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| Renderings of British School of Chicago's South Loop Campus (via Chicago Architecture Blog) |
First, the Chicago Architecture Blog had a nice recap on the plans (including renderings) of the new school and parks. Apparently CAB feels that the proposals were relatively well received by residents at the meeting:
Plans for a new campus of the British School of Chicago were shown to the public this weekend, and may have gone a long way towards assuaging neighborhood fears.
The thoroughly greenwashed building was well received by a group of South Loop residents who saw the drawings and a presentation by architect Joseph Antunovich of Antunovich Associates at the District One police station. It will be built in the “Phase Three” section of the Roosevelt Collection (150 West Roosevelt Road), which is immediately north of the existing building.Their post has some great info and is definitely worth a read if you're interested in the topic.
On another note, a friend of the blog was at the meeting and specifically found something else surprising at the event:
I attended the community meeting Saturday morning, so I wanted to provide an update on the British School development, as well as the proposed changes to the park we were presumed to be getting as part of the Roosevelt Collection development.
First, it's important for everyone to know that, at the behest of the city council's Zoning Committee (headed by our new/2015 Alderman, Danny Solis), all zoning changes/requests will be handled by the alderman under the 2015 ward map. Interesting to note that Ald. Solis pushed for these changes, but was NOT at this meeting. His Chief of Staff, Vicente Sanchez (vicente.sanchez@cityofchicago.org), appeared toward the end of the meeting, and we were able to briefly address our concerns with him then. I will also be sending a follow-up email to him, as well as to Aldermen Solis and Fioretti (you know, the guy we actually elected to represent us). I encourage anyone that has concerns about these developments to also voice their concerns through these avenues.
As they stand, these proposals (for the school and parks) represent a departure from the planned development passed in 2007, which required a 96,000 sq ft park to be built. If you remember, this park was proposed to be built at the bottom of stairs current providing foot access to Roosevelt Collection (picture attached). As of right now, the modification for this planned development has been filed by the developer and details are being worked out. The developer said he expected a full City Council vote in the Spring, with the British School aiming for a December 2014 opening.
Personally, I am not as concerned about the school as I am about the park. We were promised, and in fact it was written into law, a 96,000 square foot public park (see attachment for original rendering). Instead, we have been given a private "open space" that advances the interests of the developer, but does little to help connect our neighborhood to this development, as was intended. I'm hoping we can send something around to owners urging them to voice any concerns and that the board will keep us updated on any future community meetings or updates on these projects.
Maybe everyone didn't receive these proposals so well! Seems like there is still a lot of uncertainty around this whole thing. Should be interesting to see how it plays out.
On the other hand the ward thing is pretty f'd up! For some more background on this here is a Chicago Sun-Times article from last week discussing Alderman Solis' decision to push ahead on the new ward map.
If you went to the meeting do you have anything additional to add? Even if you didn't, what are your thoughts?
(Hat tip: S!)
On the other hand the ward thing is pretty f'd up! For some more background on this here is a Chicago Sun-Times article from last week discussing Alderman Solis' decision to push ahead on the new ward map.
If you went to the meeting do you have anything additional to add? Even if you didn't, what are your thoughts?
(Hat tip: S!)
42 comments:
Oh wow that is original, I think River City has one just like it. Way to integrate with the rest of the neighborhood. If it is only accessible through the Roosevelt Collection does that make it Roosevelt Collection Park? Does that make it a private park? Oh never mind I see the public park, that patch of grass to the north of the school, that should do.
That is an awesome space for RC residents and customers. Now they can profit more by charging more rent. Why don't we just build them their own bio-dome, that way they can be self-sustaining too. I am glad the people on the ground level get to deal with all of the scenery and congestion from their parking garage below. Oh sweet we also get a soccer field so we can deal with the headache of soccer moms double parking to drop off orange slices. Rich snobby soccer moms at that, double yay.
You know what they should knock down? That Daniel Burnham building to the north, don't want it to interfere with the view from their park.
I do not know how they pulled of that design it is very impressive. Look at the angles of the rectangular building, it almost looks like a shoe box with windows. But then they do the unexpected and put some grass on top. Brilliant!!
You know what would make this design better? A moat, draw bridge, and some ropes hanging from the side of the building for the daring that wish use their park. Just watch out for the tar and flaming arrows.
This plan sucks.
I like the rooftop park idea as it will be harder for dogs to take over, but man will the traffic be awful on wells during the school year.
This proposal is based on a flawed premise: that the land is the developer's to develop. It isn't. Roosevelt Collection is currently required by law to build a two-acre park open to the public during Park District hours. They may, but aren't required to, dedicate it to the Park District.
