Lucas Krzysztofiak

I came across this great project which I am certined in destined to become a Chicago icon. The Clean technology tower. At every stage - Chicago was named the great city of modern and progressive Architecture. Well once again we take this title to the next level. Architect: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture proposed whats going to be the Clean Technology Tower with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, Chicago river and the rest of the downtown lake front area. Wind turbines are located at the building’s corners to capture wind at its highest velocity as it accelerates around the tower. . At the apex, where wind speeds are at a maximum, a domed double roof cavity captures air, allowing for a large wind farm and the use of negative pressures to ventilate the interior spaces. The dome itself is shaded by photo voltaic cells that capture the southern sun. These systems provide both comfort and energy to the space. The complex includes over 1.8 million square feet of office space as well as a 300,000 square foot hotel, a spa and street-level retail. Dedicated elevators will provide access for both office and hotel tenants to all of the tower’s amenities. read more here... clean technology tower

So i am sure most already know or heard that Franklin Point finally managed to close. This is the 3rd attempt by different group to obtain this peace of land, in just the last 4 years. Franklin Point has stood this way since the Grand Central Station rail terminal was demolished in 1971. Russland Capital Group from Skokie Il. backed by 2 former business partners of rapper Jay-Z has paid aboout $40 million for the 6.5 acre parcel. The land, mainly grassy space 4 block of Sears Tower going south towards Polk street and along South branch of Chicago River seems like an untapped source of potential.

To some this may seem like a final dream come true, wall almost. No architect has been selected yet to present any kind of renderings. I am wondering myself, what would be the best outcome for this space, considering current and upcoming conditions and factors. Should this be Chicago's first chance for a true river front community? maybe a river walking zone mixed with residential and commercial spaces. One thing I truly hope for is a plan calling for resolution to some of our biggest challenges such as area density,a need for public space, walking zones and most importantly sustainability and green building ethics.

I am curious to know what you think of this. Surely you wondered and speculated yourself on this topic.

.below. area highlighted in red is the site formally known as the Franklin Point.

Many developers, design firms and homeowners are looking for alternatives to spice up their dwellings. With swanky market conditions, it seems like light off ground ideas and trends are becoming of a standard thinking ideology these days.

As I wonder around the city with clients, I cant help to notice this growing outlook of simplistic design within each place. Many will say that price is the issue, others consider other factors like material types and sustainability and functionality. We all have budgets, but x% increase of $ in a modern bath upgrade or more free research retrieved and evaluated can do alot of good @ all ends. There are many designers out there with great ideas waiting to be discovered. For example, with another prospect of mine I pre-vied whats going to be the largest Platinum Leed certified project in North America, the Green Exchange. The idea of all 4 floors of a old "Frederick Cooper Lamp" manufacturing warehouse is simply phenomenal. Outdoor garden, sustainable escalators, shared office spaces, live/work spaces, lofts, studios and galleries and showrooms among the significant size of the entire structure. My clients as well as myself were speechless after a visual presentation through completely gutted interiors. The lighting is spectacular thanx to the placement of the property. Also one of the great features is that the visibility of the structure from local and interstate roadways and expressways. The open sleeve in the middle of the building faces south overlooking the traveled roads and much of the city itself. With additional presentations being scheduled for more "sustainable driven entrepreneurs" in the upcoming week, I am excited to learn more as the project progresses and solutions become clear for my clients to become future tenants of whats going to be Chicago's green landmark.

If you visited this place already I would like to hear what your take was on this development/restoration. Others that did not yet have a chance to view, I recommend at least considering. And as always, I can make arrange for prospects interested in my services. Cheers.