(rshsdepot) Chicago, IL - Union Station

[Bernie Wagenblast <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

Photo links:
http://www.ping.be/cosmopolitan/img/chicago/kveus084s.jpg  (exterior shot)
http://www.flatland.org/erewhon/travel/us/il/union-station.jpg  (waiting
room)


Mixed-use proposal for rail station
Plan would award landmark status

By Thomas A. Corfman
Chicago Tribune staff reporter
Published February 7, 2002

The Chicago Landmarks Commission on Thursday is expected to consider an
ambitious proposal for a mixed-use redevelopment of Union Station that would
include construction of a multistory addition on top of the historic but
underused railroad station.

The addition, which would bring the structure to 26 stories, is intended to
fit with the existing eight-story structure, while completing Daniel
Burnham's original plan for a tall tower on the site. The station, built in
1925, occupies the block bounded by Jackson Boulevard and Canal, Clinton and
Adams Streets.

The proposal, to be presented by Amtrak and Chicago-based developer Prime
Group Realty Trust, would more than double the size of the building to 1.1
million square feet, while giving it official landmark status.

The key aspects of the plan:

- - At the top of the building, 150 condo units would be built, with private
parking and a separate residential entrance along Canal.

- - The middle floors would contain 480,000 square feet of high-tech office
space, with features such as underfloor ventilation and windows that can be
opened and closed.

- - The building's existing floors would be renovated for a 300-room hotel and
conference center, to be operated by Harrison Conference Centers, part of
Hilton Hotels Corp.

- - More than 60,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space that can be
reached from the street and passenger waiting area, called the Great Hall,
would be added.

The design by Chicago architect Lucien Lagrange features a massive, enclosed
atrium at the center of the building that rises up to the structure's top
floor.

Although this isn't the first proposal for Union Station, the project last
year became a top priority of former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, who
was then chairman of Amtrak's board of directors. After Thompson was named
secretary of health and human services, Michael Dukakis, as acting chairman,
took up the cause.

Presentation of the plan to the Landmarks Commission is just one key step in
the long-delayed redevelopment project.

The Daley administration first proposed landmark status for Union Station in
2000. And Amtrak and Prime Group have been negotiating terms of the proposal
with the Department of Planning since April.

"The cooperation thus far with the city has been excellent regarding this
project," said Richard Curto, chief executive of Prime Group, who confirmed
details of the plan.

Planning Commissioner Alicia Berg would not comment on the proposal until it
had been formally presented to the commission, a spokesman said.

The proposal brings together two entities that have had their share of woe
in recent months. While cash-strapped Amtrak is struggling to avoid
eliminating train routes, Prime Group has been clouded by the financial
uncertainty surrounding its chairman, Michael Reschke, who is fighting off a
foreclosure sale of his stake in the company.

Even if the proposal eventually gains landmark approval, the project still
faces substantial obstacles, including the securing of financing. And
building on top of an existing structure can raise special challenges,
including more costly construction.

"The whole plan looks good on paper, until the financial people have to
evaluate the budgets," said Steven Fifield, president and CEO of
Chicago-based Fifield Cos., which is developing buildings west of the Loop.

But Curto said taking advantage of the existing foundation would reduce
costs and speed construction. The project could be completed by fall 2004.

Sales of the condos will help raise cash for the project, he added.

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