By Ed Lowe
Senior Writer
Preparations are under way for a ground breaking of the new condo high rise at Fairbanks and Ohio streets in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood. The unique property was designed by noted architect Helmut Jahn, whose other works include the Loop's Thompson Center and modern structures world wide.
In his introduction to this new property, being built by the Urban R2 - Schatz partnership at 600 North Fairbanks, Jahn, a Chicagoan by adoption, said that his basic reason for settling in Chicago was his admiration for the work of famous modernist Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. After completing his graduate education at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Jahn joined the firm which became known as Murphy-Jahn.
At an opening reception presented by the principals in the building, Jahn was introduced by Gary Rosenberg of Urban R2 Development - Schatz. Rosenberg said that 50 percent of the units in the condo are already under contract. Later, Rosenberg told Inside that pricing of the units will range from $400 to $600 per square foot depending on the floor and view afforded in the 40- story building. Units in the building have outdoor balconies and are available in one, two and three bedroom models.
Jahn, speaking at the presentation, credited much of the work on the property to his associate Gordon Beckman. In explaining his architectural philosophy, Jahn said that "the grandeur of an apartment is related to the height of its ceilings. In the old properties, high ceilings tended to add this aura of elegance and that is something we tried to achieve in this new property. We also used wood floors to give that same feeling because we feel that things that cost a lot shouldn't be covered up."
Jahn described the building as "minimalistic, a quality that comes from leaving out of the building elements that are unnecessary. The real art is taking away the unnecessary things—the overly decorated and overly ornate."
Jahn also expressed his distaste for post-modern architecture that is so evident in properties built during the 1980s. He said that, looking at them now, they seem dowdy whereas buildings like the Sears Tower and the John Hancock still seem fresh and forward looking.
To see models and secure information about the property, visit the sales center at 610 N. Fairbanks Ct. |
