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Capri Capital Partners, LLC in a joint venture with Judson Investment Company has announced it will develop 'The Metropolis,' a proposed three phase mixed-use project located at the intersection of South State Street and Pershing Road (39th Street) on the south side of Chicago.
'Beyond economic development for the community, the ultimate design intent of Metropolis is to create a 'city center' for the near south side of Chicago,' said Quintin E. Primo III, Chairman & CEO of Capri. 'Importantly, the project addresses the chronic lack of commercial retail in the area and will offer market rate and affordable housing to the growing community. Twenty percent of the 102 condominiums will be reserved for low- and moderate-income buyers, earning no more than 80% of the area's median per capita income.
'This extraordinary investment in this particular place demonstrates confidence in Chicago's vision for the transformation of places once dominated by decaying public housing into new communities of hope,' said Jonathan F. Fanton, President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and a founder of The Partnership for New Communities, a group of Chicago business and civic leaders dedicated to community revitalization. Primo is a member of The Partnership Board.
'Our mission is not about fixing up a block or two, not about a few high-profile social programs, not about a temporary fix,' Fanton said. 'Transformation means deep, widespread, and permanent change. So, we applaud Quintin and Capri Capital Partners for looking beyond the surface... for listening to what the data were actually saying about the marketplace... for imagining what could be... and for demonstrating the leadership to make it happen.'
'The architectural vision for Metropolis is an abstract expression of Bronzeville's unique cultural history,' said Ross Wimer, Design Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP ('SOM'). 'The building façades recall the repeated musical patterns of blues and jazz and the residential unit layouts invoke harmonious rhythms and the ideals of freedom and flexibility.
'A public venue celebrating African American history and culture will be located in the central, curvilinear public park,' added Wimer. 'It will encourage learning, activity and dialogue between the retail spaces and the public. At the corner of State and Pershing, the proposed digital clock tower announces both the new landmark development and the renaissance of the historic Bronzeville/Grand Boulevard neighborhood.
CB Richard Ellis is the exclusive leasing agent for Metropolis.
'We're extremely encouraged by the anticipated transformation of this market,' said Todd Caruso, Regional Head of Retail for CB Richard Ellis. 'The Metropolis is well-positioned between the Roosevelt Road retail corridor north and new retail development occurring on 87th Street south. The lack of retail supply in the general area should allow the project to readily draw shoppers from the surrounding 15 neighborhood communities.'
'This project is important to the south side, and the numbers speak for themselves,' said Primo. 'According to MetroEdge, approximately $671 million of the total $909 million in mid-south consumer expenditures represent 'retail leakage,' or dollars spent by residents outside their community.'
'The project is historically significant in so many ways,' said Hugh Williams, President and CEO of Judson Investment Company. 'As minority-owned firms, Judson and Capri understand that Metropolis sits in the middle of an underserved area in the early stages of a rebirth. It will attract middle- and upper-income residents that will integrate with existing low-income area residents, who have been denied access to grocery stores and other simple amenities that people want in their neighborhoods.'
The site is bordered by Pershing Road (39th Street) to the North, 40th Street to the South, Chicago Rock Island Railroad Embankment to the West and State Street to the East.
'Beyond economic development for the community, the ultimate design intent of Metropolis is to create a 'city center' for the near south side of Chicago,' said Quintin E. Primo III, Chairman & CEO of Capri. 'Importantly, the project addresses the chronic lack of commercial retail in the area and will offer market rate and affordable housing to the growing community. Twenty percent of the 102 condominiums will be reserved for low- and moderate-income buyers, earning no more than 80% of the area's median per capita income.
'This extraordinary investment in this particular place demonstrates confidence in Chicago's vision for the transformation of places once dominated by decaying public housing into new communities of hope,' said Jonathan F. Fanton, President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and a founder of The Partnership for New Communities, a group of Chicago business and civic leaders dedicated to community revitalization. Primo is a member of The Partnership Board.
'Our mission is not about fixing up a block or two, not about a few high-profile social programs, not about a temporary fix,' Fanton said. 'Transformation means deep, widespread, and permanent change. So, we applaud Quintin and Capri Capital Partners for looking beyond the surface... for listening to what the data were actually saying about the marketplace... for imagining what could be... and for demonstrating the leadership to make it happen.'
