Lollapalooza 2021 Aftermath - Sodding Grant Park After Grass Killed By Festival Devodare_Chicago 2021-09-02 | Lollapalooza crowds destroy park grass to the point of requiring sod. Other areas are reseeded. There is extensive irrigation run over all the softball fields, and they are unusable.
High-Rise Coming To Gold Coast Chicago | 7 W Elm Devodare_Chicago 2026-09-22 | September 13, 2026 drone flightConstruction is officially underway at 7 West Elm, a new 28-story luxury apartment tower rising in Chicago’s Gold Coast. Located at the southwest corner of North State Street and West Elm Street (in the Near North Side community area), this project replaces the former Barnes & Noble and Lou Malnati’s pizzeria.Developed by Convexity Properties and built by general contractor W.E. O'Neil, the 312-foot tower will bring 304 new apartments to the neighborhood. The design by Goettsch Partners features a five-story podium wrapped in champagne metal panels and brick, topped by two interlocking L-shaped glass massings that break up the visual bulk of the high-rise. The development also includes 24,000 square feet of retail space and a 132-space parking garage.Currently, the legacy structures have been completely cleared, and foundation work is mobilizing.
Massive Surreal Grand Ave Art Flag | West Town Chicago | Christian Jankowski Devodare_Chicago 2026-09-21 | ...
Church To Condos | Chicago Near North Side | First Swedish Baptist Devodare_Chicago 2026-09-19 | Seven on Elm (Historic Old Town Church Conversion)Seven on Elm is a boutique adaptive reuse project located at 505/509 W. Elm Street, converting a historic 1889 church into seven luxury condominium duplexes. Historical Context: Originally built as the First Swedish Baptist Church, the landmark building later served as the Wayman African Methodist Episcopal church for nearly a century, acting as a spiritual and architectural anchor for the Cabrini-Green area. The Residences: The project features three- and four-bedroom duplex layouts ranging from 1,960 to 2,190 square feet. Features & Finishes: The open-concept interiors preserve soaring structural ceilings while introducing modern finishes like custom Studio41 cabinetry and Chef-inspired kitchens equipped with Thermador appliances and expansive waterfall islands. Upgrades: The renovation integrates closed-cell foam insulation, European windows, wet bars, private outdoor spaces, and heated lower-level floors in the duplex-down units.
The End of Lincoln Yards Megadevelopment | Foundry Park Chicago Starting Soon Devodare_Chicago 2026-09-17 | September 14, 2026 drone flightFly over the future site of Foundry Park, the $3 billion, 31-acre mega-development reshaping Chicago's North Branch Corridor. Formerly the A. Finkl & Sons Steel property and originally planned as the northern half of the Lincoln Yards project, this site is being transformed by JDL Development into a residential-first neighborhood.This update breaks down the approved 2026 master plan, which pivots away from dense office high-rises in favor of human-scaled design. We cover the 3,700 planned residential units, the new continuous riverwalk, and the upcoming Phase One construction targeted for November 2026. Phase One will bring an 800-space underground garage, an 11-story hotel, and a 38-story tower to the corner of North Kingsbury Street. We also look at the potential extension of the 606 (Bloomingdale Trail) into Lincoln Park.
Halsted Pointe Climbing To Street Level | New Chicago Skyscrapers Devodare_Chicago 2026-09-16 | September 14, 2026 drone flightGoose Island is getting a skyscraper, we are tracking the massive multi-billion dollar transformation of the southern tip of Goose Island at 931 N. Halsted St.While a quick look from above might just show a flat dirt lot, the subterranean groundwork is moving fast. We break down the hidden engineering of the drilled caissons anchoring this project to the bedrock, and why a massive milestone just hit the city's database: the official approval of the Phase 1 tower crane permit.We also look at the future layout of this 8-acre mega-development, diving into the architectural "two tall, two shorter" high-rise design ranging from 41 to 57 stories. Finally, we clear up the confusion between Halsted Pointe and its massive 4-tower sister site directly across the water, Halsted Landing, and explore how these sites connect directly to the Wild Mile floating eco-park.If you love tracking Chicago architecture, urban development, and construction progress from the sky, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button and leave a comment with your thoughts on this new neighborhood!© 2026 Devodare_Chicago. All rights reserved. For licensing inquiries or high-resolution archive access, contact devodare@mac.com.
