeteria in the Loop. You could get an enormous omlette, breakfast potatoes, muffin/bagel, and coffee for like $5.99.”
It’s pretty great all things considered, but I prefer the Chase cafeteria by a lot.
“The cafeteria in the basement (”Under 55?) is easily the best office building cafeteria in the Loop. You could get an enormous omlette, breakfast potatoes, muffin/bagel, and coffee for like $5.99.”
It’s pretty great all things considered, but I prefer the Chase cafeteria by a lot.
“I remember G saying there was a little liquor store down in the bowels near the tow pound. or used to be. JDM, have you seen it?”
There is a little store with a store front and entrance on the lowest Randolph (it’s in the basement of 400 E. Randolph) that sells liquor. There are also stores in the basements of two buildings on harbor drive (you have to go in the front of the building, but both are open to the public); both have small grocery stores, which sell liquor.
“I once gave directions to a guy looking for the pound (when the Par 3 was still open)–pointed him to the stairs and told him to keep going down until he found dirt, then start looking for it.”
It’s a maze down there. Conquering the lower and the lowest Wackers/Randolph/Columbus was definitely something I cherish. It makes it so much easier to get around downtown. I’d never seen the area when it was a golf course, but I imagine the residents were upset to lose it.
Clio,
“David: (re:Trump) “You see the hotel guests waiting for their cars, running around with their kids out front etc.”
Thanks D, I totally agree. That factor was the deal-breaker for me. In addition, you have “transient-looking people” hanging out in the lobby waiting for their friends who, undoubtedly, are renting as well as food delivery people bringing fast food (pizza/chinese food) to residents. Terrible, terrible design – might as well live at the Hancock!!”
I can’t tell if you are saying it is good or bad to live at the Hancock.
That being said, the Hancock lobby is very serene and quiet with no tourists or delivery drivers hanging out.
JDM and Groove,
“Apart from this recent discovery, I really enjoy living over here (proximity to work combined with peace from the lake/park vibe) and just moved from one of the new construction buildings over to the Park Shore. I think the Park Shore building is pretty great value comparatively (I’ve been making use of the rooftop pool and deck area this summer); many of the units have been completely remodeled to excise the early ’90’s feel. The layout also gives more useable room per square ft because there aren’t as many hallways.
”
Regarding the Park Shore:
What a nice building. Back in the day, out of Harbor Point, Park Shore and Randolph on Upper East Randolph, I completely wanted Park Shore.
I remember two bedrooms with about 1200+ sq. ft going for ~240,000.
And you knew that some some day that north view was going to go away cuz there was no way the golf course was going to stay, but it was good while it lasted.
ah screw it…I’m posting it all now.
– Disconnect for Upper Drive East
– Under 55
– The pound
– North Shore
– Agreeing with HD
Upper Drive East
JDM and Groove,
“i have question i ask everyone i meet who lives there, do you get a vibe that that LSE complex is a complete disconnect from the loop?”
In addition to the park shore, I knew people who worked in the BP Amoco building (using the old name as it was during that time frame). It was different being on upper randolph east…Completely different from the Loop.
Its kinda of like Dearborn Park I and Dearborn Park II. Sure you are in the South Loop, but your not really part of it. No graffiti at all (clearly no Groove77). Agreed on the brutal winter walk.
—
Under 55
Under 55 was good though if you wanted to spend time at the bookstore right there (can’t remember the name right now) perhaps that bookstore is closed
—
Lower Wacker
JDM,
“It’s a maze down there. Conquering the lower and the lowest Wackers/Randolph/Columbus was definitely something I cherish. It makes it so much easier to get around downtown. I’d never seen the area when it was a golf course, but I imagine the residents were upset to lose it.”
It’s like Dante and different layers of He double hockey sticks down there. Definitely not where I would have the out of towers or all the single ladies (put your hand up) wander during the wee hours
—
North Shore:
Poor kid Rich kid
Cue up John Hughes and 16 Candles and Pretty in Pink
—
Agreeing with HD
“District 214hersey, buffalo grove, prospect. If your kid does well he they’ll be on par with an nt kid. Kids from my hs had perfect acts and went to harvard yale. Iirc and its been a while but 50 out of 400 in my class went to u of I and another 50 or so went to other big 10 schools. Cheaper housing out there too.
”
OMG. I am agreeing with HD.
Who is the general contractor for this project?
“Architect”
Thank you
“Clio”
What??
100k doesnt matter to an investor?
you been drinkn that Obama kool aid!
Please explain the “Bovis” reference
thanks
I’m going to close 2 bedroom in this building soon. I don’t feel good about this.In my mine it way over price.what can I do? the builder force me to close this unit.I put about 100,000 down already. what should i do?
the post above refer to 225 N. Columbus Dr. chicago
there are a few lawyers here i hop they can help you.
^bump it every few hours to keep it at the top so people will see it and hopefully give some advice
“hopefully give some advice”
If you don’t want to close, and you don’t want to walk from your earnest $$, pay someone to review the contract, and the facts, and maybe they find an out for you.
I’d consider it unlikely, tho not impossible, and that your options are to close or to walk away from the ~$100k.
suri, i have a friend who closed on a 1bed plus den unit there. they rented it out for 3300/mo to some preacher who drives a bentley . something tells me this will not end well.
“the builder force me to close this unit.I put about 100,000 down already. what should i do?”
Suri, no one is forcing you to do anything. You entered in a contract with the developer, and you must meet the requirments of said contract. You have two options close on the property or lose your deposit.
You might be able to find so loophole in the contract but I highly doubt it. Do you have an attorney? If not get one.
So much dumb money still out there keeping the bubble inflated.
Besides, can’t Tom and Katie cover that loss? What is it to them, about a week’s tithe to The Church?
Speaking of “dumb money,” I’m about to pull the trigger on a 2/2 NE corner condo at Aqua. $/sq ft. = 500. The unit is on the lower end of the condo levels, but being 50 stories up makes for lots of blue water (river and lake) for now, and a decent chunk even after Magellan puts up its new 50 story rental tower blocking my Navy Pier view.
What do my fellow Crib Critters feel about this?
Hey Suri, want to make a deal? :]