'The architectural vision for Metropolis is an abstract expression of Bronzeville's unique cultural history,' said Ross Wimer, Design Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP ('SOM'). 'The building façades recall the repeated musical patterns of blues and jazz and the residential unit layouts invoke harmonious rhythms and the ideals of freedom and flexibility.
'A public venue celebrating African American history and culture will be located in the central, curvilinear public park,' added Wimer. 'It will encourage learning, activity and dialogue between the retail spaces and the public. At the corner of State and Pershing, the proposed digital clock tower announces both the new landmark development and the renaissance of the historic Bronzeville/Grand Boulevard neighborhood.
CB Richard Ellis is the exclusive leasing agent for Metropolis.
'We're extremely encouraged by the anticipated transformation of this market,' said Todd Caruso, Regional Head of Retail for CB Richard Ellis. 'The Metropolis is well-positioned between the Roosevelt Road retail corridor north and new retail development occurring on 87th Street south. The lack of retail supply in the general area should allow the project to readily draw shoppers from the surrounding 15 neighborhood communities.'
'This project is important to the south side, and the numbers speak for themselves,' said Primo. 'According to MetroEdge, approximately $671 million of the total $909 million in mid-south consumer expenditures represent 'retail leakage,' or dollars spent by residents outside their community.'
'The project is historically significant in so many ways,' said Hugh Williams, President and CEO of Judson Investment Company. 'As minority-owned firms, Judson and Capri understand that Metropolis sits in the middle of an underserved area in the early stages of a rebirth. It will attract middle- and upper-income residents that will integrate with existing low-income area residents, who have been denied access to grocery stores and other simple amenities that people want in their neighborhoods.'
The site is bordered by Pershing Road (39th Street) to the North, 40th Street to the South, Chicago Rock Island Railroad Embankment to the West and State Street to the East.
The Metropolis will be an architecturally significant development planned to consist of approximately 1,000,000 square feet. In its first phase of 500,000 square feet, the project will include expansive green space surrounded by two six-story curvilinear buildings of steel and glass. Approximately 330,000 square feet of commercial retail area and 102 residential condominium units are planned in the initial phase at a cost of $155 million. Future phases are planned to include three towers dedicated to residential and hotel uses.
The visionary development will further the economic vitalization and transformation of Chicago's historic Bronzeville/Grand Boulevard community. Both interim construction and permanent employment will be generated for the community due to the substantial investment that the joint venture is making.
'Beyond economic development for the community, the ultimate design intent of Metropolis is to create a 'city center' for the near south side of Chicago,' said Quintin E. Primo III, Chairman & CEO of Capri. 'Importantly, the project addresses the chronic lack of commercial retail in the area and will offer market rate and affordable housing to the growing community. Twenty percent of the 102 condominiums will be reserved for low- and moderate-income buyers, earning no more than 80% of the area's median per capita income.
'This extraordinary investment in this particular place demonstrates confidence in Chicago's vision for the transformation of places once dominated by decaying public housing into new communities of hope,' said Jonathan F. Fanton, President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and a founder of The Partnership for New Communities, a group of Chicago business and civic leaders dedicated to community revitalization. Primo is a member of The Partnership Board.
'Our mission is not about fixing up a block or two, not about a few high-profile social programs, not about a temporary fix,' Fanton said. 'Transformation means deep, widespread, and permanent change. So, we applaud Quintin and Capri Capital Partners for looking beyond the surface... for listening to what the data were actually saying about the marketplace... for imagining what could be... and for demonstrating the leadership to make it happen.'
'The architectural vision for Metropolis is an abstract expression of Bronzeville's unique cultural history,' said Ross Wimer, Design Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP ('SOM'). 'The building façades recall the repeated musical patterns of blues and jazz and the residential unit layouts invoke harmonious rhythms and the ideals of freedom and flexibility.