Instead, they're proposing two things that are sort of like parks. One is an artificial-turf substandard practice field that will be controlled by the British School. The other is some landscaping on top of a two-story building. The only way to get up there from the north is to find the hidden stairway set into the west side of the building, and when you do you'll discover it's controlled by the shopping center security guards. Think there's any chance you'll be allowed to walk your dog, play ball, grill some burgers, play music, make a student film, or hold a peaceful demonstration up there?
There are lots of places in the South Loop where the British School could build a building (and a proper-size soccer field) without taking away the park that's been required since 1991.
joe nobody cares about the dogs anymore except us I feel like. I just hate it when others get special treatment it just makes me so dang angry. Aye yi yi!
"hold a peaceful demonstation"? wow the hippies are taking over.
And you wonder why its taking so long for people to open businesses here. People are more concerned where their dog is gonna do its business than filling up vacant retail and developing land. Green space is important but these comments about this RC park and it being more important than filling up RC or the British School being willing to build here is ridiculous
Dogs destroyed the turf at the "public" park at State and Harrison. At least twice, the grass was completely removed and replaced. Now, it's kelly-green astro turf, no doubt slick with Fido's urine. Lovely.
Dogs completely destroyed all the shrubbery along the east side of the park in Printer's Row. One by one, they turned yellow, then brown, then were removed. Now, there's a big rock for them to pee on next to the Transportation Building on the east side. They pee-burned the yew plants on the northPlus, dogs necessitated replacing ground cover and installing metal fences around all the green spaces in this park because of their digging.
The park behind Dearborn Station is littered with dog crap. Dog crap and urine on the sidewalks is a very common sight. Sandmeyer's Bookstore had to post a sign asking dog owners to please not let their animals piss all over the historic building. Same with SRO and Caterina's restaurants on Dearborn.
Dogs are good animals, but we have an insane saturation of them in this neighborhood already. Frankly, I think it's cruel to have them penned up in apartments for 8+ hours at a time. I like dogs. I'm not a hater.
But this area has bent over backwards to cater to dog owners. Hell, there's even a dedicated public dog park.
Would be nice to have at least one park in the hood left undestroyed by dogs.
Oh, but of course, every dog owner reading this is ever so careful, and would never let precious little Comiskey do anything naughty.
That nice, shiny tower to the north of the school building looks absolutely terrible.
wow the negative feedback on this blog is so idiotic. You would think, by reading all this dribble, that dogs have ruined any pleasant experience one might have in the south loop. The city bends over backwards for many different groups not just dog owners. Bike lanes for instance-- for the 6 bikers that run down dearborn each day.
And in more good news...
http://www.suntimes.com/business/17885074-420/casino-would-improve-odds-for-makeover-of-old-post-office.html
Yuck.
Wow Cherise your in-depth feedback truly is epic
"duh this looks dumb duuuhhhh"
Thanks for the astute feedback on my comment. I'll take it into consideration the next time I don't want to live sandwiched between a casino and a random silver apartment tower.
They get a green space and the residents north of the RC lose valuable street parking and get the increased congestion and traffic from the new school. It will essentially feel inaccessible to the non-RC residents and be more like the park on River City. A nice large staircase will not do much to reduce the physical separation or the insular feeling the separation creates. There will be an undeniable disconnect from the surrounding area. However, some of this can be fixed.
There needs to be more integration and that is the key difference from the other parks being built on roofs or over garages today. These new parks slope from one tier to the other with man made hills. Maggie Daley Park is a perfect example of this, and not only does it make more of a fluid connection, but it also adds much needed dimension and depth to the space. This can also be seen with the parking structure at 31st Street beach, the use of hills creates a seamless connection between two spaces. This is seen above the off ramps at Congress and Wells, why not implement what is already being used throughout the city. It is being used for the very same reason, space is less sectioned of by man made obstacles this way. Boundaries are softened and space will feel less insular.
With McCaffrey’s future phases planned to be at the lower level on Financial it would be beneficial for the developer to better connect the spaces, rather than build a box with grass on top of it and a staircase. Even if there were multiple tiers that worked their way down to the space below I think people would feel better about it. For an example of this look at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust.
They can build something similar crossing over 9th street and connecting that small patch of grass they are going to add at Financial and 9th. They can make an over pass over 9th and make some open space to let light in below, this has been used in other cities in the US and abroad.
Too bad there is no solution for building too many apartments and creating an almost impossible area to navigate in the future.
so if you dont agree with it, move. Seriously, if it upsets you this much, simply move out. Personally it does not bother me one bit, I like it better than an empty, sleezy lot.
But to sit here and constantly b*&^h and moan about it is useless. Its very easy to understand--- don't like it then simply move. If you dont want to move then simply shutup.