Second Tower Crane Up At McDonald’s Park | Near South Side Chicago Devodare_Chicago 2026-09-11 | September 10, 2026 drone flightMcDonald’s Park is officially rising along the Chicago River, marking the birth of a vibrant new waterfront destination in the heart of The 78. Privately funded by Chicago Fire FC owner Joe Mansueto, this world-class $750 million project is completely rewriting the South Loop landscape. Rather than building a closed-off sports arena, global architecture giant Gensler designed the 22,000-seat stadium to integrate seamlessly into a half-mile extension of the public Chicago Riverwalk, establishing a welcoming, year-round hub for neighborhood events, live music, and community plazas. The site has officially entered its exciting vertical phase with the successful installation of its first massive tower crane along the Wells Street Connector. Backed by a historic naming-rights partnership with Chicago’s own McDonald’s, the venue will feature an expansive global flagship restaurant and interactive fan experiences open 365 days a year. As heavy civil construction accelerates on the ground, this landmark development stands as a spectacular symbol of Chicago's architectural future, bridging the high-rise downtown core with the historic fabric of its surrounding local neighborhoods.
The 1901 Project Has A Tower Crane | United Center Chicago Devodare_Chicago 2026-09-11 | September 10, 2026 drone flightThe 1901 Project is a massive, multi-decade plan to transform the 55 acres of asphalt parking lots surrounding the United Center into a permanent, year-round neighborhood.This is a $7 billion private investment by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families. Their goal is to turn the "parking lot moat" into a "people-first" urban hub that bridges the gap between the West Loop and the Near West Side.The Master Plan: A "City Within a City"The project is built around the idea of "Placemaking." Instead of just being a place where people drive in for a game and leave, it will feature:• Residential Growth: Approximately 6,000 to 10,000 new housing units. This includes a mix of market-rate and affordable housing to ensure it remains a diverse neighborhood.• A New Entertainment Anchor: A 6,000-seat music hall (slated for Phase 1). This is designed to host mid-sized concerts and events that are too small for the arena but too big for local clubs.• Green Space & "Paseos": Roughly 25 acres of public space. This includes a massive "elevated" park built over parking structures and pedestrian-only walkways designed by the team behind New York’s High Line.• Hospitality & Retail: A boutique hotel and street-level retail corridors featuring local Chicago shops and restaurants.• Infrastructure Improvements: Plans for a new CTA Pink Line stop at Monroe to make the area accessible without a car.The Phased ApproachBecause the project is so large ($7 billion), it will be built in seven phases over the next 10 to 15 years.• Phase 1 (The Current Phase): Focuses on the west side of the building (where you saw the construction starting). This includes the music hall, the hotel, and the first major park.• Phase 2 & 3: Will move to the north and east lots, introducing the first wave of high-rise residential buildings.• Phase 4-7: Will fill in the remaining lots, eventually connecting the entire campus to the surrounding street grid.Why it Matters for Chicago1. Economic Engine: It is the largest private investment ever on Chicago's West Side, expected to create tens of thousands of jobs.2. Urban Stitching: For decades, the United Center has been isolated by a sea of parking. This project "stitches" the neighborhood back together, making it a walkable part of the city.3. The "Live-Work-Play" Model: It follows the trend of "stadium-anchored" developments (like the Battery in Atlanta or Deer District in Milwaukee), but on a much larger scale.© 2026 Devodare_Chicago. All rights reserved. For licensing inquiries or high-resolution archive access, contact devodare@mac.com.
