why demolish and then rebuild? I don't understand the point of "rebuilding", sorry. I was in favor of keeping this building, but since it's gone, just build a better looking hotel.
From a TOD standpoint this is a pretty good idea, especially since people will be albe to metro into and stay on the Loop. With a streetcar the experience would be even better, especially if it connects to the West End. The hotel isn't very appealing and seeing the "salvagers" demolish the facade was disappointing. I do wonder if this hotel could have been placed somewhere else in the East Loop.
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^PLEASE GOD anyone blow up the church's chicken. Would seem to have been an ideal location IMHO.
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I thought the deal was that Joe wanted to incorporate the building, but its set back didn't fit into the up to the street presence desired. I think rebuilding is a nice compromise and I think its great he's at least salvaging a portion of the building.
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It appears that the footings are solid, and that the Moon is about to rise, 3/23.
(Can anyone predict if the funeral-home portion of the complex will be reconstructed
from original stonework and real brick, of if it will be formed
from other materials and covered with Z-brick?)
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(Can anyone predict if the funeral-home portion of the complex will be reconstructed
from original stonework and real brick, of if it will be formed
from other materials and covered with Z-brick?)
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I heard that Joe Edwards just made a presentation before the Skinker-Debaliviere Commercial District folks in which he provided a revised set of plans for the hotel.
Apparently, it's quite cool and - from what I heard - sounds like an aesthetic improvement. Among other things, there is to be a roof-top cafe that overlooks the street. (I think the silly clock tower may be a goner.)
Apparently, it's quite cool and - from what I heard - sounds like an aesthetic improvement. Among other things, there is to be a roof-top cafe that overlooks the street. (I think the silly clock tower may be a goner.)
I sure hope so. Those earlier renderings we all saw needed lots of improvement.
- 10K
Luftmensch wrote:I heard that Joe Edwards just made a presentation before the Skinker-Debaliviere Commercial District folks in which he provided a revised set of plans for the hotel.
Apparently, it's quite cool and - from what I heard - sounds like an aesthetic improvement. Among other things, there is to be a roof-top cafe that overlooks the street. (I think the silly clock tower may be a goner.)
Wouldn't changes to the plans have to go before the Preservation Board?
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We walked past this Friday night and it's exciting to see that construction is beginning!
Has anyone been able to get their hands on the revised designs/concept of the hotel?
Has anyone been able to get their hands on the revised designs/concept of the hotel?
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Setback ? Columns set closer to Delmar than the 15 foot setback in the drawing; possibly a good thing. 
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The Moonrise Hotel going up steadily now, 3 storeys of concrete framing so far. I've been looking at the structure so far, and am trying to envision where the stonework from the original funeral home will be rebuilt. I hope that the 7th level is tall enough for the patrons to have a good view of Forest Park and the City. I also hope that the hotel is visible from Art Hill in the same way that St. Roch's steeple, and the U City Hall are. Maybe even some signage facing north, for the visitors who approach from Olive and Skinker.
The latest update from the West End Word (plus a photo of Joe Edwards in a space suit):
http://www.westendword.com/NC/0/509.html
Sadly, the new rendering isn't much of an improvement over what we've already seen.
http://www.westendword.com/NC/0/509.html
Sadly, the new rendering isn't much of an improvement over what we've already seen.
what's up with rebuilding that funeral home since it's already been torn down. I'm a HUGE fan of historic preservation, but completely tearing down historic structures and rebuilding them seems strange. certainly, I can understand rebuilding some historic frame house, etc, but a 1920's funeral home? why didn't they just leave it in the first place? I really hope this building looks better than the rendering.
Because they are just sticking the facade back on a completely new building. I this case, it wasn't about preservation of the building itself, just the building line and appearance.
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Up to the 6th floor as of today. I'm a little surprised at the footprint of the building though, am I missing something in the design? I would think that joe edwards would have wanted to preserve the streetwall.
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Well, he did dismantle the setback funeral home and is rebuilding that part, which I believe will house the restaurant, up to the street, but as a hotel, the set back is for the drive-up to the lobby.
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17 July 2008 progress, the funeral home segment must be the smaller front-portion with the two sets of triple windows framed in. The setback is eliminated at the first floor; it looks like there is a big 2nd floor balcony to the left of the funeral home segment, that lines right up with the sidewalk.
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I'm not wild about the design but this is HUGE fr the loop. A big plus. Plus with Joe at the helm - you now it will be first rate.
I hope the rooms are well insulated. I have a feeling that this place will be real popular with the late night party crowd.
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Just as far as hourly rates go...
What a disaster. Sorry, but this just isn't the place for this, IMHO. Short term rooms are the likely use for such a hotel, and you can look at the success that Fairmont City has had in that regards for how well that works...
Can you say "dead hookers"?
What a disaster. Sorry, but this just isn't the place for this, IMHO. Short term rooms are the likely use for such a hotel, and you can look at the success that Fairmont City has had in that regards for how well that works...
Can you say "dead hookers"?
Will you please expand on the comparison of Fairmont City to The Loop? 
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When did hourly rates come into play? Dead hookers? Cash in advance with sheets and bedding extra?
When did the wheels come off the train?
When did the wheels come off the train?
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Aug 09, 2008. Insulation and exterior walls and the tower-frame,
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I guess I'm confused. Hourly rates? Who/what said that?