"Simply moving out" doesn't really work so well when you own the property. And if you're a vagrant who'll just pick up and move your crap somewhere else, why bother reading a neighborhood blog?
@Anon 11:23 AM - Dogs don't ruin any experience, just all of the green space.
I live on a park and my previous property was on park ( cottontail). There has never been a dog problem re: #2 all over and burnt out bushes.
I have never owned a dog simply vbecause of allergies but can attest to living amongst them for almost 20 yrs without a problem. To say they ruin all the green space is ludacris.
I agree with anon at 308
the dog hating on this site is unreal. Dogs r everywhere not just in the south loop. Some people just need to yak about something to feel important I guess
Geesh with the temper, it seems like some people are venting, expressing concerns, and sharing ideas. The only one here doing the b*&^hing and moaning is the person telling people to move. As members of the community it is our civic duty to voice our opinions through open dialogue and be proactive in the community. There are people that invested in this area in reliance of a park being built that would meet "typical" expectations of a park. The proposed park with the school does not meet those expectations and is a far deviation from what was promised.
With a "typical" park as people were led to believe would be built, people were excited about an unencumbered space to resort to for relaxation. With a school there it is anything but that, you have to deal with traffic and restrictions on use of the space. There is a disconnect from the green space and the rest of the community other than the Roosevelt Collection. This will not make it feel like a public space, and with it only being level with the shopping mall it will become an overcrowded mall hangout. People have some legitimate concerns.
I do no think this idea should be completely dismissed, I think the plan needs to be restructured. I do like the idea of better integration that would better connect the two levels. That is probably the best idea on here.
As far as dog poop goes, there is a serious problem that does not exist throughout the South Loop just some pockets, in particular Dearborn Park, Printers Row, and the area around Polk and Financial. It is really bad. I see people every morning walking dogs without bags or late night make a beeline for those said areas where there is less foot traffic. This is an owner problem, not a dog problem. I dogs are easier to like than most people (personal opinion).
And for those people who are concerned about just filling the space and not looking at vacant space need to relax. The vacant lots are ugly, but the land is in the shadows of the loop it will be filled, this is why we should be selective and not settle for less.
This space should be well planned for the best interest of the area in the long run, not for immediate gains from a soon to be over saturated apartment market. In 20 years most of these new proposed structures will look as dated as the buildings along North Sheridan. People are too set on instant gratification, they want this are to have restaurants and bars. They want it to be Lincoln Park or Old Town overnight, it will get there. You do not want to force growth, you want organic growth at a steady pace.
The dogs poop therefore the dogs are bad mentality is poor logic and bad finger pointing. The problem is not the dogs it is the owners and lack of accountability.
Well, I like it! Looks nice...would be much better than the desolate lots and mud that is there now...its an eyesore at the moment. Yeah..less parking...more dog feces...blah...blah...
Happy to see that people have strong opinions (even if a bit argumentative at times) and are looking out for whats best for their neighborhood.
Plus being that its a British school it should bring some much needed decorum and manners in to the South Loop....disclaimer...I am British... :-b
Anyone else concerned about zoning decisions in our neighborhood being made by people we didn't elect? I know this is Chicago, but that seems ridiculous.
I live on cottontail park in Dearborn park II......I walk my dog there and Dearborn Park I and can guarantee you there is not a dog poop problem. Most people just need something to complain about. This rendering looks fine get over it and get back to work, NIMBY's
It's a workable design given the layout of the street level in that block. It does seem that the only objections are coming from dog owners. The benefit of having a private school there outweighs the fact that dog owners will have to use the small green space instead of a block-wide park. These parents will bring their money to Roosevelt Collection which will bring more retail. Would you rather them spend their money in another part of the city instead of the SoLo? I wouldn't. Dogs don't spend money and they don't add to the character of a neighborhood.
It doesnt feel like dog owners are the ones venting but rather its just random haters that are using this topic as a platform to trash talk dogs as they have in blogs past. This school would be another step closer in really solidifying the neighborhood with quality education options. If the only fouL cry with this is some people who want to have the park 100% public well I would say youre losing that battle and to just deal with it.
Overall a solid plan and hope this moves forward.
This dog issue isn't relevant right now. Where's the 2+ acre public park promised to the community? The developer got all the benefits of the planned development and then changes it right before we get the park? I don't think so.
I mean kudos to the developer for pulling land out of his ass here, but it's not his land to develop. If he wants to put the British School here, why doesn't he give the community a better park at street level (instead of a turf field) or better yet, why doesn't he give us the park that was promised and put the British School on one of the other parts of this enormous vacant area that he owns? Oh right, he won't do that because he wants to build 3 high rises there. Too bad. People that live around here have been waiting for this park for YEARS.