'A public venue celebrating African American history and culture will be located in the central, curvilinear public park,' added Wimer. 'It will encourage learning, activity and dialogue between the retail spaces and the public. At the corner of State and Pershing, the proposed digital clock tower announces both the new landmark development and the renaissance of the historic Bronzeville/Grand Boulevard neighborhood.
CB Richard Ellis is the exclusive leasing agent for Metropolis.
'We're extremely encouraged by the anticipated transformation of this market,' said Todd Caruso, Regional Head of Retail for CB Richard Ellis. 'The Metropolis is well-positioned between the Roosevelt Road retail corridor north and new retail development occurring on 87th Street south. The lack of retail supply in the general area should allow the project to readily draw shoppers from the surrounding 15 neighborhood communities.'
'This project is important to the south side, and the numbers speak for themselves,' said Primo. 'According to MetroEdge, approximately $671 million of the total $909 million in mid-south consumer expenditures represent 'retail leakage,' or dollars spent by residents outside their community.'
'The project is historically significant in so many ways,' said Hugh Williams, President and CEO of Judson Investment Company. 'As minority-owned firms, Judson and Capri understand that Metropolis sits in the middle of an underserved area in the early stages of a rebirth. It will attract middle- and upper-income residents that will integrate with existing low-income area residents, who have been denied access to grocery stores and other simple amenities that people want in their neighborhoods.'
The site is bordered by Pershing Road (39th Street) to the North, 40th Street to the South, Chicago Rock Island Railroad Embankment to the West and State Street to the East.
6:49 AM - June 5, 2007 - {0} -
View more entries tagged with: Bronzeville, Chicago Retail
So why should Chicago want to host the 2016 Olympic Games? There are countless reasons, but let’s start with the top 16…
(The following is from www.Chicago2016.org)
Top 16 reasons why hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games would be a great opportunity for Chicago:
1) Unite the world in our city for a celebration of sport With its pageantry, sport and celebration on a global scale, this will be the biggest event in our city in our lifetime. This is our generation’s World’s Columbian Exposition or 1933 World’s Fair. 2) Celebrate our love of sport There is no question that Chicagoans are passionate about sport. This event will bring the best in sport to our city. Over 200 countries will be sending their best athletes into our city to perform at the highest levels of competition in our stadiums and in our parks. 3) Share Chicago with the world and raise our international reputation We will have the opportunity to share Chicago and what makes our hometown so special with the worlds’ athletes, guests and over 3.6 billion people who will see our City through the global television broadcast. Newspapers, magazines and television from around the world will create profiles of this beautiful Olympic city. This is our chance to inspire the world - to Stir the Soul™ of the world! 4) Create a global sporting legacy for Chicago Already a professional sport powerhouse, Chicago will become known as one of the world centers of all sport. New venues will allow us to experience sports, like track and field, swimming and rowing among many others, before and after the games through participation and by hosting events. 5) Act as catalyst for widespread urban revitalization Situating the temporary stadium Washington Park will help revitalize a beautiful part of the City. The Athletes’ Village will create mixed-use community right on the lake front, again acting as a central point for improvement of an entire neighborhood on the South Side. It will also act as a magnet for attracting more people to live in the Loop. 6) Generate economic benefits before the Games The construction of new venues and infrastructure improvements means new jobs. Being an Olympic host city will attract domestic and international companies to open offices or even possibly move their headquarters here. This wave of new businesses means economic development and new jobs. 7) Generate economic benefits during the games Over six million incremental tourists from around the world staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants, taking rides in our cabs. Employers in the service industry will need to hire additional help to service the guests thereby creating new jobs. 8) Generate economic benefits after the Games Tourists will come to our Olympic City in increasing numbers years after the Games to remember and relive the 2016 spectacle, see the venues, and experience Chicago firsthand. 9) Accelerate planned infrastructure improvements Hosting the Games will fast track key capital projects, especially transportation related initiatives, to coincide with the Olympiad. 10) Experience world-class athletics and the values of Olympic sport – in our own backyard This is our chance to see the best athletes in the world compete in our parks and stadiums, demonstrating not only the most amazing level of competition the world has to offer, but also the values that make the Olympic movement singular – fair play, friendship, hope, inspiration, and joy in effort. 11) Capitalize on the educational benefits Our children will be exposed to the athletes and cultures of the world. This global Olympic Movement is a great educational tool for geography, culture, history etc. The City and Chicago 2016 will create many programs focused on our youth that will enrich our children and broaden their understanding of sport and the world. 12) Enjoy great cultural events Beyond sport, this event will bring world class singers, actors, dance, theatre, etc. into our city. The Games will be a cultural celebration with events throughout the city - many of them free to the public. 13) Get motivated to get in shape The Games will be inspiration for Chicagoans to live healthier lives by embracing fitness and wellness activities. 14) Appreciate Chicago’s distinctiveness even more You will learn surprising and amazing things about Chicago and Chicagoans you never knew before that will make you even prouder that you live here. 15) Meet new extraordinary people By hosting the Games, we will attract broad range of domestic and international visitors to the Windy City who we can learn from and share experiences. Chicago will become the World’s second home. 16) Have fun and show your pride This will be a great time, the streets will be alive, and our people will be a big part of the experience. This will be an incredible source of pride for everyone who lives here. And, more fun than you can imagine!
