Status Update: HGI’s Digital Wave is Done
Apr07

Status Update: HGI’s Digital Wave is Done

Written By on April 7, 2015 in Construction, hotels, Skyscrapers, The Loop, _story

There’s been a lot of interest in the wall of metal panels going up at the Hilton Garden Inn at 66 East Wacker Place in the Loop.  The western wall of the new hotel faces prominently straight down Wacker Drive and the main channel of the Chicago River.  We’ve received a lot of e-mail about it, and for those of you wondering, it’s supposed to represent the sun glittering off of the river. Loop Spy Nathan took a few...

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130 North Franklin Officially a Thing
Apr07

130 North Franklin Officially a Thing

Written By on April 7, 2015 in Proposals, Skyscrapers, The Loop, _story

Back in January of this year, we told you about an odd piece of legislation filed by 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly regarding a surface parking lot in the western part of The Loop.  At the time, we told you it meant that Tishman-Speyer was finally ready to pull the trigger and build a new skyscraper at 130 North Franklin Street.  It turns out, we couldn’t have been more right. One of our Loop Spies tells us the alderman has...

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The Only Park in The Loop Could Become a Skyscraper [updated]
Apr07

The Only Park in The Loop Could Become a Skyscraper [updated]

Written By on April 7, 2015 in Parks, Pritzker Park, The Loop, _story

Six years ago, we published a series of articles heralding the opening of Pritzker Park (344 South State Street) — The first public greenspace inside the Loop proper (as defined by the L tracks) in a generation.  Now it turns out that the pocket park, which has become a lunchtime hangout for office workers, a refuge for tourists with weary feet, and a breath of fresh air for those seeking a slice of nature in the core of this...

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151 North Franklin Forging Ahead, Could Break Ground This Fall
Apr07

151 North Franklin Forging Ahead, Could Break Ground This Fall

Written By on April 7, 2015 in Franklin Street, Proposals, Randolph Street, Skyscrapers, The Loop, _story

  Remember that great big blue skyscraper that the John Buck Company wanted to build at the corner of North Franklin  and West Randolph Streets?  The one that they shut down a Walgreens and a Chinese take-out joint to build, but to date nothing has happened?  Well, stuff’s happening; you just can’t see it. Loop Spy Dan shared a bit of information with us straight from the developer, that one major tenant is already...

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