$213M Transit Center OK'd for Block 37

The Chicago Transit Board has authorized the financing and development of a $213.3 million subway station at Block 37 in downtown Chicago.

Project advancement depends on the city of Chicago's reaching a formal agreement with Virginia-based Mills Corp. for the overall redevelopment of the site.

The new CTA station would serve as the main terminal for a new, premium express rail service to both O'Hare and Midway Airports. Construction of the terminal and an underground track connecting the CTA's Blue and Red Lines would constitute the first phase of the development of the express train service, but CTA would begin operating local rail service to O'Hare and Midway upon opening of the retail portion of the development.

Mills would pay $40.9 million of the project cost. The remaining $172.4 million is expected to be funded by the CTA and the city of Chicago. The CTA expects to use capital funds for up to $130 million and is working with the city to finalize an agreement for the remaining $42.4 million.

As a public/private project, the transit terminal is eligible for low-cost, long term financing through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. The CTA will work with Mills to apply for this financing.

Construction of the Block 37 station would constitute the first phase of the overall development process for the express train service. Subsequent phases will proceed as funding becomes available. Conceptual plans envision a premium amenity, premium fare airport express service that, in cooperation with airlines, could accommodate a future full service air terminal with ticketing, passenger check-in and baggage checking.

850 Lofts Coming To Southwest Side

University Commons, a redevelopment of the former South Water Market on Chicago's near Southwest Side, will result in a total of 850 new loft residences.

The South Water Market once served as the city's main wholesale produce market, and six, three-story warehouse buildings are clad in terra cotta.

The five city-block property lies between 14th Place and 15th Street and between Morgan and Racine streets just south of the University of Illinois at Chicago campus.

The facility encompasses a variety of floor plans. Two-bedroom units offer 817 sq. ft. to 1,226 sq. ft. of living space. Three-bedroom plans offer 1,247 sq. ft. to 1,642 sq. ft.
Two other major developments nearby include University Village and Roosevelt Square.

Brick-By-Brick Move For Platt Facade

The facade of the historic Platt Luggage Building in Chicago will be dismantled brick by brick and moved two blocks for reassembly.

The project was announced by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority as preparation starts for the construction of the McCormick Place West Building, which will rise on the site where Platt is.

The Platt building, which was originally constructed in 1908 at 2301 S. Prairie Ave., has historical significance because famed architect Howard Van Doren Shaw designed it in the Beaux Arts style.

Under steps to be carried out over several months, the facade will be dismantled, and individual pieces will be inventoried and catalogued according to their current position. They will be moved to the corner of Cermak Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, where they will be reassembled in their original configuration.

There, the facade will serve as a permanent screen for the Trigen-Peoples Energy Corp. facility and serve as the first glimpse convention-goers and other visitors will see of the McCormick Place campus. It will also be adjacent to the Donnelley Printing Plant, another Shaw commission.

Marianjoy Hospital Slated for Renovation

The Chicago office of Gilbane Building Co. has announced that it has begun construction of a $55 million hospital for Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton.

The project is slated for completion in October 2005.

The 175,000-sq.-ft. replacement hospital will be built on an existing parking lot to preserve open space and will include 120 private rooms, wellness center, meditation room, chapel and parking. The existing hospital will become an expanded outpatient facility.

A substantial amount of landscaping is planned for the project, including a labyrinth garden.

The project's first phase includes site utility relocations, temporary surface parking and selective demolition. This will be done to begin construction of a four-level, precast concrete parking structure for 517 cars.

Michigan Avenue Towers To Become River Museum

One of Chicago's most famous sites will soon become a new cultural attraction.

Two of the four towers guarding the Michigan Avenue Bridge and overlooking the skyscraper-surrounded river will become the Chicago River Museum and Chicago River Center.

Friends of the Chicago River announced the $1.5 million project that will transform the southwest tower of the Michigan Avenue Bridge into the river museum and the northeast tower into the river cultural center.

Residents and tourists will enter the renovated southwest bridge to learn about the influence, history and well-being of the Chicago River. They will learn about the river's role as a catalyst for economic development and historical significance during the city's birth and growth, as well as its environmental strength and recreational uses.

After the museum's opening in the summer of 2004, Friends anticipates the River Museum to be open six days a week from April through October.

The local office of Hong Kong-based McBride Kelly Baurer is the architect, and Chicago-based Cotter Consulting is the project manager.

Four Condos to Rise on West Side

Four condominiums projects were announced for Chicago's West Side.

They comprise One, Two and 14 South Levitt, each new construction. In addition, the Groomes Building, formerly known as the Velmar Hotel on Washington Street, will be renovated.

Chicago-based Pattison Associates LLC is developing the projects and serving as the general contractor.

The projects represent about $18.1 million in acquisition, design and construction costs.

The area, sometimes known as West Town, originally began as a manufacturing center in the early 1800s and held lumber years, foundries and flour mills. In 1851, the city of Chicago annexed it.

Peoria Site Targeted as French Quarter of Midwest

Peoria Construction Co. has unveiled plans to develop a two-story, mixed-use complex in Peoria Heights called Heritage Square.

Desiring to bring something different to the area, Michael Lewis, owner of the firm, drew inspiration from the French Quarter in New Orleans.

The 75,000-sq.-ft. will feature the quarter's Spanish-style wrought ironwork, an open courtyard plaza, and sheltered walkways to accommodate pedestrians in all kinds of weather.

Tenants from a local, regional and national level are being sought. Anchored by a financial institution and an insurance company, Heritage Square will offer tenants 1,500-sq.-ft. retail/office spaces. Parking is expected to accommodate more than 200 vehicles both on-site and off-street.

Allied Has Cicero Facility

East Rutherford, N.J.-based Allied Building Products Corp. has announced a new facility in Cicero.

The location will enable the firm to service its customer base with residential and commercial roofing materials and systems, siding, windows, lumber, shakes, waterproofing and more, the firm said.