Burnham's plan Re: (rshsdepot) Chicago, IL - Union Station

[Rob Davis <superc_@_monmouth.com>]

If it would complete Burnham's plan, why is Lucien Lagrange's design
required?

Rob


On 2/7/02 7:04 AM, "Bernie Wagenblast" <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net> wrote:

> 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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