Building a Neighborhood From Parking Lots | The 1901 Project | United Center Chicago Devodare_Chicago 2026-09-08 | September 6, 2026 drone flightThe 1901 Project is a massive, multi-decade plan to transform the 55 acres of asphalt parking lots surrounding the United Center into a permanent, year-round neighborhood.This is a $7 billion private investment by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families. Their goal is to turn the "parking lot moat" into a "people-first" urban hub that bridges the gap between the West Loop and the Near West Side.The Master Plan: A "City Within a City"The project is built around the idea of "Placemaking." Instead of just being a place where people drive in for a game and leave, it will feature:• Residential Growth: Approximately 6,000 to 10,000 new housing units. This includes a mix of market-rate and affordable housing to ensure it remains a diverse neighborhood.• A New Entertainment Anchor: A 6,000-seat music hall (slated for Phase 1). This is designed to host mid-sized concerts and events that are too small for the arena but too big for local clubs.• Green Space & "Paseos": Roughly 25 acres of public space. This includes a massive "elevated" park built over parking structures and pedestrian-only walkways designed by the team behind New York’s High Line.• Hospitality & Retail: A boutique hotel and street-level retail corridors featuring local Chicago shops and restaurants.• Infrastructure Improvements: Plans for a new CTA Pink Line stop at Monroe to make the area accessible without a car.The Phased ApproachBecause the project is so large ($7 billion), it will be built in seven phases over the next 10 to 15 years.• Phase 1 (The Current Phase): Focuses on the west side of the building (where you saw the construction starting). This includes the music hall, the hotel, and the first major park.• Phase 2 & 3: Will move to the north and east lots, introducing the first wave of high-rise residential buildings.• Phase 4-7: Will fill in the remaining lots, eventually connecting the entire campus to the surrounding street grid.Why it Matters for Chicago1. Economic Engine: It is the largest private investment ever on Chicago's West Side, expected to create tens of thousands of jobs.2. Urban Stitching: For decades, the United Center has been isolated by a sea of parking. This project "stitches" the neighborhood back together, making it a walkable part of the city.3. The "Live-Work-Play" Model: It follows the trend of "stadium-anchored" developments (like the Battery in Atlanta or Deer District in Milwaukee), but on a much larger scale.© 2026 Devodare_Chicago. All rights reserved. For licensing inquiries or high-resolution archive access, contact devodare@mac.com.
Inside the 100% Local Farmers Market | Voted #1 In The Country | Columbia, MO Devodare_Chicago 2026-09-06 | Columbia has transformed incredibly since the early 1980s, and nowhere is that growth more visible than at the Columbia Farmers Market. In this aerial tour, we fly over the 10-acre Agriculture Park and the MU Health Care Pavilion to see what makes this the top-rated farmers market in the country.As a native, it is amazing to see how the historic Boone County Fairgrounds footprint has evolved into a permanent, 100% producer-only hub for local agriculture and community development. Enjoy the golden hour drone views of the 98-stall pavilion, the urban farm, and the broader Columbia skyline.
Chicago’s New Soccer Stadium Grows | McDonald’s Park & 1010 S Wells Riverfront Update Devodare_Chicago 2026-09-04 | McDonald’s Park is officially rising along the Chicago River, marking the birth of a vibrant new waterfront destination in the heart of The 78. Privately funded by Chicago Fire FC owner Joe Mansueto, this world-class $750 million project is completely rewriting the South Loop landscape. Rather than building a closed-off sports arena, global architecture giant Gensler designed the 22,000-seat stadium to integrate seamlessly into a half-mile extension of the public Chicago Riverwalk, establishing a welcoming, year-round hub for neighborhood events, live music, and community plazas. The site has officially entered its exciting vertical phase with the successful installation of its first massive tower crane along the Wells Street Connector. Backed by a historic naming-rights partnership with Chicago’s own McDonald’s, the venue will feature an expansive global flagship restaurant and interactive fan experiences open 365 days a year. As heavy civil construction accelerates on the ground, this landmark development stands as a spectacular symbol of Chicago's architectural future, bridging the high-rise downtown core with the historic fabric of its surrounding local neighborhoods.
Mizzou Memorial Stadium Ready For SEC Play | Centennial Project Completed [08/29/26] Devodare_Chicago 2026-09-03 | August 29, 2026 drone flightA look at the newly completed $250 million Memorial Stadium North End Zone renovation at the University of Missouri! In this video, we tour the Centennial Project upgrades at Faurot Field, reflect on how the stadium has evolved over its nearly 100-year history, and dive into what the fan experience feels like today.
Abandoned Prison | Missouri State Penitentiary | Jefferson City, Missouri Devodare_Chicago 2026-09-01 | ...
