Is the Fordham Spire Necessary?

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Jul 27th 2005 at 7:55AM

Yesterday, the world of big buildings was buzzing over the Fordham Spire, the 2,000 foot tall tower planned for Chicago. The building designed by Santiago Calatrava will be the top skyscraper in the United States. Donald Trump immediately came out against the building saying it will be a target for terrorists and doesn't seem like a real project. But the real question is, does Chicago's spiraling real-estate market have room for the spiral tower? The Fordham Spire will have 200 to 250 condos ranging from $600,000 to $5 million on top of a 20-story hotel. According to this article in Chicago Business, the Chicago condo market is a bit clogged and 24% of the luxury condo units built downtown in the last five years haven't sold yet.

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Frootis Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

deidre, you ask if it is necessary? i say (as a 33 yr chicagoan) absolutely! yous also say "donald trump immediately came out against the building saying it.........doesn�t seem like a real project."

a real project? donald, you must be joking, just because it is a breathtaking design, the chicago trump tower is uninspired and boring, maybe the don is a tad bit jealous that someone is stealing his thunder. remember donald, nobody asked you to come to chicago, did you really think they would let you become the top dog? i hope that the spire, when viewed from the lake, completely blocks out the trump tower. go fordham go!

Jamie Kane Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

deidre...mr. frootis is absolutely correct. two phrases from popular culture:
"perception is reality" and "if you build it, they will come". it could very well become the defining piece of not only the chicago skyline, but of architecture in the united states. across many industries, it could serve as a source of momentum and confidence in chicago.

Kurt Miller Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

deidre, i concur with mr. kane and mr. frootis, the spire would be a welcome addition to the chicago skyline especially since it is straying away from the black bohemoths (sears and hancock) that dominate chicago. you state the the condo market is clogged, yes it is, clogged with buyers. have you been to chicago lately and seen the compition for units in desirable buildings? the market is definitly moving, and i would expect that the units in the spire would become some of the most coveted in the city. at that location and at that height, they would in my opinion be some of the best in the world. as the inventors of the skyscraper, america needs to start regaing the glory that the east has taken from us, terrorists do not scare us, they only make us stronger. you can see that by the ambition of the forham co.

Brando Calrissian Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

�the donald�s� toothless barking over the fordham spire is an absolute farce. he�s always resorted to media stunts in order to win fights that his plans, designs and personality cannot. trump is clearly pt barnum to chris carley�s louis sullivan. he should keep his low-brow, faux gold-plated glass box out of the windy city. have you seen any of the trump buildings in new york? they look like strip clubs. the spire inspires. it will define our city and the lakefront for generations.

nothalo Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

By definition a luxury is something that is NOT neccessary.

When cultured people think of Chicago, they think of the apex of modern architecture. Santiago Calatrava is a genius with a sense of history and civic proportion. This combination will make the Fordam Spire extremely attractive to those who want luxury real estate in Chicago.

Of course Donald Trump, a low class casino owner, is criticizing this stunning visionary piece of architecture.

chris goossen Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

No!!!!
It can't be done.
It is spun the wrong way.
We have to change it to "right-hand" thread.
Please! For the love of GOD and America!!!
RIGHT-HAND ie. CLOCKWISE
It only makes sense.

John Delano Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

This is a very desirable location. (Near the Chicago River and the lake shore) It would have some of the best views in the city. If they get on it and get enough units presold while the market is still hot, they could do it. I think the mayor and alderman will go for it too.

~John

Hammond, Indiana

David Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

I love this building already. This will be a great addition to Chicago's world-reknown skyline. It'll stand out, but that's what great architecture is supposed to do. I just hope this building doesn't meet the same fate as the Skyneedle and 7 South Dearborn (which by the way, should've been built, too).

Chicagoan Resident Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

I think this building should be built. Why? The Fordham Spire is a architectural marvel. The building style is a welcoming start to the style of a modern metropolis. Buildings such as this are a true masterpiece. When more influential buildings such as the Fordham Spire, have more meaning than a rectangular building which blends in with the other 'normal' buildings. We need more buildings such as this to proclaim that buildings do not all have to blend in the same as every other building. One last statemaent: Don't let this masterpiece go to waste, the building should be built.