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The crane arrival is an exciting milestone in the construction of a new building. It signifies the development's impending upward expansion, where the real fun begins, and the project's impact on the streetscape and skyline can begin to be felt. The site at 165 North Des Plaines in Chicago recently experienced this momentous event, its tower crane now standing tall above the streets of the West Loop neighbourhood.
The 14-storey residential tower by Gerding Edlen embraces a design that blends urban architecture with green features. A 5,000-square-foot section of the roof will be dedicated to urban farming. In a move to recognize the site's historic past, a garden plaza will provide a contemplative space where users can admire a monument commemorating the Haymarket event. On May 4, 1886, a rally was held at Haymarket Square to protest the police killing of several workers who were striking at the McCormick Reaper Works the day before. Initially peaceful, an unidentified assailant threw a bomb at police who had moved to disperse the crowd. A firefight ensued, killing at least 11 people and wounding many others.
Thankfully the site's future use will be much less anarchic. The new plan for the site also includes a landscaped third floor amenity deck with fire pits and grilling stations. The rooftop 'nest' is set to feature a fitness centre, yoga studio, and lounge situated around a pool deck. Additional conveniences come in the form of a kitchen-equipped party room, library, co-working space and conference rooms, and a play area for dogs.
Designed by GREC Architects, the 199-unit building has been crafted to meet LEED Gold certification. High-efficiency building systems, stormwater harvesting for landscape irrigation, and abundant native plant species will help the project attain that coveted environmental status. The materials from the pre-existing timber warehouse that was demolished to accommodate the new edifice will be partially reused inside.
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