Loss Of Rural Healthcare | Demolition of Audrain Community Hospital | A Crisis Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-30 | August 29, 2026 drone flightDocumenting the ongoing site preparation and demolition of the former Audrain Community Hospital (Audrain Medical Center) in Mexico, Missouri. What was once a cornerstone of healthcare for Audrain and Callaway counties was permanently shuttered in March 2022 after being driven into financial collapse by out-of-state management company Noble Health. The sudden shutdown stripped Mid-Missouri of critical emergency care, left hundreds of dedicated healthcare workers without jobs or funded insurance, and saddled local municipalities with millions in unpaid debts and unkept promises.In this footage, you’ll see the early stages of site remediation—including the clearance and teardown of the front Cornerstone/Medical Office building along Monroe Street. While watching this facility come down is a heavy day for the community, clearing the legacy, asbestos-burdened complex is the necessary first step toward restoring local healthcare.The City of Mexico and Audrain County acquired the property to clear the site and pave the way for Boone Health to construct a modern, right-sized critical access hospital on the campus ground.
Documenting Chicago | The Reality Of Shooting On Location & Ohio Feeder Traffic Tieup Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-25 | This is just to talk to people about some of the sites that I have to go to to get all of these shots. I love documenting the city.
23rd & State | Chicagos Southbridge Rises 12 Stories On Historic Ickes Ground [08/22/26] Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-24 | August 22, 2026 drone flightA comprehensive flight and site update on Southbridge, the 11-acre mixed-income transit-oriented development (TOD) reshaping 23rd and State on Chicago's Near South Side. This tracking update focuses on the active 12-story (141-foot) Phase 1C tower crane at 2305 S. State, the completed 6-story mid-rises from Phases 1A & 1B (2310 & 2344 S. State), and how the master plan uses an intentional height step-down to scale high-density housing back to a human, street-level experience.HISTORICAL CONTEXT:This 11-acre footprint was formerly home to the Harold L. Ickes Homes—nine-story public housing blocks opened in 1954 and demolished between 2009 and 2011 under the CHA’s Plan for Transformation. Decades earlier, the site served as the 23rd Street Grounds, home of the Chicago White Stockings (now the Chicago Cubs) in the 1870s.PROJECT BREAKDOWN (PHASE 1C - 2305 S. STATE):• Height: 12 Stories (141 Feet) | High-Rise Anchor• Total Units: 80 Apartments (20 Studios, 50 1-Beds, 10 2-Beds)• Unit Split: 29 Returning CHA Households (Right of Return) | 15 Affordable (up to 80% AMI) | 36 Market-Rate• Transit/Parking: TOD Model (Zero vehicular parking) | Rooftop Deck & Ground-Floor Retail• Estimated Completion: Summer 2027DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION TEAM:• Co-Developers: The Community Builders (TCB) & McCaffery Interests• Public Partner: Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)• Lead Master Plan Architect: Gensler• Phase 1C Architect: Nia Architects in partnership with Gensler• General Contractors: McHugh Construction / Powers & Sons Construction JV• Property & Community Management: The Community Builders (TCB)
Youth Choir Performance Outside Holy Name Cathedral | Chicago Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-24 | Shot August 23, 2026saintmarys.orgGroup was from Saint Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. They were visiting Holy Name Cathedral for the event. Lots of family there.
Chicago Avenue Bridge and Halsted Street Viaduct Reconstruction Project Update [08/16/26] Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-21 | August 16, 2026 drone flightThe Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is reconstructing the Chicago Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River and the adjacent Halsted Street Viaduct to upgrade aging infrastructure, improve safety, accessibility, and multimodal connectivity.Scope of Work-Remove the existing temporary Chicago Ave. bridge over the River, and replace with a tied-arch bridge-Riverwalk connection will be constructed beneath the new bridge-Remove the existing Chicago-Halsted viaduct and replace it with a new viaduct-New traffic signal at Chicago Ave. at Jefferson St.-Street lighting removal and replacement-Traffic signal modernization (at 3 intersections)-Protected Bike lanes on Halsted St.-CTA dedicated bus lanes on Chicago Ave.-LandscapingProject AreaChicago Avenue from Larrabee Street to Peoria StreetHalsted Street from Ancona Street to the Chicago River© 2026 Devodare_Chicago. All rights reserved. For licensing inquiries or high-resolution archive access, contact devodare@mac.com.