What's next? Is McCaffrey going to put his new high rises 40 ft above the street level and connect everything over our heads with pedestrian bridges going to the Roosevelt Collection, leaving just parking podiums on the street level (Because I saw just that in some of his previous renderings)?
Where does the accommodation for their above-grade development stop?
This development needs a connection to people living and traveling from the north, not a closed off island oriented only to the Roosevelt Road highway.
I'm happy with the plan. This is downtown in a giant city. So what if there's more traffic? Bring on the density. I hope they go real grass with the soccer field, as it looks better and is good for the air. How hard on a field can British school students be?
As for the dog issue, please come and look at the little courtyard/park with the fountain in Printer's Row, around 600 s. Dearborn. You will indeed see that there is no remaining vegetation on the east side and plenty of burned bushes along the south side. When you visit, please be careful to avoid the turds and streams of urine running from building walls to the curb.
I don't hate dogs. I hate that our area gets trashed by idiot dog owners who should know better.
Another thing: I have lived in Printer's Row for 13 years now. Over and over, I see young couples come in, have a baby, then disappear once the kid(s) get near school age. Would be great to have at least some families stay on in the area, and a school like this could help.
Here's an old marketing video from Roosevelt Collection, park discussion begins around the 1:20 mark. A far cry from what's being proposed now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HqKislBCDPI
WOW !!!
You people sound like a bunch of bratty little girls. Get over it! Not everything works out, not everybody gets their "park". So you say you have been mislead? Well guess what it happens, the sooner you absolute pathetic wastes begin to realize this the better!
Wahhh wahhhhh mommy I want my park!!! Mommy that building is ugly to me waaaahhhhhhhhh!
GET.OVER.IT.
In case anyone wants to jump ship and check out some of the more productive conversations about the project.
I am tired of the poop and babies chatter.
http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2013/01/28/plans-for-roosevelt-collection-british-school-campus-go-public.php#reader_comments
http://blog.chicagoarchitecture.info/2013/01/26/details-of-the-british-schools-south-loop-expansion/
Oh of course, why should anyone hold developers and the city accountable for promises made to the community. What nonsense. Is that you, McCaffrey?
sorry but the previous poster is right....get over it. R u going to kick and scream all week /month/year/decade over this?
This is the problem with urban living, people think they are owed all these priveliges but in reality you simply do not matter, so yes get over it. Or sit there and blog some more about how you hate it, no one is listening anyway
Is it correct to say that British's Schools tuition is as much as $27,000 a year?! What about the push for a neighborhood high school? Alderman Fioretti is pushing this for the community now, but once he's gone, then what? It was VERY disappointing to hear Alderman Dowell's LACK of committment to this issue for the community...
Chi-townChinatownResident you must have missed the news that the push for a neighborhood school is falling apart: http://www.sloopin.com/2013/01/jones-college-prep-doubles-enrollment.html
To all the anonymous stone-throwers saying "move on:"
This is not a case of bitching and moaning about a decision that's already been made. The developer needs the city to approve this change to the Planned Development Ordinance, and the city will look to Ald. Solis and Ald. Fioretti for guidance. So now is exactly the time for neighbors to express opinions to the aldermen and to community organizations.
I am only for this plan if the mall security has to dress like the Queen's Guard and the field is NOT grass. How is we supposed to get in a good game of foot covered in mud?
The issue is that South Loop is growing as well as the surrounding community and there is a HUGE NEED for a quality neighborhood high school. Alderman Fioretti is the ONLY elected official that understands this need and Alderman Dowell was non-committal to this issue. Yes, Jones will not be a neighborhood high school and both CPS & the Mayor has IGNORED this need and the voices of the community - SHAME ON THEM! Alderman Fioretti has not given up on the community or this need so instead of "falling apart" as commented by Anonymous on 2/2 it's "finding an alternative & not giving up"... hate to live in your household - must be pretty dark in there...
Good Lord you people crack me up..
to Mr. Downtown/etc : you lost. Your thoughts are not being taken into consideration. They are moving on without you, stepping on you like a used cigarette. The sooner you realize that youre not some liason for "the pople" the better. I hate to see all you rougue bloggers get so disappointed all the time.
The push for a neighborhood high school HAS NOT STOPPED! Thank you Alderman Fioretti! http://www.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/17949291-474/south-loop-needs-a-high-school.html
WHY DOES THE SOUTHLOOP "NEED" A HIGH SCHOOL?
I don't have kids nor do I plan to, but I think for the area to continue growing it needs a high school. Someone shared this link earlier - http://www.cps.edu/Schools - and the statistics for the area high schools are REALLY sad. A less than 50% graduation rate...a 14 avg ACT score... Yeah that would send me to the suburbs too no matter how much I love city life. A neighborhood is not sustainable with only those that don't kids or those that can afford private school.
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