What are your thoughts on the Chicago Spire? (Evanston, Nashville: real estate, to rent)

[destinedtodave]

So, Chicagoans, what are your thoughts in the Chicago Spire? Do you like the fact that Chicago has once again entered the supertall skyscraper race?
Also do you think it will impact the skyline positively?

Personally as a skyscraper enthusiast I am very excited about this project and am glad that the US isn't resting on its laurels anymore. There's supertalls at least proposed for NY, Las Vegas, Miami, and even Nashville. I think the trend will gain momentum as it already has in Dubai, Moscow, China, Taiwan, and South Korea.

[mdz]

I think it is going to be pretty neat overall, my one concern is the whole terrorism issue--is it going to be a big target?

[Drover]

I like the Spire, I think it will be a fine addition to the skyline, and I'm not particularly concerned about the terrorism issue. The World Trade Center was targeted primarily for what it represented (world capitalism) and where it was located (the financial capital of the world and the most symbolic American city). The Spire is basically just a big tall condo building in America's "also-ran" city. Not a lot of symbolic value in knocking it down.

[destinedtodave]

Originally Posted by Drover

I like the Spire, I think it will be a fine addition to the skyline, and I'm not particularly concerned about the terrorism issue. The World Trade Center was targeted primarily for what it represented (world capitalism) and where it was located (the financial capital of the world and the most symbolic American city). The Spire is basically just a big tall condo building in America's "also-ran" city. Not a lot of symbolic value in knocking it down.

Agreed. I also think that the threat of terrorism (or not in this case maybe)
is no reason to not do something as long as it isn't foolhardy. If we change our ways and be all scared and defensive than the terrorists will have won.
I plan on visiting (or living in by then) Chicago when the spire goes up. I think it sucks that there's no observation deck though.

[Drover]

Well, I don't see how an observation deck can be practical given its design. Not a lot of floor space near the top floors.

[Steve-o]

I think most of us guys like the Spire.... it looks like a huge drill bit.

[Avengerfire]

It would be better if it was not downtown. Maybe a few miles south nearer to Hyde Park or north closer to Evanston. It would have a bigger and better impact with the growth of Chicago.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

It would be better if it was not downtown. Maybe a few miles south nearer to Hyde Park or north closer to Evanston. It would have a bigger and better impact with the growth of Chicago.

Economics plays a large part in dictating its location. Real estate in Hyde Park or "closer to Evanston" (Edgewater? Rogers Park?) is not nearly as in-demand as in the River North/Mag Mile area. Building a 140-something-story condo building in either location is just not economically feasible. Not to mention that a 1,500-foot-tall building would be extremely out of character in both areas; on a related note, neither neighborhood is zoned to accommodate anything nearly that tall.

[destinedtodave]

Originally Posted by Drover

Well, I don't see how an observation deck can be practical given its design. Not a lot of floor space near the top floors.

It would only have to take up on floor near the top. It doesn't have to be huge. Oh well, I guess they figured its more profitably to rent it out then charge for tours.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by decafdave

It would only have to take up on floor near the top. It doesn't have to be huge. Oh well, I guess they figured its more profitably to rent it out then charge for tours.

Yep! Bingo! Why use it for tours when some dude will buy a top-floor suite for 5 mil?