Chicago Strike | Teamsters Local 700 Against Forest Preserve Of Cook County Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-21 | Shot August 20, 2026The Forest Preserves of Cook County will remain open and operational during a strike of members of Teamsters Local 700, allowing the public opportunities to continue to enjoy the many amenities the Preserves offers, including trails, picnic groves, nature centers, campgrounds, golf courses, fishing lakes and more. The Forest Preserves has worked to avoid a strike with offers that include a total of eight percent in raises over two years and a one-time payment—part of a pattern that would increase the starting salaries of Local 700 members by 33 percent in just six years. In 2025, the Forest Preserves of Cook County made a proposal to extend the existing contract between Local 700 and the Forest Preserves for two years: a 2% raise in January 2026, another 2% in July 2026 and a 4% raise in July 2027, plus a $2,500 one-time payment for full-time employees. Six unions at the Forest Preserves have accepted the exact or similar terms as the original offer as a contract extension last year. The Forest Preserves will not lock out any employees and members of Local 700 are not prohibited from working throughout a strike. As always, visitors to the Forest Preserves can visit fpdcc.com for updates.
Halsted Pointe Skyscraper Rising Above Ground | Goose Island Chicago [08/16/26] Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-19 | August 16, 2026 drone flightGoose Island is getting a skyscraper, we are tracking the massive multi-billion dollar transformation of the southern tip of Goose Island at 931 N. Halsted St.While a quick look from above might just show a flat dirt lot, the subterranean groundwork is moving fast. We break down the hidden engineering of the drilled caissons anchoring this project to the bedrock, and why a massive milestone just hit the city's database: the official approval of the Phase 1 tower crane permit.We also look at the future layout of this 8-acre mega-development, diving into the architectural "two tall, two shorter" high-rise design ranging from 41 to 57 stories. Finally, we clear up the confusion between Halsted Pointe and its massive 4-tower sister site directly across the water, Halsted Landing, and explore how these sites connect directly to the Wild Mile floating eco-park.If you love tracking Chicago architecture, urban development, and construction progress from the sky, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button and leave a comment with your thoughts on this new neighborhood!© 2026 Devodare_Chicago. All rights reserved. For licensing inquiries or high-resolution archive access, contact devodare@mac.com.
Chicago Loop Traffic Update | State St Down To One Lane by Chicago Theatre Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-18 | ...
Bally’s Casino Chicago | Tower Crane Down, Project In Jeopardy Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-18 | July 24 & August 16, 2026 drone flight Project Overview: Bally’s Chicago Permanent ResortLocation: 705 W. Chicago Ave (Site of the former Tribune Freedom Center) Cost: $1.7 Billion Current Status: Superstructure/Interior Buildout (Active Construction)Projected Opening: Late 2027 (Revised from 2026) The "New" Site LayoutFollowing a major engineering pivot in 2024, the site plan was redesigned to protect critical city water infrastructure. The 34-story hotel tower was relocated to the southern end of the 30-acre site near the Ohio Street feeder. • The Casino Building: A 7-story podium at the north end of the site.• The Hotel Tower: 500 rooms with a rooftop restaurant, pool, and sun deck. • The Entertainment Hub: A 3,000-seat indoor theater and 20,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space. • Dining: 10 scheduled restaurants, including a food hall and high-end cafes.Technical Specs (The "Gaming" Backbone)• Gaming Positions: 4,000 total. • Hardware: Approximately 3,300 slot machines and 173 table games. • VIP Areas: Dedicated high-limit slots and a private baccarat room. Public Infrastructure & Green Space• The Riverwalk: A 2,000-foot extension of the Chicago Riverwalk, stretching from the Chicago Avenue Bridge down toward the Ohio Street feeder. • The Park: A 2-acre public park designed to integrate the industrial history of the River West neighborhood with the new resort. • Connectivity: The project is tied directly into the $100M+ Chicago Ave Bridge and Halsted Viaduct reconstruction, which will provide the primary access points for the resort in 2027.© 2026 Devodare_Chicago. All rights reserved. For licensing inquiries or high-resolution archive access, contact devodare@mac.com.