8:04 PM - April 12, 2007 - {0} -
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Chicago Green Festival
April 21-22, 2007
McCormick Place/Lakeside
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago – (Third level, Hall D1)
Celebrate Earth Day Weekend with us at the first annual Chicago Green Festival – where there is something for everyone!
Top Ten Reasons to Go to Green Festival:
- Discover how Chicago is becoming a national leader in city greening at the City Of Chicago Pavilion.
- Laugh and play with your family in the Organic Valley Kids’ Zone.
- Visit the Kitchen Table to learn how your voice can be heard; and see how others have found their voices at the Green Film Festival.
- Move your body in ways you’ve never imagined in the Movement Room.
- Get inspired by renowned speakers offering a variety of practical solutions to today’s most crucial issues.
- Realize that, “Gee, organic food really does taste better,” at the FamilyFarmed.org Farmers Market.
- Enjoy guilt-free shopping, and maybe even find some unique Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduation gifts.
- Snack on free fair trade coffee and chocolate in the Fair Trade Pavilion, and feel good about the world even after the buzz wears off.
- Make your home a haven that is not only beautiful but also healthy and kind to the earth.
- Find your green dream career, and network with visionary business leaders.
Speakers include . . .
Amy Goodman – Jim Hightower - Greg Palast - Dennis Kucinich – Mayor Richard M. Daley (invited) – Frances Moore Lappé –Howard Lyman – Commissioner Sadhu Johnston (invited) - Bill McKibben – Riane Eisler – Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins- David Korten - Kevin Danaher - Alisa Gravitz - John Perkins - Van Jones - Paul Stamets – Debra Shore and 100 other local and national visionary leaders
Check out hands-on workshops in the areas of . . .
Green Careers - Community and Social Investing - Greening Your Home & Office - Responsible Travel - Green Technology and Building
And don't miss these additional attractions . . .
Music Stage with local talent - Firelight Rising, The Giving Tree Band, Cynthia Lin, Tiger Moon and more • Organic Beer and Wine Garden • Organic Dining • SustainLane E-Lounge • Green Festival Bookstore • Power Foods Pavilion • Community Action Area
All at a nearly zero waste event!
Your all-inclusive admission is just $10.00 per day!
Half price for students with ID/seniors/bike riders/those using public transportation!
SAVE with our Special Weekend Membership FastPass for just $19 – good for 2 adults and all children under 18 – for the entire Weekend! You’ll also receive a free organic cotton T-shirt!
Sign up as a Green Fest Volunteer and get in FREE!
Register at www.greenfestivals.org
Read more online!
9:02 AM - March 9, 2007 - {0} -
View more entries tagged with: Green Building
The Metropolis is a $155 million mixed-use project which will include 330,000 square feet of retail and two six story buildings totaling 102 residential condos. Quintin E. Primo III, Chairman and CEO of the development group Capri Capital Partners LLC has said that the design intent is to create a city center for the Near South Side. The Project is a joint venture with Judson Investment Co. Both companies are based in Chicago.
