GreenBean

Vacation and Media Blitz

Apologies for the slow rate of posts the past few weeks, as first work became overwhelming, and I then withdrew from the world for a week of much-needed vacation. In any case, look for a few, briefer hits the next couple weeks as we work to catch-up on some small projects.

In the meantime, the amount of press for projects previously discussed on GreenBean is growing. First up, the Urban Green Project website is worth a second visit, as the owners are well into construction. The photo documentation they present here is unprecedented and presents a valuable resource to homeowners wondering what their construction project will really be like. The owners are also generating some interest in a few alternative media outlets.

Discussion: Where is Chicago's marquee project?

GreenBean has seen a nice jump in readership today thanks to Payton Chung on Gristmill. So, this is a good time to experiment with an occasional discussion feature I've considered including.

Chicago has been generating tons of positive press for its green efforts, including green buildings. There are lots of green building projects in process, but we lack an all-out, cutting-edge, high-publicity project, such as The Solaire or Bank of America tower in NYC. Their green elements are at the core of the public image of these projects. We have large and high-profile projects that are green, but they don't shout about it, and we have some very cutting-edge projects, but they aren't large enough to generate the right kind of attention.

Chicago is ready for and needs a project like this to help elevate green building. We're famous for leading the way in architecture, and our overall collection of green buildings does, but that's only half the story. Among other things, a highly visible demonstration project could spur competition between developers and demand among building purchases. Right now many Chicagoans think green roofs are the end of the story.

So, why doesn't Chicago already have it? We're not a corporate headquarters? The residential market's not the same as New York's? What will it take to make it happen?

Comments are encouraged on all posts, but especially here - let's hear your thoughts!