1221 W Washington Tower Crane Dismantling | West Loop Chicago Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-14 | July 25, 2026 drone flight1221 W Washington, where a new 19-story high-rise is beginning its ascent. Rising 213 feet, this development replaces the historic 1910 Chicago Machinery Exchange Building. In a market where many projects are stalled, this tower represents a major push for "attainable luxury" and continued momentum toward the West Side.© 2026 Devodare_Chicago. All rights reserved. For licensing inquiries or high-resolution archive access, contact devodare@mac.com.
West Loop Chicago Demolition | Morgan & Jackson | Aldi Coming Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-10 | The demolition at Morgan and Jackson (1016 W Jackson Blvd) is proof that high-density residential development in the West Loop is aggressively expanding south.While Fulton Market has captured most of the headlines and media spotlight over the last decade, it’s important to remember that Fulton Market is simply a sub-district within the wider West Loop. The broader West Loop—stretching south through the Jackson and Van Buren transit corridors—never stopped building.In this update, we track the clearing of 2-story and 5-story commercial structures to make way for a new 25-story, 275-foot-tall high-rise tower featuring 380 residential units and a 22,000-square-foot ground-floor Aldi grocery store. Comparing this site to our archive tracking from 2022 and 2024 shows just how fast low-density commercial blocks along this axis are becoming prime targets for 200+ to 380+ unit towers.📍 Location: 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL (Morgan & Jackson)
1010 S Wells | New Chicago South Loop Tower Rising Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-08 | July 31, 2026, 2026 drone flightProject Overview & Specs Building Profile: The 227-foot-tall tower yields 386 rental apartments sitting atop a 3-story parking and amenity podium. Parking & Retail: Includes 182 enclosed parking spaces and approximately 2,900 square feet of ground-floor retail space facing Wells Street. Architecture & Facade: Features a glass and aluminum window wall with a distinctive "jagged" footprint that jogs in and out. The dynamic facade mimics the light reflections on the adjacent river while maximizing natural lighting and views for residents. The podium is clad in multi-colored perforated metal panels to screen vehicle parking. Riverfront Public Space: A key element of the site plan is an extended segment of public riverwalk along the water's edge. It connects to Wells Street via landscaped access pathways flanking both sides of the tower. Resident Amenities: Features an outdoor pool deck atop the podium, indoor coworking lounges, a fitness center, a dog run, and a communal rooftop space. Site Context & EvolutionThe project marks a major milestone for the long-planned Riverline master plan along the river corridor between Roosevelt Road and Harrison Street. Originally envisioned in 2015 as a joint venture with Lendlease before splitting into separate developments (Riverline to the south, Southbank to the north), CMK pivoted the design at 1010 S. Wells from condos to high-density apartments. The site sits directly north of McDonald’s Park/The 78 mega-development site, helping bridge the gap between urban density in the central South Loop and future riverfront expansion to the south. Construction passed the podium level in mid-2026, with Brandts Build handling general contracting work.© 2026 Devodare_Chicago. All rights reserved. For licensing inquiries or high-resolution archive access, contact devodare@mac.com.venmo.com/u/devonneff
Tower Crane Base Set | The 1901 Project Chicago Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-08 | The 1901 Project is a massive, multi-decade plan to transform the 55 acres of asphalt parking lots surrounding the United Center into a permanent, year-round neighborhood.This is a $7 billion private investment by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families. Their goal is to turn the "parking lot moat" into a "people-first" urban hub that bridges the gap between the West Loop and the Near West Side.The Master Plan: A "City Within a City"The project is built around the idea of "Placemaking." Instead of just being a place where people drive in for a game and leave, it will feature:• Residential Growth: Approximately 6,000 to 10,000 new housing units. This includes a mix of market-rate and affordable housing to ensure it remains a diverse neighborhood.• A New Entertainment Anchor: A 6,000-seat music hall (slated for Phase 1). This is designed to host mid-sized concerts and events that are too small for the arena but too big for local clubs.• Green Space & "Paseos": Roughly 25 acres of public space. This includes a massive "elevated" park built over parking structures and pedestrian-only walkways designed by the team behind New York’s High Line.• Hospitality & Retail: A boutique hotel and street-level retail corridors featuring local Chicago shops and restaurants.• Infrastructure Improvements: Plans for a new CTA Pink Line stop at Monroe to make the area accessible without a car.The Phased ApproachBecause the project is so large ($7 billion), it will be built in seven phases over the next 10 to 15 years.• Phase 1 (The Current Phase): Focuses on the west side of the building (where you saw the construction starting). This includes the music hall, the hotel, and the first major park.• Phase 2 & 3: Will move to the north and east lots, introducing the first wave of high-rise residential buildings.• Phase 4-7: Will fill in the remaining lots, eventually connecting the entire campus to the surrounding street grid.Why it Matters for Chicago1. Economic Engine: It is the largest private investment ever on Chicago's West Side, expected to create tens of thousands of jobs.2. Urban Stitching: For decades, the United Center has been isolated by a sea of parking. This project "stitches" the neighborhood back together, making it a walkable part of the city.3. The "Live-Work-Play" Model: It follows the trend of "stadium-anchored" developments (like the Battery in Atlanta or Deer District in Milwaukee), but on a much larger scale.© 2026 Devodare_Chicago. All rights reserved. For licensing inquiries or high-resolution archive access, contact devodare@mac.com.
