Making good on our promise to attend the next Maryville community meeting, we ventured to Uptown, eager to learn more about JDL Development's plans for the site. And we were rewarded with a rendering of the 332-foot tall south tower, as seen from Montrose and Clarendon. Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture has crafted a glassy, L-shaped tower, with recessed areas in the facade for some visual interest. Pedestrians won't have to endure a featureless parking podium at street-level, as the building touches the ground lightly with columns and two stories of full-height glass. A large amenity space is set atop the base, which includes a park visible to passersby. The building's 87,000-square foot retail component will run along Montrose Ave.
A number of changes to the project were addressed at last night's meeting. Two floors of parking in the south tower have been relocated below grade, allowing the base to be shortened from 62 to 42 feet. Unfortunately, 80 additional parking spaces have been added, raising the total number of spots to 637. The base of the 10-story north building will be lined with two-story townhomes. Also, the number of affordable housing units has been cut sharply from 20 percent to around 5 percent. However, as these things work, JDL will pay into a fund to subsidize affordable housing in other areas around the city. Green walls have been added to the west sides of both buildings and a pocket park is planned for Montrose. Amenities will include a fitness center, pool, party room, lounge, and a cybercafe. JDL hopes to break ground in less than a year. As before, there was little pushback from area residents. More to come!
·Two Buildings Proposed For Old Maryville Site In Uptown [Curbed Chicago]
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