The project, which ultimately could total 1 million square feet, has been designed by Ross Wimer, a partner at Skidmore Owings & Merrill. The retail portion of the site will be bordered by Pershing Road, 40th Street, a Chicago Rock Island Railroad embankment and State Street. The project, expected to take two years to complete, is scheduled to start in early 2008.
5:33 PM - February 21, 2007 - {0} -
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Chicagoans who buy new housing in low-income areas prefer homes that are integrated into the neighborhood, not isolated from it, says a report by University of Illinois at Chicago researchers in the Journal of the American Planning Association.
This study found that home buyers are willing to spend considerably more (33-50%) for homes in single-family or small multi-family buildings with entrances that face the street and parking that faces the alley. Buyers also favor relatively short setbacks from the street and construction materials similar to those used in neighboring buildings.
The researchers believe that the value differential implies that buyers of these homes recognize the connections of this housing to the neighborhoods.
The study evaluated three different housing designs (Infill, Traditional Neighborhood Development and Enclave) while looking at 6 different Chicago neighborhoods, including Ukrainian Village and Bronzeville.
Infill is housing build on various lots by different developers. These homes visually compliment the surrounding housing. Infil is common in neighborhoods where lots become available at different times, often because of the demolotion of deteriorated buildings. Traditional neighborhood development is large planned development that maintains the neighborhood's street grid. Enclave are self contained complexes, often gated and very separated from its surroundings.
This study is an affirmation to the urbanists who believe that the best way to revitalize urban neighborhoods is to respect and augment rather than attempt to transform them into another type of neighborhood entirely.
8:24 PM - February 7, 2007 - {0} -
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Bears Fever is an amazing illness(?). Look around and you will see people who don't even know who Devin Hester is, mumbling Go Bears to strangers. Twenty one years ago was no different. On January 23, 1986 Sir George Solti and his accomplices (The CSO and CSO Chorus) shocked patrons (still reveling in a post Tchaikovsky-List concert glow) by donning Bears sweatshirts and as the maestro lifted his baton, breaking into music sweet to all Chicagoans.
CSO perform Bear Down Chicago Bears-- FREE Download
Chicago Symphony Orchestra and ChorusSir Georg Solti conductorMargaret Hillis chorus directorJanuary 23, 1986 – recorded live in Orchestra Hall by 98.7 WFMT
“Bear Down, Chicago Bears” by Jerry DownsLyricsBear down, Chicago Bears,Make every play clear the way to victory!Bear down, Chicago Bears,Put up a fight with a might so fearlessly.We’ll never forget the way you thrilled the nationWith your “T” formation.Bear down, Chicago Bears,And let ’em know why you’re wearing the crown.You’re the pride and joy of Illinois,Chicago Bears, bear down! ©Chicago Bears©1998 Chicago Symphony Orchestra
6:24 PM - January 22, 2007 - {0} -
View more entries tagged with: Chicago Bears
Andersonville was recently named as one of the top ten eco friendly neighborhoods in the country by Natural Home Magazine. They picked urban neighborhoods that encourage the healthy, eco-conscious good life. They chose neighborhoods that boast community involvement; shopping, libraries and schools within a walkable area; public transportation; and locally owned businesses.
Some of the top ten neighborhoods are more affordable than others, but most have mixed-income housing and relatively diverse populations. Of course all had numerous parks, green spaces and neighborhood gathering spaces. Many also have farmer’s markets and community gardens.
Their description of Andersonville:
ANDERSONVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD
Located near Lake Michigan, Andersonville has strong Swedish roots, a unique commercial district, and well-preserved vintage walk-up flats and apartments.
Curb appeal:
- Revival of Clark Street’s locally owned cafés, antique shops, galleries, experimental theaters, bookstores and other shops
- Mix of people and cultures: many female business owners, Middle Eastern restaurants, thriving Hispanic commercial area
- Two community gardens; a dozen nearby parks
- Cheap rent compared with other area neighborhoods
It is nice to see a Chicago neighborhood recognized!
2:47 PM - January 6, 2007 - {0} -
View more entries tagged with: Eco Friendly, Chicago Neighborhoods
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