Thursday, November 1, 2012

Old Courthouse at 1340 S. Michigan to Finally be Renovated?

Could one of the more prominent, large and empty buildings on South Michigan be getting some rennovation activity?  According to city records (via Everyblock) it looks like it could:

Wow, this is surprising!

Last we heard this piece of land was being auctioned off.  That was just over two years ago!

The building has become more and more dilapidated since then and we were starting to think it would simply have to be torn down -- whenever someone cared enough about the land.

Judging from this permit, it seems like it will become a multi-use office, residential and retail space.

Hopefully this actually happens.  It's a good looking building on a pretty ugly stretch of Michigan Avenue right now.  Rennovating this building would go a long way to improving the streetscape.

Anyone have any other details on this?

(Hat tip:  Blarger!)

15 comments:

Matt said...

Thank God. I live in a North-facing condo at 14th and Michigan and have to look at that eyesore everyday.

Other than the stone architecture in the front there seems to be no value. I often hoped someone would rent out the parking lot and tear it down but I hope the renovation is done properly.

Matt said...

Thank God. I live in a North-facing condo at 14th and Michigan and have to look at that eyesore everyday.

Other than the stone architecture in the front there seems to be no value. I often hoped someone would rent out the parking lot and tear it down but I hope the renovation is done properly.

BRENDAN said...

thumbs up----gotta save the "one of a kind" buildings we have in the southloop. Would love to see some renderings...

Chris said...

Good news. Anybody have any info on plans for the parking lots next to this building?

Josh said...

That would be great. I can see into the side of the building from my condo, and it looks as though the interior is basically rotted through, so this would be a true gut rehab, if not a teardown that only maintains the facade. It's also rat infested, I can see them running out of the building at night.

Brianbobcat said...

If I remember correctly, it used to be a furniture warehouse or sales center, something like that, so it's probably built like a rock. I too would like to see some renderings, floor plans, pricing, anything really. If they're ready to sink $3M into the building, you gotta think they have some of these for public release, yes? It's a shame that some people want this building torn down only to be replaced with an almost certainly mediocre glass and concrete structure (not saying all modern buildings are boring).

Anonymous said...

seriously? dO WE REALLY CARE ABOUT ONE DILAPIDATED crap building on south michigan? This is dull and boring, next!

Anonymous said...

This Anon cares. I really hope they're at least keeping the facade of the building. I love the look of the old buildings and think there's too much tearing down over renovating.

MarkChicago said...

Anons never fail to disappoint.

This is great news, looking fwd to some progress. Would love to see what that place looks like inside before & after.

Broomy said...

This building has a ton of potential, can't wait to see what they have planned. Everytime I walk by it, with that great facade and huge flagpoles, I think about what an awesome looking bar you could put in there. But then again, That's what I think about with most old buildings, because I drink way too much. Either way, It's good for the hood.

Anonymous said...

broomy youre not funny, give it up

Chris said...

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2012/11/01/will-south-loop-courthouse-get-its-acutely-needed-tlc.php

Anonymous said...

cribchatter.com/?p=1130

Anonymous said...

thanks for that awesome link from 2007.

Dotard....

Anonymous said...

I heard from some of the people in my condo that a Giordano's Restaurant will be opening on the main floor.