The 1901 Project | Tower Crane Base Set | Chicago United Center [05/12/26] Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-07 | July 31, 2026, 2026 drone flightThe 1901 Project is a massive, multi-decade plan to transform the 55 acres of asphalt parking lots surrounding the United Center into a permanent, year-round neighborhood.This is a $7 billion private investment by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families. Their goal is to turn the "parking lot moat" into a "people-first" urban hub that bridges the gap between the West Loop and the Near West Side.The Master Plan: A "City Within a City"The project is built around the idea of "Placemaking." Instead of just being a place where people drive in for a game and leave, it will feature:• Residential Growth: Approximately 6,000 to 10,000 new housing units. This includes a mix of market-rate and affordable housing to ensure it remains a diverse neighborhood.• A New Entertainment Anchor: A 6,000-seat music hall (slated for Phase 1). This is designed to host mid-sized concerts and events that are too small for the arena but too big for local clubs.• Green Space & "Paseos": Roughly 25 acres of public space. This includes a massive "elevated" park built over parking structures and pedestrian-only walkways designed by the team behind New York’s High Line.• Hospitality & Retail: A boutique hotel and street-level retail corridors featuring local Chicago shops and restaurants.• Infrastructure Improvements: Plans for a new CTA Pink Line stop at Monroe to make the area accessible without a car.The Phased ApproachBecause the project is so large ($7 billion), it will be built in seven phases over the next 10 to 15 years.• Phase 1 (The Current Phase): Focuses on the west side of the building (where you saw the construction starting). This includes the music hall, the hotel, and the first major park.• Phase 2 & 3: Will move to the north and east lots, introducing the first wave of high-rise residential buildings.• Phase 4-7: Will fill in the remaining lots, eventually connecting the entire campus to the surrounding street grid.Why it Matters for Chicago1. Economic Engine: It is the largest private investment ever on Chicago's West Side, expected to create tens of thousands of jobs.2. Urban Stitching: For decades, the United Center has been isolated by a sea of parking. This project "stitches" the neighborhood back together, making it a walkable part of the city.3. The "Live-Work-Play" Model: It follows the trend of "stadium-anchored" developments (like the Battery in Atlanta or Deer District in Milwaukee), but on a much larger scale.© 2026 Devodare_Chicago. All rights reserved. For licensing inquiries or high-resolution archive access, contact devodare@mac.com.venmo.com/u/devonneff
410 N. Elizabeth Street Tower Crane Base Installed | Fulton Market Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-03 | July 28, 2026 drone flightThe tower crane base anchor stool is officially set at 410 N. Elizabeth Street in Chicago’s Fulton Market District! With deep foundation caisson drilling wrapped up by Keller, Clark Construction and Adjustable Concrete have planted the crane stub, marking the official shift from heavy underground foundation work to vertical construction. In this drone survey, we look at the progress across the tight site footprint—bounded by Ogden Ave to the west, Elizabeth St to the east, and active Metra rail lines to the north and south. 🏗️ PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS (Phase 1 - East Tower):• Height: 33 Stories | ~349 Feet Tall• Residential: 383 Rental Apartments (Includes 20% ARO / ~77 Affordable Units)• Master Plan: 2 Towers delivering 724 total residential units upon Phase 2 completion• Podium: 300 Parking Stalls, 724 Bike Spaces, and ~28,000 sq ft Public Green Space• Innovation: All-electric design powered by a 120-bore closed-loop geothermal system (covering ~80% of heating/cooling needs)👷 PROJECT TEAM:• Developer: Tree Street Group (TSG) & Mark Goodman & Associates• General Contractor: Clark Construction• Concrete Subcontractor: Adjustable Concrete Construction• Deep Foundations: Keller• Architect: Archeo Design Studio• Structural Engineer: DeSimone Consulting Engineers📍 Location: 410 N. Elizabeth St, Chicago, IL (Fulton Market District)#ChicagoConstruction #FultonMarket #410NElizabeth #TowerCrane #DroneVideo #ChicagoArchitecture #UrbanDevelopmentvenmo.com/u/devonneff
McDonald’s Park | Future Home Of Chicago Fire FC | July 2026 Update Devodare_Chicago 2026-08-01 | July 29, 2026 drone flightMcDonald’s Park is officially rising along the Chicago River, marking the birth of a vibrant new waterfront destination in the heart of The 78. Privately funded by Chicago Fire FC owner Joe Mansueto, this world-class $750 million project is completely rewriting the South Loop landscape. Rather than building a closed-off sports arena, global architecture giant Gensler designed the 22,000-seat stadium to integrate seamlessly into a half-mile extension of the public Chicago Riverwalk, establishing a welcoming, year-round hub for neighborhood events, live music, and community plazas. The site has officially entered its exciting vertical phase with the successful installation of its first massive tower crane along the Wells Street Connector. Backed by a historic naming-rights partnership with Chicago’s own McDonald’s, the venue will feature an expansive global flagship restaurant and interactive fan experiences open 365 days a year. As heavy civil construction accelerates on the ground, this landmark development stands as a spectacular symbol of Chicago's architectural future, bridging the high-rise downtown core with the historic fabric of its surrounding local neighborhoods.
Chicago Avenue Bridge and Halsted Street Viaduct Reconstruction Project Update [07/24/26] Devodare_Chicago 2026-07-29 | July 24, 2026 drone flightThe Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is reconstructing the Chicago Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River and the adjacent Halsted Street Viaduct to upgrade aging infrastructure, improve safety, accessibility, and multimodal connectivity.Scope of Work-Remove the existing temporary Chicago Ave. bridge over the River, and replace with a tied-arch bridge-Riverwalk connection will be constructed beneath the new bridge-Remove the existing Chicago-Halsted viaduct and replace it with a new viaduct-New traffic signal at Chicago Ave. at Jefferson St.-Street lighting removal and replacement-Traffic signal modernization (at 3 intersections)-Protected Bike lanes on Halsted St.-CTA dedicated bus lanes on Chicago Ave.-LandscapingProject AreaChicago Avenue from Larrabee Street to Peoria StreetHalsted Street from Ancona Street to the Chicago River
Halsted Pointe Update | Skyscraper Coming [07/25/26] Devodare_Chicago 2026-07-28 | July 25, 2026 drone flightGoose Island is getting a skyscraper, we are tracking the massive multi-billion dollar transformation of the southern tip of Goose Island at 931 N. Halsted St.While a quick look from above might just show a flat dirt lot, the subterranean groundwork is moving fast. We break down the hidden engineering of the drilled caissons anchoring this project to the bedrock, and why a massive milestone just hit the city's database: the official approval of the Phase 1 tower crane permit.We also look at the future layout of this 8-acre mega-development, diving into the architectural "two tall, two shorter" high-rise design ranging from 41 to 57 stories. Finally, we clear up the confusion between Halsted Pointe and its massive 4-tower sister site directly across the water, Halsted Landing, and explore how these sites connect directly to the Wild Mile floating eco-park.If you love tracking Chicago architecture, urban development, and construction progress from the sky, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button and leave a comment with your thoughts on this new neighborhood!© 2026 Devodare_Chicago. All rights reserved. For licensing inquiries or high-resolution archive access, contact devodare@mac.com.
